- 6 minutes ago
The Throne Was Always Mine HD
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00:00My five-year-old son went to the Divine Realm to see his father.
00:03He pushed open the private chamber's door and found his father with his arms around a goddess.
00:08That goddess turned around and slapped him across the face, scolded him for being discourteous.
00:13My son covered his face and ran out of the Divine Realm.
00:17The first thing he said to me,
00:19Mom, did I do something wrong?
00:22I looked at the five-finger marks on his cheek and issued an order to Zeus.
00:28Zeus, get that consort of yours on her knees, apologizing to my son.
00:33If you can't manage that, don't bother sitting in that throne tomorrow.
00:36He said I was overreacting.
00:38The goddess who struck my son wept pitifully, claiming she'd only touched him instinctively.
00:45Zeus told me to calm down and spare his dignity.
00:48I will not.
00:49You don't care about your own son's face, so why should I save yours?
00:54The moment I walked into the Divine Palace, what greeted me wasn't the handmaiden's greeting.
00:59It was my son's cries.
01:02My son stumbled outside, his cries interspersed with broken sobs.
01:06I stopped immediately and pulled my child into my arms.
01:10Ares' cloak hung off one shoulder.
01:12His left hand was pressed hard against his face.
01:15Through his fingers, a patch of red blazed.
01:17A lump formed in my throat.
01:20Let mommy see what's wrong with your face.
01:24He wouldn't.
01:26Ares shook in my arms.
01:27Crying so hard his whole body trembled.
01:30He pressed his hand tighter against his face, as if covering it up could make that slap unhappen.
01:35I gently pulled his hands away, only to see five finger marks on his face.
01:40Swollen, red, stamped clear as daylight across his left cheek.
01:44I fought to hold back my fury.
01:47Who hit you?
01:49Ares didn't speak.
01:50I softened my voice.
01:53Take your time.
01:55Mom's listening.
01:56I wanted to go see Dad.
01:58The charioteur took me to the palace.
02:00Nobody stopped me.
02:01Ares pressed his lips together.
02:04Tears rolled down again.
02:05Dad was holding a goddess.
02:06That lady was leaning on Dad.
02:08Her robes weren't even on right.
02:11Dad didn't push her away, either.
02:13I lowered my eyes, consumed by overwhelming rage.
02:18Zeus, you truly are something.
02:20Keeping a mistress in secret is bad enough.
02:22And now your own son has caught you red-
02:24Who was she?
02:32I heard father call her Leto.
02:37Leto.
02:37The name landed and I wasn't the least bit surprised.
02:40Zeus had been coming home later and later.
02:43His robes carried a scent that wasn't mine.
02:46Other gods also kept telling me that Zeus was on intimate terms with Leto.
02:50I had long noticed Zeus's heart had strayed.
02:52But I held back because Ares needed his father.
02:55Yet they grew so arrogant that they forgot I was still alive.
02:59Daring to bully my son, my voice dropped even lower.
03:03Then what happened?
03:04Ares's lips were trembling uncontrollably.
03:06I stood in the doorway.
03:08That lady saw me first.
03:09She got off father right away.
03:11She asked who let me come in.
03:12She said I didn't know the rules.
03:14I said I came to find my father.
03:16I didn't even finish talking.
03:18Then she hit me.
03:19My back teeth clenched.
03:21How did she hit you?
03:22Ares raised his hand and mimed a slap beside his own face.
03:25It was really loud.
03:27My ears were ringing.
03:28She said if a child has no manners he should get out.
03:33I reached out and touched the side of his ear.
03:36Ares gasped in pain and my hand froze mid-air.
03:39What about dad?
03:40The moment those words left my mouth.
03:42Even I could hear how cold they sounded.
03:45Ares's tears fell faster.
03:47Dad was right there.
03:48But he didn't do anything.
03:50He looked at me and said I shouldn't run around.
03:53He said I shouldn't have come in.
03:54The child threw himself into my arms.
03:56Sobbing so hard he could barely breathe.
03:59Mother, did I do something wrong?
04:01Why did she hit me?
04:02I held him.
04:03My back ramrod straight.
04:05You didn't do anything wrong.
04:06They're the ones who did wrong.
04:08Not you.
04:09I carried my child into the palace.
04:11I took out a healing bomb and gently...
04:18...halted for a moment.
04:19The sordid deeds of adults end up breaking a child's heart.
04:22Zeus has no shame himself.
04:24Yet he's driven our son to doubt himself.
04:27I once thought Ares needed a complete family.
04:29That I could endure everything.
04:31But now I see there's no point in holding back.
04:33If I keep tolerating this, they'll trample all over my son and me.
04:37No.
04:38He's the one who's blind.
04:40You are mother's son.
04:42Nobody is allowed to touch you.
04:44This slap, mother's going to get it back for you.
04:47Today.
04:47Ares blinked.
04:48Really, mom?
04:50Really.
04:52Zeus learned I had come to the divine palace and came to find me.
04:56When Ares saw him walk in, he shrank deeper into my arms.
05:01Hera.
05:02What are you doing here?
05:03I sat upon the divine throne.
05:05My voice was ice.
05:07Zeus.
05:07That woman of yours hit my son.
05:09What are you planning to do about it?
05:11Zeus paused.
05:12He said nothing.
05:13I glanced down at the swelling on Ares' face.
05:16Leto has got some nerve.
05:18Your son walks in on her draped all over you.
05:21She gets embarrassed and she takes it out with a slap.
05:23What is this?
05:24Does she run a limpet now?
05:25Zeus opened his mouth.
05:27I had no interest in hearing it.
05:28Don't explain.
05:30My son's face is right here.
05:31The finger marks perfectly clear.
05:33You were standing right there.
05:34You watched her hit him.
05:35You didn't even try to stop her.
05:37Zeus, do you really take me for someone who doesn't exist?
05:40Ares sat beside me.
05:42His little hands clenched tight.
05:44This time, Zeus looked at my son.
05:46Ares, come here to dad.
05:47Let dad look at your face.
05:48Ares burrowed even deeper into my arms.
05:51I stared at Zeus with cold eyes.
05:53You still have the nerve to ask how your son is doing?
05:58I picked up the hourglass on the table.
06:00I'm only going to say this once.
06:02Before this hourglass runs out, have Leto come before my son, get on her knees, and apologize.
06:09Zeus' head snapped up.
06:10Hera, don't go too far.
06:12I let out a short, sharp laugh.
06:14Zeus, she hit your own son.
06:16I'm not negotiating with you.
06:17I'm informing you.
06:19If Leto doesn't kneel and apologize, then that throne of yours, you won't need to sit in it anymore.
06:25Silence.
06:26The kind where you couldn't even hear breathing.
06:27That was the line that truly hit him where it hurt.
06:30The divine throne.
06:31That was what he cared about most.
06:33Are you threatening me?
06:35You could call it that.
06:36You'd better think this through.
06:38What answered me was the sound of Zeus slamming the door on his way out.
06:44Ares looked at me, his eyes wide.
06:46Mom, is dad going to bring Leto here?
06:50Whether he brings her or not, it doesn't matter.
06:54What matters is, from today on, anyone who lays a hand on you will pay the price.
07:02Just then, the door burst open.
07:04Zeus' mother, Rhea, had stormed in.
07:07Hera!
07:07I've been told about what happened.
07:09Stop picking a fight with Zeus.
07:11I rose to my feet and look at her.
07:14What do you mean, fighting with him?
07:16Your son was tangled up with his consort.
07:19Ares walked in on them.
07:21That goddess slapped Ares across the face.
07:24I told him to bring her here to apologize.
07:27He said I'm overreacting.
07:29Rhea sighed, utterly unconcerned.
07:31A child gets hit.
07:33Any mother would be upset.
07:34But Ares is still young.
07:37Getting a little smack isn't the end of the world.
07:39Ares clutched my clothes.
07:41Mother, I wasn't running around.
07:43My voice went cold.
07:45That slap landed on your grandson's face.
07:47Five finger marks.
07:49Swollen.
07:50The child is right here.
07:52Just take a look.
07:53Rhea's tone hardened.
07:54Zeus is the great lord of Olympus.
07:56So he has a goddess who warms his bed.
07:58So what?
07:59You turn a blind eye and it passes.
08:02Family shame should never be made public.
08:04Wrapping his arms around his consort.
08:07Not shameful.
08:08Hitting a child.
08:09Not shameful.
08:10But me taking issue with it.
08:12Shameful.
08:16I gave Zeus a deadline to apologize.
08:19Half the sand has already fallen.
08:21Have you lost your mind?
08:22Make someone kneel?
08:25Who do you think you are?
08:29I glanced down at Ares.
08:31He huddled close beside me.
08:33Eyes wide open.
08:35I'm Ares' mother.
08:37Whoever hits my son.
08:38Niels.
08:40You!
08:42She pointed at me.
08:44Lost for words for a long moment.
08:46Then turned and left.
08:48Zeus arrived soon after.
08:51He confronted me sharply the moment he appeared.
08:55What exactly do you want?
08:57You sent your mother to pressure me.
09:00Did you think that would work?
09:02Zeus' voice was cold.
09:04I sent her to pressure you?
09:05She was only worrying out of concern.
09:08And you?
09:09You wouldn't even show respect to an elder.
09:12If she'd spoken like a decent being, I would have shown respect.
09:15She said the same thing as you.
09:17That Ares getting a smack is no big deal.
09:19That's what you call deserving of respect?
09:22Zeus said nothing.
09:24I went on to speak.
09:26Let's get to the point.
09:28Is Leto coming or not?
09:29I already told you.
09:31Having her kneel is out of the question.
09:34It was just a slap.
09:35If you want an apology, fine.
09:37But kneeling?
09:39No way.
09:40Just a slap.
09:41What do you mean, just a slap?
09:44Hera, don't get hung up on semantics.
09:46Ares barged in on his own.
09:48Didn't knock.
09:49Anyone would have reacted if they'd been startled.
09:51Leto didn't do it on purpose.
09:53She just panicked.
09:54Her hand slipped.
09:57Ares was right there beside me.
10:00Hearing the words barged in on his own,
10:02his small face went white.
10:04He forced himself not to cry.
10:06All I feel for Zeus now is nothing but disappointment.
10:09You let an outsider raise her hand against your son.
10:13And now you're standing here telling me she didn't mean it?
10:16Outsider?
10:16Leo has been with me a long time.
10:19I know exactly what kind of person she is.
10:21What kind of person she is?
10:24I have no interest in knowing.
10:26All I know is she hit my son.
10:28You were there.
10:29You watched her do it.
10:30You didn't stop her.
10:32Zeus said indifferently.
10:34If you want to put it that way,
10:37when kids do something wrong,
10:38they should learn the lesson.
10:41What's wrong with taking a little hardship?
10:44Ares' head shot up.
10:45His eyes went red.
10:47His lips trembled twice.
10:49Yet no sound came out.
10:50He probably never imagined his own father would say something like that.
10:54Suddenly, I had no desire to argue with Zeus any longer.
10:58Zeus, watch what you say.
11:01I've said everything perfectly clearly.
11:03Stop using the child as an excuse for your tantrum.
11:08Just then, a voice came from outside,
11:11thin and soft and tearful.
11:12Lord Zeus, please don't fight because of me.
11:15The door opened.
11:17Leto walked in, eyes red from crying.
11:19Goddess Hera,
11:21I really didn't mean it.
11:23The young prince burst in so suddenly,
11:25it was just an instinctive brush of my hand.
11:29Brush.
11:30I looked at Ares' face.
11:32The slap had been so loud it echoed,
11:34and now it was just a brush.
11:38Leto,
11:39should we take a look at the finger marks on my child's face?
11:42Leto choked up.
11:45I know you don't like me.
11:48The way you're pressuring Lord Zeus,
11:50isn't this just because you can't stand having me around?
11:52I found it utterly ridiculous.
11:55Who exactly do you think you are?
11:57You inserted yourself into someone else's marriage.
12:00The child catches you,
12:02and you raise your hand and hit him.
12:04And now you're crying,
12:05asking if I can't stand having you around.
12:07Leto went completely silent.
12:10Zeus's voice dropped immediately.
12:12Enough.
12:13Who are you cursing at?
12:15I immediately confronted Zeus.
12:17What's the matter?
12:17Feeling protective?
12:18Your son gets hit,
12:20and you feel nothing.
12:22I say one sense about her,
12:23and you're instantly worked up.
12:28Leto quickly looped her arm through his.
12:31Lord Zeus,
12:33how about I just apologize to the young prince,
12:35and we don't let this come between you two?
12:38Zeus immediately turned to me.
12:40You hear that?
12:42Leto's willing to apologize.
12:46Having her kneel?
12:47Impossible.
12:49Don't push your luck.
12:50I was quiet for two seconds.
12:55Fine.
12:56Zeus seemed surprised I'd given in so quickly.
13:01It's best if you can see reason.
13:04What's the rush?
13:04I said fine, as in I've heard enough.
13:06Enough to understand that you, Zeus,
13:08have made your choice today.
13:09You'd rather protect this goddess
13:10than care about your own son's face.
13:12Your son got hit by her.
13:13You said he deserved it.
13:14I told her to kneel and apologize,
13:15and you said I'm pushing my luck.
13:17Fine.
13:18You'd better stay this tough.
13:20Don't regret it later.
13:21Zeus exploded.
13:22Hera, who are you threatening?
13:24I stared straight at him, fearless.
13:26You.
13:27You have lost your divine divinity.
13:30Soon enough, Leto's teary voice chimed in again.
13:33Lord Zeus.
13:35I'm scared.
13:37Don't be scared.
13:38I'm here.
13:39Zeus turned back toward me.
13:40His voice chilled to ice.
13:42Hera, Leto will not kneel for you.
13:44And don't you threaten me with the divine throne.
13:51Olympus is not something you can overturn with a single word.
13:56I watched the sand in the hourglass stream downward.
13:59When the last grain had fallen, I looked at Zeus.
14:03Fine.
14:05Then go right ahead.
14:10What did you say?
14:11I said in a tone devoid of emotion,
14:13From this moment on,
14:15you'd better hold on to Leto nice and tight.
14:19Don't let the day come when she's crying and begging you for help.
14:23And you can't protect her.
14:25Zeus sneered.
14:29Try me.
14:30I smiled at him.
14:32Just you wait.
14:32He flung out one last line.
14:34Unreasonable.
14:35Then he turned and left.
14:37Leto with him.
14:37After they left,
14:39Ares finally couldn't hold it in any longer.
14:41Mom,
14:42does dad not like me anymore?
14:44I reached out and pulled him into my arms.
14:48It's not that you're not good enough.
14:50It's that he's not worthy.
14:51I will not go find dad anymore.
14:54Mother will protect you.
14:55I looked down at the child in my arms.
14:58No more holding back.
14:59From this moment on,
15:00it wasn't just Zeus cover I was going to rip away.
15:06I went to see Kronos' loyal steward, Hermes.
15:09He was a bit surprised to see me.
15:12That Olympus covenant my father left in your keeping,
15:14you still have it?
15:15Three seconds of silence.
15:17Yes.
15:18I've kept it all this time.
15:20I'm invoking it.
15:21Goddess Hera,
15:22are you certain?
15:23Once this coven is invoked-
15:24I'm certain.
15:25Tomorrow morning,
15:26bring all the documents.
15:28Olympus,
15:28the divine council chamber.
15:30Zeus thought the throne he sat upon
15:32belonged to the Olympian house.
15:34He didn't know that the ground beneath his feet,
15:36from the very first foundation stone,
15:39belonged to the Titan bloodline.
15:40Before Kronos fell,
15:42he placed Olympus' divine authority
15:44into a binding decree.
15:46There was only one designated rightful heir.
15:48Not Zeus is me.
15:50I hid that covenant away for five years.
15:53I never thought I'd need to use it.
15:55I thought he was still,
15:57at the core,
15:57a decent soul.
15:59He had no soul.
16:01So I didn't need to keep pretending.
16:06The next morning,
16:07I walked into the divine council chamber.
16:10Hermes had a sealed coffer in his hand.
16:12He opened it and took out a stack of documents.
16:15These are the original binding decree your father signed.
16:18The sealed copies.
16:19And the divine registry meant authorization.
16:22Five years.
16:24I've been waiting for you to come.
16:25Goddess Hera,
16:26before your father fell,
16:27he told me this covenant was the last line of defense.
16:29He said if anyone ever bullied you,
16:31if you came to find me,
16:32I was to bring this out.
16:35I saw Zeus approaching.
16:37Beside him walked Leto in cream-colored robes.
16:40Not only had she not gone into hiding,
16:42she was walking right alongside Zeus.
16:45Bold as could be.
16:46Her pace unhurried and confident.
16:48As if this was a position she'd long grown accustomed to.
16:52Good.
16:53They'd both shown up so neatly today.
16:56Saved me the trouble of summoning them one by one.
16:59Zeus saw me sitting in the high throne.
17:01Documents were spread out before me.
17:03Hermes sat at my side.
17:05He was come.
17:07What are you doing here?
17:08His voice was heavy.
17:09Lord Hermes is here too?
17:11Zeus looked at Hermes.
17:13Hermes sat where he was.
17:15He didn't stand.
17:16That clearly unsettled Zeus.
17:19Lord Zeus.
17:19Have a seat.
17:21There's something we need to discuss face to face.
17:25Zeus didn't sit.
17:28What is this?
17:30I glanced at Leto.
17:33Leto.
17:34You should come in too.
17:36This concerns you as well.
17:39She walked in, maintaining that expression of uneasy innocence.
17:44Zeus.
17:46I gave you a chance last night.
17:48I would make the choice for you.
17:51What exactly are you trying to do?
17:54Fine.
17:56I'll say it plainly.
17:57I flipped the documents on the table to the first page.
18:00Olympus.
18:01It belongs to me.
18:04The council chamber fell silent.
18:06What did you say?
18:08Zeus's voice was tight.
18:10My father, Kronos.
18:12Founder of Olympus.
18:13Before he fell, he placed the divine authority into a binding decree.
18:16I am the rightful heir.
18:18This agreement has been in Hermes' safekeeping for five years.
18:21How do you think you came to rule?
18:23Zeus's face changed color.
18:24Not pale.
18:26Gray.
18:27That kind of gray that seeps out from the marrow of your bones.
18:31Impossible!
18:32When Kranos fell, the divine authority was already dispersed.
18:36On the surface, it appeared dispersed.
18:39Hermes finally spoke.
18:41Lord Zeus.
18:43You've sat in the divine throne for five years.
18:47You sat in it because Lady Hera allowed you to.
18:53Zeus stood there, hand braced against the edge of the table, knuckles bone white.
18:57But, Leto's carefully maintained composure had shattered.
19:01Wait.
19:02Zeus's voice had gone hoarse.
19:04Hera, just wait a second.
19:06About last night, I can have Lea apologize.
19:10Kneeling works too.
19:11Leto whipped her head toward him.
19:13Lord Zeus?
19:15Zeus didn't look at her.
19:17Hera, let's talk about this properly.
19:20Don't be rash.
19:21I smiled.
19:22Zeus.
19:23Last night, you said, Olympus is not something you can overturn with a single word.
19:28What do you think now?
19:29The last trace of color drained from his face.
19:31You were always nothing.
19:34Hermes pulled another document from his coffer.
19:36This is an emergency decree.
19:38Passed last night.
19:39It removed Zeus from his position as Lord of Olympus, effective immediately.
19:44Seven council elders seals.
19:45Not a single person had stood on his side.
19:48Zeus stepped backward.
19:50His back hit the wall.
19:53Leto hadn't spoken a single word.
19:55Her lips were trembling.
19:57She never saw this ending coming.
19:59She didn't know Olympus had always belonged to the Titan bloodline.
20:05Zeus leaned against the wall, like someone had hollowed him out.
20:10Hera.
20:11The corner of his mouth twitched.
20:13You knew about all of this?
20:15You knew everything?
20:17I knew.
20:18I've known for three years.
20:22Then why didn't you-
20:23Why didn't I turn on you?
20:25I finished his sentence.
20:26Because I thought you were still decent.
20:28I thought you still had some semblance of being a father to Eres.
20:32Last night, you told me with your own mouth that your son deserved to be hit.
20:37Zeus closed his eyes.
20:39I turned to Leto.
20:40Leto, stand up.
20:42She looked at me.
20:43Her lips had gone white.
20:44She slowly rose.
20:46Her legs were shaking.
20:47Last night you hit my son.
20:49Then you called it an accidental brush of the hand.
20:51Do you still stand by that?
20:53Goddess Hera, I-
20:54I- I really didn't mean it.
20:56I'm not asking whether you meant it.
20:58I'm asking you.
20:59Do you still think it was just a brush?
21:02She didn't speak.
21:03I stood up and walked up to her.
21:06I told you last night, get on your knees and apologize to my son.
21:10You didn't come.
21:12Hmph.
21:13Your man blocked for you.
21:15Now your patron can barely save himself.
21:18Who else do you have to block for you now?
21:22Leto's tears came pouring down.
21:24Not the measured, practice sobbing from last night.
21:28This was real fear.
21:31Lady Hera, I'm begging you.
21:34I don't need you to beg me.
21:36I need you to kneel.
21:39Face my son.
21:41Say I'm sorry.
21:42I was wrong.
21:44Leto looked at me.
21:45Then at Zeus.
21:47Zeus leaned against the wall.
21:49Head hanging.
21:50Not a single word.
21:52Leto's legs gave out.
21:53With a thud, she was on her knees.
21:56She knelt on the floor.
21:58I'm sorry.
21:59I was wrong.
22:01Those words aren't for me.
22:03Find a time.
22:05Say them again.
22:06In front of my son.
22:08I gathered the covenant confirmation and all the documents into my sealed coffer.
22:12I lifted my sealed coffer and walked to the door.
22:15I turned back.
22:17Zeus.
22:18You said Olympus wasn't something I could overturn with a single word.
22:21And now?
22:22The door closed.
22:25I walked to the Olympus highest tower.
22:28This was the first time I stood here as the rightful sovereign.
22:31It wouldn't be the last.
22:36When I returned to the palace.
22:38Mother!
22:39Ares came running and threw himself into my arms.
22:42He held up a piece of paper.
22:43Two figures drawn in wobbly lines.
22:46This is mother and me.
22:48I took the drawing.
22:49It's beautiful.
22:51Ares.
22:52Mother needs to tell you something.
22:54From now on, you don't need to go to father's palace anymore.
22:57Why?
22:59Because the Olympus.
23:01It's mother's now.
23:02He tilted his head.
23:03So mother's the boss now?
23:05Hmm.
23:06Something like that.
23:10Then mother's so amazing!
23:13He clapped and laughed.
23:14The laughing pulled at the bruise on his left cheek.
23:17He winced and quickly reigned in the smile.
23:20Still hurt?
23:21A little.
23:23It'll be better in a couple of days.
23:28Mom.
23:29That goddess who struck me.
23:31She'll come apologize to you.
23:35Really?
23:37Really.
23:38I picked him up.
23:42Just then, Zeus arrived back.
23:45Hera.
23:46Let's talk.
23:49Talk about what?
23:50The Divine Realm.
23:51I accept it.
23:52But you can't tear the family apart either.
23:55Ares still young.
23:56He needs both parents.
23:57Both parents?
23:59He actually had the nerve to say that.
24:01Zeus.
24:02Last night, Hermes asked me if his father didn't like him anymore.
24:06And what were you doing?
24:07You were telling Laino, don't be scared, I'm here.
24:10And now you come telling me about both parents?
24:12He hurried to explain.
24:14Leo and I, it's over.
24:16No more contact ever again.
24:17You ended it with her because you realized you were wrong.
24:21Or because you've lost your value to her.
24:23Zeus said nothing.
24:26Zeus.
24:28The Divine Separation Decree is being drafted.
24:31It'll be sent to you within the next couple of days.
24:34Are you threatening me?
24:36You think seizing the Divine Authority lets you do whatever you want?
24:40I smiled.
24:42Zeus.
24:43Your influence was built on your identity as Lord of Olympias.
24:48Now that that identity is gone,
24:52do you really think those people will still answer your summons?
24:56Is there really no future for us?
24:59I raised my hand and pointed toward the door.
25:03None.
25:06Two days later.
25:08Celestial Forum Hall, Olympus Divine Assembly.
25:12Halfway through, Hermes walked over and spoke quietly by my ear.
25:16Zeus is here.
25:17My hand holding the Nectar Goblet paused.
25:20What's he doing here?
25:22Claims he's also a guest.
25:24But I crossed it off yesterday.
25:27Let him in.
25:29Three minutes later, Zeus appeared.
25:31Dark grey robes.
25:33He looked no different from usual, but his spirit had changed.
25:37The skin around his eyes was faintly bruised.
25:39He stood in the doorway without even a divine seal.
25:42The contrast was brutal.
25:44He made his way directly toward me.
25:47Hera.
25:47I held my Nectar Goblet and smiled.
25:50Oh, my apologies.
25:53What should I call you now?
25:55Lord Zeus?
25:58Former ruler?
25:59I want my seat back.
26:02Every gaze in the room converged on us.
26:05Your seat?
26:06Olympus.
26:08These past five years, I'm the one who ran it.
26:11Every sacred matter, I brookered.
26:15You removed me.
26:18Can you govern it all on your own?
26:20He was gambling.
26:21Gambling that five years of sacred bonds couldn't be severed with a single stroke.
26:28I set my cup down.
26:30Zeus.
26:32Are you here to talk divine affairs?
26:34Or to make a scene?
26:36I am discussing divine affairs.
26:39You think that seizing the divine authority means you can do anything?
26:43Olympus's allies recognize my face.
26:47Not your name.
26:49I swept my eyes across the faces in the room.
26:52Not a single person stepped forward to speak for him.
26:55Not one.
26:56Because in this realm, everyone knew one principle.
27:00Divine authority trumps everything.
27:02Let me ask you a question.
27:06Last year.
27:08Olympus's single greatest tribute.
27:12Who was the one who ultimately signed off and sealed it?
27:17He froze.
27:18I spoke up.
27:19Hermes.
27:20Lord Hermes represented the Titan bloodline's credibility.
27:25You ran a couple of errands, and you think that makes it your achievement?
27:29I said sarcastically,
27:31You came here to say you want your throne back.
27:34Well then, let me tell you exactly how you lost that throne.
27:38You used sacred treasury.
27:41To support a consort.
27:43Your son walked in on you with your arms around her.
27:46That goddess slapped your son across the face.
27:51And you stood.
27:53Stood right there and didn't say a single word.
27:59That's what you did as ruler.
28:02For five years.
28:05Do you think anyone here is going to step forward and speak on your behalf?
28:09Zeus stood there, his face cycling between white and gray.
28:13He came thinking he could turn the tables.
28:16He didn't know.
28:17I was no longer the hero who waited at home for him to return.
28:22Zeus.
28:23If you have no other business, you can leave.
28:26The door is that way.
28:27The day after the assembly ended, Leto came as promised.
28:31Not to Olympus.
28:33To my home.
28:34Ares had just returned from his lessons.
28:37The summoning chime rang.
28:39Leto walked into the living room.
28:41The moment she saw Ares, her pace visibly slowed.
28:45Ares looked up.
28:47Seeing her, the ambrosia fruit in his hand dropped.
28:50His body instinctively shrank backward.
28:53The last time they met, this person had slapped him.
28:56I sat down beside Ares.
28:58I wrapped my arm around his shoulders.
29:00It's okay.
29:02She's here to apologize to you today.
29:04Leto stood in the middle of the living room.
29:07The rims of her eyes went red.
29:09Go on.
29:10I said to her, Leto swallowed.
29:13Then her knees slowly bent, thud.
29:15She knelt.
29:21She knelt on the floor, before a boy.
29:24Young prince, that day, I struck you.
29:28That was auntie's fault.
29:29I shouldn't have used my hands, and auntie definitely shouldn't have yelled at you.
29:33She lowered her head to the floor.
29:35I'm sorry.
29:36Ares watched her.
29:37His eyes blinked several times.
29:39He looked at me.
29:41I nodded.
29:42Ares, you can say it's okay.
29:44Or you can choose not to.
29:46That's your choice.
29:48Ares thought for a moment.
29:50Lady, when you hit me, it hurt so much.
29:55Leto's body jolted.
29:57I was really, really scared.
29:59I just wanted to find my father.
30:02I wasn't doing anything bad.
30:04Leto knelt on the floor.
30:06Tears fell.
30:07This time, I thought, it might be real.
30:10Because no acting skill could fake the expression of having every pretense pierced through by a single sentence from child.
30:17I understand now.
30:19I was wrong.
30:21Ares pressed his lips together.
30:23He didn't say it's okay.
30:24He just nodded.
30:26He doesn't need to forgive anyone.
30:28I stood up.
30:29That's enough.
30:30Get up.
30:33I understand.
30:34She turned and left.
30:37After the door closed, Ares leaned against me.
30:41Mother.
30:41She really said sorry.
30:43Yes.
30:44Mom kept her promise.
30:46He shook his head and smiled.
30:48This time, the bruise on his face had almost completely faded.
30:52That very evening, Zeus found me.
30:54His voice was completely different from before.
30:57No coldness.
30:58Only exhaustion and a hollow emptiness.
31:01Hera.
31:02You won.
31:03I said nothing.
31:05A long silence.
31:06The divine separation decree.
31:08I'll sign it.
31:10I looked at him indifferently.
31:12I have one last question for you.
31:14Do you regret it?
31:16Regret what?
31:17Regret that night.
31:19When you said your son deserved it.
31:21Another silence.
31:23Zeus hung his head.
31:25His eyes filled with loneliness.
31:26I regret it.
31:28But regret doesn't change anything now.
31:31The divine separation decree was signed three days later.
31:35Mother.
31:35Can I have the same divine name as you?
31:39You can.
31:40What do you want to be called?
31:43Ares.
31:44Named for the warrior spirit of my grandfather, Kronos.
31:47The strongest of the titans.
31:52And who do you want to protect with that strength?
31:55Mother.
31:56Of course.
31:57I scooped him up into my arms.
32:00Then Ares it is.
32:02Half a year later, on a weekend, I took Ares to a mortal marketplace.
32:06It was his sixth name day.
32:08At the artisan's stall, he chose a winged horse figurine.
32:12While paying, I caught sight of someone standing far away, beside the grand stairway.
32:17Gray cloak.
32:19Much thinner.
32:20Zeus.
32:21He stood there watching Ares.
32:22He didn't come closer.
32:24Ares didn't see him.
32:26He was hugging the winged horse box, laughing.
32:28Mother look!
32:29The winged horse's mouth can move.
32:32I paid and took his hand to leave.
32:34Passing by the grand stairway, I glanced at Zeus.
32:38He looked at me too.
32:39No words.
32:40He just watched Ares' small back as he ran ahead.
32:43His throat moved once.
32:45Then he turned and walked away.
32:48Mother.
32:50Today was really fun.
32:52Yes.
32:54Happy named day.
32:56Mother.
32:58Will you bring me here again?
33:00Of course.
33:01Sunlight streamed through the skylight of the marketplace, warm and golden.
33:06The breeze carried the sweet fragrance of flowers.
33:09I turned back forward and walked on with Ares.
33:12I shall not look back again, not ever again.
33:16The breeze carried the sweet fragrance of the skylight of the skylight of the skylight of the skylight of the
33:17skylight of the skylight of the skylight of the skylight of the skylight of the skylight of the skylight of
33:17the skylight of the skylight of the skylight of the skylight of the skylight of the skylight of the skylight
33:17of the skylight of the skylight of the skylight of the skylight of the skylight of the skylight of the
33:18skylight of the skylight of the skylight of the skylight of the skylight of the skylight of the skylight of
33:18the skylight of the skylight of the skylight of the skylight of the skylight of the skylight of the skylight
33:18of the skylight of the skylight of the skylight of the skylight of the skylight of the skylight of the
33:18skylight of the skylight of the skylight of the skylight of the skylight of the skylight of the skylight of
33:18the skylight of the skylight of the sky
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