As the sharp edge of Athena's sword gently touched my shoulder, I kneeled down, facing the palace tiles with solemnity in my chest. My ears willing to listen to the command she was about to give, it must have been an important matter for it to be left to someone like me. However, I hope it's not a troublesome thing, sometimes this old aunt likes to do whatever she wants with her status as the Virtuous One. Even so, I also won't be able to refuse her orders even if it's just a command that even an ant could do.
She said, "Luminous, I hereby declare my command to you."
Why didn't she just to the point? Keep calm, Luminous, you're on a formal occasion.
"Meet the human spirit from the Mortal World." She paused for a moment. "Then convey a message to her to settle in Forgotten Island."
That's it? Really? I almost threw my head back to confirm if that was really all I had to do this time. It was rare that Athena gave me such a hassle-free task.
"Then watch over her for the rest of her life, leading her in the path set by the gods as is your responsibility as an O Diamedes."
This damn bitch! However, I couldn't protest against her command. Athena is a part of the 12 Olympians, as well as one of Grandpa Zeus' most trusted goddesses. So, no matter what she decided, I had no right to refuse even if I was reluctant to carry out her orders.
I took a breath before answering her command. "Understood, Lady Athena."
The sharpness of the sword was no longer felt on my shoulder. However, I still hadn't stood up cuase waiting for Athena's permission in accordance with the rules of decorum—I hate this dumb rule. Like Athena usually did, she took too long in giving the order to stand up. I'd pretty much memorized it, within the third second, she'd make a sound.
One. Two. Three.
"Raise yourself, Luminous," she commanded.
I immediately stood up following the command. Tsk, this old woman finally did it too. My legs were already cramping from kneeling for so long. Why was she always so complicated in giving orders? Can't she just go straight to the point? This old woman, she's same as Grandpa Zeus—except for the horny part.
Even so, I could not protest to her. As Lord Hephaestus had taught me, I had to obey the 12 Olympians' commands even if I didn't like it. Moreover, the 12 Olympians were of such a high position as Athena. So, in the end, surrendering was the only thing I could do, then bowing slightly to Athena with my right hand in front of my left chest.
As usual, my response as a minor immortal was to say, "Understood, Lady Athena." After that, I looked into her blue eyes. It felt like they pierced straight through me, making the difference between us clear. Now, all I could do was wait for Athena to give the command to let me go.
"You seem to be in a hurry, Luminous." Her voice sounded steady, but I could feel the sarcasm behind the words.
"I apologize for my impoliteness, Lady Athena." This damn auntie. If only she wasn't a goddess standing above me, it would have been easy to defeat her.
Athena sighed. "Never mind. I'm not in the mood to advise you. Go back to your place."
I tried to hold back the grin that was about to form. "Understood, Lady Athena."
I bowed my head. Then I got up after hearing the tapping of her staff. Left the place and headed towards that girl.