Chimaera's Conquest: The Legend Of The Devourer-Chapter 223: A Toy To Play With

Somewhere on the majestic slopes of Mount Olympus was a water body known as the celestial sea. It was known to offer rejuvenation and healing to the gods living within Zeus’s kingdom. But for aeons, the pool had only one visitor.

It was there that Aphrodite, goddess of love and beauty, was immersed in the soothing waters that whispered of divine secrets of her beauty. Since she had too many lovers protecting her, she didn’t have to worry about claiming their pantheon’s share of celestial sea as her own.

Within years, it had become a place so exclusive that not even her most beloved lovers were allowed to accompany her. It was a privilege she alone could enjoy, except for a few peeping toms risking their lives to look at her.

Aphrodite reclined in the pool, and her skin kissed by the gentle caress of the celestial waters. She closed her eyes, a serene smile on her lips as she remembered one of her many escapades with Dionysos, one of her beloved.

It was thanks to him and her husband that everything near the pool was perfect, from the water to the celestial blooms that adorned the poolside. It was indeed a place befitting of her beauty.

But the peace didn’t last long, as footsteps echoed against the marble floor, breaking the serene silence.

Opening her eyes, she sensed the presence of one of her attendants, a young one at that. The others might have pulled a prank on the innocent young man and sent him her way, intruding on her alone time, but it didn’t lessen her annoyance.

"Who dares intrude upon my solitude?" Aphrodite asked, her voice as soft as a vixen but loud enough to carry her annoyance.

With a blindfold covering his eyes, the young man approached the pool cautiously. He knew the rules well—no mortal eyes were to gaze upon the goddess in her naked brilliance, or else they’d be driven mad by her beauty.

"My Goddess," he spoke softly, his gaze lowered even though his eyes were shut tight. "Forgive my intrusion, but I bring important news from the mortal realm."

Aphrodite arched a perfect brow, her curiosity piqued. It must have to do with that mortal Adrian. She had asked one of her priests back on Earth to deal with the menace, as promised to Hera; the priest must have sent a report for her.

"Speak, then," she commanded. "What news do you bring?"

The attendant hesitated momentarily, his nerves evident in the way he fidgeted nervously with the hem of his robe. Even though his eyes were shut, Aphrodite’s aura was enough to make anyone sweat in her presence, and a former mortal like the man stood no chance against her.

The goddess sensed his nervousness and gently got up. The droplets of celestial water traced her perfect curves as she basked in the glory of the sun.

Helios was definitely staring at her, but that was all he could do if he didn’t want to anger Ares any more than he already had.

However, Aphrodite shook those thoughts out of her head. It wasn’t the time to think about her lovers, but the mortal who needed to be taught a lesson.

"Don’t be shy now," Aphrodite called for the servant to sit beside her. "After all, you are one of my beloved followers. There’s nothing for you to be scared of..."

The servant got even more nervous and gulped down his saliva. Still, he didn’t dare disobey Aphrodite’s instruction and sat beside her, shaking visibly.

Aphrodite smiled, taking the servant’s hand in hers, "Use your words... boy. I might be a goddess, but even I can’t read minds."

"I-It is about the m-mortal called Adrian," he stuttered. "Your priest... informed us about his failure to discipline him..."

Aphrodite’s lips curved into a knowing smile as she heard the report. It wasn’t strange as she had expected him to power through whatever scheme her priest cooked. After all, he wouldn’t have so much attention on him if he wasn’t capable of at least that much.

"Even asking the admin for help didn’t work in our favour," she murmured, amused by the situation. "It only goes to show how strong Adrian truly is. Unlike incapable servants of mine."

Hearing those words, the servant immediately tensed up, wondering if she was talking about him. Watching his reaction brought a smile to Aphrodite’s face as she decided not to play with the poor lad anymore, or else he might die from being too nervous.

But even then, her thoughts drifted towards Adrian. He was more capable than she thought, which made her feel that giving him her cloak was overkill for the other participants in their game.

"Ah, Adrian," she mumbled, playing with her hair. "I knew he would not succumb to such petty tricks. But I had to try to know what he is capable of..."

"W-What should we do next, my goddess? We can’t let him be after he disrespected your w-wishes-"

"For now, we shall let Adrian rest," she declared, sinking back into the water’s warm embrace. "But mark my words. He will not escape my desires for long. A mortal of his calibre deserves to be by my side, serving me day and night anywhere and everywhere I want."

The servant gulped once again. His feeble mind couldn’t even contemplate what would happen to someone who had caught his goddess’s attention.

But that was none of his concern. Having done his job, the attendant bowed low, paying his respects.

"As you command, my goddess," he murmured before retreating from the pool area, thankful to be alive.

Alone once more, Aphrodite allowed herself to relax completely, the world’s cares melting away as she surrendered to the soothing embrace of the celestial waters.

Humming softly to herself, she lost herself in the simple pleasure of washing away the stresses of the day, knowing that the game had only just begun.

"One step at a time, Adrian..." she mumbled, remembering how she played a hand in giving him her cloak as a gift. "It won’t be fun if my toy broke before I got to play with it."