chapter 36

Artemis departed, humming a tune, but Cyd couldn't share her joy.

"You in a strange mood?" Athena asked, placing a wreath on Cyd's head. "I hope this doesn't upset you."

Cyd forced a smile. "I'm not upset."

"I knows you're not fond of Jason," Athena sighed, "but he needs the Golden Fleece. With Hercules on his ship now, I wonder if Jason stands a chance."

"He probably does. Even though they're few, they're famous heroes. And there's plenty of Golden Fleece to go around," Cyd said dismissively.

"If you helped Jason get the Golden Fleece, what reward would you want from me?" Athena raised a finger. "Not a blessing, though."

"I only seek blessings now," Cyd said, pointing to his left wrist.

"I want to see your wisdom. Once I see it, I'll provide the blessing you need," Athena assured him.

Cyd moved his mouth, then, after a moment, turned away. "Even if I obtained the Golden Fleece, I'd still give it to Artemis. Jason wouldn't stand a chance."

"I can provide him with a fake. He wouldn't know, and even if he did, he wouldn't be able to ascend to the throne," Athena shrugged.

Seeing Athena's indifferent attitude, Cyd pictured Jason's bleak future.

"Alright," Cyd said, covering his face. Surviving in Greece required pleasing the gods. He needed to adjust his mindset to keep them happy and ensure better days ahead.

As Cyd pondered, Athena suddenly smiled and approached him. Standing on tiptoes, she leaned toward him, and Cyd caught a whiff of her delicate fragrance.

"Listen, remember this moment," Athena said softly, almost mysteriously, then vanished.

"Remember? Remember what?" Cyd tilted his head.

"That's a reference to the gods' betting house," a light voice behind him said, and Cyd felt his clothes being tugged.

"The gods have a betting house centered on you. It seems Athena chose you, just like she chose Jason," the voice continued.

"Comparing myself to him, how subtle," Cyd shook his head, then turned around and hugged the petite figure behind him. "Long time no see, Medusa. Couldn't handle those two women anymore?"

"Cyd... you've grown," Medusa said, smiling as she caressed his face, then gently pinched his cheek. "Don't make fun of elder sisters. They didn't express themselves well, but they made me look for you."

"You've been patient with them," Cyd said, setting Medusa on the ground. "Did they send you to bring me back?"

"I don't know. They just asked me to come," Medusa said, anxiously fiddling with her black robe.

As usual, no opinions were expressed...

Cyd scratched his head. "What should we do now?"

"Well... it's not good for a monster like me to follow you. It's dangerous for you," Medusa said, hiding her face in her robe's shadow.

"No, I need you," Cyd insisted, hugging her. "Didn't you always listen to your elder sisters?"

"But they asked me to decide this time," Medusa said, kicking her legs, but unable to escape Cyd's grasp.

"No, your sister wants you to handle this matter yourself," Cyd shook his head. "Do you want to come with me?"

Medusa hesitated, unable to articulate her desire to protect him. She didn't want to admit that her instinct was to stay close to him, even though it put him in danger.

"I don't know," she finally said, bowing her head.

"Then trust me," Cyd said, holding her firmly. "You don't have to be confused. Just stay by my side."

Cyd realized that Stheno and Euryale, though immortal, couldn't protect Medusa forever. Sooner or later, a hero would arrive on the island, and Medusa would be in grave danger.

"I'll find a way," Cyd clenched his fists. "If someone goes after them, I'll get them myself."

Even though he knew his elder sisters were immortal, Cyd couldn't bear the thought of Medusa being harmed. He needed to ensure her safety.

"I'll get the Golden Fleece," Cyd declared, taking a deep breath.

["Athena is the Goddess of Wisdom, and she'll reward you with what you need."]

Indeed, Athena was truly wise. She always offered conditions he couldn't refuse.

Cyd smiled wryly. "No matter what happens, I'll get the Golden Fleece."

Cyd rested his forehead against Medusa's. "Believe in me. Once I get the Golden Fleece, you won't have to worry anymore."

"Okay," Medusa said, gently caressing Cyd's face.

Meanwhile, on a distant island, Euryale and Stheno looked at each other and smiled.

"Medusa asked you," Euryale said.

"Our brave, big boy," Stheno added.