The Tragic Fate of a Greek Socialite 1/2
Inside a tent at the meritorious martyrs' camp.
Once settled, Jason, clutching the food he had been given, wolfed it down. In his haste, he even choked on his food.
"Eat slowly. If you're still hungry, I'll send someone to bring you more."
Samael got up, handed him a glass of warm water, and began to comfort him.
"Th-thank you... thank you for your trouble, Theseus..."
After swallowing warm water and calming his breathing, Jason looked somewhat embarrassed.
"It's nothing, just a small favor. I also received your care in Calydon and Iolcus. Besides, I heard from Rhode and Caenis that you took good care of them on your journey back."
Samael smiled faintly, his tone gentle. This response, however, made Jason lower his head awkwardly and avoid eye contact.
To lighten the somewhat somber atmosphere inside the tent, the ancient serpent casually inquired about the conditions along the route from Jason's hometown of Iolcus, as well as his experiences after his Argonaut Expedition.
Speaking of these things, the once high-spirited socialite prince, who was full of vigor after obtaining the Golden Fleece, now appears dejected and bitter.
Upon his return to the country, Uncle Pelias was quite warm and friendly. However, as the heroes of the various Greek city-states left one after another, the King who had usurped the throne changed his attitude and gradually began to reveal his true intentions.
The cunning usurper not only plotted to poison his kinsman Aeson, but also framed him, stripped him of all his honors, drove him out of Iolcus, and sent troops to hunt him down.
During that period, Jason lived in constant fear, hiding and running away, lest he be caught and killed.
The Golden Fleece, a legendary gift from the gods that brings wealth and glory, ironically led Prince Iolcus, who painstakingly obtained it, to an even more impoverished life.
As for why he didn't ask his friends on the Argo for help, Samael could guess the answer from his embarrassed expression.
The Divine Blood Hero who boarded the Argo were the cream of the crop of Greece; none of them were truly fools.
The prevailing attitude in this era was to value promises over life and death. After leaving Atlantis, even if the crew didn't say it, they all felt disgusted by Jason's desertion.
Therefore, after gaining the trust of the crew, it would be difficult to get their help again. Jason, who was somewhat ashamed, was too embarrassed to ask them for help.
However, whether fortunately or unfortunately, a series of major events, such as the Olympus catastrophe and the start of the War of the Giants, have affected Iolcus. Now, the entire country has been destroyed by the attack of the Colossal Titan because it is located by the sea.
Even without pursuers, Jason, who had no fixed abode, had no choice but to follow the refugees of Iolcus and flock to the third line of defense in the Peloponnese Peninsula in order to survive.
Unfortunately, Jason arrived at the wrong time. Due to the urgency of the situation, most of the Argo Heroes had been sent out by Samael to carry out missions.
Even if he wanted to swallow his pride and ask for the meritorious treatment enjoyed by the Divine Blood Hero, there were no acquaintances nearby who could verify his identity, and his own situation inevitably made people look down on him and suspect him.
Samael remained noncommittal regarding Jason's situation.
He was just an ordinary man, a pathetic puppet who spent his days racking his brains for his own desires, only to be toyed with by fate.
Atlantis's desertion at the last minute was hardly honorable, and Samael, who had never had much hope for Jason, had no interest in criticizing him further.
After all, he was simply following his heart and making a choice that aligned with his own humanity, and he has already paid the price for it.
Out of consideration for their past acquaintance, Samael wouldn't mind offering some help within his capacity.
, that's all.
With Samael, the de facto ruler of the human side, present, the gatekeeper naturally dared not neglect Jason was personally received by him.
Soon, the second meal was brought into the tent for a down-on-his-luck prince to enjoy.
Seeing that Jason had been settled, Samael rose to say goodbye, patted him on the shoulder, raised his hand and placed a bronze plaque in Jason's palm, and spoke softly.
"War is about to break out here. Take this with you and head to Athens; it'll be safer there..."
Jason was slightly taken aback, then his face flushed red with shame.
Before he could react, the two figures who had been walking side by side had already left the tent and disappeared at the end of the road.
The down-on-his-luck prince remained silent for a long time, pursed his lips, and fumbled for his bundle. He carefully placed the dry rations he had stuffed inside on the table, alongside the bronze plaque.
Inside the dimly lit tent, Jason gazed at the objects on his left and right sides with a complex expression.
Outside the camp, Medusa glanced back, somewhat puzzled.
"Entering the camp of meritorious heroes and enjoying such treatment comes with corresponding obligations, namely, participating in the most brutal battles on the front lines as Divine Blood Hero. Why leave behind the departure pass?"
"That's because he's not suited to be a hero..."
Samael spoke up helplessly, and seeing that Medusa was still somewhat confused, the ancient serpent sighed and explained.
"Laziness, cowardice, indulgence in pleasure... Human beings have inherent weaknesses that restrict themselves. Only those who can break through these boundaries when necessary are called warriors. However, not everyone has this qualification and awareness. One more or one less will not make a difference here. Let him be."
Medusa looked at Samael quietly, and after hearing his explanation, she couldn't help but feel a little curious.
"I don't know why, but I always feel that you are too lenient with him."
"Probably because I used to be one of those ordinary people..."
"How could that be! Samael is the smartest, most reliable, and bravest person..."
"That's because you changed me..."
Samael raised his hand and stroked Medusa's head, speaking softly with a touch of emotion, his eyes full of smiles.
When Medusa, who was once again standing there in a daze, came to her senses, she saw Samael standing at the crossroads ahead, waving at her.
A slight blush of embarrassment appeared on Goddess of Vengeance's face, and she immediately buried her head and chased after Shangguan.
After Jason's little incident, the two unknowingly bypassed the camp of the meritorious generals and arrived at the edge of the city wall, which was under repair on the third line of defense.
Not far away, a large amount of Magecraft materials were being transported manually to the department where the problem occurred. Meanwhile Stheno and Euryale, who had been given this leisurely task, were leisurely supervising the work. They were even lying on a shaded rattan chair, enjoying the crystal dew, with several flower Nymph serving them.
As the saying goes, excessive joy leads to sorrow. A burst of Colossal Titan bombardment from the Colossi outside the city caused the already crumbling wall to crack and collapse instantly, threatening to bury the relaxed Euryale and Stheno alive.