Atalanta's Awakening 4/5
On the roof of the palace, the two sat high up, enjoying the gentle breeze.
"So, you want me to throw the race and deliberately lose to you tomorrow?"
After hearing Samael's plan, Atalanta frowned slightly; it didn't quite fit the aesthetics she pursued.
"There's nothing I can do. I've witnessed your speed firsthand, boss. Among all the heroes of Greece, perhaps only Heracles could rival you in this regard."
Samael flattered her without batting an eye, continuing to maintain his "weak" persona.
Of course, he's just a hero; he doesn't count as a god.
Helping Atalanta escape her predicament doesn't actually mean she can marry him, so why make such a big fuss?
The Huntress hesitated for a moment, glancing at the completed Racetrack, somewhat uncertain.
"What about the others?"
Samael raised an eyebrow, his face radiating confidence.
"Big sister, don't underestimate me. Apart from you, no one on the field can beat me! No matter what, I am Athena's Divine Favored. How could I easily lose to those wicked bastards?"
The inexplicable sense of reliability in that tone eased Atalanta's anxiety considerably, and she finally nodded slowly.
"Okay, see you tomorrow, go to bed early."
Having received the promise, Samael waved his hand, transformed into a two-legged pterosaur, leaped down from the high wall, and flew into the capital city shrouded in night.
Atalanta patted her forehead, a look of realization dawning on her eyes.
I almost forgot, this guy is also a follower of the Orphic Cult, so he probably has very few rivals on the Racetrack.
In fact, tomorrow's competition requires sealing divine power and relies entirely on one's own talent and skills, so it is relatively fair for both heroes and ordinary people.
To give an analogy, even if Zeus and Heracles were to compete on the same Racetrack, if we disregard the factors of divine power and authority, the King of Gods might not necessarily be able to outrun that Great Hero.
However, Samael possesses a physique like a magical beast, giving him an innate advantage over more than 80% of the contestants. Not to mention the added benefit of his bloodline, he's practically a four-legged beast in human form.
Strange, this kid is clearly quite talented, why have I never paid attention to him before?
Was it chasing after my back and figure? Could it be that I have overshadowed his inherent brilliance?
Atalanta watched Samael's departing figure, resting her chin on her hand, frowning in thought, a strange melancholy settling over her.
Forget it, I'll stop thinking about it now. I'll ask about it another time.
The Huntress temporarily put aside her thoughts and, using the trees growing outside and the sharp corners of the house, leaped several times and nimbly jumped into the bedroom.
Just as she was about to close the window and get some sleep, a slender, fair hand rested on the windowsill.
At that moment, a shadow descended from the night sky, folded its wings, and swooped down into a secluded courtyard.
Heracles, who was drinking at the stone table, glanced up, then relaxed his muscles and continued drinking by himself.
The two-legged pterosaur that landed transformed into human form. Samael, emerging from the shadows, hummed a cheerful tune as he walked towards his bedroom, preparing to rest up and be in top condition for tomorrow's match.
However, as he passed by Heracles' side, the inexplicable silence of the courtyard made him slightly uneasy, as if something was missing.
Just as Naoki was about to step into the inner room, Samael suddenly realized what was happening and turned to look at his demigod bodyguard.
"Where Hippolyta?"
"She said it was stuffy here and she wanted to go outside..."
When did this happen?
"You just left not long ago, should I go find her?"
"Forget it, we'll just go to the registration point during the day. There aren't many people in Arcadia who can hurt that Amazon Queen. It's good enough if she doesn't harm others. Let her do whatever she wants."
The ancient serpent yawned, waved casually, and then, with the satisfaction of successfully persuading Atalanta and petting the cat, crawled into the house to sleep.
The following day, the priestesses threw incense into the burning Sacred Flame and offered devout prayers, while members of the Arcadia royal family entered the stadium and walked into the stands.
Since Princess Atalanta's mother was a sea goddess and had lived with the King of Arcadia for a long time, the person in charge of this marriage matchmaking was naturally only the middle-aged man named "Kin".
On the field, as the three-foot wooden stakes were driven into the starting line one by one, the athletes also went onto the open space to warm up.
King Iasos gazed at the youths gathered in the arena, his eyes lingering for a moment among the Divine Kin before he nodded in satisfaction.
Since Heaven did not grant him a son, he could only use his daughter to recruit outstanding heroes to succeed him on the throne and continue the family bloodline.
Fortunately, the daughter he had taken in was a demigod with extraordinary beauty and strength, who had once shone brightly in the Calydonian Hunt.
If, in the future, this daughter can unite with the Great Hero who defeated her and bear children, then the bloodline of the Arcadia royal family will surely become even more noble.
Thinking of this, the King nodded with pleasure, forcing a fake warm smile on his face, and waved to his daughter beside him.
Atalanta turned to look at the man named "Kin," and whispered softly.
"You know, I swore to serve the goddess Artemis and have no intention of getting married."
The King's face was full of smiles, like a loving father doting on his daughter.
"Child, what nonsense are you talking about? Hurry up, pursue your own happiness, and choose a worthy successor for Arcadia. I will be proud of you."
"This is just what you want, not what I want."
"Atalanta, my daughter, the mission you must bear is to continue the royal bloodline. What woman doesn't get married and have children?"
The King looked at his daughter, whose reaction was somewhat unusual, frowned slightly, and raised his voice.
"Ha, you've lost your son, so you hope I'll give birth to a grandson so he can replace me and become a tool trapped on the throne? Is that your plan?"
"Atalanta! I'm doing this for your own good. Do you really want to defy your mother in front of so many people and embarrass me?"
Faced with his daughter's cold laughter and mockery, the King's facial muscles twitched slightly, then he straightened his face and gave her a gentle but firm advice.
"Don't worry, Your Majesty, I will definitely do what I promised you."
Atalanta rose expressionlessly and slowly descended the steps. As she passed the King, she paused briefly, her voice indifferent and low.
"This is the last time I'll help you. Please don't use the name of blood ties to manipulate me in the future."
I don't owe you anything...
Upon hearing this, King Iasos's expression shifted between light and shadow as he looked up and gazed at the speaker.
In an instant, he suddenly noticed that the Arcadia Princess he had brought with him from Calydon, after he had used all his emotional appeal, had somehow abandoned her luxurious gold and silver ornaments, torn off her comfortable silk clothes, and put on that humble hunter's outfit. With a confident smile on her lips, she walked into the arena with her head held high.