Chapter 222
Although he had always worked hard, he inexplicably became even more diligent after churning the Ocean of Milk, becoming a role model compared to the gods of Mount Meru.
To fulfill his duty, the Love God ate only fruit and grass and drank only dew. Although his life was so simple, when Kama walked on the earth, he saw that small patches of greenery remained all over the world, and that laughter was always heard in cities and villages of all sizes. The diverse personalities of the people also enriched the world's landscape.
The girl, her eyes sparkling, walked hand in hand with the boy beside her, their laughter ringing out.
Oh dear, it's a date.
Kama watched the unknown lovers walk away with a warm smile, then ate a piece of fruit with a smile on his face.
"I've finished everything for today, I need to head back now..."
Kama was about to go home when, for some reason, he looked at the Mount perched on his shoulder, which was more of a pet than Cockatoo.
The Cockatoo, bewildered by its owner's gaze, turned its head and gave him a confused look.
"No matter how you look at it, you're nowhere near as cute as Makara..."
Makara was the Mount of Varuna, the god of the sea. Its head resembled that of an antelope, and its body and tail resembled those of a fish. In Greek Mythology, it is also known as Capricorn, one of the twelve signs of the zodiac.
Kama found Makara far more adorable than his own Cockatoo and had often considered riding it. However, Kama didn't know Varuna and therefore dared not make the request. He would only go to the beach when he had free time to see if he could find Makara alone, so that the Love God could enjoy the view.
"Okay, it's decided. I'll go to the beach today and see if I can run into Makara..."
At this point, Kama lifted the Cockatoo on his shoulder, "If I could see Makara forever, I'd be willing to sell you, little bird,."
"Chirp, chirp!"
Upon hearing this, the Cockatoo flapped its wings and emitted a sharp cry.
When Love God went to the seaside, he listened happily to its plea.
"Hmm, if you could become a little cuter, I might give up on this idea."
The Cockatoo curled its feathers, and then, as if nodding in agreement, it cried out again, following Kama's train of thought.
In short, it's about wildly praising their master Kama, for being so good and kind, a true model among gods. Even the gods of Aspected God can't help but feel sorry for their master, saying things like, "You work so hard, who knows, maybe one day you'll receive some incredible treasure from Aspected God..."
Although it's a cliché, Kama was still quite happy, which can be considered one of the ways in which the Love God of love can find joy outside of his work.
In the past, Kama would probably have listened to the Cockatoo's 'sincere' words all the way, and after thoroughly observing Makara, happily went home to rest.
However, just as the Cockatoo was praising its owner Kama as always, Kama, who had arrived at the seaside, suddenly retorted:
"Shut up."
Upon hearing this, the Cockatoo immediately stopped squawking.
What's wrong with the master? Why did he change his mind so quickly? Could something have happened?
Confused, the Cockatoo followed Kama's 'envious' gaze to look at Makara on the sea, and then understood why Kama's attitude had suddenly changed. It turned out that Makara was being ridden Varuna, who was not his master, and looked like a child who was not much different in age from Kama.
The Cockatoo broke free from Kama's grasp and perched on his shoulder. Its soft chirping brought Love God back to his senses, and he turned his gaze to her.
Sensing Kama's envy, the Cockatoo became even more arrogant and decided to drive the nameless demigod down.
The preening motion of the cockatoo looked like a declaration of determination. Facing its master, Kama, the Cockatoo emitted a cheerful chirp, as if saying, "Don't worry, master, I'll go and chase that guy off. Even you, master, haven't ridden Makara. How can a demigod ignore you and ride him?"
"No, you shouldn't do that. That person did nothing wrong."
However, Love God's voice lacked energy.
Although the words seemed to align with God's loving-kindness, the Cockatoo, after careful consideration, sensed that its owner was somewhat indecisive.
"Let's leave it at that for now. Maybe it's some kind of relative that Poseidon Varuna... Besides, we're not in a position to trouble others like this. I won't allow you to do that, understand? Because if that happens—"
"Come out!"
Just as Kama was carefully training his pet Cockatoo, the child riding on the sea roared in the direction of the Makara of Love God, seemingly caused by the hostility the Cockatoo had just displayed.
The next second, the shimmering silver sea underwent a dramatic change. The surrounding seawater seemed to be avoiding the child riding Makara, forming a spherical space. At the same time, Od, enough to penetrate the earth's foundation, rapidly gathered from the unknown child's eyes.
It was as if this dark-haired child was the master of the sea, with the ocean freely providing its power.
An unexpected force caused the Cockatoo's feathers to tremble.
"This is really the end..."
Just like his trembling pet, Kama, the owner, also trembled.
Love God could clearly see the overwhelming difference in strength between himself and the child, making escape impossible.
What is this? Dying so suddenly is so strange. I worked so hard, and now I'm going to die like this? Waaah, what is this...?
"Jalandhara."
Just as Kama was preparing to face death, a voice suddenly came from the sea.
Although the sound was faint, almost lost in the sound of the waves, it seemed to transcend everything and echo everywhere.
Besides, Kama felt the voice was very familiar... Wasn't this the voice of the god Kavia?
Although Kama only met and interacted with Kavia once, he had memorized her voice, for she was, after all, Aspected God.
Kama looked toward the source of the sound and saw a cold aurora shimmering on the sea beside the child riding Makara. The light poured into the depths of the sea, causing a figure to emerge from the water. It was a man with long Silver Hair that could touch the ground when it fell naturally, as if it were slowly floating on the water.
The Love God immediately recognized him as Kavia, the god who had previously asked Vritra to escort him home.
At the same time, the black-haired child who had seemed about to kill Kama saw Kavia and immediately jumped off Makara and hugged Kavia.
"Kavia, God! You've come! I've missed you so much!"
Kavia looked down at the Jalandhara, then waved in the direction of Kama.
In the blink of an eye, Kama appeared beside the two. Kavia pointed at Kama and said to the Jalandhara:
"Why did you try to kill Kama just now, Jalandhara?"
"It's all because of the hostility emanating from that Parrot on this guy's body..."
The black-haired child, also known as Jalandhara, answered Kavia's question honestly.
"Because of hostility?"
Kavia said softly, "There are many people in this world, and Jalandhara everyone you meet will like you. Perhaps you feel that some people's hostility towards you deserves punishment, but that is not a reason for them to die. They are all beings living in this world, just like me, just like you."
"So--"
Kavia stared into the eyes of the Jalandhara and said, enunciating each word clearly, "I really dislike what you're saying, Jalandhara."
Jalandhara lowered her head and whispered, "I know I was wrong..."
Okay, hopefully there won't be a next time.
Seeing that Jalandhara had admitted his mistake, Kavia said no more, and instead took something from her person and handed it to Jalandhara, "This is a gift for you, Jalandhara, the Veena."
"Kavia, Gavia!"
Perhaps because he was still a child, Jalandhara was overjoyed to receive a gift.
The Veena is a plucked string instrument used in India classical music and is also the oldest stringed instrument in India.
"By the way, Kama, now that you've encountered the Jalandhara, why don't you join us for dinner?"
"... ha?"
Kama had thought he was out of the picture, but Kavia's shout startled him.
To be honest, Love God really wanted to go home immediately, but considering it was an invitation from the Aspected God, Kavia, refusing seemed inappropriate. So he nodded in agreement. However, Kama noticed that when he nodded, the Jalandhara seemed to harbor a terrifying hostility towards him...
But now that things had come to this, Kama felt that he had already agreed and had no reason to back down.
However, Kama was still curious about the source of the Jalandhara's hostility towards him...
Later, when Kama followed Kavia and the Jalandhara into the Forest near the beach, upon seeing the scene inside, the Love God murmured:
"So many rats..."
Before Kama appeared many Mice, about 1.2 to 1.3 meters tall, standing on two legs, dressed in clothes and working diligently.
As Kama murmured, the Mice noticed Kavia's arrival and shouted in unison:
"Welcome, sir!"
These rats are actually the four-star Servant Daikokuten from FGO. Of course, Daikokuten is their master, Shiva, and they are using that name to attack. The reason they ended up here with Jalandhara is entirely due to Kavia.
Long before the birth of the Jalandhara, Kavia told Shiva that his anger had taken human form, but Shiva didn't seem to care much. It's likely that while Shiva was puzzled by the Jalandhara's appearance, he understood that it would eventually return to itself and therefore felt there was no need to look into it.
After much persuasion from Kavia, Shiva finally consecrated a group of rats with Kavia's help. Kavia then tasked them with representing Shiva and caring for the Jalandhara alongside the Mermaid.
The Mice were naturally delighted. After all, before accepting the teachings of the Aspected God and reforming themselves, they were merely creatures concerned only with satisfying their hunger and diligently reproducing. But now, they were servants of a noble being, no longer just wild beasts that stole food.
How's the food at the Jalandhara lately?
"I don't eat vegetables."
Number One reacted immediately to Kavia's words.
"Vegetables are essential for the body, but Jalandhara doesn't eat them."
"That's right, that's right, it's bad for your health. We clearly followed all the recipes you gave us, sir."
"He can actually cook... that's impressive..."
Kama, greatly shocked by this, went to the place where the Mice were cooking and looked at the supplies they had stored, and couldn't help but sigh.
Fresh eggs, meat, and vegetables were on the shelves, along with food kept at room temperature, including bottled juice. Even dew and milk were labeled. Looking at this preserved food, Kama couldn't believe that the Mice had made it...
Wow, so powerful! Is the God of Aspected God always this strong?
At the same time that Kama was lamenting, Kavia, having learned of this, asked the mice:
"Speaking of which, Jalandhara was just here a moment ago, where did he go now?"
Upon hearing Kavia's question, the Mice, who had been denouncing the Jalandhara for being disobedient, immediately revealed a grim expression.
"Oh no, I almost forgot to prepare! The Crowd, get ready!"
As soon as Number One spoke, the Mice all put down what they were doing and rushed to the underground house to get something.
A few seconds later, Kavia and Kama were suddenly surrounded by flowers, fruits, spices, and exquisite items decorated with gold, silver, and jewels, brought out by the mice. At the same time, a group of mice scattered fragrant spices and scented flowers around them, and lit butter lamps and incense burners, causing the flames to flicker and the smoke to swirl.
"No wonder..."
Now Kama probably understood why Jalandhara had been unhappy with him before. It was probably because that guy was planning to praise the god Kavia today, so he was naturally unhappy about the sudden appearance of the Love God.
"I'm so sorry, God Kavia, I'll do it now—"
"It's alright, sit down. You're a god too."
Kama wanted to run away, but Kavia persuaded him to stop.
Immediately following, as the Mice beat drums and danced, a sound constructed from the Veena slowly arose amidst the drumming.
"Just now, God Kavia said that there are many people in this world, and not everyone I meet will like me. I admit that, but I feel that everyone in the world likes God Kavia, and should like God Kavia. I, Jalandhara, will definitely work hard for this!"
And today, I will offer you all what is meant for the god Kavia—
Praise be to Kavia.
Night had fallen, and somewhere in the Forest, circles of soft, warm glow from the butter lamps illuminated a path leading to the god of Aspected God, paving the way for this solemn Ritual.
"You are the compassionate Brahma, your beauty and grace are the Universe Aspect."
"Your long hair is intertwined, and the stars of the Universe are always by your side."
"You are vast and boundless, loving and serene."
Homage to the Lord, Kavia the Perfected One.
"The Venerable One of Compassion resides in the Himalayas Mountains."
"To deliver us from the calamities of this world."
"The supreme Brahma, without inherent nature, transcends time and space; in the boundless and extraordinary realm of truth, joy and eternal radiance manifest."
Jalandhara's voice was like heavenly music, possessing both the majestic grandeur of a mountain peak and the delicate gentleness of a babbling brook. Apart from the dancing and drumming mice, the mice beneath him were either kneeling or sitting, with their hands clasped together in front of their chests, their eyes closed, and their faces filled with piety and anticipation.
"Lord of the Himalayas, I Meditation deeply upon you."
As the singing reached its climax, the Mice's emotions were completely ignited, and they all joined in the singing, offering their most sincere praise to the gods with their own voices.
Homage to the Lord, Kavia the Perfected One.
"The appearance of the three gods will also bring glory to the Lord."
"Heaven and earth unite the four directions, and their covering is called a cloak."
"The supreme Brahma, without inherent nature, transcends time and space; in the boundless and extraordinary realm of truth, joy and eternal radiance manifest."