Helen's Choice: The Foreign Prince
I was utterly dumbfounded by his response in that instant. Odysseus? The famous Odysseus? Why here, of all places?
"Lord Odysseus, I presume."
Feigning composure on the surface, I desperately racked my brain to recall history. And the contents of The Greek and Roman Myths I'd read back on Earth came flooding back. Until the Burning Nameless One awakened and the end times arrived, this world's history unfolded much like the myths.
—Ah, got it.
—Figured something out?
—Yeah, this guy's heading to Sparta to court Helen.
—Courtship?
The current king of Sparta was Tyndareus, and this old man's daughter was none other than the infamous Helen. Helen—the peerless beauty who sparked the Trojan War. Not just any beauty, but one so divine even goddesses would envy it. And there was a reason for that. Helen was the daughter of Zeus, carrying the blood of the gods.
That led to the strange conclusion that she was both the daughter of Sparta's King Tyndareus and Zeus's daughter. There was a story behind it.
—Tyndareus, that poor bastard.
I clicked my tongue inwardly. His wife was Leda, and our ever-lusty Zeus had seduced her, resulting in Helen. From Tyndareus's perspective, it must have been utterly infuriating and humiliating, but as the daughter of the supreme god, he couldn't mistreat her. So he'd raised her as his own all these years.
—Zeus is total trash, isn't he? Kinda like you, Peleus.
—Shut up. I'm not that much of a slave to my lower half. At least I'm serious about women.
—Sure you are. Women only exist in your head for you, so of course you're 'serious.'
—...I'm gonna burn you to ashes soon. Kill you dead.
Anyway, right now, King Tyndareus of Sparta was gathering suitors for his stepdaughter Helen, publicly known as his own flesh and blood. Heroes from kingdoms far and wide had flocked there, including Odysseus himself.
I'd pieced together why he was riding a giant toward Sparta, but I asked anyway to confirm.
"Why are you heading to Sparta, Lord Odysseus?"
"Hoho, you haven't heard? The king of Sparta is seeking a son-in-law. Helen's said to be the most beautiful woman in the world, so even this Odysseus figured he'd try his luck. Hm?"
As he spoke, Odysseus peered intently behind me. Wondering what he was staring at, I saw him nod to himself.
"A girl with beauty rivaling a goddess. In all my days, I've never seen such splendor. No wonder you haven't heard the rumors about Helen, my lord."
He was talking about Atalante. Come to think of it, she was a stunning beauty herself—not a whit inferior to the moon goddess Artemis, to whom she was devoted. Explaining further would just tire my mouth. If I had to list the realm's greatest beauties, Atalante would make the cut alongside Helen.
"This one?"
But since I didn't see her as a woman at all, my reaction was lukewarm. From our first meeting, her ferocity made her seem less like the opposite sex and more like a warrior who'd skewer me naked if provoked. Agamemnon felt the same, thanking her while keeping a subtle distance. Trauma was a scary thing.
"I decline perverts' interest."
Atalante drew a firm line, clearly displeased by Odysseus's gaze. I felt her hand tighten around my waist.
"Your words have been rather harsh lately, haven't they?"
Odysseus snorted in retort.
"I appreciate the interest, but a young girl like you isn't my type. You're tall, sure, but you still reek of childishness. I prefer mature women like Helen. Sorry, but consider yourself rejected by me as of today."
"Hah? You shameless—!"
Atalante was flabbergasted. She whispered in my ear.
"Did I just get dumped by a guy I just met?"
"Seems like it..."
"This is a first in my life!"
"You'll get plenty more ahead."
"What?!"
Atalante was the kind of woman ordinary men couldn't even dream of approaching, so I figured she'd hear "not my type" a lot. Atalante, you'll get rejected by tons of guys without realizing it. Hang in there. (By the way, you're not my type either...)
"But what brings you all toward Sparta? You seem like nobles."
Only then did Agamemnon and Menelaus introduce themselves. Odysseus was astonished they were Mycenaean princes and listened eagerly to their tale.
"I see. So the great king has fallen, and the regent has seized power? What a treacherous ingrate."
Odysseus quickly won over Agamemnon and Menelaus, blending seamlessly into our group. He fed the giant a suitable lie to send it packing, then made a proposal.
Love fulfilled, so off you go...? Come on.
"How about traveling to Sparta together? This Odysseus knows plenty of entertaining tales—you won't be bored. What about the time my father conned the lord of the underworld, Hades?"
I knew his family history well. Odysseus's father was the legendary con artist who even tricked the god of the underworld, and his grandfather was infamous across the lands for theft and deception. Odysseus was their blood's culmination—make an enemy of him, and you'd regret sleeping at night. But as an ally, he seemed decent enough. Traveling together should be fine.
"...I don't like him."
Everyone but Atalante approved, so Odysseus was welcomed aboard with open arms. From then on, Atalante stuck to my back like glue, brimming with wariness. Some people just didn't click by nature, and those two seemed destined for it.
"By the way, how beautiful is Helen, exactly?"
"I'm curious too."
Agamemnon and Menelaus immediately showed interest. Typical guys. But since I wanted them to join the suitors, I didn't interrupt as Odysseus waxed poetic about her beauty.
* * *
"Welcome. I've already heard the sad news about you two princes. Sparta has long been a good friend to Great King Atreus—and his sons as well. In Sparta's name, I bid you welcome."
Arriving in Sparta with Agamemnon and Menelaus, King Tyndareus welcomed us just as history recorded. Politics played a role, no doubt, but he seemed genuinely moved by their status as Atreus's sons. The goodwill and pity in the old king's eyes weren't mere calculation. The princes sensed it too and were deeply touched.
"We are profoundly grateful for Your Highness's kindness."
As the princes bowed, the old king smiled warmly, then turned to me.
"Peleus, prince of Korea, was it?"
"Yes, Your Highness."
"I've heard tales of your valor. The emergence of a young hero like you gladdens an old man like me. You saved the great king from the cannibal giant and now the princes from the regent's clutches. Truly commendable and splendid."
"You overpraise me."
"I'll be watching your future exploits."
The king smiled warmly at me, then clapped, addressing everyone.
"On a day like today, with such talented youths gathering in my court, how could we not hold a feast? Join me—all of you—and let us revel in the wine's aroma."
As the king decreed, a feast began hours later. Not just us, but many heroes staying in the palace attended.
"Look over there, Peleus."
Now chummy with me, Odysseus introduced the new faces from the seat beside mine.
"That's 'Great Ajax'—to distinguish him from the hero 'Little Ajax' with the same name. Then there's Patroclus, Diomedes, Idomeneus..."
The introductions of heroes flowed on. I nodded, pondering how to eliminate these suitors. My goal was to pair Menelaus with Helen and make him king of Sparta. A Spartan King Menelaus would be my staunch ally. With two princes I'd saved—one Mycenaean king, one Spartan—I'd have unbeatable backing.
My mind buzzed with plans to dispatch these formidable suitors.
"Everyone, a moment of attention, please."
As the feast was in full swing, King Tyndareus spoke up. With all eyes—nobles and heroes alike—upon him, the old king stroked his beard.
"This auspicious gathering feels like the perfect opportunity. I've heard most suitors haven't yet laid eyes on the princess. So today, I shall present my beloved daughter to you all."
"Ooooooh!"
"Princess Helen at last!"
Exclamations erupted everywhere. They were all fired up—must've been dying to see Helen. The shrewd old king had timed it perfectly, letting anticipation build. Even these heroes' faces flushed with expectation for the peerless beauty. And Helen wasn't just pretty; she was heir to the Spartan throne. Victory in the courtship war meant kingship.
"Seeing Helen right away is a treat."
Even Odysseus looked eager.
"Is that so?"
"Word was the king gathered suitors but kept Helen hidden. So I delayed my departure on purpose. Unlike the others, I didn't waste away waiting and get to see her immediately."
"Hahaha."
Typical sly fox. Just then, the hall grew uproarious. Helen had finally arrived, accompanied by a throng of handmaidens.
"Behold that noble beauty!"
"Princess Helen!"
Even the renowned heroes and nobles burst into admiration. How incredible was she? With everyone rising from their seats in a frenzy, I craned my neck for a look—and was honestly stunned.
"Gasp."
There stood a woman as if the sun itself personified—radiant and breathtaking. Her flowing golden hair shimmered like sunlight, her sharp nose and flawless features blazed like noon. But it wasn't just her looks; the aura she exuded scattered light in all directions, like the sun itself.
—Beautiful. I don't grasp human senses well, but even I can tell she's beautiful.
Even the Secret Book murmured in quiet admiration. In a blue dress, skin white as marble, adorned with dazzling gold ornaments, the beauty entered like a goddess. Her poise was elegant, her allure extravagantly vivid.
"I'm honored to present my unworthy daughter to you today. She's still lacking in many ways, so please don't judge her too harshly."
At King Tyndareus's humble words, voices of denial rose from all sides.
"Not at all! We've met a goddess in our midst."
"The world's finest bride, without doubt."
"The palace's greatest treasure."
The king chuckled heartily at the flood of praise, clearly pleased. Though not his blood due to Zeus, his expression showed he'd raised Helen with genuine love. He seated his daughter close with affection and asked,
"I'll decide your groom."
"Of course, Father."
Helen seemed the obedient, demure daughter.
"But your opinion matters too. Look upon these suitors. Is there any who catches your eye?"
At King Tyndareus's words, Helen lifted her head and calmly surveyed the room. Everyone, entranced by her beauty, strained for even a glance of eye contact—but I felt a faint unease. Girls of her station, secluded in palaces, were usually shy and awkward around men, regardless of personality, due to their sheltered upbringing.
Yet Helen gazed indifferently, unflinchingly, as lustful stares poured over her. Not an eyebrow twitched.
"...She's not just a pretty princess."
My quiet mutter drew a response from nearby Odysseus.
"I think the same. Helen hides something we don't know. Figuring it out should be fun, no?"
Odysseus didn't seem here just for courtship either. His motives intrigued me. But then, Helen raised her statue-like jade hand, pointing at someone.
"Father, I like that one."
With those words, every gaze in the feast hall converged. I was curious too. Who was this lucky soul to capture the beauty's interest? Whoever it was would earn the envy of every hero here—pity them.
"Hm?"
Yet for some reason, many heroes were glaring at me. With heated, furious, irritated expressions. Even Agamemnon, who idolized me as his lifesaver, looked sour. Wondering why, I realized Helen's delicate finger pointed straight at me.
"Father, I like that prince from a foreign land."