Daughter = Shoddy Black-Hearted Cotton, Part 2
A few days later, Samael declined the That King's hospitality and invitation to stay, and left the gates of Calydon.
"Brother, I heard you're getting married, so I came to see you off."
Jason, who had been waiting there by the roadside, came over with a crab-like gait and a grin.
"Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness."
Samael stopped and nodded in thanks. Regardless of her future character, for the moment, this socialite treated her male friends like dirt.
Of course, it cannot be denied that Jason had his own utilitarian purposes in befriending Greek Heroes, but his willingness to devote himself wholeheartedly is a rare quality.
"Dude, was Caenis sent by Mount of Ares specifically to protect you?"
Since you have such great influence, could you please pass on a message to Teacher Ma, telling him that I've graduated and won't be going back?
Jason pulled a jar of wine and two earthenware bowls from under the stone, and casually drank with his old acquaintance, not forgetting to make sly remarks.
Teacher Ma?
You scholars have actually kept Chiron's name to this day.
Samael took the earthenware bowl, gently swirled the amber-colored liquid inside, and couldn't help but chuckle at Jason's signature exaggerated expression.
Speaking of which, Jason was actually a member of the Athenian Academy, even a few years ahead of Caenis.
He was once a prince of Iolcus, but as a child, he was exiled along with his father Aeson because his uncle Pelias usurped the throne. He was later taken in by Chiron and became one of his disciples.
Meanwhile, the exiled prince was also observing Samael, his gaze lingering on the white owl perched on Samael's shoulder, a complex mix of emotions welling up within him.
The fact that Mount of Ares would send someone to make contact, coupled with the favor of the Goddess of Wisdom, and considering his age and some rumors, suggests that this guy is most likely related to that childless old King.
In this way, Jason felt a sense of shared misfortune.
If this guy went back, he would have fifty cousins eyeing him covetously, as well as a scheming uncle, and he would have been kicked out by his uncle long ago.
When are you going back to Athens?
The blond-haired youth, acting like an experienced man, hooked his arm around Samael's neck, pulled him aside, and whispered mysteriously.
"I'm going to Arcadia..."
"Hmm, let's avoid the limelight for now, enter the city discreetly later, and only show our faces when we're confident we can control the situation. Not bad."
Jason patted Samael on the shoulder with a rather ambiguous smile.
"And you? Where are you going?"
Samael remained noncommittal, glancing at Jason, with whom he had developed some rapport over the past few days.
"I've been away from Iolcus for so long, and I've made a name for myself. It's time to go back."
Jason stretched and responded casually.
Samael seemed to be deep in thought. It seemed that the Argos expedition to seize the Golden Fleece would soon be on the agenda.
In his memory, Jason, who had been banished by his uncle, returned to the country after wandering for more than 20 years and demanded to inherit the King. His uncle Pelias claimed that he would return the power if the Golden Fleece was reclaimed.
Jason then recruited crew members to lead a fleet of heroes to Colchis to seize the Golden Fleece, serving as captain of the Argo.
From an outsider's perspective, this exiled prince has been working hard for many years to develop his network, participate in various activities, and accumulate the capital to reclaim the throne, which can be considered quite patient.
However, once he gained power and position, he lost his ambition and self-discipline, and his hedonistic nature was fully exposed. In his later years, he became increasingly decadent, abandoned his wife and children, and sought new love.
"Okay, have a safe trip. Remember to contact me if you need anything."
Samael gathered his thoughts, patted Jason on the shoulder, and gave him a few simple words of advice.
"Sure, but don't regret it later. I'm the kind of person who's good at bothering others."
The blond youth smiled nonchalantly, his face showing a mix of carefree attitude and genuine sincerity.
Immediately, Jason's eyes darted around, and he clapped his hands as a signal, summoning a tall, imposing figure from the bushes on his left.
"Going to Arcadia, right? My friend here happens to be going the same way, why don't you two travel together?"
Samael looked at the burly, long-haired man who was half a head taller than him, his expression becoming somewhat strange. After a moment's hesitation, he gave a meaningful slight bow to show goodwill and acceptance.
"Thank you for taking care of me on the journey, Lord Heracles."
This usually dull and taciturn man nodded earnestly in response.
A moment later, under Jason's envious and jealous gaze, Samael summoned the Silver Winged Pegasus, and Heracles summoned the Harpy Horse. The two Riding their majestic mounts away in a cloud of dust.
I wish I had such a cool car; when I return home, it would definitely shock my uncle.
The blond youth was lost in his own fantasies. When he came to his senses, he couldn't help but complain with a touch of melancholy on his face.
Heracles, too, actually skipped over me and ran after that guy.
If he can come back to Iolcus with me, it will be much easier to negotiate with my uncle.
What a pity.
Somewhat frustrated, Jason shook his head helplessly and had no choice but to return to Calydon City. There, he dutifully selected a group of decent mounts from Prince Meleager's stables and embarked on his journey back home.
Because of Prince of Calydon's repeated urging to stay, Samael was delayed a bit, so after leaving the city, he quickened his pace, with Heracles close behind.
After several days of traveling together, Samael gradually gained some understanding of Heracles.
This Hercules is currently immersed in pain and self-blame, and usually remains silent except for necessary verbal communication, appearing somewhat dull and wooden.
Heracles had no intention of discussing further, and Samael wisely kept quiet, allowing things to gradually work out.
After several collaborations in eliminating bandits and slaying magical beasts, they had become somewhat familiar with each other.
It wasn't until more than halfway through the journey that Heracles, in a drunken state, revealed to Samael the reason for traveling with him.
He felt a revelation from Mount of Ares and wanted to seek Athena's wisdom to break free from the painful curse and trials.
According to the oracle, the key to his salvation lies with a future King of Athens.
"Theseus, you are Athena's adopted son. If you return to Mount of Ares, you will surely have the opportunity to meet the goddess. Please help me ask how to escape this fate."
In return, I will do everything in my power to ensure your safe return to Athens and your ascension to the throne.
Samael agreed to the plea that night with a dark face. In the instant he lowered his head, in the resonance of divine will, he seemed to see a white furry ball, clutching its lower abdomen, lying on the bed laughing so hard it was rolling around.
Adopted son? Adopted son my foot! I'm your father!
You brat, you've gotten so bold, daring to take advantage of me.
Samael was so angry he wanted to grind his teeth, and he immediately wrote down Athena's rebellious behavior in his little notebook.
By noon, the outline of the city-state had begun to emerge from the horizon. Heracles tightened the reins and made a proposal to Samael.
"After we pass this city, there is a vast wilderness ahead. Let's replenish our supplies in advance."
Samael nodded in agreement and slowed down, the two of them working together to conceal the horrifying signs of their mounts.