Chapter 183 Are Aglaia and Hathaway bickering?
Heather lowered her beautiful eyes slightly, concealing the emotions within them, and explained softly.
"...because I have already enjoyed the ultimate freedom."
"Long, long ago, I lived in the boundless deep sea."
"In that dark, lightless seabed, a place where civilization can never reach, large fish devour the lives of small fish every moment."
"And after the big fish dies, its body will become food for newborns, nourishing the entire ocean little by little."
"This is the tide of civilization's continuation: anyone can be devoured or face the inevitable fate of perishing."
Xi Lian frowned slightly and asked with a puzzled look on her face.
Are you saying... that the ultimate freedom is actually the most cruel to life?
Hazel shook her head gently, slowly correcting her words.
"I'm just saying that if life is to enjoy dignity, it must first be subject to the 'law'."
"...No need to say any more, little sea hare. My thoughts are actually the same as yours."
"Whether Caesar's 'law' can guide the fish, leading us to a truly free sea... let us wait and see."
As soon as she finished speaking, Heather suddenly looked up at the entrance of the bathhouse, her tone turning cold.
"Now, let's stop this heart-to-heart talk—and more fish are swimming over, drawn by the scent of blood."
Heather's expression suddenly shifted slightly, as if she had sensed something, and her gaze fell directly on the back of Little Grey and Xilian.
The two of them subconsciously turned around and looked over, only to see a slender figure standing quietly at the door.
The person who arrived was Aglaia.
At this moment, her brows were slightly furrowed, her delicate face clearly showing displeasure, and she exuded a cold aura.
...
Aglaia glanced coldly at the people inside the bathhouse, her tone full of dissatisfaction.
"Ha... It's really pathetic to be your subordinate. You have to worry about the messes your superior leaves behind all day long."
"It was merely an obligation I owed to Caesar."
Heather's voice came from the direction of the bath. She had changed into a white robe at some point and walked out slowly, responding softly.
Xi Lian was startled by what she saw and couldn't help but sigh softly.
"Eh, all ready to go in an instant? Miss Hathaway, you're truly unfathomable..."
Hazel put one hand on her hip, looked up at Aglaia, and spoke with a hint of mockery.
"But you, a golden trout that's always busy wagging its fins, what brings you here to visit me all of a sudden?"
Aglaia crossed her arms and looked at Hazel with an arrogant expression, her tone full of deep-seated dissatisfaction.
"Do you think I wanted to come? I advise you to burn more of the incense that our friendly nations offer as tribute, so that my work doesn't get fishy."
"I am only here on behalf of Caesar to remind you to prepare for the banquet."
Heather responded softly, then retorted in a low voice.
"I understand. But I still have to say something: what you call fishy smell is actually the unique fragrance of the ocean to me."
"Besides, if this fine dress gets stained, won't you just give me a new one?"
Aglaia gave a soft snort, looking just like a girl throwing a tantrum, her tone stubborn.
"I won't."
The little gray-haired girl next to him glanced at the arrogant Aglaia, then at the calm and composed Heather, and couldn't help but curl the corners of her mouth slightly.
She put one hand on her hip and spoke in a light tone.
"Aglaia, she's so different from before…"
Xi Lian, who was standing to the side, looked up at the little gray hair and gently corrected him.
"It should be called 'the future,' perhaps. Lady 'Kaneori,' who hasn't yet taken control of the Holy City... has a unique charm."
As Xi Lian spoke, she turned to look at Aglaia and Heather, her tone curious.
"Speaking of which, you two just mentioned 'banquet'—would you please elaborate?"
Hazel suddenly seemed to remember something and looked at the two of them to explain seriously.
"By the way, you guys don't know this yet. Before and after every victory, Caesar holds a grand event for the Golden Clan to boost morale."
"For us warriors who constantly navigate between life and death, that is a moment more anticipated than victory."
Aglaia, standing nearby, scoffed at Heather's expectant look, her tone haughty and dismissive.
"Ha... Using a feast as a prelude to hunting the god of feast, and honey as an offering to the ancestor of honey, is truly absurd."
Hazel looked up at her and offered words of comfort in a calm tone.
"Stop looking so glum. The outcome is already decided. It's another feast for the Titans of the Ocean, so why not learn from the Titans, live in the moment, and enjoy life to the fullest?"
Aglaia frowned slightly, her expression showing a hint of worry.
"I'm not as free as you. That Dolores kitten is causing trouble everywhere, and it's enough of a headache for me."
"Moreover, I also have to complete the garment-making commissions I have on hand..."
As Aglaia spoke, she slowly lowered her head, her tone suddenly tinged with sadness.
"Once the flame ignites my eyes, I might not be able to focus as much as before."
Seeing Aglaia's dejected appearance, Xi Lian hesitated, her voice soft.
"Aglaia's eyes…"
Aglaia looked down at Xi Lian, blinked gently, and spoke calmly.
"Are you curious about these eyes? People often compare them to jewels."
"And I've made up my mind: I'll trade 'romance' for the eyes that can see everything clearly."
"I wonder what the world will be like when I take over divine authority?"
Xi Lian remained silent for a moment, then praised him sincerely.
"You in the future... will still be the best weaver in the world."
Aglaia's eyes lit up slightly, and she asked with a hint of anticipation.
"Is this also a prophecy descended by the three phases of fate?"
Xi Lian nodded gently, then looked up at the little gray fur, her voice instantly becoming cheerful.
"It's even more accurate than a prophecy!"
"After all, the Trail Blazers have already witnessed it firsthand, haven't they?"
Little Grey turned to Aglaia, gently placed his little hand on his chest, and nodded with a serious expression.
"You will be bathed in the golden light of hope..."
Aglaia smiled softly, but her smile carried a hint of bitterness.
"To become a demigod is to lose one's humanity"—this was the only response I received from countless prayers to the gods.
"But the fragments of fate are like stitches; before they are woven into a magnificent garment, no one can see their true beauty, can't they?"
After saying this, Aglaia said no more and turned to leave the bathhouse.
Heather watched Aglaia's departing figure, then turned to look at Little Grey and Xilian, a slight smile playing on her lips.
"She has been troubled by the divine duty she is to bear. But thanks to you, Aglaia looks much better."
The little gray-haired boy blinked and asked softly.
Are you two very familiar with each other?
Heather nodded gently, her tone tender.
"Just as she knew so well how the spinning wheel vibrated, I could also smell the subtle changes in the damp air."
"As for whether we can be considered familiar... I have been traveling with her since she was a child."
"Most of the time, I can understand the bubbles in her heart."
"The things she was too shy to say, I'll toast you on her behalf from now on."
"Now, this bathhouse is yours to rest in..."
Hazel looked at the two of them, her tone becoming more serious.
"...Get some rest and be prepared: after all, every time we drink and celebrate, it may be the last time we celebrate in our lives."
(End of chapter)