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