Chapter 24 – A Deal That Seems Still Viable
"You're saying they're treating me like Poseidon?"
Upon hearing Haruno's words, Hikigaya's first reaction was surprise.
To be honest, as a Godslayer, he subconsciously positioned himself in opposition to gods. Being regarded as a deity by others seemed utterly absurd to him.
But what Haruno said did make some sense.
After all, historically speaking, during the Minoan–Mycenaean period, Greek mythology began to take form, and Poseidon worship was indeed at its peak.
His domain wasn't limited to central and southern Greece; it also extended to parts of Anatolia and several city-states along the Aegean Sea, making him de facto king of the gods in the Aegean world.
This was because Poseidon during this era wasn't merely the god of earthquakes.
As ruler of the underworld, he also governed fertility and had influence over agriculture, animal husbandry, and fishing—fields highly valued by both Minoans and Mycenaeans.
Considering the Minoan civilization in this world was still thriving, it wasn't far-fetched to think they had taken over the historical role of the Mycenaeans—bringing the worship of Poseidon in the Aegean world to its peak.
There's no reasoning with fanatics. If the Minoans really had a screw loose, Hikigaya figured it wasn't entirely impossible for them to believe he was Poseidon incarnate.
"Well, this is awkward…" He rubbed his chin and looked at Haruno, his expression strange. "I have absolutely no interest in S&M. The Minoans were rulers of the Aegean, surely they wouldn't be into that kind of thing, right?"
"On this land, only the Earth-shaker could do such things. Rather than saying this is their way of convincing themselves, it's more accurate to say this is the Minos people's world truth." Haruno straightened up proudly. "You really should listen to the opinion of an 'expert' like me."
"You've changed a lot since I last saw you. Did the ancients corrupt your mind?"
"Hmph, there are changes in me far beyond that. Want to check for yourself?"
"Don't speak such truths in broad daylight…"
Hikigaya waved his hand dismissively.
As expected, being a priestess wasn't a normal job.
Haruno used to be a bit dark, but still relatively reserved. Now she had the nerve to press her chest against him in broad daylight. It truly pained his heart.
It was his own fault for planting the sapling without properly nurturing it.
He made up his mind—tonight, he would water and fertilize it thoroughly to atone for the sins of his youthful ignorance.
As a god-slaying bachelor too handsome to have friends, having girls around who were too forward was a real headache.
"But, hearing what you said, this deal might still be doable." Hikigaya plopped down on the ground and started thinking.
Talking wasn't his strength, and he had no interest in becoming a mass-murdering demon in the ancient world.
That's why he initially planned to leave.
He had even considered unleashing a typhoon if the Minoans tried to ambush him when Ramses II was out fighting.
He respected history deeply, after all.
But now that Haruno was here, things might be turning around.
"What deal?" Haruno asked curiously, squatting down in front of him. "And why are you acting as Egypt's envoy?"
"Obviously to pull Ramses back from getting gang-banged in a fight," Hikigaya laughed. Then he asked, "So, what do you think of the Minoans' strength?"
"Ramses? You're friends with the Pharaoh of Egypt?" Haruno was shocked. Given Hikigaya's personality—someone who couldn't stand the slightest loss—how could he possibly become friends with a king of this era?
Kings of this age had a completely different style compared to those of later times.
At the slightest provocation, they'd go on a killing spree—violent and unreasonable. When someone like that met Hikigaya, it should have been a collision of fire and iron.
"That guy's not bad. But seriously, what about Minos?"
"They're probably strong. I've been here for over a month, and many nations send tribute. I'm not too familiar with ancient military stuff, but the Minoan army seems quite powerful.
Their navy is huge, and it likely intimidates all the coastal nations of this era."
"And compared to Egypt or the Hittites?"
"That I don't know. I've seen the Hittite iron swords, but the quality wasn't great.
On the other hand, the Minoans' bronze swords are really long. I think if they actually fought, the Minoan soldiers wouldn't be at a disadvantage."
Yeah, that's probably the difference between mature bronze and underdeveloped iron weapons.
Hikigaya searched his memory for knowledge about this era.
Apparently, Egypt's army still held first-tier power thanks to its advanced formations and abundant ranged troops, despite the Hittites using iron weapons.
In that case, as long as the Minoans didn't side with the Hittites, Egypt could maintain a military balance with them, and Hikigaya would have fulfilled his duty to Ramses for his kindness.
Having realized that, Hikigaya felt a bit more cheerful.
"Haruno, can you really guarantee the Minoans will go crazy and think I'm Poseidon?"
"'Go crazy' is such an ugly phrase, but if it's just getting those women to believe you're Poseidon, I'm absolutely confident."
"Then let's do it!"
"You perv! Hachiman, you touched me there!"
As Haruno shrieked in mock protest, Hikigaya let out a hearty laugh, released her, then turned to look at the group of Egyptians he had brought with him.
These Egyptians, who had accompanied him as glorified errand boys, were all standing respectfully in place.
But now, Hikigaya looked at them with different eyes.
Haruno's words made him realize—he had always assumed these ancient Egyptians treated him with such reverence because they believed he was a badass magician.
But now, he was starting to think they might've already gone mad and were treating him as a god.
He just didn't know which god. Egyptian deities had a lot of disguises.
Such reverence… was too abnormal.
"Ah, the perspective of the one in the midst of it…" he sighed inwardly. But at the same time, Hikigaya felt the situation had just become more fun.
He was used to being a Godslayer—but being treated as a god? That was a new experience.
Fortunately, this era was exactly when the concept of deities was undergoing a dramatic transformation.
The grotesque and monstrous gods of Sumer were being replaced by gods who were more humanlike—the more human, the more powerful.
Especially those who possessed emotions and flaws like real people—those gods were especially popular.
In short, the natives of the Aegean had grown tired of overpowered edgelord gods and were now leaning toward gods with emo vibes.
Besides, if a bunch of perverted priestesses with exposed chests could pull it off, why couldn't he?
Looking at the reverent and inquisitive eyes of the Egyptian envoys, Hikigaya adjusted his posture slightly. He cleared his throat and said in ancient Egyptian:
"Get ready. We're heading back to Knossos."