[83] Arogonaut and Sparta

"What is your name?"

"Caenis."

"What is your gender?"

"Can we skip that question..."

Hmm, trying to avoid assuming gender-sensitive individuals?

The silver-haired woman's reply was heard.

At the Sparta port's immigration counter, the officer nodded knowingly.

With a magical feather pen in hand, he expertly checked the 'Gender: Third gender' box on the form on his desk.

"What are you good at?"

"...Probably fighting."

"May I boldly ask if you have any family history of mental illness? Or have you experienced any mental disturbances or curses?"

"Are you trying to pick a fight?"

Facing the woman with narrowed blue eyes, the silver-haired woman's tone wasn't pleasant.

The officer awkwardly smiled politely.

"Unstable violent individuals, checked."

But in Sparta, isn't this seemed normal?

Or rather... this is precisely what His Highness Kratos seeks, sharp talent.

"Then... sorry, let's skip that, Miss Caenis. May I ask, what is your purpose in Sparta? Is it for sightseeing, academic exchange, or hired for combat?"

"No, seriously, do you not know who we are?!"

Clack.

Accompanied by an extremely impatient tone.

Wearing a skimpy, silver hair-colored, chestnut leather woman's lips twitched, and her towering legs straightly stepped onto the chair at the immigration counter.

With only a simple, daringly bikini-like top covering her ample upper body, and a few strips of cloth and armor plates wrapping around her voluptuous lower body, her outfit was refreshingly revealing.

Those bulging breasts, trembling as her long legs stepped onto the chair, the deep cleavage seemed to be able to swallow one's soul.

With such provocative, curvaceous curves.

Caenis's body muscles were also ridiculously well-developed... robust abdominal muscles, exaggerated pectoral muscles, and those robust biceps.

It could be said to be able to battle with the devil's muscular limbs, the ultimate muscular version of a busty big sister.

When she goes into battle frenzy, her eyes even turn red.

The Spartan immigration officer who saw the aggression did not flinch.

"Sorry, even if the God of War Ares himself comes to visit, without citizenship, he still have to register at the immigration desk because that's the rule set by His Highness Kratos."

"Heh... such authority!"

Accompanied by a disdainful sneer.

Caenis's muscular arms folded, her ocean-blue pupils gradually stained with a hint of crimson.

Sensing the movement here.

The Spartan warriors stationed at the port gate, tightened their sharp spears in their hands, all eyes staring over here.

In the stagnant and solemn atmosphere.

The golden-haired youth's hands reached out from behind, gently pressed Caenis's shoulder, and then gently, firmly pressed her back into her seat.

"Caenis... no one invited us here."

"We... also didn't notify them in advance. Sparta is not obliged to receive us, they're just following routine, don't make things difficult for them."

In the ear of her companion, he advised in a gentle tone.

Jason raised his handsome face and smiled politely at the immigration officer behind the counter.

"Sorry, it's just that my companion has a bit of a fiery temper, please forgive us..."

"It's okay..." 

The immigration officer sat shaking his head. 

"We're just following routine."

Standing behind Caenis, Jason reached into his jacket, and casually pulled out a heavy, solid golden fruit, gently placing it on the counter.

Golden Apple.

The dazzling brilliance of it caused the people around to glance sideways.

"..."

The immigration officer, holding the feather pen, looked expressionlessly at the handsome face of the golden-haired youth in front of him.

"Mr. Jason, it says here: 'We do not accept gifts'."

"But, it's just a gesture of apology..."

Jason raised his hands, smiling gently, indicating he meant no harm.

"Just a little token of appreciation."

"I'm sure you're already familiar with the reputation of our Argonaut, I assure you, I'll keep an eye on my companions, we won't cause any trouble in the Spartan city-state, or any mischief... can you let us through?"

The immigration officer didn't speak.

In Jason's somewhat stiff expression.

The Spartan guards nearby walked over, picked up the golden apple on the counter, and inspected it with their magical equipment for detecting magical artifacts.

After finding no problems, they promptly placed it back in Jason's hand, then walked back to their posts without looking back.

...This kind of, walking the line.

The reputation of the Argonaut, spread throughout the entire Greek land, as they journeyed, was already well known.

But, the solemn and austere atmosphere of Sparta, was something you wouldn't see in any other Greek city-state.

Human hearts... are greedy.

This is a precious golden apple, even the goddesses would vie for it as a rare treasure.

The soldiers stationed at the Spartan port gate, however, didn't even spare it a glance, showing no attachment.

Jason looked up at the towering royal court on the mountaintop, a hint of excitement curved his lips.

Interesting fellow... Kratos.

"It's out of respect for you, and the heroes of Argonaut, that I say this..."

Facing the Argonaut in front of him.

The immigration officer's tone was somewhat solemn and heavy.

"Next time, I'll directly represent His Highness and refuse your entry."

"Kratos, will he agree to be represented by you?"

Caenis's lips curved into a wild arc.

"What right do you have to exceed your authority, let Kratos come directly to see us!"

"His Highness is unlikely to have leisure time..." The immigration officer said word by word, "And, this is a warning... please refrain from directly addressing His Highness by name."

When Argonaut arrives at a city-state, always the king who comes personally to receive them, when has Caenis ever experienced such humiliation!

"...A warning?!"

"Do you even know, who you're warning?!"

She shouted loudly, wanting to hit the counter.

But a hand behind her caught her fist, which was full of anger, steadily in his palm, without a trace of trembling.

The burly black-haired young man shook his head gently.

"...Caenis, why are you offended?"

The revered Alcides spoke.

Caenis looked at his solemn expression.

The silver-haired woman finally closed her eyes, trembling, taking a deep breath, then let out a long sigh.

The violent crimson in her eyes gradually faded away.

"Sparta is humiliating us..." She opened her eyes, "Alcides."

"...I don't see it as humiliation."

Alcides said softly.

"It's you, who are too arrogant, Caenis."

"I refuse to believe, that guy doesn't know of our arrival."

Caenis raised her hand, pointing towards the royal palace atop mount Sparta.

"They could at least welcome us, but not even a face-to-face meeting?!"

"Everyone is treated equally without prejudice."

"I appreciate it."

"Heh... hehe... alright, alright."

The silver-haired woman waved her hand.

"You have the best temperament, that's why you're assigned by Eurystheus, that disgusting man, to do all the grunt work without complaint."

Caenis crossed her arms, wearing an annoyed expression, and sat back heavily at the counter.

"I'm here to visit the Gates of Hell! What other nonsense questions do you have? Hurry up and ask!"

She explained one by one the weapons and artifacts she carried with her.

The immigration officer picked up the official seal and stamped approval on the documents, along with the Sparta Blood Seal... a symbol decreed by His Highness Kratos, representing his authority as if he were personally present, shaped like an Omega.

Passing the documents to the clerk behind him for record-keeping, the immigration officer nodded to Caenis.

"You're cleared, Miss Caenis. Please undergo scanning and magical photography at the checkpoint. After that, the officer will issue you a pass. Given the current tense situation, Sparta must strive to eliminate any threat. Please understand."

"What a ridiculous process, it's such a hassle just to enter a city."

Caenis grumbled as she stood up.

The immigration officer just shook his head.

"Only warriors carrying weapons go through this process. You're only slowing us down."

"Tch."

Caenis strode towards the checkpoint, but was stopped by Alcides, who was not comfortable letting her go alone... mainly because of Caenis's temper.

"Tsk, with so many people here..."

Jason rubbed his hands together, smiling as he took a seat at the counter.

Turning his head, he looked at the dozens of companions beside him, showing a somewhat helpless expression.

"We'll cooperate, but could you please speed it up a bit?"

"If you want to speed up the immigration process, you can find an empty counter nearby."

...Empty counter?

Jason couldn't help but smile bitterly as he looked back at his own group.

People of all shapes and sizes, clad in armor and armed with weapons, stood silently behind them, their eyes filled with reverence and awe.

The warriors' long queue stretched all the way to the distant port, and there was almost no end in sight.

At every immigration counter, it was the same.

Out of respect for the Argonauts, warriors from various city-states spontaneously made way.

The Argonauts had already cut into the line and made it to the very front.

Tens of people...

Counting them all up, there were already thousands.

All of them wanted to visit the Gates of Hell... the most elite devil hunters in all of Greece.

The Argonauts were just a drop in the ocean.

"...I understand."

Jason sighed.

"You've worked hard."

"We can switch shifts..." The immigration officer shook his head, "But it's not even a fraction of the hardship endured by His Highness Kratos."

At the mention of Kratos, the Spartan couldn't help but mention his name at every opportunity.

Jason touched his chin, his interest in the black-haired youth growing stronger.

Caenis, Jason, Medea, Atalanta, Asclepius, Dioscuri Twins...

One by one, the Argonauts, renowned heroes of Greece, left their mark on the checkpoint of Sparta.

Even though the Argonauts' identities were considered special and noble, any city-state would have given them a grand reception.

But the line of warriors found that there were no special privileges in the entire process.

The immigration processing continued smoothly.

After half an hour, the wait for the Argonauts was finally over.

The black-haired youth was the last to sit at the counter.

Looking at the towering figure before him, almost blocking out the sunlight from the counter completely, the visa officer's expression became solemn.

"You... don't need to register, Lord Heracles. You may proceed directly to Sparta."

Damn, why is he the only one treated differently?!

Beside him, Caenis's face flushed red, wanting desperately to ask such a question.

But when she opened her mouth, she couldn't speak.

Because the great hero Heracles was indeed special.

Everyone knew that Heracles was invincible!

Even on the Argonaut, the crew admired his achievements and valor.

"Why..."

The black-haired youth tilted his head.

"I don't think I've ever had any dealings with you or his highness."

He had heard of the name Kratos.

But before that announcement, Heracles had never seen the man in person.

Kratos, on the other hand, could not have seen him either.

"His highness admires your name, and Sparta admires your strength. This is a special order from His Highness Kratos..."

The immigration officer relayed Kratos's words.

"...You can go anywhere in Sparta directly. Your food and lodging within the city will be covered by us. Sparta will always welcome you with open arms."

"Hmm?!"

Different treatment! There's a conspiracy!

Caenis's chest heaved up and down, everyone liked Heracles, but Kratos, are you showing off a bit too much?

She was so angry that she wanted to hug the boy and squeeze him to death!

Hearing the words of the immigration officer.

Jason couldn't help but sigh.

It seemed that heroes think alike, with no one able to resist the charm of the great hero Heracles.

And facing such respect...

"No..."

On the face of the black-haired youth, there was only a faint attempt at a smile.

"Just finish it for me."

"...Lord Heracles?"

"Sorry, I don't really like that name. Please call me Alcides."

In the somewhat peculiar atmosphere of stagnation.

Alcides sat at the counter, pulling out one legendary token of trial after another from the lion's hide draped over his lower body.

Although they were all well-known treasures.

He still meticulously and eloquently explained their effects.

"I hope, His Highness Kratos, can remember the name Alcides."

The corner of the black-haired youth's mouth twitched, struggling to smile.

"I look forward to being with you..."

"Standing... at the forefront of hell's slaughter."

 ...

The night sky was cloudless, the stars were brilliant.

As dusk fell, the prosperous city of Sparta, built along the mountains, gradually lit up with various magical lights.

Guided by the waiters.

The Argonauts, with expressions of awe and astonishment from their journey, pushed open the doors of their accommodations.

"This is specially prepared by His Highness Kratos for Lord Heracles, a temporary residence. The venue is rough and simple. I wish all the heroes a good rest."

...Rough?

...Simple?

Looking at the dazzling array of furnishings inside the room, Jason's face couldn't help but show a subtle expression of bitterness.

If this could be considered rough and simple, then their visit to the palace in Athens was almost equivalent to a horse's kennel.

The luxurious suite provided to the great hero Heracles was meticulously designed by Kratos, the banquet hotel's owner.

The ceiling-mounted magical lamps with simple titanium lines, the obsidian floor tiles specially crafted with waveguides and fine seams, and almost all the furnishings and household items were made from precious magical wood. The luxurious indoor fountain in the center was exquisitely sculpted and mesmerizing.

In ancient Greek mythology, as long as you could afford the price, it was not difficult to hire skilled dwarf and fairy craftsmen... with the power of magic, it only took a few days to build a structure.

However, what truly impressed the people was the aesthetics and design of the room, which could be described as unthinkable.

The long-haired youth with a face gradually turning from white to purple, most of whose face was hidden in a hood, dressed as mysteriously as a priest, touched the walls with his pale fingertips, gently caressing the textures on the walls that reached perfection.

Asclepius, the hero known as the God of Medicine among the Argonauts, was praised by the world as the son of the shining god Apollo.

He, like his father, had inherited the artistic cells of Apollo.

"I thought... Sparta would present a rugged appearance."

Touching the walls.

Wearing the hood, the white-haired young man's voice echoed softly in the room.

"I didn't expect the structures in this area of the city to be more elegant and filled with majestic beauty than Athens, known as the jewel of the gods. The planning here... is very insightful, coordinating without chaos, and leaving room for various future constructions. If it weren't for artistic genius, it would be impossible to create such a harmonious beauty."

Everyone looked at the night scene of the bustling city outside the window.

For a moment, their gazes were a bit absent-minded and stunned.

The purple-haired witch sighed deeply and collapsed onto the plush lounge chair in the luxurious hotel, letting out a soft and comfortable sigh.

They had been wandering and touring around the vast Sparta all day.

Their jaws... were sore from being open in astonishment.

The mouth that kept opening out of surprise was now a bit hard to close.

"This lounge chair... is so comfortable, so soft?! It's twice as soft as the beds we sat on in the palace in Athens! Is this made from feathers of mythical beasts?"

"The waiter said it's called a sofa, just filled with cotton inside the fabric, making it so comfortable."

The green-haired beauty with cat ears, her fair hand stroking the soft fabric all over her body.

This was even more lightweight and soft than any beast's fur hunted by Atalanta.

"It is said that this was designed by His Highness Kratos himself..."

They both collapsed onto the sofa.

Their bones all over their bodies seemed to have softened.

Caenis swayed her hips, feeling the pleasant and soft touch beneath her, and couldn't help but let out a soft laugh.

"Hehe..."

"That His Highness really threw his weight around."

She emphasized that title, her expression somewhat sly.

That's right.

Anyone could see that this was the young king's way of showing off to the Argonauts.

"This hotel, the waiter said, was personally designed by Kratos, and is a place specially prepared for distinguished guests."

"Politics, military, art, architecture, combat..."

"It seems like he's good at everything, isn't he?"

"It is said that Kratos has improved agricultural planting techniques, promoted the process of treating patients, and even drafted the laws of Sparta.

"Tsk, does Athena live in his mind?"

"Hey hey, Asclepius."

Caenis pouted and teased.

"...Son of Apollo, can you do that too?"

At the words.

The white-haired young man fell silent for a moment.

"In terms of art and medicine, I have some knowledge."

He replied softly,

"But Kratos, the young king, understands medical skills... It's really amazing. I can't see through him."

"He's simply... favored by the gods in everything?"

Jason stroked his chin, smiling subtly.

"It's becoming more and more intriguing, isn't it? Pay attention, everyone. Sparta, revered as the city of the god of war Ares... Yet today, as I wandered through the city, I couldn't find a single statue of Ares... not even a trace, as if the brutal god had been forgotten, yet no punishment has befallen them. 'The favor of the gods.' Who knows? Maybe it's true."

Jason smirked knowingly.

"The favored son of the gods, a twelve-year-old boy king..."

Caenis licked her lips.

"Yes, yes, yes! The fact that he's twelve makes it even more exciting!"

What are the Greeks into? Needless to say, they're all connoisseurs of rare commodities. Caenis rubbed her hands together eagerly. A specimen like this exquisite young man deserved to be held in her arms and showered with affection!

"I really want to, really want to spar with him..."

Imagining the intense battle scenes, the silver-haired woman's face flushed, her cat-like ears trembling in excitement, leaving Medea and Atalanta exchanging glances.

"You don't just want to spar with his 'hands,' Caenis?" Atalanta sighed, her face also blushing slightly.

"...Just stick to sparring, okay? No need to take it to the bed."

Greek customs are always bold and open. Could you maybe tone down your metal fetish a bit, Caenis?

"Well, I suppose that's an option." Caenis blushed, her breath heavy. "As the regent of Sparta, I'm sure His Highness Kratos has a harem, right?"

"I asked..." The purple witch raised her hand sheepishly. "He doesn't have one. At all."

"What?!" Caenis's eyes widened, a wild red gleam of excitement spreading. "An untouched, innocent young man... He's perfect! There's nothing better than that!"

The men in the room, silent and unresponsive, backed away from Caenis a bit, giving her some space. Thankfully, her penchant was for metal, or else she'd be uncontrollable on the ship.

In this strange conversation...

Atlanta as a hunter, sensing a blind spot, spoke up.

"Why... are you so interested in this, Medea? Isn't it... strange?"

...Could it be that Medea, too, has an interest in the boy king? No... she's been infuenced by love curse, she should be...

Blushing furiously, Medea buried her face in the soft couch, almost whimpering.

"...Jason, he'll become the king of Iolkos in the future, won't he?"

Ah, so that's it. It's just for reference. Even Medea is hoping for Jason's devotion.

What a love-struck mind.

Atlanta, with her keen eye for romantic matters, saw the twisted desire behind this.

As a member of the Argonaut, she had adventured alongside her companions for so long... she didn't think that Jason showed any particular interest in Medea.

Judging by closeness, it was undoubtedly Alcides he favored.

Damn.

Atalanta, who was indifferent to love, suddenly found herself hating love even more.

Medea's pursuit would undoubtedly end in tragedy... her love was not real, but rather a curse.

Atalanta wanted to advise her witch sister.

But being distant from love herself, she didn't know how to begin.

In the end, all her thoughts turned into a sigh.

"Everyone's tired. Let's rest for a bit and then have dinner.

"The attendant said that a feast has been prepared for the great hero Heracles..."

A man of few words, with dark hair and a hat.

Although he was invited as a guest of honor, he did not participate in the banter among his comrades.

Alcides stood by the window, gazing up at the summit of the Spartan palace through the room's grille, contemplating the words of the boy king.

Today, despite the minor unpleasantness at the pass...

They had undoubtedly received the treatment befitting honored guests.

Although Kratos did not make an appearance, he arranged for a guide to lead them on a tour of Sparta.

The more they toured this prosperous city...

The more they could sense the boy king's remarkable governance of Sparta.

Order, organization, prosperity?

Ruthlessness, belligerence, valor?

What words could be used to describe this city named Sparta under his rule?

In Alcides' heart, a word faintly emerged.

That was the word most deeply embedded in the boy king's speech.

...Peace.

This was a city that inspired a sense of peace.

Despite being in the process of building the gates of hell, Sparta was about to become the frontline of Greece's battle against devils.

Here, there would undoubtedly be full of slaughter, full of bloodshed, like a millstone grinding out endless blood and fire from the battlefield every day.

However...

The residents of the city, without a doubt, wore smiles of 'peace' on their faces.

No need to plead for the gods' mercy anymore.

No need to hope for the favor of fate.

The people of Sparta believed, in practical terms, that under the leadership of their boy king, humanity would eventually achieve victory.

"Kratos."

Undoubtedly, a king who made people feel at peace.

In this regard...

Alcides felt that his myriad trials and accomplishments were not even a thousandth of this young king's.

Gazing at the palace on the summit.

In the heart of Greece's most renowned hero.

An uncommon curiosity arose.

With such magnanimity, such talent, such a revolutionary spirit...

What kind of person is Kratos?

Everyone harbored this question in their hearts.

Separated by gender, they went to their respective rooms, refreshing themselves after the tiresome journey.

Opening the doors to the banquet hall.

Alcides approached the answer.

The crystal lights above emitted a soft, hazy glow.

Although it was a banquet hall, it retained the unique, simple yet elegant decor of the room.

On the round table where everyone sat, a bouquet of iris flowers was placed, the white petals tinged with dew, appearing fresh and delicate.

Contrary to the grand, extravagant feasts one would expect from other cities, the table was only adorned with simple, exquisite dishes that seemed to emit a radiant aroma, tantalizing the senses.

The black-haired, hat-wearing attendant entered the banquet hall, carrying dishes with graceful, flawless movements, filling the table meticulously.

Accompanied by rumbling stomachs.

The heroes of the Argonaut exchanged slightly embarrassed glances before slowly taking their seats at the round table.

After a day of exhaustion, everyone was indeed hungry.

Yet... no one reached for their utensils.

Because, at the head of the table, the most prominent seat remained unoccupied.

"Gurgle..."

Looking at those dishes, which they had never seen before.

Just by sniffing their fragrance, their nerves seemed to be able to sense their deliciousness.

Caenis swallowed a mouthful of saliva with difficulty.

The silver-haired woman couldn't help but reach for the tableware, then shrank back under the blazing gazes of her teammates, somewhat sorrowfully rubbing her stomach, her wandering eyes constantly scanning the doors of the banquet hall to see who would take a seat.

It was obvious.

"So, has that young king finally found the time to meet us?"

"While it's not very courteous to keep guests waiting..."

The handsome blond youth scratched his head and smiled knowingly.

"Well, everyone can understand how busy he is."

"However, esteemed guests... I'm already arrived."

In the moment of quietness.

A gentle, soothing voice filled the banquet hall.

Among the stunned and almost frozen gazes of the Argonauts....

The black-haired steward slowly took a seat at the head, smiling as he took off his chef's hat.

"You... you...?!"

The silver-haired woman's face suddenly turned red, her words stumbling as she tried to say something, but it seemed as if her tongue was tied, and she could only emit intermittent, incoherent sounds.

Kratos smiled and introduced his masterpiece to the heroes.

"I owe you all an apology."

"My personal style doesn't really favor extravagance... so, I hope the dishes I personally prepared will suit your taste."

Everyone's mouths fell open.

The witch's saliva unconsciously dripped from the corner of her mouth, which was immediately wiped away by Atalanta next to her.

The young king of Sparta.

Turns out...

He was the steward serving them.

Before Kratos revealed his identity.

No one... noticed this at all.

He hardly had any presence.

Is this a warrior?

Is this the Courageous King of Sparta?

Is this the golden and glorious physique, like a god descending from heaven?

His skillful concealment of his aura was simply like the most enchanting assassin!

"Very strong..."

Alcides, a born warrior, was the first to notice the terror in it.

If Kratos wanted to kill everyone in this room, no one would be aware.

"Kratos..."

"...No, should I call you, King of Sparta?

"You're simply... awe-inspiring and excitingly powerful."

"Whether I'm strong or not, let's talk about that later."

Kratos smiled, spreading his hands in a gesture of friendship.

"Let's order first... no, esteemed guests, shall we start dining?"

Gurgle...

A long rumble echoed in the banquet hall.

Atalanta blushed and covered her stomach.

Although she was very hungry, extremely hungry, her hungry stomach was beginning to scream.

But... no one dared to pick up the spoon.

The Argonauts were stunned.

Isn't this the regent of Sparta, descending to cook for us?

Who dares to touch it? It's too touching!

Caenis's face turned red in large patches, feeling extremely ashamed of her actions in the morning.

When she registered, she was still cursing, why the King of Sparta didn't come to greet the Argonauts.

Wouldn't such a thing... definitely spread?

The ruler of the whole city personally cooks.

This sincerity... is almost overflowing, and it's about to overflow in the silver-haired woman's heart.

The black-haired youth smiled.

His handsome face seemed to have a kind of captivating charm, and his deep reddish eyes made the women present blush.

Even the curve of his lips was just right, not too distant, nor too flattering, just making people feel extremely close.

In this almost freezing atmosphere.

Alcides's sincere and calm voice sounded.

"Thank you for your hospitality."

Usually, he would eat grilled meat with his hands.

The black-haired youth awkwardly picked up his spoon and began to taste Kratos's cooking, which he specially showcased for him.

He scooped up a spoonful of what looked like bonito, a dish he often caught on the ship, and put it in his mouth.

His expression.

In the next moment.

It almost froze in a trance.

The Argonauts stared in astonishment...

...Tears slowly flowed down the face of the great hero, Alcides.

...?

Is this... too bad?

Is it so bad that it's almost impossible to swallow?

"Delicious..." Alcides said, tears streaming down his face.

Kratos smiled, somewhat reservedly tasting a mouthful of the dish, looking at the heroes of Argounots.

Clang.

The spoon fell on the table.

Even in front of the king of Sparta, the heroes couldn't care less about any sense of restraint.

With utensils, with combat skill... even with magic.

People began to scramble for the dishes on the table.

"A toast!"

The glasses clinked, and the crimson wine rippled with cheerful waves.

The lively and warm atmosphere quickly spread throughout the banquet hall.

The silver-haired woman, full of guilt, grabbed and stuffed food into her mouth, sobbing... why was it so delicious?!

Her face flushed, her body heated up from the food, and it seemed like she couldn't help but want to burst out of her clothes.

Was this food? It was simply... the most intense ecstasy.

It made her want to devour the young king altogether.

Atalanta elegantly wiped the stains from her lips, but her bulging belly still betrayed her exaggerated appetite.

The prominent huntress of the Greek lands slightly turned her deep green eyes.

With a blush on her face, Atalanta struggled to maintain her dignity as a warrior.

However, her cat ears on her head twitched slightly, and her tail behind her began to sway involuntarily, as if a cat were expressing its affection.

"Truly deserving of the favor of the gods, Your Highness Kratos..."

Unlike her uncultured teammates.

Atalanta offered a courteous and elegant compliment.

"I believe only with the presence of the hearth goddess Hestia could you achieve such miraculous culinary skills?"

Hestia? That lazy goddess couldn't possibly... Oh, my apologies, got carried away, she was a machine god here.

"Miss Atalanta, you flatter me."

Above the scene, only Alcides and Caenis remained, fighting for the last few dishes.

Kratos couldn't help but laugh at the sight, watching the silver-haired woman as she devoured the plates, as if she were wielding a sword to cut them apart and swallow them into her stomach.

Despite having cooked the meal himself.

Kratos hardly ate anything.

Rather... this lively enthusiasm was exactly what he wanted to see.

Maybe the effect was a bit too exaggerated.

Did he really not put any drugs in it?

Despite being in the age of gods of Greece, where various spices and ingredients were abundant, weren't they a group of heroes who had never tasted such delicacies?

Indeed... to capture people's hearts, you must first capture their stomachs.

This sparked inspiration in Kratos.

With the significant funding gap in city-state production and construction recently... well, why not write a cookbook?

Knowledge is wealth.

This will become Sparta's future export commodity.

To be honest, when Kratos saw the Argonauts, he was shocked.

Isn't Sparta supposed to be the successor of Heracles in Greek mythology?

According to the original myth, Heracles should have ascended to Olympus by now.

However, in the moonlit world history, Olympus has been replaced by machine gods, and now this era is already chaotic enough with various elements mixed in.

The arrival of the Argonauts brought Kratos unexpected joy.

The ships, magic, combat, medical talents on board could provide Sparta with powerful assistance.

As for... only naming Heracles to entertain, it's simple.

Heracles has the most familiar and strongest presence.

Impress him a bit, and maybe he can be a good sparring partner for leveling up?

Atalanta and Medea, Kratos was also familiar with... after watching several fate series anime.

Full and satisfied with food and drink.

The Argonauts slumped in their seats, belching contentedly.

Kratos cleared his throat and immediately attracted everyone's attention.

"Two months from now, on my thirteenth birthday, the gates of hell will completed on that day."

"I wishes to invite reliable and renowned Agonouts to temporarily stay in Sparta to assist me."

"Not as subordinates, but as equals."

The black-haired youth smiled, his words as refreshing as a spring breeze.

"We are... comrades."

Bang.

Drunk, the silver-haired woman suddenly kneeled, breaking the spear in her hand, and without hesitation, offered her loyalty to the King of Sparta.

"Can I marry you? Your Highness Kratos, I has fallen for you at first sight, and I've heard that you have yet to marry..."

In Kratos's stunned expression...

Jason smiled apologetically, dragging this embarrassing teammate out of the dining table along with Alcides, and threw her out of the window.

"Sorry, she's not quite right in the head."

Um...

Reliable... right?

It should still be possible to retract the offer now, shouldn't it?