- 15 minutes ago
The Throne Was Always Mine Episode ENGSUB Greek Mythology, Divine Revenge, Fantasy Romance
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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?
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 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-handedly.
02:30Who was she?
02:32I heard father call her Leto.
02:37Leto.
02:37The 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 bomb and gently...
04:18I 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.
04:26I 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.
04:53Zeus 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.
05:09What 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.
05:29Don'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, have 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, then that throne of yours, you won't need to sit
06:24in 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.
06:31That 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.
07:05Zeus' mother, Rhea, had stormed in.
07:07Hera, I've been told about what happened.
07:09Stop picking a fight with Zeus.
07:10I 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.
09:38But 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.
09:52Leto didn't do it on purpose.
09:53She just panicked.
09:55Her 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.
10:12And 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.
10:59Watch what you say.
11:01I've said everything perfectly clearly.
11:02Stop 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, I 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,
11:35and 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 and 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 and you feel nothing.
12:22I say one sense about her and 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.
12:41You hear that?
12:42Leto's willing to apologize.
12:46Having her kneel?
12:48Impossible.
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.
13:02If you can see reason.
13:04What's the rush?
13:05I 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,
13:23who are you threatening?
13:24I stared straight at him,
13:25fearless.
13:26You.
13:27You have lost your divine divinity.
13:29Soon enough,
13:31Leto's teary voice
13:31chimed 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,
13:43Leto will not kneel for you.
13:45And don't you threaten me
13:46with the divine throne.
13:51Olympus is not something
13:52you can overturn
13:53with a single word.
13:56I watched the sand
13:57in the hourglass stream
13:58downward.
13:59When the last grain
14:00had fallen,
14:01I looked at Zeus.
14:04Fine.
14:05Then go right ahead.
14:10What did you say?
14:11I said in a tone
14:12devoid of emotion,
14:13From this moment on,
14:15you'd better hold on
14:16to Leto nice and tight.
14:19Don't let the day come
14:20when she's crying
14:21and 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.
14:36Leto with him.
14:38After they left,
14:39Ares finally couldn't hold it
14:40in any longer.
14:41Mom,
14:42does dad not like me anymore?
14:44I reached out
14:45and pulled him into my arms.
14:48It's not that you're
14:49not good enough.
14:50It's that he's not worthy.
14:51I will not
14:52go find dad anymore.
14:54Mother will protect you.
14:55I looked down
14:56at the child in my arms.
14:58No more holding back.
14:59From this moment on,
15:01it wasn't just Zeus cover
15:02I was going to rip away.
15:06I went to see
15:07Kronos' loyal steward,
15:08Hermes.
15:09He was a bit surprised
15:10to see me.
15:12That Olympus covenant
15:13my father left
15:13in 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 invo-
15:24I'm certain.
15:25Tomorrow morning,
15:26bring all the documents.
15:28Olympus,
15:29the divine council chamber.
15:30Zeus thought the throne
15:32he sat upon
15:32belonged to the Olympian house.
15:34He didn't know
15:35that the ground
15:35beneath his feet,
15:36from the very first
15:37foundation stone,
15:39belonged to the titan bloodline.
15:41Before Kronos fell,
15:42he placed Olympus'
15:43divine authority
15:44into a binding decree.
15:46There was only one
15:47designated rightful heir.
15:49Not Zeus is me.
15:50I hid that covenant
15:52away for five years.
15:53I never thought
15:54I'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
16:01to keep pretending.
16:06The next morning,
16:07I walked into
16:08the divine council chamber.
16:10Hermes had a sealed
16:11coffer in his hand.
16:12He opened it
16:13and took out
16:13a stack of documents.
16:15These are the original
16:16binding decree
16:16your father signed,
16:18the sealed copies,
16:19and the divine registry
16:20amend authorization.
16:22Five years.
16:24I've been waiting
16:24for you to come.
16:25Goddess Hera,
16:26before your father fell,
16:27he told me this covenant
16:28was the last line of defense.
16:29He said,
16:30if 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
16:39in cream-colored robes.
16:40Not only had she
16:41not gone into hiding,
16:43she was walking
16:43right alongside Zeus,
16:45bold as could be,
16:46her pace unhurried
16:48and confident,
16:48as if this was a position
16:50she'd long grown accustomed to.
16:52Good.
16:53They'd both shown up
16:54so neatly today.
16:56Saved me the trouble
16:57of summoning them
16:57one by one.
16:59Zeus saw me
17:00sitting in the high throne.
17:01Documents were spread
17:02out before me.
17:03Hermes sat at my side.
17:05He was come.
17:07What are you doing here?
17:08His voice was heavy.
17:10Lord 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
17:21we need to discuss
17:22face 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,
17:40maintaining that expression
17:41of uneasy innocence.
17:44Zeus.
17:46I gave you a chance last night.
17:48I would make the choice for you.
17:51What exactly
17:52are you trying to do?
17:54Fine.
17:56I'll say it plainly.
17:58I flipped the documents
17:59on the table
17:59to the first page.
18:00Olympus.
18:02It belongs to me.
18:04The council chamber
18:05fell silent.
18:06What did you say?
18:08Zeus's voice was tight.
18:10My father,
18:11Kronos,
18:12founder of Olympus.
18:13Before he fell,
18:14he placed the divine authority
18:15into a binding decree.
18:16I am the rightful heir.
18:17This agreement has been
18:19in Hermes' safekeeping
18:20for five years.
18:21How do you think
18:22you came to rule?
18:23Zeus's face changed color.
18:25Not pale.
18:26Gray.
18:26That kind of gray
18:28that seeps out
18:28from the marrow
18:29of your bones.
18:31Impossible!
18:32When Kronos fell,
18:34the divine authority
18:34was already dispersed.
18:36On the surface,
18:38it appeared dispersed.
18:39Hermes finally spoke.
18:41Lord Zeus,
18:43you've sat in the divine throne
18:45for five years.
18:47You sat in it
18:48because Lady Hera
18:49allowed you to.
18:53Zeus stood there,
18:54hand braced against
18:55the edge of the table,
18:56knuckles bone white.
18:58Leto's carefully
18:59maintained composure
19:00had shattered.
19:01Wait.
19:02Zeus's voice
19:03had gone hoarse.
19:04Hera,
19:05just wait a second.
19:06About last night,
19:07I can have Lea apologize.
19:10Kneeling works too.
19:11Leto whipped her head
19:12toward him.
19:13Lord Zeus?
19:15Zeus didn't look at her.
19:17Hera,
19:18let's talk about this properly.
19:20Don't be rash.
19:21I smiled.
19:22Zeus,
19:23last night you said,
19:25Olympus is not something
19:26you can overturn
19:27with a single word.
19:28What do you think now?
19:29The last trace of color
19:30drained from his face.
19:31You were always nothing.
19:34Hermes pulled another document
19:35from his coffer.
19:36This is an emergency decree.
19:38Passed last night,
19:39it removed Zeus
19:40from his position
19:41as Lord of Olympus
19:42effective immediately.
19:44Seven council elders seals.
19:46Not a single person
19:47had stood on his side.
19:48Zeus stepped backward.
19:50His back hit the wall.
19:53Leto hadn't spoken
19:54a single word.
19:55Her lips were trembling.
19:57She never saw
19:58this ending coming.
19:59She didn't know Olympus
20:01had always belonged
20:01to the Titan bloodline.
20:05Zeus leaned against the wall,
20:07like someone had hollowed him out.
20:11Hera.
20:11The corner of his mouth twitched.
20:14You 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
20:27you were still decent.
20:28I thought you still had
20:29some semblance
20:30of being a father to Eres.
20:32Last night,
20:33you told me with your own mouth
20:34that your son deserved to be hit.
20:37Zeus closed his eyes.
20:39I turned to Leto.
20:41Leto, 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,
20:48you hit my son.
20:49Then you called it
20:50an accidental brush of the hand.
20:51Do you still stand by that?
20:53Goddess Hera,
20:54I...
20:54I really didn't mean it.
20:56I'm not asking
20:57whether you meant it.
20:58I'm asking you.
20:59Do you still think
21:00it was just a brush?
21:02She didn't speak.
21:03I stood up
21:04and walked up to her.
21:06I told you last night,
21:08get on your knees
21:09and apologize to my son.
21:10You didn't come.
21:12Hmph.
21:13Your man blocked for you.
21:15Now your patron
21:16can barely save himself.
21:18Who else do you have
21:19to block for you now?
21:22Leto's tears came pouring down.
21:24Not the measured,
21:26practice sobbing
21:26from last night.
21:28This was real fear.
21:31Lady Hera,
21:32I'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,
21:55she 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.
22:04Find a time.
22:05Say them again
22:06in front of my son.
22:08I gathered the covenant confirmation
22:10and all the documents
22:11into my sealed coffer.
22:12I lifted my sealed coffer
22:14and walked to the door.
22:15I turned back.
22:17Zeus,
22:18you said Olympus wasn't something
22:19I could overturn
22:20with a single word.
22:22And now?
22:23The door closed.
22:25I walked to the Olympus'
22:26highest tower.
22:27This was the first time
22:29I stood here
22:29as the rightful sovereign.
22:31It wouldn't be the last.
22:36When I returned
22:37to the palace,
22:38Mother!
22:39Ares came running
22:40and threw himself
22:41into my arms.
22:42He held up a piece of paper,
22:43two figures drawn
22:44in 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,
22:55you don't need to go
22:55to Father's palace anymore.
22:57Why?
22:59Because the Olympus,
23:00it'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
23:15at the bruise
23:16on his left cheek.
23:17He winced
23:18and quickly reined
23:18in the smile.
23:20Still hurt?
23:21A little.
23:23It'll be better
23:24in a couple of days.
23:28Mom,
23:29that goddess
23:30who struck me.
23:31She'll come
23:32apologize to you.
23:35Really?
23:37Really?
23:38I picked him up.
23:42Just then,
23:44Zeus 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
23:53the family apart either.
23:55Ares still young.
23:56He needs both parents.
23:57Both parents?
23:59He actually had the nerve
24:00to say that.
24:01Zeus.
24:02Last night,
24:03Hermes asked me
24:04if his father
24:05didn't like him anymore.
24:06And what were you doing?
24:07You were telling Laino,
24:09don't be scared,
24:09I'm here.
24:10And now you come
24:11telling me about
24:11both parents?
24:12He hurried to explain.
24:14Leo and I,
24:15it's over.
24:16No more contact
24:17ever again.
24:18You ended it with her
24:19because you realized
24:19you were wrong.
24:21Or because you've
24:22lost your value to her.
24:24Zeus said nothing.
24:26Zeus.
24:28The Divine Separation Decree
24:30is being drafted.
24:31It'll be sent to you
24:32within the next
24:33couple of days.
24:34Are you threatening me?
24:36You think
24:37seizing the Divine Authority
24:39lets you do
24:39whatever you want?
24:40I smiled.
24:42Zeus.
24:43Your influence
24:44was built on your identity
24:46as Lord of Olympias.
24:48Now that that identity
24:50is gone,
24:52do you really think
24:53those people
24:54will still answer
24:55your summons?
24:57Is there really
24:58no future for us?
24:59I raised my hand
25:00and pointed toward the door.
25:03none.
25:05None.
25:07Two days later,
25:09Celestial Forum Hall,
25:10Olympus Divine Assembly.
25:12Halfway through,
25:13Hermes walked over
25:14and spoke quietly
25:15by my ear.
25:16Zeus is here.
25:17My hand holding
25:18the nectar goblet,
25:19paused.
25:20What's he doing here?
25:22Claims he's also a guest.
25:24But I crossed it off
25:25yesterday.
25:27Let him in.
25:29Three minutes later,
25:30Zeus appeared,
25:31dark gray robes.
25:33He looked no different
25:34from usual,
25:35but his spirit
25:36had changed.
25:37The skin around his eyes
25:38was faintly bruised.
25:39He stood in the doorway
25:40without even a divine seal.
25:42The contrast was brutal.
25:44He made his way
25:45directly toward me.
25:47Hera.
25:47I held my nectar goblet
25:49and smiled.
25:50Oh,
25:51my apologies.
25:53What should I call you now?
25:56Lord Zeus?
25:58Former ruler?
25:59I want my seat back.
26:02Every gaze in the room
26:03converged on us.
26:05Your seat?
26:06Olympus.
26:08These past five years,
26:10I'm the one who ran it.
26:11Every sacred matter,
26:14I brookered.
26:15You removed me.
26:18Can you govern it all
26:19on your own?
26:20He was gambling.
26:22Gambling that five years
26:23of sacred bonds
26:24couldn't be severed
26:24with a single stroke.
26:28I set my cup down.
26:30Zeus,
26:32are you here to talk
26:33divine affairs
26:34or to make a scene?
26:36I am discussing
26:37divine affairs.
26:39You think
26:40that seizing the divine authority
26:41means you can do anything?
26:44Olympus's allies
26:45recognize my face.
26:47Not your name.
26:49I swept my eyes
26:50across the faces
26:51in the room.
26:52Not a single person
26:53stepped forward
26:54to speak for him.
26:55Not one.
26:56Because in this realm,
26:58everyone knew
26:58one principle.
27:00Divine authority
27:01trumps everything.
27:02Let me ask you
27:03a question.
27:06Last year,
27:09Olympus's single
27:10greatest tribute.
27:12Who was the one
27:13who ultimately
27:14signed off
27:15and sealed it?
27:17He froze.
27:18I spoke up.
27:19Hermes.
27:20Lord Hermes
27:21represented the
27:22Titan bloodline's
27:23credibility.
27:25You ran a couple
27:26of errands
27:27and you think
27:27that makes it
27:28your achievement?
27:29I said sarcastically,
27:31you came here
27:32to say you want
27:33your throne back.
27:34Well then,
27:35let me tell you
27:36exactly how
27:37you lost
27:37that throne.
27:38You used
27:39sacred treasury
27:40to support
27:42a consort.
27:43Your son
27:44walked in on you
27:45with your arms
27:45around her.
27:47That goddess
27:47slapped your son
27:49across the face.
27:51And you
27:52stood,
27:53stood right there
27:54and didn't say
27:55a single word.
27:59That's what you
28:00did as ruler
28:01for five years.
28:05Do you think
28:06anyone here
28:07is going to
28:07step forward
28:08and speak
28:09on your behalf?
28:10Zeus stood there,
28:11his face cycling
28:12between white
28:12and gray.
28:13He came thinking
28:14he could turn
28:15the tables.
28:16He didn't know.
28:17I was no longer
28:18the hero who
28:19waited at home
28:20for him to return.
28:22Zeus,
28:23if you have
28:24no other business,
28:25you can leave.
28:26The door is that way.
28:27The day after
28:28the assembly ended,
28:29Leto came as promised.
28:31Not to Olympus.
28:33To my home.
28:34Ares had just
28:35returned from his lessons.
28:37The summoning chime rang.
28:39Leto walked
28:39into the living room.
28:41The moment
28:41she saw Ares,
28:43her pace
28:43visibly slowed.
28:45Ares looked up.
28:47Seeing her,
28:48the ambrosia fruit
28:48in his hand dropped.
28:50His body
28:50instinctively
28:51shrank backward.
28:53The last time
28:53they met,
28:54this person
28:55had slapped him.
28:56I sat down
28:57beside Ares.
28:58I wrapped my arm
28:59around his shoulders.
29:00It's okay.
29:02She's here
29:02to apologize
29:03to you today.
29:04Leto stood
29:05in the middle
29:05of the living room.
29:07The rims of her eyes
29:08went red.
29:09Go on.
29:10I said to her.
29:12Leto swallowed.
29:13Then her knees
29:14slowly bent,
29:15thud.
29:15She knelt.
29:21She knelt on the floor
29:23before a boy.
29:24Young prince,
29:25that day
29:26I struck you.
29:28That was auntie's fault.
29:29I shouldn't have used my hands
29:31and auntie definitely
29:32shouldn't have yelled at you.
29:33She lowered her head
29:35to the floor.
29:35I'm sorry.
29:36Ares watched her.
29:38His eyes blinked
29:38several times.
29:39He looked at me.
29:41I nodded.
29:42Ares,
29:43you 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,
29:51when you hit me,
29:53it hurt so much.
29:55Leto's body jolted.
29:57I was really,
29:58really scared.
30:00I just wanted
30:00to find my father.
30:02I wasn't doing
30:03anything bad.
30:04Leto knelt on the floor.
30:06Tears fell.
30:07This time I thought
30:08it might be real
30:09because no acting skill
30:11could fake the expression
30:12of having every pretense
30:14pierced through
30:14by a single sentence
30:15from child.
30:17I understand now.
30:19I was wrong.
30:21Ares pressed his lips together.
30:23He didn't say it's okay.
30:25He just nodded.
30:26He doesn't need
30:27to 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,
30:39Ares leaned against me.
30:41Mother,
30:41she really said sorry.
30:43Yes.
30:45Mom kept her promise.
30:46He shook his head
30:47and smiled.
30:48This time,
30:49the bruise on his face
30:50had almost completely faded.
30:52That very evening,
30:53Zeus found me.
30:54His voice was completely
30:56different from before.
30:57No coldness.
30:59Only exhaustion
30:59and 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
31:11indifferently.
31:12I have one last question
31:13for you.
31:14Do you regret it?
31:16Regret what?
31:18Regret that night
31:19when you said
31:20your son deserved it.
31:21Another silence.
31:23Zeus hung his head,
31:25his eyes filled
31:25with loneliness.
31:26I regret it.
31:28But regret
31:29doesn't change anything now.
31:31The divine separation decree
31:33was signed
31:33three days later.
31:35Mother,
31:35can I have
31:36the same divine name
31:38as you?
31:39You can.
31:40What do you want
31:41to be called?
31:43Ares.
31:44Named for the warrior spirit
31:46of my grandfather,
31:47Kronos.
31:47The strongest
31:48of the Titans.
31:51And who do you want
31:53to protect
31:53with that strength?
31:55Mother,
31:56of course.
31:57I scooped him
31:58up into my arms.
32:00Then Ares it is.
32:02Half a year later,
32:03on a weekend,
32:04I took Ares
32:04to a mortal marketplace.
32:06It was his
32:07sixth name day.
32:08At the artisan's stall,
32:10he chose a
32:10winged horse figurine.
32:12While paying,
32:13I caught sight of
32:14someone standing
32:15far away,
32:16beside the
32:16grand stairway.
32:17Gray cloak.
32:19Much thinner.
32:20Zeus,
32:21he stood there
32:21watching Ares.
32:22He didn't come closer.
32:24Ares didn't see him.
32:26He was hugging
32:26the winged horse box,
32:28laughing.
32:28Mother, look!
32:30The winged horse's
32:31mouth can move.
32:32I paid and took
32:33his hand to leave.
32:34Passing by the
32:35grand stairway,
32:36I glanced at Zeus.
32:38He looked at me too.
32:39No words.
32:40He just watched
32:41Ares' small back
32:42as he ran ahead.
32:43His throat moved once.
32:45Then he turned
32:46and walked away.
32:49Mother,
32:50today was really fun.
32:52Yes.
32:54Happy Named Day.
32:56Mother,
32:58will you bring me
32:59here again?
33:00Of course.
33:01Sunlight streamed
33:02through the skylight
33:03of the marketplace,
33:04warm and golden.
33:06The breeze carried
33:07the sweet fragrance
33:08of flowers.
33:09I turned back forward
33:10and walked on
33:11with Ares.
33:12I shall not look
33:13back again,
33:14not ever again.
33:15are you
33:15by now.
33:15Let's do it.
33:17if you still wish
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