She's crazy about honey

'What is her problem?' I thought, puzzled by Melissae's antics. I have only known her for a minute and she is causing all sorts of ruckus. And isn't she being too casual with me?

Feeling frustrated, I opened my mouth to tell her off when she abruptly shoved another honeycomb into my mouth, catching me off guard.

I choked a bit as it rammed to the back of my throat before it dissolve on my tongue. I self-consciously relished in the flavor as it was just too good, prompting me to close my eyes once more to savor it. Briefly disconnecting from the situation.

After chewing my piece of comb, I snap my eyes furiously at the nymph. Only to see Neda telling her off as she lay in a dogeza position. I was momentarily shocked at seeing the helpful nymph being so angry.

I watched Neda ruthlessly beat down Melissae as I watch the interaction from the sidelines before I realized something. Staring at the two nymphs before me, none of the two was holding me.

'Wait... If both of them are over there then who is holding me?' I turn my head to see a nymph with blond hair and a gentle smile holding me.

"Hello there, Lord Zeus. I hope you don't mind Melissae. She tends to get a little excited when honey is involved." She explained. "Although, she should have known better than to not shove one down your throat." She chided her.

'Oh. So she's crazy about honey.' I thought in realization, glancing back at the scene behind me before looking back.

"I am Adrastea. It is very nice to meet you, Lord Zeus." She introduces herself.

I stare at her briefly before replying. "It's nice to meet you too."

I expected a reaction from her hearing me talk but I got none.

"So the Kouretes were telling the truth. That's remarkable." She said, revealing why her reaction was normal.

Suddenly, a blur of motion came to my side, causing me to jump, as an exclaim yelled. "Woah!!! A talking baby!?!?" Melissae appears yet again, invading my personal space. Her intense orange eyes beamed into me. The smell of honey arose as she got close to my face.

"This is great! Tell me! What do you think about the honey!?" She aggressively demanded as she attempts to grab me.

Fortunately, Adrastea swiftly moved me out of her reach. I silently thank her watchful eye as I watch this weirdo.

She was shortly stunned by the narrow escape before quickly turning her head around like a savage. Her intense eyes stare down at me and a visible twitch erupted from her body.

However, before she could attack me Adrastea intervened. "Melissae, that's enough. You need to remember that Lord Zeus is very important to Lady Rhea."

"You have to restrain yourself. I'm sure if you had just asked Lord Zeus that he would have given you his answer." She gently talked down the ravaged beast as a pout showed on Melissae's face.

She stood there for a moment before dusting herself off, making herself more presentable. She slowly approaches us, now seeming timid as her less intense eyes look off to the distance and her hands tangled into a knot.

Once in from of me, she momentarily had eye contact before addressing me. "L-lord Zeus. H-how was the honey?" She said nervously, her volume significantly lower than earlier.

I stare at the nymph. She reminded me of a friend of mine in my past life when they wanted to show me something. They would stop at nothing to get me to look.

I slightly pondered about giving her an answer. The honey was good. And this will stop her from being so extra. Why not?

"It was really good," I said, pouring extra emotion to make her satisfied.

Melissae's face instantly lit up with a beaming smile. "Thank you, Lord Zeus! I'm glad you like it as well!" She let out cheerfully before bowing down in gratitude.

"I made them with the help of my beautiful bee friends on my farm," Melissae informed me. She was visibly overjoyed as she did a happy dance. Returning to her normal self.

Neda groaned and approached Melissae. Pinching her nose, she addressed her, "Melissae, why did you have to choose today of all days? Apologize to Lord Zeus and find a place to sit down."

Melissae's expression dropped. She stood there for a moment in loss before reluctantly snapping out of it. "Sorry, Lord Zeus." She said dejectedly before moping away.

However, before she fully left, she stops on Neda's side. "Don't you also owe an apology?" She suddenly said.

"What are you-" Neda was cut off by Melissae pointing over to the Kouretes, who I just realized were quieter than usual. They were sitting quietly on a rock not interacting the way they usually do. No dancing or speaking loudly.

It seems they were hurt by Neda's disbelief in their words earlier. To be fair, I should have spoken up earlier but I was trying to gain the confidence.

"I mean, they weren't lying to you earlier," Melissae added, pressuring Neda to right her wrongs.

"F-fine." Neda huffed out before marching to the brothers. Melissae follows after her, leaving me and Adrastea alone.

I watch them walk over in interest. I wonder what my next plan should be. Thinking this I look at the Kouretes, noting their muscular bodies. An idea came to my head.

Quickly asking Adrastea to put me down, I walked towards the three brothers when they suddenly shouted.

"WE FORGIVE YOU, NEDA!"

"Gah!" I yelp as my ears rang from the shout. Looking up, I see the two nymphs suffering from the same fate.

After somewhat recovering my hearing, ears still ringing, I continued walking toward the brothers. Noticing my stride toward them, the brothers look at me curiously as they sit on the rock.

Standing in front of them, I open my mouth. "Can you guys fight?" I asked. The brother looks at each other, confused by the sudden question.

"YES!" One of the brothers loudly replied. "WHY DO YOU ASK, MY LORD?"

A wave of excitement crosses my veins as I will be able my plan to motion. I asked them this because they look strong, it's good to know it's not all for show. "After the rescue of my siblings, I foresee a great battle. I need to be able to know how to fight." I gave them the rundown. I would feel much safer if I could defend myself in the war.

"HMM! I SEE NO REASON NOT TO!" The brother declared. "WE WILL START WITH THE FUNDAMENTALS TOMORROW!"

"Ok." I nod earnestly, feeling a mixture of nervousness and anticipation about the challenges that awaited me tomorrow. I have never fought someone before.

Gaining what I wanted, I walked away from the brothers, only to realize I have nothing to do. Finding a nice rock, I sat on it while thinking of everything that happen.

It was surreal. Being in a world of Greek mythology as Zeus. Never dreamt of it. And this is just the beginning of my story. Hopefully.

I was brought out of my thought with a sweet rich smell of a honeycomb. I look up to see Melissae giving me one but this time she had a gentle look on her face.

I grab it and look at her wearily. But her savage mode seems to be gone as she sat beside me quietly. I look at the comb before biting into it.

It's good.

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Word count: 1273

Published: 6/14/23

I struggled with this one. I couldn't draw it out more to reach my quota of 1400 words. I just want to move to the next chapter.

Hopefully, that one will be better. Training arc upcoming.

Been reading this book about the same topic/setting called "Reborn as Zeus" It's slow at the start, but if you like mythology, I recommend it. Such an eye-opener. Much better than what I got.