Seeing the conflict on the verge of erupting, Rhea broke into a cold sweat, completely at a loss as to how she could persuade her three equally stubborn children.
At that critical moment, Gaia’s voice suddenly echoed in her ears.
“My dear daughter, Rhea, do not worry so much.
Go and seek out your child, Poseidon.
Perhaps he is the only one capable of resolving this deadlock.” Lady Gaia!
The Earth Mother’s voice instantly lifted Rhea’s spirits.
She hurriedly responded in her heart.
“Lady Gaia!
But Poseidon… he doesn’t seem to have any intention of involving himself in this matter…” “It does not matter.
He is a child favored by the sea, one whom even I cannot guide.
His choices and his will may themselves become the fulcrum that alters prophecy.
Go to him.
The scales of victory may tip in an unexpected direction because of his decision.” As quietly as it had appeared, Gaia’s voice faded away.
“I understand, Lady Gaia!” Rhea felt as though she had found a guiding light.
Without another moment’s hesitation, she hurried toward Poseidon.
The closer she drew, the more clearly she could sense the unique aura surrounding him.
Fresh.
Free.
Profound.
And beneath it all rested an immeasurable, majestic power.
That presence was purer and richer than that of any sea deity she had ever encountered.
It was as though the figure standing before her wasn’t merely a newborn god… …but the ocean itself walking the earth with a will of its own.
This child is destined to become the true ruler of all waters… the King of Every Sea.
Suppressing the shock in her heart, Rhea assumed the gentle demeanor of a loving mother and spoke softly.
“Poseidon, my child… I know that as your mother, I was never able to raise you, nor could I protect you when you needed me most.” “And now, after meeting you for the very first time, I come before you to ask a favor… one that may very well make you unhappy.” Sincere concern filled her emerald eyes.
“But I still beg you… please help persuade your brothers and sister.” “You know better than anyone that fighting among ourselves at a time like this serves no purpose.” “Kronos remains our greatest threat.
His army could descend upon us at any moment.” “We must unite all our strength and face our true enemy together.” One look at Rhea’s hesitant expression was enough for Poseidon to understand everything.
Just as I thought… she came looking for me.
Honestly, he found the whole matter incredibly troublesome.
If he got involved, Hera would almost certainly complain about him afterward.
That gloomy fellow Hades would probably remember it and secretly hold it against him.
As for Zeus… Poseidon still wasn’t entirely sure what kind of personality this world’s Zeus possessed.
But if he had inherited the pettiness and vindictiveness of the Zeus from the original myths… That would be another headache waiting to happen.
His reluctance was practically written all over his face, his brows knitting tightly together.
Seeing his expression, Rhea became even more anxious.
The pleading in her eyes almost became tangible.
Unable to watch any longer, Hestia stepped forward.
Although she was still considering how to find an opportunity to “stab” that rather unlikable blond younger brother later, she wasn’t heartless enough to ignore her birth mother’s earnest plea.
“Poseidon… Mother is right.” “If necessary, I’ll go speak with Hera.” “She’ll at least listen to some of what I have to say.” Demeter folded her arms and nodded in agreement.
“If Hestia is handling Hera, then leave Hades to me.” “You know how easy it is for me to deal with that stubborn, self-important younger brother.” She leaned closer, lowered her voice, and said something astonishing in the same gentle tone she always used.
“Besides… if talking doesn’t work, we can always knock Hades and Zeus unconscious from behind.” “As for Hera… she’s actually quite reasonable.
As long as you soothe her pride properly, she’ll negotiate.” Listening to Demeter’s remarkably straightforward solution, then glancing at the utterly stunned Rhea, Poseidon let out a long, helpless sigh.
“Sigh…” “My dear sisters… please spare me.” “You can keep thoughts like that to yourselves.” “I haven’t reached the point of actually doing it.” “…Eh?” “You’re not going to do it?” Poseidon helplessly patted Demeter’s shoulder.
She blinked in surprise, genuine disappointment appearing on her face.
At the same time, he reached over and gently stopped Hestia, who had already begun secretly gathering Sacred Fire nearby.
It wasn’t that he particularly wanted to help Zeus.
He simply realized that Demeter and Hestia genuinely wanted to help Rhea smooth things over.
Of course… He also saw through the fact that the two sisters were probably planning to use the excuse of “mediating” to lure Hera and Hades away… …so they could resume the familiar “big sister” dynamic the four of them had developed inside Kronos’s stomach.
“Sigh…” “In that case, I’ll give it a try.” “But I have one condition.” “Name it, my child!” “So long as your mother can fulfill it, I promise I will.” Rhea nodded eagerly, overjoyed.
“In my opinion…” “That brat Zeus is incredibly petty.” “Beating him up would be easy.” “The troublesome part is if he holds a grudge afterward and keeps pestering me.” “If that happens, you’ll be responsible for stopping him.” Poseidon spread his hands, wearing an expression that plainly said: I really don’t want unnecessary trouble.
“Agreed!” “I promise you.” “I won’t allow Zeus to trouble you over this.” Rhea nodded without the slightest hesitation.
As long as Poseidon was willing to step in, she and Metis were confident they could calm Zeus afterward and prevent any resentment from escalating.
Besides, in her eyes, Zeus wasn’t an unreasonable child by nature.
Seeing how readily Rhea had agreed, Poseidon finally stopped stalling.
He casually brushed back the sea-blue bangs hanging over his forehead.
Stretching lazily, he strode directly toward the center of the confrontation, where divine power continued to rage.
“Hey.” “I’ve got to ask…” “Haven’t you all played around enough?” Poseidon’s lazy voice cut through the oppressive atmosphere with startling ease.
With both hands tucked into his pockets, he walked straight between Hera, Hades, and Zeus, casually glancing from one to the other.
“We’re gods.” “Not street thugs.” “Making such a spectacle over who gets to be leader…” “Aren’t you worried those Titans watching from the sidelines are laughing at you?” “Where did this idiot come from?” Hera shot him an irritated glare.
“Is this really the time for you to interrupt?” “I don’t know exactly what you mean by ‘street thug,'” Hades said calmly, “but Poseidon… are you stepping in because you also intend to compete for leadership?” Faced with their equally prickly responses, Poseidon waved a hand dismissively.
“Hades.” “When have you ever seen me interested in meddling with this sort of troublesome business?” “I’ve always preferred living freely.” “A position that demands endless responsibility and work…” “…is only attractive to someone as rigid as you.” “Hmph.” “That’s true.” “You’ve always been like this—even back when we were trapped inside Kronos’s stomach.” Hades snorted.
“But when you were busy giving me ridiculous nicknames back then…” “You certainly didn’t seem all that devoted to your precious freedom.”