Chen Ming could only look at Hephaestus. Hephaestus seemed to know the truth from the start. However, he tried to tell himself that it wasn't what he thought.
He really is a pitiful god.
Chen Ming could only shook his head. Even gods themselves have heart problems.
“I got what I wanted. I will return to my land. You can tell Hera and Athena about this. If the two of them want an answer from you then.”
Hephaestus knew that his cover-up would cause Chen Ming trouble. And he doesn't like being a trouble maker for anyone. he is higher than that
Chen Ming heard that and nodded to Hephaestus. He just had a look that wasn't as beautiful as a god. But he has a big heart. Perhaps if Aphrodite hadn't looked him in the face She might change her mind.
Hephaestus after talking to Chen Ming. He immediately wanted to return to his territory. He didn't know what Aphrodite would do to his homeland in his absence. I hope she doesn't do anything too harsh.
However, before he could even take a step. He had heard someone's voice before.
It was a sound he was familiar with. But it was a voice he didn't want to hear at this moment.
“Where are you going in such a hurry? when it arrived Why don't you come and say hello?"
The one who said to stop Hephaestus for a moment was Athena. She knew from the beginning that Hephaestus would sneak into the Desert Lands. Because he had wanted some ore within the desert region long ago.
"Athena"
Hephaestus looked at Athena. He didn't know how to feel about this kind of situation. He knew that Athena was not like her father. But he still couldn't help but look at her badly.
because when he was evicted She didn't say anything to stop Zeus.
He had thought that his expulsion from Olympus might have been Athena's plan. She probably wanted him to come under her. and made weapons and armor for her army.
But as time passed, he realized that his expulsion from Olympus had nothing to do with her. And the reason she didn't help him was because she couldn't help him.
If she helped him Her plans will be destroyed. And that would result in many Goddesses losing their lives.
“You know why I have to rush back to my territory. You handed it to Aphrodite, didn't you? The key, and you appear before me now to delay her escape.”
Hephaestus sighed. Athena looked at him. Her expression did not change one bit. It was as if she already knew that Hephaestus must have known about it. But she didn't understand something.
“You already know. Why didn't you interrupt her or show any action?”
Hephaestus heard Athena's question. He looked at Athena. His gaze was filled with emptiness.
“If you know love, then You wouldn't ask me that."
After speaking, Hephaestus walked away. This time Athena didn't stand in his way. She thought about what he said. Love, it was something that a god like her could never understand. Maybe if you ask Hestia or Bast she might have an answer
Chen Ming looked at Athena. saw that she did not understand what Hephaestus had said He decided to add
“He did it all to give Aphrodite what he wanted. If I had to guess He kept Aphrodite in order to protect her from Zeus.”
"Protect her from Zeus."
Athena thought back. Hephaestus is the humblest god. He was unlikely to have had the courage to take Aphrodite as his wife. However, the fact that he agreed to accept Aphrodite as his wife but did nothing to her. It might be because of his love.
She did not believe that a physically strong Hephaestus would not be able to force a weaker Aphrodite to submit to him. But every time they sleep together Hephaestus saw Aphrodite's pain. He will be the one who backs off himself.
He wouldn't let Aphrodite suffer. Even though he himself became a bad talker. He would protect her until she saw that he was no longer needed.
This is what he will do for the people he really loves.
Land of Fire and Steel
Aphrodite now had time to escape. She avoided the fiery spirits that kept Hephaestus' eyes and ears.
“I will finally be free. I can't bear to stay in this despicable land any longer.”
Aphrodite has the key that will open the gates of the realm. Hephaestus is the true god of blacksmithing. His whole land was like a hearth. No god can enter without permission.
But entering and exiting outside of Hephaestus' permission There was also a key that could be used to enter and exit his territory. This key is for his faeries to enter and exit his realm in search of the ore he needs.
“Just a little longer”
Aphrodite was now standing in front of a large iron gate that connected the land of fire and steel. with the land of forests
Persephone told her that She had prepared a way to escape.
The escape she had prepared was saved by her new husband, Hermes. Wherever she was, she was able to escape.
and as she was about to open the door She felt that she was about to gain freedom. Something happened. She looked back.
Even if she doesn't like this land However, she had been here for a very long time. It made her feel a little hesitant.
'Even though he has an ugly face but he never harmed us one bit Is what we did right?'
Aphrodite felt that Hephaestus had done nothing wrong to her. Besides that, he also took great care of her. There was no other deity who pampered her so much. The only thing he forbids is
don't leave him If she wanted something, he would get it for her.
She sarcastically told him that she wanted a temple that was bigger than Zeus's. which he kept his promise and built a more beautiful temple than Zeus The temple used a rare ore. In fact, the ore he was seeking now was the one used to build her temple.
For thousands of years, he had continued to build her temple for her.
Aphrodite gritted his teeth. Why would she suddenly hesitate now?
“There is no time. I must hurry and get out of here.”
Aphrodite made a decisive decision. She looked at the key in her hand before attempting to open the door using it.
The door had opened by itself first. Aphrodite was frightened. The fact that the door had opened this way without her using the key meant that
"Hephaestus"
Hephaestus appeared on the other side of the gate. His eyes were now emotionless as they looked at Aphrodite. Although he already knew what Aphrodite was thinking. But even that didn't make him feel any less painful.
“You… go away, Aphrodite.”
Hephaestus did not show the slightest hint of anger. which was completely different from his Divinity Aphrodite did not know how to answer this question. She didn't expect to meet him like this.
“I, I just”
Hephaestus shook his head before letting out a sigh. He walked in front of Aphrodite. Aphrodite was scared. she retreated
“I have no intention of hurting you, Aphrodite. I just want the keys back, and you can go where you want. I will not hold you back.”
Hephaestus raised his hand forward. He asked Aphrodite to return the key. Aphrodite, of course, thought that Hephaestus would deceive her. He wanted to seize the key and not let her escape.
“Have I deceived you once, Aphrodite?”
Hephaestus said with sincerity. He had never lied to her even once.
Aphrodite knew that Hephaestus had never deceived her. He always told her the truth. But that freedom was too expensive for her to believe what Hephaestus said.
“You don't believe me. Then it's up to you to think. what you want me to bring for you I have placed it near your escape route outside. Treat it as a farewell gift between you and me.”
Hephaestus then walked away. He didn't turn back to look at her. He was afraid that if he looked at her, he wouldn't be able to get over it. Although his body was as strong as steel, But his heart was as fragile as glass. And now his glass heart is cracking
He couldn't use his Divinity to mend his heart. He will be overwhelmed with happy memories. He will strike iron and forget all his sorrows.
But no matter what, he would complete the Temple of Aphrodite. Even if he didn't have her anymore
“I wish you safety and meet good people. who will truly love you, Aphrodite."
Aphrodite could only stand there. I couldn't believe that he would actually let her go. Even though freedom was already in front of her Why did she feel so empty?
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