“Enough, little Poseidon.
Go stand over there and behave.
Leave this sort of troublesome matter to your big sisters.” Poseidon simply rolled his eyes at Hera’s attempt to sound mature.
He knew her far too well.
“Hera, you’re smarter than this.
Don’t let your pride cloud your judgment.” “Even if you overpower Hades today and force Zeus to lower his head, what happens afterward?” He pointed toward the Titans and Zeus’s followers gathered around them, each wearing a different expression.
“Look around.
That blond little brother was chosen from the very beginning.
Rhea supports him, and the red-haired Metis beside him is clearly an exceptional strategist who has no intention of leaving his side.” “Many of the gods gathered here came because of Rhea—and because of the ‘Zeus of Prophecy.'” “If you force your way into the leadership today without proper justification or legitimacy, do you really think these people will wholeheartedly accept you?” “When internal divisions begin to surface while Kronos watches from the outside like a tiger stalking its prey, how are we supposed to fight this war?” Of course Hera understood that logic.
It was simply her pride that refused to accept this blond younger brother who had suddenly appeared with the air of someone “chosen by destiny.” She could accept her other siblings as equals.
But Zeus… Instinctively, she rejected the idea of him standing above her.
Sensing both Hera’s frustration and Poseidon’s evaluation of Zeus, Hades released another surge of icy divine power that pressed directly toward Poseidon.
“Poseidon… what exactly are you implying?” “Are you suggesting that we lower our heads to this child?” Poseidon remained perfectly calm.
A layer of azure water shimmered around him, effortlessly dissolving the pressure Hades exerted.
“Let me finish.” “You two are even more impatient than I am.” His gaze swept across Hera and Hades before briefly landing on Zeus, whose expression had relaxed slightly despite remaining vigilant.
Then he calmly proposed his solution.
“My point is simple.” “Since none of us is willing to submit to anyone else right now, forcing a leader upon everyone will only plant the seeds of an even greater disaster.” “So why not do things another way?” He deliberately raised his voice so everyone inside the tent could hear.
“Using this camp as our base, each of us—including Zeus—will set out and recruit the Titan gods and every other force that is either still undecided or already considering rebelling against Kronos.” “Whether you persuade them through strength, reason, diplomacy, or favors doesn’t matter.” “The methods are up to each individual.” “In the end…” “…whoever gathers the greatest number of supporters, commands the strongest military force, and earns the broadest recognition…” Poseidon spread his hands with a casual shrug.
“…will naturally become the undisputed leader of this alliance.” “What do you think?” As soon as the proposal was voiced, murmurs spread throughout the tent.
Hades and Hera both fell silent.
The idea wasn’t bad.
It prevented an all-out confrontation now while giving everyone a legitimate opportunity to demonstrate their own abilities and expand their influence.
Although Zeus currently enjoyed the advantages of prophecy and Rhea’s support, Poseidon was right.
Even if they defeated Zeus by force today, it wouldn’t change the fact that many gods had gathered here specifically because of Rhea and the prophecy surrounding Zeus.
Competing openly would produce a far cleaner result.
When it came to recruiting allies and demonstrating strength… Neither Hades nor Hera believed they would lose.
Just as the two exchanged glances, clearly considering the proposal, Zeus—who had silently endured the pressure until now—finally panicked.
“W-Wait!” “This isn’t fair!” “Brother’s proposal sounds fair on the surface, but in reality it puts me at a disadvantage!
I—” “Zeus.” Before he could continue, Metis gently interrupted him.
“Metis!
What are you doing?” “My older siblings are obviously trying to push me aside!
How is that fair?” Zeus looked at his most trusted adviser in confusion and frustration.
Metis didn’t release him.
Instead, she held him firmly, gently patting his back before turning toward Poseidon.
“Eldest Brother… do you mean that every one of Zeus’s siblings—including yourself—will participate in this competition?” Poseidon rubbed his chin.
Although he clearly found the idea troublesome, he still nodded.
“More or less.” “I’m not particularly interested myself, but if we’re going to compete, then everyone should participate.” “That way no one has anything to complain about.” “Very well.” “We accept this proposal.” “…What?!” “Metis!” Without the slightest hesitation, Metis agreed.
Zeus stared at her in disbelief.
He tried to pull away, but she simply held him more firmly.
“Shh…” “Trust me, Zeus.” “This is actually to our advantage.” “Rather than pushing us aside, Poseidon has given us a legitimate opportunity.” Without giving Zeus another chance to argue publicly, she nodded once more toward Poseidon, Hera, and Hades before leading the still-bewildered Zeus away from the center of the confrontation.
Once they reached a quieter part of the camp, Metis raised a barrier that blocked both sound and outside perception.
She then guided the still-frustrated Zeus to sit down.
“Zeus.” “Don’t be so quick to lose your temper.” “Think carefully.” “You’ve witnessed the strength of your brother and sister with your own eyes.” “They are by no means weaker than you, are they?” Kneeling before him, Metis looked up with calm, intelligent eyes as her crimson hair flowed over her shoulders.
Zeus hesitated.
Though his pride resisted admitting it, he could only nod reluctantly.
“…Mm.” “Exactly.” “Even with Lady Rhea’s support and the prophecy in your favor, if an open conflict truly erupts between you, Hades, and Hera, then regardless of who wins, this newly formed alliance will inevitably become unstable—or even split apart.” “The Titans respect strength and results.” “Your father, Kronos, only earned their recognition after overthrowing Uranus through his own power.” “If things truly come to blows…” “Can you honestly say you’re certain you’ll overwhelm them?” Zeus fell silent.
He couldn’t.
Hades’s unpredictable fighting style and Hera’s overwhelming mastery of magic had both left a deep impression on him.
Not to mention Poseidon… That monster was even stronger and still refused to reveal where he truly stood.
Then there were Demeter and Hestia, who looked gentle but were clearly not easy opponents either.
“…No.” “I can’t say that with complete confidence.” Zeus slowly admitted it, unconsciously clenching his fists.
Metis gently took one of his hands.
“Exactly.” “If conflict breaks out, even victory will damage the trust and prestige you’ve worked so hard to build.” “But if everyone follows Poseidon’s proposal…” “…the situation changes completely.” “It appears to be a competition.” “In reality, it’s an opportunity to unite every faction.” “By proving your ability to gather allies, you’ll earn the right to lead them legitimately—including your siblings.” As Metis calmly explained everything, Zeus gradually relaxed.
The anger faded from his eyes, replaced by thoughtful consideration.
She was right.
When it came to winning people over and building alliances… He had complete confidence.
Hades was cold and withdrawn.
Hera was proud and quick-tempered.
Poseidon hated responsibility.
Demeter and Hestia seemed largely uninterested in power.
If he could gather the largest faction during this competition… Then the position of leader would naturally become unshakable.
More importantly… If he could truly earn the support of these powerful siblings, the strength of his future alliance would increase dramatically.
“You’re right, Metis.” “I was too impatient.” “I failed to see what truly mattered.” “This proposal really does work in my favor.” “And afterward, even Brother Hades and Sister Hera will have nothing to complain about.” “They’ll simply have to rely on their own abilities.” Zeus finally let out a long breath.
A confident smile slowly returned to his face.
“That’s more like it.” Metis smiled warmly.
“It seems the wisdom clouded by your anger has finally returned.” “Metis!” “My wisdom never disappeared!” “I was just angry for a moment!” Zeus couldn’t help but protest.
He looked at Metis kneeling before him, her eyes filled with his reflection, her face where Wisdom and beauty coexisted, her cheeks slightly flushed from the urgent persuasion just now, and her lips so close, emitting an alluring fragrance… His Adam’s apple bobbed.
As usual, for him the best way to vent pressure, celebrate victory, or express joy was none other than this.
He took the opportunity to push Metis, who was in his arms, down onto the couch.
“Ah!” Soon the sounds hidden under the soundproofing barrier echoed throughout the night in a corner of the tent.