When they returned to the Private Chambers, the corridor was deathly quiet.
Diana gently pushed open the door and carried Arthas into the room filled with the scent of lavender.
She even slowed her breathing, afraid of disturbing this little hero who had exhausted himself into a deep sleep.
As she placed him on the soft, large bed, Diana’s movements were more careful than if she were holding the most fragile crystal.
She slowly withdrew her arm, straightened up, and let out a long sigh.
Looking at Arthas’s peaceful sleeping face nestled in the pillow, she couldn’t help but reach out to brush away that messy strand of hair from his forehead.
Just as her fingertip touched Arthas’s forehead…
Something unexpected happened.
The little guy, who should have been deep in dreamland, suddenly and suspiciously fluttered his eyelids.
Immediately after, the corners of his mouth uncontrollably lifted into a tiny smile.
Though he quickly tried to suppress it, that momentary lapse in expression control was full of holes for a top-tier warrior like Diana.
Diana’s finger froze in mid-air.
Her blue eyes, once full of affection, narrowed slightly.
The tenderness in her gaze was gradually replaced by a teasing look that said, ‘Oh, you little faker.’ Playing asleep, are we?
Enjoying Her Highness’s service, was it comfortable?
You even dare to trick me!
Diana didn’t expose him immediately.
A mischievous smile also curled at the corner of her lips—a smile with a hint of prank only her closest would see.
She slowly withdrew her hand and instead reached for the sensitive, ticklish flesh at Arthas’s side.
Just as Arthas thought the warm hand was leaving and was secretly celebrating the success of his ‘playing dead’ tactic…
“Ah!” “This little piggy seems to be sleeping soundly,” Diana said in an exaggerated tone, deliberately raising her voice as if talking to herself.
“Looks like he’s truly worn out.” “In that case, I’ll help him ‘relax’ with a full-body massage.” No sooner had she spoken than her ten fingers, like a nimble pianist’s, landed unerringly on Arthas’s ticklish spots.
“Pfft—hahahaha!” Arthas couldn’t pretend any longer.
He sprang up from the bed like a live fish tossed ashore.
That ticklish sensation broke his act instantly, making him curl into a ball and roll around on the bed.
“Sister!
Sister, have mercy!” “I was wrong!
I won’t pretend anymore!” “Hahaha, so ticklish!
Don’t tickle there!” He pleaded for mercy while trying to block Diana’s attacks with his hands.
But how could he possibly block her?
Diana was now treating him like an oversized plush toy to play with.
Tickling him, she scolded laughingly: “You little rascal!
You’ve got some nerve!” “You even dare to trick me!” “I think you’re getting cocky after beating Antiope just now, aren’t you?” “Just you wait, I’ll teach you a lesson!” The room was instantly filled with joyful laughter and playful fighting.
Pillows were thrown everywhere, and the blanket was tangled into a mess.
Although Arthas was a god, he was utterly defenseless against this most primal form of tickle attack.
He laughed until tears nearly streamed down his face, his little face flushed red.
Finally out of strength, he could only cling to Diana’s arm like an octopus, burying his face in her sleeve and rubbing against it.
“Sister, I was really wrong…” “It’s just that it was too comfortable in your arms, I didn’t want to get up…” “Please forgive me this once, okay?” He looked up at Diana with those big, watery eyes, unleashing his ultimate move—acting cute.
This move was practically foolproof against Diana.
Seeing his pitiful, slightly coquettish little expression, how could Diana stay angry?
“You…” Diana helplessly tapped his forehead, the smile in her eyes impossible to hide.
“Don’t ever trick me like this again, understand?” “If you dare pretend like this again, I’ll throw you into the sea to feed the sharks.” Though she spoke the harshest words, her actions were extremely gentle as she smoothed Arthas’s messy hair and straightened his clothes.
That intimate, barrier-free sibling affection felt particularly warm and cozy on this sunny afternoon.
Just as the two were having fun, a respectful voice of a handmaiden suddenly came from outside the door.
“Your Highness.” “Her Majesty the Queen has ordered that His Highness Arthas come to her study.” Hearing the word “Queen,” the playful noise in the room came to an abrupt halt.
Diana and Arthas exchanged a glance.
The relaxed atmosphere receded somewhat.
“So soon?” Diana mumbled, somewhat puzzled.
“Could there be news from Asgard?” She turned to look at Arthas, helping him straighten the last bit of his collar.
“Let’s go.
Since Mother is calling you, it must be important.” “But don’t be afraid, I’ll be right there with you.” Arthas obediently nodded, jumped off the bed, and put on his little leather boots.
Though he had just been acting cute and rolling around, upon hearing he was to meet the imposing Queen, he instantly switched back to his well-behaved, sensible little prince mode.
The speed of this change made Diana can’t help but think, ‘Little drama queen.’ The two walked through the long corridor and arrived at Hippolyta’s private study.
It wasn’t as opulent and intimidating as the palace throne room.
Instead, it was arranged very elegantly and comfortably.
Shelves lining the walls were filled with ancient parchment scrolls and books; the air carried a faint scent of ink and sandalwood.
Hippolyta wasn’t sitting behind the desk symbolizing power.
Rather, she was sitting on a lounge chair with soft cushions, holding a book.
Today, she wasn’t wearing her imposing golden armor.
Instead, she had changed into a loose, white silk robe, her long hair casually tied up at the back.
She looked less like a domineering queen and more intellectual and graceful.
Hearing footsteps, she put down her book and looked up.
“Sister!
Sister!” Before Diana could even bow, Arthas had already trotted over on his little legs.
He completely bypassed all the cumbersome formalities, even omitting the title “Your Majesty.” The crisp calls of “Sister” rolled off his tongue naturally and smoothly.
As if Hippolyta wasn’t the ruler of a nation, but just a big sister from next door.
“Have you contacted my father?” He looked up at Hippolyta, his face full of anticipation.
Standing behind him, Diana couldn’t help but twitch the corner of her mouth upon hearing this address.
This kid…
he’s really gotten used to calling her that.
That’s a queen several thousand years old!
You’re mixing up the generations here!
But…
looking at Mother’s expression, she doesn’t seem to mind?
Indeed.
Hippolyta’s face, usually always composed, showed no displeasure at this moment.
In fact, upon hearing that “Sister,” an uncontrollable hint of a smile appeared at the corners of her eyes and brows.
For any woman, even a several-thousand-year-old demigoddess queen, being sincerely complimented as young and called “sister,” especially by such an adorably rule-breaking little boy, was an absolute delight, both physically and mentally.
This kind of emotional value, even the most skilled flatterer couldn’t provide.
Though Hippolyta maintained a calm and indifferent expression on the surface, inwardly she was overjoyed.
This little mouth is truly like it’s been smeared with honey.
How did that old fossil Odin manage to have a son like this?
If only Diana could be this sweet…
she silently complained about her own daughter, then gestured for Arthas to come closer.
“Not that fast yet,” Hippolyta’s voice was much gentler, lacking the oppressive force from the throne room.
“The Magical Communication Array is still being adjusted.” “After all, communication across the Nine Realms is no small matter.
Even for us, it takes some time to calibrate the coordinates.” “Barring any issues, we should be able to contact Asgard in a day or two.” Seeing a flicker of disappointment on Arthas’s little face, Hippolyta smiled slightly.
She reached out and gently patted Arthas’s shoulder, as if comforting a child who didn’t get candy.
“Don’t worry, your father must be anxious too.” “Once we make contact, he will surely come to get you immediately.” “However…” She changed the subject, her gaze becoming slightly more serious.
“I called you here today not for that matter.” “It’s about your performance earlier in the Arena.” Hearing this, Arthas immediately straightened his back.
It was the posture of an elementary school student waiting for the teacher’s praise.
“Excellent,” Hippolyta didn’t spare her praise.
“Truly excellent.” “At seven years old, defeating my most capable general, Antiope.” “This isn’t just a matter of talent; it’s a reflection of courage and wisdom.” “I saw everything from above.” “Every move you made, every counterattack, impressed me deeply.” Arthas’s face flushed slightly, and he scratched his head sheepishly.
“Thank you for the praise, Sister…” “Actually…
it was also because Antiope…
uh, Sister, she went easy on me.” “And I was lucky too.” “Luck is also part of one’s strength,” Hippolyta shook her head, then pointed out the key issue.
“However, I also noticed something.” “Although your power is strong, even terrifying,” “your control over Divine Power is still too rough.” “Like a child holding a divine sword, only able to swing it wildly.” “You’re entirely relying on instinct and physical prowess to push through.” “Of course, that’s perfectly normal.” She looked into Arthas’s eyes, her tone carrying a hint of amazement.
“After all, according to Diana, you’ve only awakened your Divine Power for less than two days.” “In just two days, you’ve managed to self-teach and apply Divine Power to this extent.” “Not only can you channel it into your weapon, but you can also materialize Wings of Light.” “In my thousands of years, I’ve never heard of any god with such talent.” “Not even Hercules, Zeus’s illegitimate son from back in the day, was this exaggerated.” Here, Hippolyta paused slightly.
She observed Arthas’s expression, then presented the “bait” she had long prepared.
“Therefore,” “I believe I have both the responsibility and the interest” “to teach you some real techniques regarding the application of Divine Power.” “Although Amazon is not as powerful as Asgard, we have our own unique heritage when it comes to the study and application of Divine Power.” “Especially regarding the fine control of power and the perfect fusion of Divine Power with martial arts.” “I believe this is precisely what you lack most right now.” She leaned forward slightly, her gaze sincere and enticing.
“Consider it our Paradise Island establishing a friendly bond with Asgard.” “Are you willing?” The air grew quiet for a few seconds.
Arthas didn’t agree immediately.
He instinctively turned his head to glance at Diana beside him.
Diana was also looking at him, a bit surprised but mostly encouraging.
As if saying, “This is a good thing, say yes!” But inside Arthas’s little head, thoughts were racing.
It was the “Art of Rulership” Odin had instilled in him since childhood.
Father had said there’s no such thing as a free lunch in this world.
Especially in political matters.
Every gift has its price clearly marked.
Although Sister Queen is beautiful and treats me well, she is still a queen.
Why does she want to teach me?
Just because she likes me?
Or just to establish friendly relations?
An ordinary child might think so.
But Arthas understood clearly.
Hippolyta wasn’t just teaching him; she was making an “investment” in him.
Accepting this instruction meant owing a huge favor.
This favor will have to be repaid in the future.
And it’s very likely that it will be repaid with Asgard’s interests.
I’m still young.
Although I have great talent, I have nothing to give to Elder Sister Queen.
So her goal must be my father behind me, it must be Asgard.
If I refuse, it’s actually no big deal.
After all, once I return, Father King can definitely teach me, perhaps even teach me better.
Asgard isn’t short on teachers.
This is a very rational judgment.
According to political logic, he should politely decline, or at least say he needs to ask Father King first.
But.
Arthas looked into Hippolyta’s purple eyes, which held a smile and anticipation.
Then he glanced at Diana beside him, her face full of genuine excitement and happiness for him.
Another voice suddenly emerged in his heart.
But…
some things can’t be considered only from a political perspective.
If it were someone else, forget it.
But this is Elder Sister Diana’s mother, it’s Elder Sister Hippolyta.
She truly wants to teach me, and I genuinely like it here.
Father King also said that a true strong person must possess a heart as vast as the ocean, embracing all rivers.
Learning more things is never a bad idea.
Besides, getting to spend more time with such a beautiful elder sister is also a win!
Moreover, since Father King is so powerful, what’s the big deal about owing a favor?
Can’t he repay it?
This is what they call diplomacy!
Having figured this out, the trace of hesitation on Arthas’s face instantly vanished.
He lifted his head and revealed a big, guileless smile.
“I’m willing!
Of course, I’m willing!” He agreed immediately, his voice crisp and pleasant.
“To receive personal instruction from Elder Sister Queen is Arthas’s honor!” “No problem!
I’ll be troubling you, Elder Sister, in the coming days!” He even bowed respectfully, imitating the proper gesture.
This straightforward and obedient demeanor once again amused Hippolyta.
The smile on her face became more genuine and radiant.
So clever.
This little guy, that look in his eyes just now, he was clearly weighing the pros and cons.
But he still agreed.
Whether it’s due to confidence or because of his fondness for me as an elder sister.
This first step has been successfully taken.
Hippolyta looked at the innocent little boy in front of her.
The political calculations in her mind were clicking away.
Arthas, ah, Arthas.
You’d never imagine.
My goal isn’t merely Asgard as an ally.
What I truly want to bind is you, the person.
A child who carries the aura of the Goddess of Beauty, the bloodline of Odin, and who can make Diana care so much.
To make you one of Paradise Island’s ‘own people’.
Even…
to become Diana’s most solid support in the future.
This is my ultimate goal.
Children make choices; adults, of course, want it all.
This gentle ambition was perfectly hidden deep within her beautiful eyes.
“Then…
Mother.” Seeing the matter settled, Diana spoke up.
“Since you are going to teach Arthas,” “should I take my leave?” “After all, this is an advanced course on Divine Power.
It might not be appropriate for me to be here…” Although she said this, her eyes clearly revealed a hint of envy and disappointment.
She wanted to learn too.
She had yearned for power since childhood, longing to be as strong as the Queen Mother and her aunt.
But every time, the Queen Mother only had her practice basic swordsmanship, never willing to teach her the truly core things.
She always thought it was because she wasn’t strong enough, or the time wasn’t right.
Now, even an outsider little brother could learn, while she, the biological daughter, had to leave.
It made her feel a bit sour inside.
Seeing her daughter’s conflicted expression, Hippolyta sighed inwardly.
The time has come.
Since that ‘variable’ has arrived.
The lie she had carefully guarded all along, that fairy tale about the ‘clay doll’.
It is also time to be shattered.
“No need.” Hippolyta called out to Diana, who was about to turn and leave.
“You stay too.” “I’ll teach you both.” These simple three words struck Diana like a thunderbolt.
She spun around sharply, eyes wide, pointing at herself in disbelief.
“Me?!” “I’m learning too?!” “But…
but this is a Divine Power course!” “Do I…
do I even have Divine Power?” That question that had troubled her for over a decade was finally voiced.
“Aren’t I…
just a mortal made of clay?” Hippolyta looked at her daughter’s eyes, filled with both excitement and apprehension.
She did not evade or fabricate stories as she had done before.
She stood up, walked over to Diana, reached out, and gently stroked her daughter’s young, vibrant face.
“Silly child.” “Haven’t you already sensed it?” “Your strength far beyond ordinary people, your speed, your seemingly inexhaustible energy.” “Do you truly believe a lump of clay could achieve all this?” Her voice was soft, yet each word struck heavily on Diana’s heart.
“You are not a mortal.” “And you were never a clay doll.” “That story was only to protect you.” “But now…” She glanced at Arthas, who was blinking his big eyes curiously, watching the drama unfold.
“I think it’s time for you to grow up.” Diana felt her breath almost stop.
Her heart pounded violently in her chest.
It felt as if the truth she had been kept in the dark about was finally about to be unveiled.
That subversion of her self-perception made her feel dizzy, but more than that, it was ecstatic.
I have Divine Power!
I really have Divine Power!
I’m not an anomaly, I’m not some fragile piece of clay!
I too am…
a child of the gods!
“Come find me tonight.” Hippolyta withdrew her hand, returning to her calm tone.
“I will tell you everything you want to know.” “Including your origins, the source of your power, and…
your mission.” “But for now.” She pointed at Arthas, who had already assumed a posture ready for the lesson.
“Set aside those chaotic thoughts.” “Let’s focus on the class first.” “This first lesson is about how to sense and guide the flow of energy within the body.” “This is equally important for you.” “Yes, Mother!” Diana almost shouted her reply.
Her pretty face radiated unprecedented excitement and brilliance.
The gloom that had weighed on her heart for years was swept away.
She straightened her back, standing as straight as a soldier about to head to battle.
Her eyes burned with a thirst for knowledge and power.
She was even more eager than Arthas beside her.
Arthas looked at these two beautiful elder sisters.
One gentle yet scheming, the other excited and adorable.
Although he didn’t quite understand the deeper meaning behind that ‘clay doll’ story.
He could sense that everyone had become very happy.
As long as everyone is happy, that’s a good thing.
Hehe, I need to work hard too.
Can’t lose to Elder Sister Diana!
He clenched his little fist and stood properly, imitating Diana’s posture.
One large and one small figure stood side by side before Hippolyta in the afterglow of the setting sun.
Thus began this unique private tutoring session belonging to Paradise Island and Asgard.
Hippolyta looked at these two children before her.
The gloom in her heart that had arisen from the relationship between Odin and Aphrodite dissipated considerably at this moment.
No matter what the future holds.
At least at this moment.
This scene of passing down knowledge is beautiful.
She cleared her throat and began explaining the Amazon’s unique secret technique for energy control — [Tranquility].
Unlike Asgard’s grand, open, and straightforward release of power.
The Amazons emphasize ‘restraint’ and ‘precision’.
“Close your eyes.” “Feel your breath.” “Don’t try to control that power.
Instead, listen to it, guide it…” Hippolyta’s voice, like a murmuring stream, echoed in the study.
Two peerless geniuses, under the guidance of a demigoddess queen.
Were pushing open the door to a stronger world at an astonishing speed.
Time quietly slipped away in this tranquil study.
Outside the window, the sun gradually set, and the moon climbed the branches.
But the three people in the room did not feel the passage of time.
Diana was truly touching upon so-called ‘Divine Power application’ for the first time.
It was like suddenly handing a racing manual to a sports car that never knew how to shift gears.
That feeling of sudden clarity intoxicated her.
As for Arthas, he was like a dry sponge dropped into water.
His talent was being utilized to its fullest extent here.
Under Hippolyta’s guidance, the golden light at his fingertips was no longer simply glowing or changing shape.
It began to pulse with his breath, becoming more condensed, even starting to have ‘texture’.
“Very good, Arthas.” “Try to flatten that ball of light, make it as thin as a sheet of paper.” “But don’t let it scatter; maintain its resilience.” While instructing, Hippolyta was secretly astonished.
This kid’s comprehension is simply terrifying.
Many Amazonian Warriors practiced for decades without mastering such delicate control, yet he understood it after hearing it once?
He could even extrapolate?
This wasn’t teaching a student; this was witnessing a miracle.
If this speed continues.
I’m afraid it won’t take more than a few days.
This kid will completely master Divine Power control techniques, even…
develop his own moves.
“Is this…
Asgard’s future?” Hippolyta murmured to herself inwardly.
She glanced at Diana, who was also completely absorbed.
Suddenly, she felt.
Her ‘marriage alliance’ plan might not really be political opportunism.
But truly finding for her daughter a…
partner worthy of her, even capable of protecting her.
Once this thought took root, it could not be uprooted.
Looking at that golden boy and jade girl practicing earnestly under the moonlight.
The corner of Her Majesty the Queen’s mouth curled into another meaningful smile, one known as ‘a mother-in-law looking at her prospective son-in-law’.
“Alright, let’s stop here for today.” She clapped her hands, interrupting their practice.
“Biting off more than you can chew.” “Go back and digest today’s gains properly.” “As for you, Diana.” She looked at her daughter.
“After dinner, come to my Private Chambers.” “We need to have a proper talk.” “Yes, Mother!” Although Diana still wished to continue, she knew that haste makes waste.
And besides practicing, she now looked forward even more to the evening’s ‘truth-telling session’.
She took Arthas’s hand, the excitement still evident on her face.
“Let’s go, little genius.” “You must be exhausted too?” “Elder Sister will take you to eat something delicious!” “The Imperial Kitchen seems to have prepared roast lamb tonight!” Hearing ‘roast lamb’, Arthas’s eyes instantly lit up, and his stomach cooperatively growled.
“Yay!” “I want the leg!” The two bowed to Hippolyta, took their leave, and then ran out hand in hand, happily.
Watching their departing figures.
Hippolyta stood where she was, motionless for a long time.
Only a soft sigh echoed in the empty study.
It was for the past, and also for the future.
But no matter what.
The gears of fate, at this moment, had already begun to accelerate.
And the driving force behind all this was that seemingly harmless seven-year-old boy who had actually stirred up the winds and clouds.
As well as the two goddess women with different intentions, yet both deeply fond of him.