Even though the women of Lemnos Island had killed all the unfaithful men on the island and seized control of it, their mindset still retained the most common male-female views of the Greek World. There was no other way, as there were still many Gods above them.
According to the basic concepts of Greece, these women naturally believed that there were no females among the Argo Heroes on their expedition. After all, when they looked down from the city walls, they couldn't see Polydeuces, Medea, and Atalanta, who were disguised as men at the time, as the three girls were all quite well-built.
Upon hearing Queen Hypsipyle's words, Jason responded loudly:
"Noble Queen, there are indeed female Heroes among us. If you don't believe me, look."
He turned his head and gave a meaningful look to the three girls. Noticing Jason's gaze, Polydeuces and Atalanta both stepped forward. Only Medea seemed to sense something, her eyes darting around, and she did not step out.
The two beautiful girls took off their heavy helmets, revealing their beautiful hair, golden and green, fluttering in the air like shining gold and emerald, which momentarily stunned the women on the city wall.
Hypsipyle heard a low "Wow, so flat" exclamation from a woman beside her.
Queen Hypsipyle cleared her throat. Of course, she couldn't say that directly. These two women and these Heroes seemed very difficult to provoke. If she angered them, the entire city-state of Lemnos Island might suffer heavy losses.
So she thought for a moment, then smiled at Atalanta and Polydeuces below and said:
"So you are two compatriots. You are truly well-disguised; even I didn't notice you."
Upon seeing Atalanta and Polydeuces appear, the women on the city wall also exchanged glances. Several female officials whispered to Queen Hypsipyle:
"Queen, it seems these Heroes are truly friendly towards women. Why don't we let them in? After all these years, our Lemnos truly needs some fresh blood."
"I know."
Hypsipyle responded softly.
Solitary does not last long. Ever since the previous king was exiled by Hypsipyle, there had been no men on Lemnos Island for a long time. Although the women on the island felt quite free living this way, a country cannot continue with only women.
The Amazon Kingdom across the sea has always honored females, but every so often, they hold a procreation ritual with men from outside the kingdom, and even their Queen personally participates. Hypsipyle had long considered this; for Lemnos Island to continue under its current system, procreation is an unavoidable part.
Therefore, after Jason took the lead in expressing his stance, Queen Hypsipyle intended to welcome them into the city-state. Aphrodite's curse, with the intervention of another God, had almost no effect on these women, and the Goddess of Love's purpose had also been achieved, and Her anger had subsided.
Now, the women of Lemnos Island no longer emanated that foul odor, and it was believed that these Heroes would not refuse the women who actively threw themselves at them.
However, just as the Argo Heroes and the women of Lemnos Island were preparing to deepen their relationship, an unharmonious voice suddenly interjected, shouting to Atalanta and Polydeuces:
"Atalanta, Polydeuces, didn't you hear what this Queen said? She's saying you look like men."
"Perseus, what do you mean?" Polydeuces asked, hands on her hips.
"I mean you're small!" Perseus raised his voice again: "Greek flat, Zeus Airport, understand?"
"What did you say?!" Polydeuces glared furiously at Perseus, looking as if she wanted to rush over and hit him, while beside her, her brother Castor also drew the long sword from his waist with an unfriendly expression.
"Nonsense!"
Queen Hypsipyle on the city wall also roared:
"I absolutely did not mean that; I was merely expressing my respect to the Argo Heroes who are also women… Captain Jason, please control your crew member!"
"Alright, Perseus, shut up!" Jason originally didn't dare to scold Perseus, as he couldn't beat him. But now, with Heracles standing beside him as his bodyguard, looking at the tall demigod, Jason felt very confident.
The other Heroes around him also cast dissatisfied glances at Perseus, this "unappreciative" fellow. They had been drifting on the sea for many days and had long wanted to find a good place to rest their feet, bodies, and minds. But just as Queen Hypsipyle was about to let them in, Perseus ruined it.
"Alright, alright." Seeing that the surrounding Heroes were all displeased with him, Ares felt reassured. He then manipulated Perseus to show a disgruntled expression and muttered:
"You have more people, so you're right. I won't say anything more, okay?"
Seeing that he finally shut his mouth, Jason turned to apologize to Queen Hypsipyle on the city wall:
"I apologize, Queen. Our ship has all sorts of people. Perseus meant no harm; he was probably just speaking his mind…"
"Please rest assured, Captain Jason, I am not angry with any of the rest of you."
Queen Hypsipyle also took the opportunity to ease the situation, replying:
"Your willingness to accept women as part of your group demonstrates your attitude towards women. I believe you are all Heroes of noble character and lofty ideals… except for a certain someone."
She glanced at Perseus and continued:
"Therefore, as the Queen of this Lemnos Island, I am willing to open our gates to you and welcome you as guests. Heroes, please make yourselves at home and relax."
After Queen Hypsipyle finished speaking, the city gate blocking the Argo Heroes slowly opened from the inside. A group of women from Lemnos Island stood by the roadside, lining up to welcome the Argo Heroes.
Jason thanked Queen Hypsipyle on the city wall and led the Argo Heroes in single file. However, just as it was Perseus's turn to enter the city, the female warriors guarding the gate crossed their long spears, blocking his way.
"What do you mean?" Perseus thought to himself, "They took the bait," but outwardly asked with displeasure.
"The Queen said that only you, the man who offended us, are not allowed to enter the city." The two female warriors at the front, who were blocking him, said to Perseus with disdain: "Since you look down on our Lemnos Island, please go back where you came from."