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