The heavy wooden door closed behind him with a muffled thud, isolating the last vestiges of noise from the corridor outside.
Only two people remained in the room, and the air seemed to instantly solidify, becoming quiet and subtle.
Hippolyta did not speak immediately.
She simply stood quietly by the bed, her gaze lowered, falling upon Arthas’s small face, which was both tender and exuded an extraordinary aura.
That look was very complex.
It was no longer the lighthearted teasing of a child from moments ago, nor was it entirely the majestic and stern demeanor of a queen she usually displayed.
She seemed to be scrutinizing a priceless, rare treasure that had just been unearthed.
Or like a shrewd investor conducting a final risk assessment on a project with limitless potential.
There was even a hint of a Mother-in-law looking at her son-in-law, or perhaps an emotion she herself didn’t understand was brewing.
Arthas felt a little uneasy under such a penetrating gaze.
He subconsciously straightened his back, placed his hands neatly on his knees, and adopted the posture of a well-behaved, obedient student.
Although his face still held that innocent expression, his small brain, which was more agile than that of an average god, was rapidly working.
Sister Hippolyta’s gaze… something isn’t right.
She was a caring big sister just now; how did her aura become so intimidating the moment Sister Diana left?
Is this the legendary “private conversation”?
Could it be that my blast last night really destroyed some important ancient ruin?
No way, I clearly aimed at the sky.
Anyway, if I have to pay, I don’t have any money… Arthas wailed silently in his heart, but on the surface, he remained as steady as an old dog, even trying to blink his large, watery eyes, attempting to soften the queen’s defenses with cuteness.
“Your Highness Arthas.” Hippolyta finally broke the silence.
The first words she spoke, the address changing from “little fellow” to the formal “Your Highness,” immediately elevated the tone of the conversation by several levels.
“Since you stumbled upon Paradise Island.” “In less than two short days, every one of your performances, whether it’s your astonishing talent or your maturity beyond your age.” “Has repeatedly refreshed my perception of you.” She slowly walked to the bedside but did not sit down, maintaining a posture that was both intimate and solemn, looking down at him without being overbearing.
“Awakening divine power at the age of seven might not be unprecedented in the Divine Realm.” “But the immense energy that caused the Bifrost Bridge anomaly during your awakening, that pure and high-quality divine power reserve.” “Is extremely rare, even in the Golden Age of Olympus.” Hippolyta’s voice was filled with undisguised astonishment, an acknowledgment from a strong person to another strong person.
“Even more terrifying is that on the second day of your awakening, without any systematic guidance.” “You were able to instinctively figure out how to use divine power in actual combat, even knowing how to materialize divine power into Light Wings to turn the tide of battle.” “This is not just talent; this is a battle instinct.” “An instinct born for the battlefield, for rule.” At this point, a flash of the golden light that pierced the heavens and earth last night flickered in Hippolyta’s eyes.
“And after receiving even just a few hours of simple instruction from me.” “You were able to immediately grasp and integrate it, transforming those theories into practice, and even developing such a terrifyingly powerful move.” “In my opinion, that strike last night.” “If you hadn’t raised your arm at the last moment.” “I’m afraid a corner of my palace would now be in ruins.” “Even truly adult God Race, if they dare to underestimate you because you are a child.” “In the face of that move, they would at least lose a layer of skin, if not die.” Facing this series of exceptionally high praises, Arthas did not show the smugness of a child being praised.
Nor did he become overly pleased with himself because of the compliments.
He remained steadily seated, his small face taut, displaying a calm demeanor that said, “You flatter me, just basic operations.” In reality, his heart was already blooming with joy, and he even felt like wagging his tail.
Hehe, of course!
This prince is a genius who combines beauty and talent!
But Queen Sister, you have excellent judgment, truly amazing!
But he always remembered Odin’s teachings: a true strong person must not show emotions on their face.
Especially in such an occasion where there was clearly an ulterior motive behind the words.
Sister Hippolyta started with a fierce praise, which was clearly a tactic of praising first to criticize later, or a sugar-coated bullet.
There must be a ‘but’ coming next.
Indeed.
Hippolyta’s tone shifted, becoming much deeper.
“But, Your Highness Arthas.” “What truly astonished me, and I might even say delighted me.” “Is far more than your unprecedented and powerful martial talent.” “Your political acumen, your sensitivity and tact in handling interpersonal relationships.” “All far exceed what should be expected at your age.” She leaned slightly, looking directly into Arthas’s eyes, as if trying to see through to the soul behind those amber pupils.
“Before, you knew how to use childish language to defuse Antiope’s hostility, and how to use titles to draw us closer.” “When faced with the temptation of divine power instruction, that momentary weighing of pros and cons, I saw it all.” “Odin… truly taught you well.” “He taught you to be a qualified, even perfect, Crown Prince.” Arthas’s little heart gave a sudden thump.
Oh no.
She even noticed that momentary hesitation?
This Queen Sister is too sharp!
Indeed, the older ginger is spicier; being a queen for thousands of years isn’t for nothing.
Since he had been seen through, pretending to be foolish would seem insincere.
Arthas simply stopped pretending.
He raised his head, met Hippolyta’s gaze, and showed a slightly embarrassed but frank and open smile.
“Queen Sister, you flatter me.” “My Royal Father often says that as a Crown Prince, it’s always right to think a bit more.” “After all, I represent not just myself, but also the face of Asgard.” “However…” He blinked, his tone becoming exceptionally sincere.
“My affection and gratitude for my sisters, those are genuine, absolutely no calculations involved!” Watching Arthas’s clever manner, frankly admitting and then immediately pledging loyalty.
Hippolyta’s eyes showed even deeper appreciation.
This kind of intelligent yet not sinister, tactful yet sincere personality is the most precious.
“I believe you are sincere.” Hippolyta nodded, then took a deep breath, her tone becoming exceptionally solemn, as if the following words would determine the future of two kingdoms.
“Therefore, Your Highness Arthas.” “Since you possess such talent and character, I can no longer treat you merely as a lost child.” “I will treat you as the future legitimate heir of Asgard.” “As a future King, equal to me… to converse with.” “Some matters concern stance, concern the future.” “As the Queen of the Amazons, I must ask you.” Hippolyta’s gaze sharpened, a scrutiny, and also a soul-piercing question.
“In your eyes, what kind of place is Paradise Island?” “And how do you view Diana and me?” “If one day, and I mean if.” “Paradise Island faces immense danger from the outside World, or even a destructive catastrophe.” “And by then, you have become a powerful god, the King of Asgard.” “Would you… be willing to raise your weapon for this place, for us?” The room fell into a brief silence.
This was an extremely sharp, even somewhat heavy question.
It was no longer a sister’s care for her brother, but a probing between nations, a confirmation of the bottom line between allies.
For a foreign prince, this was a diplomatic choice that required careful consideration.
Arthas did not answer immediately.
He lowered his head, looking at his small hands resting on his knees, seemingly lost in thought.
He was pondering why Sister Hippolyta would suddenly ask such a serious question.
He was also earnestly examining his innermost thoughts.
What did Paradise Island mean to him?
Was it an unfamiliar place he had stumbled into by accident?
Or a scenic tourist destination?
No.
Here, there were not only beautiful sceneries, delicious fruits, and roasted whole lamb.
There were also those enthusiastic sisters who, though warlike and fierce, were full of kindness towards him and brought him flowers.
Their eyes held no rejection because he was an outsider, only pure affection.
This warmth, for him who had grown up in Asgard, pampered but bound by numerous rules, was another kind of free happiness.
Most importantly.
Here was Sister Diana.
That peerless beauty who made him feel a soul resonance at first sight, making him blurt out “Mom.” That sister who, despite saying he was a small trouble, always protected him, wiped his mouth, and gave him hugs.
And the one before him.
Sister Hippolyta, who, though thoughtful and always testing him, was willing to teach him everything without reservation and cared for him like an elder.
To him, they were no longer just friends or allies.
They were truly close people.
They were family, as important as Mother Frigga and Sif.
Royal Father had taught him that a king must weigh pros and cons, not act on emotion.
But Royal Father had also taught him that a man must value loyalty and righteousness, and repay even the smallest kindness with a gushing spring.
On this matter, Arthas felt that there was no need for the so-called weighing.
Because his heart had already made the choice for him.
That choice had nothing to do with interests, nothing to do with politics.
It was simply because… he liked this place, he liked them.
A moment later.
Arthas looked up, his large amber eyes no longer showing any hesitation.
Only a crystal-clear transparency and steel-like firmness remained.
“Queen Sister.” Arthas’s voice, though still childish, carried an undeniable power, echoing in the quiet room.
“Paradise Island is truly beautiful, as beautiful as a dream.” “The people here are also very kind; everyone smiles at me and gives me gifts.” “Although I am young, I can distinguish between those who are genuinely good to me and those who are insincere.” “You didn’t treat me as an outsider, nor did you treat me as a bargaining chip to be used.” “You gave me trust, you gave me guidance, and you gave me the feeling of a home.” “I’ve kept this friendship deep in my heart.” He looked at Hippolyta, his eyes so sincere that they were moving.
“Therefore.” He straightened his small frame, trying with some effort to strike a solemn pose.
He raised a hand, his expression grave, as if swearing an oath to the God Race.
“I will definitely protect this place well.” “In the name of Arthas Odinson.” “From now on, the affairs of Paradise Island are my Arthas’s affairs!” “Anyone who dares touch a blade of grass or a tree on Paradise Island must first ask if I agree!” These words were not flowery, nor did they contain any stunning rhetoric.
They were just simple, childish words.
But it was precisely these most honest and direct words that held the most touching power.
Hippolyta looked at the earnest little fellow in front of her.
She watched his posture, looking ready to rush out and fight the enemy right now.
The last trace of worry she held as a ruler completely vanished.
She knew that this promise was genuine.
This child truly regarded this place as a territory he must protect.
Her eyes felt slightly warm, a kind of emotion she hadn’t experienced in years.
A smile once again filled Hippolyta’s face.
It was a heartfelt smile of relief that brightened the entire room.
But she still couldn’t resist teasing him again.
Or rather, she wanted to confirm the status of the most important person, the daughter she cared about most.
“Then what about your Sister Diana?” She raised an eyebrow, her gaze becoming playful, carrying a hint of meaningful probing.
“What if she encounters danger?” “You know her temperament; if she goes out into the outside World later, she’s bound to stir up a lot of trouble.” “What if she meets a powerful enemy she can’t defeat, or suffers damage that even her armor can’t withstand?” “What would you do?” This time.
Arthas didn’t even think for a second.
It was instinctive, blurted out subconsciously.
“I won’t let Sister Diana run into danger!” His voice rose several octaves, carrying a hint of anxiety and anger, as if the mere hypothesis was unbearable to him.
“If anyone dares to bully her, I’ll blast them into dust with my Cross Ray!” “Even if I can’t beat them, I’ll stand in front of her!” “As long as I’m here, no one will touch a single hair on her head!” “I will become very, very strong—strong enough to protect her for a lifetime!” His small fists were clenched tightly, his little face full of murderous protectiveness.
His look was exactly the same as when Diana usually protected him.
“Good.” “Very good.” Hippolyta nodded in satisfaction, the joy in her eyes nearly spilling over.
She reached out and gently stroked Arthas’s cheek, which was slightly flushed from excitement.
Her eyes were full of maternal love, even showing a hint of anticipation for the future.
“This is enough.” “With those words from you, I am reassured.” “I originally wanted to ask about other matters…” She silently completed the unspoken sentence in her mind: “I wanted to ask what you thought about Diana becoming your Queen Consort?” “I wanted to ask if you would be willing to let two divine races unite forever in another way?” But looking at Arthas’s still-childish face and those clear eyes.
She swallowed back those overly utilitarian words.
“But you are still too young.” Hippolyta shook her head and chuckled self-deprecatingly.
“It is indeed too early to discuss these things now.” “And you and Diana have a long life ahead of you.” “For some matters, letting nature take its course might be best.” “I’ll ask later, on the day you both grow up.” As long as this seed is planted.
As long as this bond of childhood sweethearts is established.
Will it not eventually bear fruit?
She had plenty of patience to wait.
Arthas was a little confused by the cryptic remark.
He tilted his head, looking puzzled.
“Huh?” “What is it?” “What do you mean by ‘other matters’?
Why do I have to wait until I grow up?” He blinked his big eyes, looking at Hippolyta with curiosity; this kind of half-finished sentence was the most maddening.
“It’s nothing.” Hippolyta smiled mysteriously and offered no explanation.
She lightly tapped his nose with her finger.
“You’ll know later.” “This is a secret for adults, and a secret of time.” “However…” She looked at Arthas, her tone becoming exceptionally gentle—a gentleness that had shed all defenses.
“The fact that you could say those words, and are willing to protect us like this.” “Makes me, your older sister, very happy too.” “Truly happy.” “Happier than receiving any precious gift.” Having said that.
She made a move that Arthas had not expected.
She leaned down slightly, her long golden hair falling like a golden waterfall, lightly brushing Arthas’s cheek and carrying a pleasant fragrance.
Then, on the smooth, full forehead she had just stroked.
She gently and solemnly placed a kiss.
“Mwah.” This kiss was different from the one Diana had given him earlier.
Diana’s kiss was like a fresh sea breeze, the affection of an older sister for her younger brother.
But Hippolyta’s kiss.
Carried the rich fragrance unique to a mature woman, warm and soft.
It carried the recognition and blessing of a Queen.
“This is your reward.” Hippolyta straightened up, smiling brightly as she looked at the stunned Arthas.
“And my response to your promise.” “Rest well, my Little Knight.” “Oh, right.” She suddenly extended the pinky finger of her right hand and wiggled it in front of Arthas, making a childlike gesture.
“Everything we just said, especially that promise you made about protecting her.” “Don’t tell Diana.” “At least don’t tell her now.” “This is a secret just between the two of us.” “Pinky promise?” Arthas was still completely dazed.
Not just because the sudden kiss made him shy.
But also because, as the kiss landed.
The pink divine power inside him, which had been quiet all night—the “Echo of Love”— Began to pulse violently and without warning once again.
This time it was stronger than any time before.
“Thump!
Thump!” The pink energy seemed to be cheering and leaping, churning like boiling Water.
It even surged through his meridians, flowing toward all his limbs and bones.
Giving him a tingling, electric shock sensation throughout his body, making even his fingertips tremble slightly.
It’s happening again…
This feeling…
It’s so strange!
Why does this happen every time I get kissed?
My heart is racing, and my face is so hot!
Could this be the legendary…
Love Power Bank?
Or is this thing just a passive skill, triggered by being kissed by a pretty older sister?
This is too…
too embarrassing!
But…
I don’t seem to hate it?
But Arthas truly couldn’t figure it out.
He still didn’t understand what concrete use this ability had.
Besides making his heart race and his face flush, it didn’t seem to increase his attack power, did it?
But he quickly managed to calm his breathing and shake off these distracting thoughts.
He looked at the slender, fair pinky finger in front of him.
He looked at Hippolyta’s purple eyes, which were full of anticipation, trust, and a hint of playfulness.
Arthas extended his own chubby little hand.
Although he didn’t quite understand why they had to hide it from Sister Diana.
He trusted Sister Hippolyta.
She was Diana’s Mother, and everything she did must be for Diana’s benefit.
Since it was a secret, he would be a little man who kept his mouth shut.
This was a little secret between him and the Queen Sister!
“Okay!” “Pinky promise, cross my heart and hope to die, never to change!” Two fingers, one large and one small.
Hooked tightly together in the warm and bright morning sunlight.
Their thumbs gently met, sealing an invisible stamp that was firmer than any document.
At this moment.
It was more than just a simple agreement.
It was the most solid and gentle bond between Paradise Island and Asgard.
And even more so, the most solid and gentle bond between a future God King who rules the Nine Realms and an invincible Valkyrie and Amazon Queen.
It quietly formed on this warm morning filled with pink bubbles.
It was quietly established.
Hippolyta looked at their hooked fingers, feeling the warmth of the small hand.
Her smile was brighter than the sunlight outside the window, and a hint of tears welled up in the corners of her eyes.
Done.
With this oath, and with this connection.
Diana’s future finally gained the strongest possible safeguard.
Even if I am gone one day, this child won’t be alone.
Arthas, oh Arthas.
You must grow up quickly.
Diana and I will both wait for the day you truly rule the World.
Although Arthas was still confused by the restlessness inside him.
Seeing Sister Hippolyta so happy.
He also started grinning foolishly, revealing two cute little canine teeth.
Although he didn’t quite understand the minds of adults.
As long as his older sisters were happy, that was fine.
Anyway, I didn’t lose anything; I even gained a kiss.
Hehe, now I have two of the most formidable older sisters protecting me.
Who would dare bully me now?
This wave wasn’t a loss!
Total profit!
Sunlight streamed through the window, shining on the two of them, freezing this heartwarming scene.
Meanwhile, outside the door.
Diana was leaning against the corridor wall, boredly kicking pebbles on the floor.
She glanced at the closed door now and then, her ears perked up, but she couldn’t hear anything.
Why aren’t they out yet?
What exactly are they talking about?
So mysterious…
They aren’t talking badly about me, are they?
Little did she know.
The two people inside.
Were “arranging” her entire life in a loving manner.