Stopping the subject right there, Demophon knew that his father understood what he wanted to say.
Before, though Theseus’s behavior was quite aggressive, there was still so restraint. But in recent years, his actions had beco increasingly urgent.
Take, for instance, the alchemists creating fertilizer, the by-products discovered in the process of studying material transformation could be produced on a large scale without the intervention of any professionals.
Yet previously, considering that Athens’s current food supply was sufficient for self-sufficiency, Theseus had never strongly pushed for its widespread adoption.
It wasn’t until the last few years that, despite multiple protests from the Church of Agriculture, denouncing it as a blasphemous creation, a symbol of alchemists infringing on the Goddess of Agriculture’s authority, the King of Athens still went his own way.
As a result, dissatisfaction from Eryxis grew daily, and its people began to resist Athenian rule.
One must rember that hundreds of years earlier, this city near Athens no longer called itself a kingdom.
It had beco part of the Pan-Athenic States, so for the stability of the kingdom, Theseus had to co here to stabilize the situation.
Whether he chose to stabilize through peaceful promises or the threat of force.
"Hehe..."
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With a gentle smile, Theseus did not look the least bit like a hero who frequently battled with gods and mortals alike.
Just like an ordinary middle-aged man, as he listened to Demophon, he simply shook his head slightly.
"I know your doubts, child, and I understand, too many people have told you they think there’s sothing wrong with my actions."
"But I want you to understand one thing, the reason why I was able to reclaim the rights of the Athenian states in the past was not because my plans were so clever, but simply because they couldn’t beat ."
"The reason why I was able to open up sea routes was not because I was so skilled in navigation, in the end, it’s because I defeated each and every one of their masters."
"I am accelerating my pace not for anything else, but because if a new battle is destined to co, then I must ensure that Athens remains the victor this ti too."
"Win, and you are right. Lose—no one will speak for you."
"...So you’re here in Eryxis not for negotiations?"
After a mont of silence, Demophon asked.
"Of course, I am, but only on my own terms. If they don’t accept—do you still rember your na?"
"So, they will accept."
His own na—Demophon certainly rembered, and he knew what Theseus was implying.
There are two mainstream tales among the people about the Eryxian secret rite of the Goddess of Agriculture. In the first story, it was a gift from God to Demophon but was foolishly disrupted by the royal family, resulting in failure. In the second story, it was a sacrifice ceremony, Demophon’s life was their offering to the Goddess, in exchange for glory and reverence.
So, Theseus’s ssage was clear—if you’re not foolish and are willing to accept my goodwill, then the ’Demophon’ I bring is a gift.
But if you are unwilling, then Eryxis will be the first sacrifice in the upcoming great war.
But...
’After all, you are only a mortal with a limited lifespan.’
’You can defeat a God, but can you defeat all Gods...’
’And even if you can, there will co a day when you grow old. Once you leave this world, can all that you established with force continue?’
Demophon did not know the answer; maybe finding a way to immortality could sidestep this issue.
But it was too late for Theseus to rely on divine gifts to attain immortality, as the ’divinity’ that belonged to him wasn’t granted by a god from the start.
A god can bestow their power to grant immortality to a mortal being, but that being is influenced by it. They can no longer scale the peak of the Mortal Realm on their own after having been in contact with the power of gods.
On the contrary, those who ascend to the status of Mortal Demigods on their own are much more powerful, possessing the strength comparable to the incarnations of All Gods in the Mortal Realm, but they are unable to accept the god’s gift of eternal life.
This is why there has never been a hero with longevity that dwells among mortals; at least for now, it remains an insoluble problem.
’You will eventually grow old, and I... will be crowned king.’
’But when that day cos, will I be able to bear the heavy burdens that you could?’
Rattle rattle...
The carriage continues forward, and not far ahead is the forr Royal Palace of Eryxis.
The casual conversation in the chariot carries on, but Demophon’s heart grows heavier.
...
Ding ding ding...
The lively Royal Palace is filled with the clear sound of bells. Maids bring the dishes up to the banquet with a fragrant breeze, the clinking of plates and cups creating a pleasant sound.
The distance from Athens to Eryxis was neither near nor far; if it had been only Theseus, the journey would not have taken much ti.
However, such a formal visit could not possibly be made by one person alone, so after more than a day’s journey, as Theseus entered the Royal Palace of Eryxis with Demophon, evening was approaching.
Thus, brighter lights were lit in the kingdom, welcoming the King of Athens from afar. The Duke of Eryxis hosted a grand banquet in his honor.
"Demophon, what do you think of their attitude?"
After a brief exchange of greetings, the guests and host took their seats.
Theseus exchanged cursory opinions with each of the Eryxian aristocrats, while Demophon followed close by listening.
As the future successor to the Athenian throne, Demophon was naturally not brought along just because of his special na; Theseus was also cultivating his ability.
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