Zeus coughed at Hera’s words and resumed speaking, “I believe we have concluded.”

“Aphrodite has touched upon the honor of Artemis and could have very well caused a conflict that would harm the stability of Olympus. For that, I punish her with a MONTH OF HOUSE ARREST!” Zeus passed down his judgment on Aphrodite.

The latter, instead of continuing her earlier showdown, unexpectedly chuckled and said, “I accept the punishment, Lord Zeus.”

When she heard that, Athena told Alex, “I’m getting a bad premonition from this.”

Artemis was astonished at her sudden change in attitude.

Zeus, also stunned by this outcome, coughed and said, “Also, the girls of Artemis’ sacred forest will now also be placed under my protection.”

“With that, I declare the divine council adjourned!”

Artemis bowed, thanked Zeus and everyone else, “Thank you, Father, and everyone who has discerned the side of justice today, I owe you all a favor!”

Aphrodite was already leaving the council, but was stopped by Hera, “Aphrodite, I will be escorting you back to your home.”

Veins seemed to pop on Aphrodite’s forehead, as her eyes twitched from anger.

Athena, Alex, and Hermes also stood up to leave, but suddenly, the towering figure of Zeus blocked their passage.

“Hermes, I need to speak to you.” The god told Hermes.

Hermes murmured under his breath, “Uh-oh, sounds like trouble.”

Zeus then turned to Alex and said, “Kid, I’ll remember you.”

Alex was astonished and didn’t know how to interpret his vague words, so he just stood there silently until Athena stepped in and declared, “Father, he has seen a lot today, he’s going back home.”

She tugged violently at his shoulder and they left the room, and Alex knew his next conversation with her wasn’t going to be a pleasant one. In fact, when they were out of the palace, Athena exclaimed, “Alex, you have done so many things wrong today…”

“Of all the deities to offend, you chose DEMETER and APHRODITE,” Athena spoke calmly but Alex knew she was nothing but calm as she placed extra emphasis on the names of the goddesses.

Their conversation was, however, fortunately, interrupted by Persephone.

“Alex, I can’t deny you were extremely audacious today, but putting yourself under the radar of Mother wasn’t a good decision.”

Alex rubbed his head and started to regret his hot-bloodedness from earlier.

‘What had even gotten into me?’ He wondered.

Persephone continued, “Look, I’m going to speak to her, and that will make the difference between her loathing you and disliking you.”

“You don’t have to do that-

“You’re misunderstanding something, Alex, I’m doing it for Crista. She doesn’t have the strength to protect herself yet, and Mother will target her if she can’t vent her anger on YOU.” Persephone interrupted him and spoke in an angry manner he had never seen before.

Alex started feeling very guilty, as his careless advances not only put him in danger but apparently also his lover.

Alex took a step back and bowed to both Athena and Persephone.

“I apologize.”

Athena replied, “It’s too late, Alex, you did what you did, and it was extremely courageous. I have to give it to you, if I had your strength, I wouldn’t have ever stood up for myself in that council, even if it were for justice.”

Persephone nodded at her words, “Wisely said, Athena. On that, I’m going.”

Hades had also left the council by now, and caught up to his wife. He stared at Alex for a few seconds, implicitly sending out the same message as the other two, and then took Persephone into an embrace, the two of them leaving.

Ares and Achilles were nowhere to be seen, and most of the deities he knew had either already left, or were still inside.

Yet, an unfamiliar goddess approached them.

‘If my memory serves me right, she was one of the two gods who refrained from voting..?’ Alex pondered.

She had a very calm, somewhat stoic demeanor and a simple appearance compared to most other deities. Her eyes were of a deep green color that inspired relaxation and comfort.

“Athena, how have you been faring? It has been an eventful while.” The goddess’ voice was soothing.

“Ah, Aunt Hestia. I have had a tiresome life, yet fate has brought me only serendipity, for which I am thankful for.” Athena referred to the goddess as ‘Hestia’.

‘Hestia?’ As far as he knew, Hestia was the sister of Zeus, Hades and Poseidon, and the Goddess of hearth and home, encompassing all aspects of home life and comfort.

She wasn’t mentioned very much in myths, because she didn’t involve herself much in conflicts and such, and was one of the most benevolent goddesses.

“I see fate has even brought you a child. I won’t occupy your time much further. Bless you, Athena.” Hestia referred to Alex and cupped her hands in goodbye.

“Bless you, Aunt.” Athena also cupped her hands back.

Following that, Athena forced him to stay at her tower, on account of protecting him until the situation from the day of the council calmed down.

An unexpected guest came by to the tower, however.

The fiery young goddess, the unexpected guest in question, was currently trying out various bows at Athena’s training facility and praised those.

It was Artemis, the ‘plaintiff’ from the Divine Council.

“I came by to thank you for your intervention that day, if not, I wouldn’t have secured victory!” She was speaking to him, but her attention was fully devoted to shooting arrows.

Alex shook his head, and Artemis suddenly shot a few arrows at him, which he skillfully avoided and responded back with a questioning glare.

“As I thought, you’re very good at evasion. You should come by my forest sometimes to train together!” Her eyes were glowing, and Alex wasn’t sure he shared her enthusiasm.

He didn’t want to become a porcupine from the arrows of the Goddess of the Hunt, after all.

Just as he was thinking of ways to chase her out, a very fortunate coincidence happened.

The skinny god from the day of the council, that looked like her twin, came over and spoke, “Artemis, it is time to go back.”

His voice felt distant, and he felt the polar opposite of the hot-blooded Artemis.

He was holding a lyre in his hands, similar to the one Achilles used.

Artemis looked unsatisfied, and pouted, “Apollo, let me play with the newcomer first…”

‘That’s Apollo?’ Alex was surprised.

‘Apollo’ seemed to sense his emotions, as he stared at him incomprehensibly for a few seconds, and then left the floor and the tower in slow steps.

“Ughh, brother, you’re always like this. Well, newcomer, I shall go!” Artemis gave him a thumbs-up and followed Apollo.

“The name’s Alex…” Alex was downcast, as she was already too far away when he spoke.

Meanwhile, Athena was watching all of this, and warned him, “Be careful of Apollo, and Artemis too. They might not be malevolent, but they are definitely people you should look out for.”

Alex kept her advice in mind and nodded.