"Hera, my lady!"
At this moment, a calm and pleasant female voice echoed.
Hera regained her composure and said calmly, "Eris, have you taken care of what I asked you to handle?"
"My lady!"
Eris, dressed in a long gown, emerged from behind Hera, nodding with a smile. "Everything has been prepared according to your instructions. When the time comes, everything will fall into place. You will not be disappointed!"
"Very good!"
Hera nodded with satisfaction. She had to admit, Eris, whom she had accidentally brought under her command, was truly exceptional—a highly capable and reliable aide who could assist her in accomplishing many tasks.
For Hera, there were many things she couldn't directly involve herself in.
This was quite normal!
Even if, after everything succeeded, these things could not remain hidden, it was still better not to expose them prematurely. It was best to have someone else handle such matters.
Eris!
Her abilities, tact, and loyalty were all aspects that greatly satisfied Hera. In fact, Hera had already made up her mind. Once her plans were fully realized and she ascended to the position of Queen of Heaven, Eris would be disposed of. That way, wouldn't it be as if she had done nothing herself?
This was Hera's plan. It was ruthless and vicious, but undeniably effective, for it was the most efficient strategy.
After all, who could never reveal secrets they shouldn't? Only the dead. Only the dead can keep secrets forever, right?
Eris merely smiled as she looked at Hera.
Did she not know what Hera was thinking?
Hehehe...
Don't be ridiculous!
Eris was the Goddess of Discord and Strife. When it came to scheming and manipulation, honestly, no god could outmatch her.
Plots, intrigues, sowing discord—these were as natural to Eris as breathing. As long as one wasn't a fool, they would clearly understand the depths of Eris' capabilities.
For this reason, anyone familiar with Eris knew exactly what she was like. How could she be unaware of Hera's plans and intentions?
That's simply impossible—completely impossible.
Absolutely! Absolutely! Absolutely! There was no way, from any perspective, that Eris would be unaware.
So!
Eris had long been prepared for every eventuality. She wasn't worried. In fact, she was quite relaxed, for she knew Hera would never succeed.
If Eris failed in this regard, it would be humiliating! Truly embarrassing.
Besides.
What backing does Hera have?
And what backing do I, Eris, have?
You and I...
We've never!
Not once!
Even been on the same level. There is absolutely no comparison between us. This is an undeniable fact.
Hera may think she holds all the cards, but in Eris' eyes, everything Hera thought she controlled was insignificant.
"My lady!"
"I'll take my leave now."
"Go ahead."
Hera nodded calmly, and Eris withdrew.
These two seemingly loyal goddesses each harbored their own plans. As for the final outcome? Who could say? Perhaps things would take a particularly interesting turn!
Eris left.
Hera whispered softly to herself, "It seems Eris has sensed something. That's only natural. After all, this is her area of expertise."
"How unfortunate."
"It's utterly meaningless. Even if she's aware, what difference does it make?"
"It's pointless."
Hera shook her head slightly. Some things, whether known or unknown, ultimately make no difference. Even if Eris knew, would it change anything?
It wouldn't!
Not at all. Nothing could change the outcome. This was an undeniable truth.
In Hera's eyes, Eris was merely her subordinate. She controlled Eris' divine heart, so how could she possibly escape her grasp?
That was simply out of the question!
This was Hera's absolute confidence.
After briefly contemplating, Hera left, her heart calm and undisturbed, as if she hadn't placed any importance on these matters.
However.
From the slight smile on Hera's lips as she departed, it was clear she possessed absolute confidence. And the source of this confidence? That didn't need to be explained.
Sometimes.
Confidence itself isn't wrong, especially when Hera had meticulously prepared everything.
...
In another part of the heavens.
Outside another temple.
Metis quietly shook her head and softly murmured, "Hera, do you really think I'm unaware of what you're doing?"
Metis gently stroked her abdomen.
She knew she was carrying a second child, one who also bore the aura of a God-King, one that carried the essence of the Earth Goddess.
Metis couldn't help but recall the moment when the Earth Goddess visited her and infused a sliver of divine power, representing the ruler of the earth, into her womb.
Why had the Earth Goddess done this?
Or rather!
What was the Earth Goddess' motive?
Metis didn't know.
However!
Metis didn't care. No matter the reason, her child would be exceptional. That alone was enough.
"Abel."
"My child..."
Metis softly caressed her belly, feeling the presence of her unborn child and the one soon to be born. She whispered, "I believe you will both be born safely and grow up strong."
"As your mother, I will not fail!"
Metis clenched her delicate hands. She was ready for everything.
The entire heavens were in turmoil.
Plots and schemes, calculations on all sides.
No one knew!
What the future held—Zeus, Hera, Metis—all three had their own plans.
It seemed!
A grand drama was about to unfold, and where this drama would lead was the most fascinating part. Because no one knew!
Everything was merely the calm before the storm!
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