"Even if Themis herself came to judge, it would probably be no more than this."
At this moment, not only did Queen Persephone of the Underworld think of the Goddess Themis, who represented absolute justice, but Goddess Hestia and the other gods also thought of her.
Gazing down at Jason, who was delivering the judgment.
In this instant, they seemed to see a vision of Jason holding the scales of judgment and the sword of decree!
"That child delivered a just verdict and did not cover for their evil deeds."
Hestia continued, "But at the same time, he also granted forgiveness, fulfilled his task, and resolved the hidden dangers on this island... For such an answer, even Hera, who harbors resentment, can only acknowledge it."
After Hestia spoke, Queen Amphitrite of the Sea nodded in agreement.
But their insights this time were merely superficial.
How exquisite Jason's actions were could only be seen through by a few gods.
"No, it was not the child who granted forgiveness... The ones granting forgiveness are the benevolent and great Goddess Hera and Goddess Aphrodite."
The cunning God of Deception and Messenger of the Gods, Hermes.
At some point, he had pressed down the feather hat on his head and smiled as he approached Hestia and Amphitrite.
Under their puzzled gazes, Hermes looked down at Jason and said, "He actually handed the right to judge these women on the island to Hera and Aphrodite, while all he did was sincerely request it from us and propose a modest solution and opinion."
Yes, Jason had not made the judgment.
He had merely proposed a solution and opinion to the gods who appeared.
"But... facing that child's opinion, even Hera, who resists him, cannot refuse it at this moment... To be precise, even if it were not Hera and Aphrodite standing there, but any one of us.
We absolutely could not refuse!"
"Why?" Hestia was slightly stunned and asked doubtfully.
"Because that child has arranged everything perfectly." Hermes sighed and said, "Just like that underworld wedding last time, tell me, in that wedding, what left the deepest impression on you: Jason, who organized it,
Or Hades on the wedding and Persephone in her wedding dress?"
Faced with Hermes' counterquestion, Hestia and Queen Amphitrite of the Sea could not help but be stunned.
That goes without saying; of course it was... Hades and Persephone!
"This... what does it mean?"
Amphitrite could not help but ask.
"Simple, because after arranging everything, he handed the already determined decision to us... He gave the honor to us!"
Hermes said, pointing downward.
At this moment,
Jason bowed to Hera and Goddess Aphrodite and said clearly, "This is how it is, great Goddess Hera, Goddess Aphrodite... They are indeed guilty, but they have already recognized their wrongs.
Through listening to the voices of all things, I heard their remorse for what they did in the past from the voices on this island, and they are also willing to accept punishment.
Thus, great and merciful Queen of the Gods Hera, who pities the world, do you..."
"...I am willing to forgive you."
Under the gazes of Queen Hypsipyle and the many women of the island who had gathered, Hera revealed a gentle expression and smiled lightly, "Although you committed a sin against marriage, you still possess the rights as women.
If you are willing to raise those children in the world who suffer hardship, I will have storks deliver children to you..."
"We are willing!" Queen Hypsipyle gave an excited response.
And the women of the island, upon hearing this, were equally thrilled one by one.
"Thank you for the benevolence of the great Goddess Hera." At this moment, Jason took the lead, looking at Hera with an admiring expression, and said, "As expected of the Queen of the Gods who pities the world, the goddess praised and sung by all in the world!"
After Jason spoke, Queen Hypsipyle, who had been momentarily stunned, quickly knelt before Hera and thanked her for her great kindness.
With such a beginning, the people on the island followed suit one by one.
Seeing the excited and grateful gazes they cast toward her.
The smile on Hera's face at this moment could not be contained...
She even felt a sense of elation.
And then...
"Great Goddess Aphrodite, as you see, as sinners, they have already recognized their sins and are willing to atone for them."
Jason bowed to Aphrodite beside him again and said, "From today onward, they will surely remember your lesson and grace day and night.
So..."
"I can forgive their rudeness toward me... Since they are willing to raise those pitiable children in the world, I will withdraw the curse on them."
Aphrodite said, "But only this once!"
"Thank you, great Goddess Aphrodite!"
"We offer our highest gratitude to you, Goddess Aphrodite." Queen Hypsipyle wept with joy and knelt to thank Aphrodite, saying, "We have deeply realized our mistakes and will never commit them again from now on!
We will build the grandest statues to enshrine the two benevolent goddesses!"
...
"Would you refuse?"
At this moment, Hermes asked again, pointing to the scene below where the people were worshiping the two deities, and smiled at Hestia and Amphitrite, "In such a situation, would you refuse that child's proposal.
Refuse this honor that is within reach?!"
This was almost an inexplicable, free honor handed to them!
Hestia and Amphitrite exchanged glances.
Would they refuse?
Then they looked at the scene below.
...Who would refuse this!
"Thus, what that child did was not judgment; he even gave the right to judge to us..."
Hermes paused slightly here, then exclaimed in admiration, "No, that's not right; it should not be said that way. To be precise...
He was teaching us how to judge!"
Hermes had revealed the mystery within, but... it was still not enough!
Hestia saw only one aspect, while Athena, who was quietly watching this scene from within that white cloud.
Looking down at the group of Argo heroes, Athena...
"He is demonstrating... demonstrating to me, and at the same time, using this matter to show himself and teach those heroes who follow him!"
I will do better than anyone else... Athena recalled the words Jason said to her that night.
I will tell the people of this world what... a hero truly is!
Athena's gaze fell on the Argo heroes who were gazing at Jason in shock...
"He... will never disappoint anyone."
Athena said softly, "He is offering tribute to me; he... is changing these heroes!"
And almost as Athena's murmur fell.
"Great and benevolent Goddess Hera, may I ask... have we completed the trial you gave us?"
Jason suddenly asked Hera.
Hera was stunned, looked at Jason, thought for a moment, and glanced at the situation below, then nodded and said, "Yes, you have completed it... What reward do you want?"
Trial?
What trial?
At the same time, Hera could not help but grumble inwardly.
And hearing the conversation between Queen Hera and Jason.
"Trial?"
The heroes of the Argo could not help but be stunned.
"What trial?"
"When did we receive a trial?"
"Yes, that's great." Jason smiled at Hera, then excitedly looked toward the Argo heroes and said loudly, "Companions, rejoice! We have completed the trial given to us by the great goddess, Queen Hera!"
Upon hearing Jason's words, the members of the Argo responded with bewildered expressions.
Only Atalanta, who had some idea, quietly pursed her lips.
"When we set sail, we requested protection from the gods in the heavens, and we have had smooth sailing all the way, which is clearly due to the actions of the great gods... Take the merciful Queen Hera as an example; the great gods have always been watching over and helping us!"
Hearing Jason's serious words, Hera's face could not help but flush slightly.
What help? If not for wanting to cause trouble, Hera would have long ago stirred up a sea storm to sink Jason and the others.
And regarding Jason's words, the Argo crew members were similarly surprised.
"Oh, is that how it is?"
"So that's it!"
"So the great gods have always been watching over us!"
As the Argo members exclaimed in surprise, they all cast excited gazes toward Hera.
Seeing this, although Hera felt an indescribable embarrassment, she could only pretend nothing was wrong and nodded.
"Yes, our journey has always been under the watch of the gods. Surely the great Goddess Hera and the others care for us and bless our success, but... can we really complete this great voyage?
And do we even have the qualifications for it?"
Jason continued to inspire... cough, continued to speak seriously, "The road ahead will surely be fraught with difficulties, and heading to distant Colchis under the gaze of the gods to obtain that precious treasure, the Golden Fleece, is what an honor.
So, do we truly have the qualifications to bear such honor?
The gods must be pondering this very question, so they have given us trials, and this trial is clearly the gentle embrace provided by these beautiful women.
As well as the issues of crops and descendants on the island.
But rejoice, companions! We have completed the trial given by the great gods; we can move forward!
When this journey ends, our names will resound across the entire Greek mainland; we will surely become the most radiant heroes!"
Oh, so that's how it is?
Hera blinked her eyes.
And not just her; the Argo crew members listened with completely baffled expressions.
But in any case, facing this inspiring rhetoric, they soon cheered.
But they had only just finished cheering...
"What right do you have to cheer, what right do you have to rejoice!"
The angry and ashamed Heracles spoke up; he glared at everyone on the Argo and said, "You have done nothing at all; you did not even know this was the trial and hardship given to us by the great gods!
You shamelessly enjoyed the delicacies provided by the island without giving anything in return; it was Junior Brother Jason who helped us return the favor.
You fell into the gods' trial yet remained utterly oblivious.
If not for Junior Brother Jason, you, including me, would have been finished long ago!"
Heracles' voice was loud, shocking all the Argo heroes.
Everyone lowered their heads; this time, many truly felt shame.
And at that moment...
"Do not say that, Senior Brother Heracles; we are a whole, all members of the Argo, are we not?"
Jason said with a smile, "Moreover, going to distant Colchis to obtain the precious treasure, the Golden Fleece, was originally my affair.
You all came at my invitation to help me; I, Jason, remember this favor from the bottom of my heart and dare not forget it day or night.
So you need not feel ashamed.
The road ahead is still long; this is merely the beginning.
There are many trials awaiting us; we must unite as one.
We share the honors and bear the difficulties together!"
"Junior Brother Jason..."
Heracles looked at Jason with a moved expression.
"Junior Brother Jason." Theseus looked equally ashamed and moved.
"To think Junior Brother Jason took the lead in showing us the way; we are too useless! Can we even call ourselves students of Chiron, worthy of being Jason's senior brothers like this?!" Meleager said excitedly.
Hearing this, everyone clenched their fists in excitement.
Only Atalanta's expression differed from everyone present.
It's over, it's over...
No helping it; she knew Jason too well and was aware of his true nature.
She had long passed the time when she could be so easily swayed.
And at that moment, Jason looked toward her, blinked at her, and revealed a brilliant smile.
Seeing this, Atalanta returned Jason a big eye roll.
Then, following the group, she shouted loudly, "Captain Jason!"
Thus, the Argo crew's spirits soared, and they excitedly and solemnly assured Hera one by one to bring on whatever trials.
No matter what hardships, they would overcome them.
This made the smile on Hera's face stiffen.
Inwardly, she felt mortified to death.
What trial? She had merely wanted to sabotage Jason...
Finally, Hera indicated she could not take it anymore and slipped away.
Seeing this, Aphrodite left as well.
That night, all the members of the Argo returned to the ship.
By then, the people on the island had already accepted this arrangement of fate.
With reluctant tears, they bid farewell to the Argo heroes at the island's edge and expressed that they would bless them here, forever blessing them.
And just as the Argo set sail again...
"External and internal troubles... What about the threat from the Thracians across the strait?"
Atalanta, having heard Jason mention it, found a moment to ask him alone.
"It has already been resolved."
Jason smiled at Atalanta and said, "Think about it: Queen Hypsipyle and the others have already promised Hera and Goddess Aphrodite, and they have also agreed to the gods to raise those abandoned children sent to them well and nurture them into adults.
In other words, until those children are raised to adulthood, Hera and the others will watch over Queen Hypsipyle and them to prevent them from breaking the agreement.
Does that not mean that until those children grow up, they will be under the protection of Hera and the others?
And once those children grow up, will they not have the ability to protect the small island?"
Hearing this, Atalanta revealed a look of sudden realization.
Then she lightly patted Jason and said, "What do you mean? If you wanted to do it, you did it... By the way, do you plan to tame those barbaric guys?"
As she spoke, Atalanta glanced toward where the heroes were gathered on the ship.
"Do not use the word 'tame'..."
"Is there a difference?"
"What I mean is, um... assimilation, assimilation, understand!"
After Jason said this seriously, Atalanta rewarded him with another big eye roll.
"In any case, I will not be tamed by you!"
After saying that, Atalanta prepared to leave, but Jason grabbed her hand.
Atalanta turned her head, looking at Jason doubtfully.
"I mean, considering how hard I worked this time... and that the next part will not be peaceful, give me a little reward."
Jason looked at Atalanta with a beaming smile.
"Why should I give you a reward..."
Atalanta pouted, but she did not pull her hand away from Jason's.
"Say it, what do you want... Considering you helped those pitiable children in the world."
"Um... How about the usual?" Jason blinked at Atalanta.
"The usual?" Atalanta tilted her head at Jason.
She thought for a moment.
"In your dreams, no!"
After Atalanta subconsciously refused, a short while passed; just as Jason, feeling a slight regret in his heart, had not yet said anything.
"...N-Next... next time is off-limits!"
"Eh?" Jason looked at Atalanta.
"Just this once, next time is off-limits!"
Atalanta's face flushed slightly as she said to Jason, "Next time, go find your goddesses; I will not let you sleep on me forever!"
...
Several months later, the women on the island received abandoned children delivered by storks.
They treated them as their own flesh and blood and raised them carefully.
And every day, they earnestly prayed to the great deities, never daring to slack off again.
At the same time, every day they prayed to the gods and blessed the Argo heroes to complete the trials smoothly and accomplish this great feat.
And just as Jason said, when the Thracians wanted to come to this small island to seize it and seek revenge, to protect them and ensure they fulfilled their agreement, Hera would make the Thracians lose their way in searching for the small island.
Over time, the Thracians gave up on the matter.
The small island welcomed peace.
The abandoned children grew up day by day on the small island, and the relationship between the island's creatures and the humans grew increasingly harmonious.
The creatures helped them plow and harvest; everything seemed so beautiful.
However... occasionally, Queen Hypsipyle of the island would come to the island's edge and gaze out at the endless sea.
Shedding tears, she would softly weep and confide in the gods her wish to see that hero once more.
She was the only woman on this island who did not need to atone.
Because it was said from the beginning that only one person on the island had forgiven another, and that was Queen Hypsipyle.
She had forgiven her father, the former king, hiding him in a wooden chest and casting him adrift at sea.
And to this day, she remained unmarried...
The benevolent goddesses acknowledged this and granted her request to marry.
But... she remained unmarried her entire life.
Because her heart had been stolen the instant she met that hero.
But he was a hero that even the gods yearned for,
Thus, all that awaited her was endless regret...
However, when she departed for the underworld of no return with regret in life, to her immense surprise, at the gates of the underworld.
She saw that hero once more, his handsome figure.
And by then, that hero had already become...