The altar before them was filled with offerings as dazzling and varied as jewels, so many that it was enough to make one's eyes water.
This showed just how much their people adored them.
Euryale propped her head on her hand, murmuring, "But, being served feels pretty good, doesn't it~ No matter what difficult tasks we give them, those children are overjoyed to complete them. Watching them strive, isn't that the duty of a goddess?"
"Speaking of which, Euryale, has Medusa been sticking to Moran more often lately? She seems more clingy than before."
"Now that you mention it, yes. They're a bit too intimate. My foolish sister's changes are also very apparent; her physique has actually become a third larger than before, like a giant mountain."
Euryale's small face showed a look of astonishment.
She and Stheno had been born as perfect goddesses from the start, with no possibility of further growth.
Medusa was the complete opposite of the two.
She was a being who would change and grow with time.
"Heh, more and more interesting things are happening. However, personal space isn't allowed on this island. Medusa is so lazy and arrogant, taking things from her sister's hands like that."
"Eh? Are you going to go discipline my foolish sister? It's been a while since I've seen her cute, troubled expression. Heh, what kind of difficult task shall I give her this time?"
The two sisters languidly stretched their waists.
They left the temple with joyful hearts.
[The faith of the Pelasgians was so devout that they built not just one temple, but each of the three goddesses had her own temple]
[However, the most concentrated faith was in the main temple]
[That is, the Mother Goddess Hall, built in the image of the current Medusa]
"The number of citizens increases daily, and the population has grown from the original hundred to over a thousand. It's time to consider expanding the area and establishing a city. We also need to increase housing to accommodate more outsiders and newborns."
Moran meticulously planned the future of The Invisible Island, his mind filled with countless considerations.
To be honest, things hadn't been entirely smooth sailing.
[The Invisible Island itself was just a ridiculously simple island, with no outstanding or special features]
[Resources were extremely limited]
[In the beginning, you personally strictly planned resource collection to avoid future depletion caused by excessive development]
[Fortunately, the Pelasgians' faith was firm]
[Always submissive, they understood the importance of considering the future and firmly believed in their faith in the Mother Goddess]
[This hardship has now paid off]
[The most evident manifestation is the pervasive radiance of the Mother Goddess's glory; Medusa's protection has brought favorable weather and timely rain to the people, and crops are no longer harvested with nothing to show for it]
[The people have also become stronger due to this blessing]
[The most direct observation is the reduction in the occurrence of diseases and a sharp increase in the survival rate of newborns. The Mother Goddess's protection has significantly improved people's physiques]
"If we're expanding the city-state... we could take inspiration from Thessaly..."
Moran was still deep in thought about important matters.
Rustling sounds subtly emerged from the shadows.
A snake tail, as sturdy and thick as a rope, approached him, like a hunter lurking in the dark.
It lunged in an instant!
However, Moran instantly reached out and caught it.
"Medusa, I was thinking about how to expand the city-state. If you're bored, you can come help me share the load."
"Hmph, compared to dealing with these trivial matters, you think they are more important than I am?"
A sacred and flawless beautiful figure entered the hall.
Her purple hair swayed with vitality, and her golden wings radiated a brilliance comparable to the sun.
A few golden scales clung to her fair skin.
An aura of noble elegance emanated from her entire being.
"So willful. You know, if it were goddesses from other countries, they wouldn't be so merciful to a divine official envoy... Moran, only you are qualified to have me like this..."
Medusa's tone was as sweet as if it could melt gold.
Her purple eyes rippled with waves.
The world reflected in her eyes showed only Moran's figure, and her slightly parted lips exhaled a warm and sweet breath.
[This is the greatest achievement of the people's collective faith]
[Medusa has completely suppressed her monstrous side, and her divine aspect has grown significantly]
[It is the posture of a goddess long forgotten]
[Medusa's appearance has returned to her former Mother Goddess phase, and her divine authority has also significantly increased. All of this is the direct result of you guiding the people to enhance their faith]
[Although there are obvious changes in her appearance, her inner self is still the Medusa who deeply loves you]
Before he knew it, her serpentine body had already coiled around Moran.
Medusa's serpentine body, filled with affection, coiled around her prey as if refusing to let go.
This horrifying scene was, however, commonplace for Moran.
Or rather, it could be considered a form of foreplay.
"Hmm... I guess... you were lonely?"
"Ngh... No way...!"
Medusa's pretty face flushed crimson.
Even though her serpentine body was wrapped around him so tightly, she was still so shy that she turned her bright red cheeks away.
Her snake tail continued to sway nervously, disobediently.
A faint smile appeared on Moran's face.
Even though her appearance had transformed into that of a noble and elegant, pure goddess, her essence was still that of the easily embarrassed Medusa.
Towards someone she cared about, she was all offense and no defense.
Chapter 40: Unavoidable Regret and Guilt [Seeking Flowers! Seeking Monthly Votes!]
"After growing into this form, based on the vague memories of my elder sisters and myself, I've regained much of my former divine authority, but it's still quite tiring to wield... I've always disliked troublesome matters..."
Medusa used the serious talk to shift away from her shyness.
Her power and existence were both immense now.
While she couldn't compare to the gods of Olympus, at least her former strength was gradually returning.
"If you weren't by my side, Moran, I wouldn't be able to handle these divine affairs. My elder sisters are only meant to accept these roles. Without you, I can't even imagine how I would manage..."
"So, you were indeed lonely?"
"Ngnngh... Lonely! Yes! I was lonely! What about it!? I'm a goddess, after all, can't I complain occasionally like my elder sisters...?"
Medusa said this as if she had given up all pretense.
As her form returned to its origin.
Her personality had become more direct than before, with subtle changes in her demeanor and attitude.
But Moran knew one thing.
No matter how Medusa changed, he would never dislike her.
"Alright, city planning is an ancient matter, and I've already cultivated a group of subordinates who can manage things for me. No matter how big the task, I can't let my goddess feel lonely."
Moran said this with a devilishly charming smile.
Under the influence of Monstrous Beauty, even his smirk possessed an allure that could captivate thousands.
However, Medusa was already in love with Moran.
She offered no resistance to Moran's gesture of caressing her cheek.
Medusa knew she could no longer be charmed by this man, because she understood she had already fallen for him.
Therefore, for someone who had already been captivated.
There was no such thing as being captivated a second time.
[Twenty Years Have Passed]
[For the three sisters who are goddesses, this was but a blink of an eye, but for mortals, it was an extremely long period.]
[A new generation of islanders has grown up.]
[During this time, under your leadership and governance, The Invisible Island has gradually expanded from a village into a town.]
[As the number of people who believe in the Mother Goddess continues to increase, coupled with the growing abundance of The Invisible Island and the surrounding seas.]
[Gradually, some people began to propose the idea of establishing a nation.]
[You knew that doing so might attract the attention of the gods, but as The Invisible Island grew stronger, it was only a matter of time before it would eventually adopt the structure of a nation-state.]
[There was also one matter that surprised you during this period.]
[It was the arrival of Medea and Atalanta on the island.]
[Upon seeing them, your heart tightened.]
"Princess Medea, may I inquire about the reason for your visit to this small island? Or perhaps, Colchis has an intention to establish diplomatic relations with us?"
Moran displayed normal etiquette and demeanor.
A part of his mind was already in disarray, and he was relying entirely on his strong psychological fortitude to maintain composure.
[Looking at the beautiful and captivating princess before him.]
[Your memories from the first simulation were also awakened.]
[How many times had you fallen asleep together by her side, only to wake up with the same blissful smile.]
[No matter the time, she would always support you.]
[Medea's only request during the last simulation was...]
[However, you did not keep it.]
[He couldn't return to save his beloved, nor did he bring the long-awaited wedding to the promised maiden.]
[Thinking of her waiting alone for her husband to come home]
[The regrets from the first simulation turned into shame]
[Piercing his heart like silver needles]
[At the same time, something was wrong with Medea.]
"...Huh? What... what's happening...?"
Medea couldn't help but reach up to her cheek.
What she touched were warm, moist, crystal tears.
"S-Sorry... I don't know... I don't know why this is happening... I lost my composure... How strange... I..."
Medea wiped the tears from her cheeks.
It was a surge of sadness and loneliness from an unknown source, mixed with the joy of hardship overcome.
At that moment, her chest was filled with these emotions.
Her eyes filled with tears without her realizing it, and the moment she saw Moran, they began to flow uncontrollably.
She couldn't fathom why this was happening.
There was no reason, and she couldn't understand it.
"...Medea."
Moran's heart ached at the sight.
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