Who Would've Thought I'd See Prometheus in Person
A chill ran down my spine at the pitiful sight of this divine being. If his intent was to shake me up, it had worked all too well. Crack, crunch, crunch. A massive eagle, its beak and face smeared with blood, was mercilessly ripping into Prometheus's guts. The titan's enormous body twitched in agony with every tear.
To suffer such a wretched fate for giving fire to humanity... And Zeus, that bastard. He'd said he was moving me somewhere for a talk, but he brought me here?
"This doesn't seem like the ideal spot for a conversation..."
Without a word in response, Zeus pointed at Prometheus, nailed to the cliffside of the mountain.
"A conversation gains true depth when conducted before a lesson."
I flinched inwardly. It was blatant intimidation. When it came to Artemis, I had plenty of my own guilt to prick at me. I'd played a part in her miserable downfall, so there was no way things would be comfortable with her father.
"It'll be an enlightening talk."
"Is that so?"
"Conversations reveal much about a person. Hephaestus gauges metal by striking it, discerning bronze from brass or iron even with his eyes closed, just from the ring. I lack such skill, but I have a knack for reading people through words."
"Then it'll be enlightening for me as well."
"How so?"
"Because this lowly one will learn about Olympus's king of the gods."
"What? Kuhahaha! A mortal presuming to fathom a god? Truly arrogant."
His words said one thing, but he didn't seem offended. Instead, he stroked his white beard and nodded slightly, as if understanding.
"That temperament must be why you clashed with Artemis without fear. But it also means defying a god's will. I've grasped much of what you've done so far—some from my own eyes, some from rumors. Especially stirring division between Artemis's and Apollo's cults in Sparta. That went too far."
"I can only beg your forgiveness."
Instead of answering, Zeus pointed at the writhing Prometheus.
"Do you know why Prometheus endures such harsh punishment?"
"...For giving fire to humanity."
"That's not what I wanted. But he deceived me and stole fire from his sister Hestia's hearth to give to mortals. In the end, humans gained power and grew arrogant."
One fact stood out: Zeus clearly had no intention of granting fire to the current iron race of humans. Perhaps, like the previous generations of gold, silver, and bronze races, he didn't want this humanity to grow strong?
"Prometheus placed humans above the gods' will. He didn't hesitate to deceive for it. But that's defying the natural order. Gods are the foundation of the world; humans exist by divine aid and care. How can one ignore precedence and prioritize mortals?"
Zeus fixed me with a chilling gaze. I couldn't even swallow dryly.
"Are you, too, defying the order for humanity's sake?"
"Why do you ask?"
"Your actions raise suspicions. Peleus, haven't you sought to best the gods rather than obey them?"
"Absolutely not. Though I profited from the cults' clash in Sparta, it was for Iris's sake. And after subduing the Three-Headed Pirate Fleet at sea, I offered tribute to Lord Triton in thanks. How, then, can you call me arrogant for defying the gods' will?"
"Truly not?"
"Yes. The friction with Lady Artemis was unfortunate, but it was mere political conflict, not mortal hubris against a god. I am loyal to Olympus's gods, especially upholding Iris and Triton."
"Hmmm..."
As Zeus eyed me suspiciously, I quickly added another faith.
"And I worship Lady Hestia with all my heart."
At Hestia's name, Zeus flinched. For some reason, he held his sister in awe. That's why Prometheus stole fire specifically from her hearth. There were other sources, like Hephaestus's forge or Apollo's flame chariot. Because of that theft, she became guardian of the household hearth too, and Zeus had no choice but to acknowledge it.
"Is that so? But what of me? Even bestowed power upon you."
Zeus pointed at himself with a finger.
"My apologies. Olympus has many gods, but a mortal's faith is but a firefly's glow. It must be the myriad clusters that illuminate the divine throne. The king of gods' seat won't lack without the likes of me."
"Your words flow smooth as water. Hmph!"
"I merely speak truth. Lies are like snowballs—they grow larger when rolled. Thus, I dare not utter even small falsehoods before the king of gods."
Zeus's face soured at my fluent response. He wanted to press further but found no opening. Somehow, the more we talked, the clearer his personality became. It seemed I was the one peering into a being's essence through words.
"Fine. I'll believe you, since you say so."
Uttering insincere words, Zeus brought up another topic.
"Never forget this mindset. The moment you grow arrogant and believe humans above gods, ruin follows. Once, there was a hero called the world's greatest. But under the guise of aiding humanity, he defied propriety. He earned my curse, fell to Hades's realm, and now endures eternal sorrow in an undying body. Heed yourself well—that's the end for mortals who defy the world."
"I'll engrave your words in my heart with fear."
Zeus nodded and gestured to the vast world below the high mountain.
"Behold that broad land. It's the world gods permitted you. Rampage there as you will—slay monsters, become a hero, embrace the beauties of ten kingdoms. Princesses or nymphs, take what pleases you."
Zeus stared at me intently before concluding.
"Upon closer look, you're surely not my son, Peleus. But if needed, claim to be the king of gods' bloodkin. This means I personally affirm your status as bearing divine nobility."
This was a massive privilege—like a king suddenly declaring you could call yourself prince. It meant he recognized me as a useful hero to exploit. After all the grilling, he dangled a carrot. Or maybe the threats were just to prime this carrot.
"How could I claim to be the king of gods' son?"
"You may. I'll issue an oracle at my temples, so from today, the world will know you as the king of gods' son."
This elevated my status enormously. People had wondered before, but now the king himself acknowledged me as son. In this mythic world, it was like gaining high nobility. Nymphs, centaurs, cyclopes—no mythic race would dare treat me lightly now. They'd show respect befitting the king of gods' son.
"I'm at a loss for such undeserved grace."
"But that's the limit of what I can permit. Regarding Artemis, you've acted dangerously. A mortal leading a god's downfall is unprecedented. You deserve Tartarus too, like Sisyphus who dared deceive a god."
As Zeus spoke, an unfamiliar voice echoed in my head.
What the hell? At first, I thought it was the Secret Book and glanced at it. But it denied it, extending a tentacle toward Prometheus nailed to the cliff.
"Really?"
Who knew Prometheus would secretly speak to me. I glanced at Zeus—he was droning on like an old fogey, repeating warnings about my mindset. Pretending to listen intently, I replied to Prometheus.
Prometheus gazed down at me silently for a moment. Even the relentless pain couldn't interrupt then. His massive eyes held profound depth, brimming with divine wisdom. Something unfathomably vast emanated from them.
I feigned ignorance, but inwardly I was shaken. Did Prometheus know of the secret god? But that existence was erased from this world. How?
Ah! One fact surfaced. Originally, Prometheus wasn't meant to end up nailed here—but he provoked Zeus with a prophecy that the king would follow his father's path. That's why the liver-pecking eagle was added. Yet the forbidden tome said he didn't regret it, as his words instilled fear of the future in Zeus.
Zeus's nagging was winding down. After brief thought, I agreed and turned from Prometheus. No need to arouse suspicion.
"Peleus, may wisdom ever guide you."
"Lord Zeus, I'll engrave today's words and stray not from propriety."
"Good."
Zeus had brought me to this Caucasus Mountain, wielding both carrot and stick. Warning I'd be crushed if I forgot my place, yet rewarding with son-status to lure me. I'd gladly meet his expectations from now on.
Perfect—whenever I stir trouble, I'll borrow this great father's name. He expects it to boost his fame, but it'll only heighten my infamy.
Zeus dropped me at Naxos Village and departed for Olympus's palace. The day's events left me dazed. Weeks of peace followed on the island.
"Fine weather—time to head back."
Ideal for sailing. Naxos Village boomed unexpectedly. Merchant ships I'd summoned for the Amazons arrived one after another.
"Peleus, we deeply thank you for aiding the Amazons."
Thanks to guiding them to Iris, Queen Penthesilea's face beamed. Artemis's disappearance had fully eased her worries. She'd initially refused to believe the goddess had plummeted, but Iris's oracle left no choice. Still, astonishment lingered.
"All thanks to you, Peleus."
"Your words humble me deeply."
Penthesilea's bright face turned cautious as she asked:
"What of Hippolyte? No intent to shield her after her grave sin, but as sister, I worry. She's yours now. With beauty like a goddess, why not keep her close and mend grudges? I'll speak for you. Wild though she is, once tamed, she'll be lovable."
Trying to pair us off. Tempting for a queen. Forgiving Hippolyte's assault, plus binding me to Amazons.
Sorry, Penthesilea, but no mercy for my attacker.
"I'll answer. I'll keep her, but not in my bed—in my vinesyard. She'll labor there to atone. Fail the term, and no return home."
Regret crossed Penthesilea's face, but she accepted without protest. Still concerned for her sister, she asked again.
"Then managing the vinesyard for you?"
"Manage?"
What nonsense. Newcomers start at the bottom.
"Plenty of dung carriers short at the vinesyard. I'll have her haul dung to her heart's content."
The dignified queen's composure cracked, mouth agape.
"Dung carrier?"