Farah, at her side, took a little longer to respond. Her eyes scanned Asterius with the practical precision of a diplomat, trying to see beyond the exterior of the Great man—no, reducing such a being to a mere "Man" in her mind was an insult. He was something beyond, a beast beneath mortal skin. And with a shiver across her skin, she spoke in Egyptian:
「I believe this is the heir I've heard so much about.」
Her daughter at her side brightened her eyes in surprise before responding:
「Really? The one you were excited to see?」
A mischievous smile shone on her daughter, prompting an eye-roll from the ex-queen.
「Don't be playful, Opala, just admire. A robust hybrid like this is a blessing from the gods\~」
The mother replied, admiring the great hybrid approaching. Speaking in her native tongue, they were hidden from foreign ears; however—
「My name is Asterius… not 'hybrid.'」
A masculine, strong voice echoed in the space, followed by silence. Shivers ran through mother and daughter as they realized who had spoken:
「Your Highness?」
The hybrid, Asterius… had just responded to them in perfect Egyptian….
◇◇◇
Some time had passed with an awkward silence between the delegation and the heir, who guided them toward the palace of his "Father."
"..."
Normally, both would have wanted to make a good impression when meeting, open to the cultures of their allies and treaty partners, but apparently, they had inadvertently offended one of the princes, none other than the most notorious and volatile of them.
In response, Farah could not help but try to remedy the situation. With a maternal smile, she resumed conversation with the young heiress, still in her native tongue.
「I didn't know you could speak Egyptian, young prince.」 She asked curiously and in a friendly tone, intrigued by how Asterius understood her.
She watched the giant, strong hybrid contract his face, as if trying to articulate a response for another.
「I also…」
And with these few words, he shut himself off, adding even more mystery to this anomalous hybrid, which, in a way, fascinated the Egyptian mother.
「I see…」
Farah averted her gaze for a moment, as if savoring that response. Asterius' deep voice still echoed in her mind, laden not with mere unfamiliarity… but with the sense of someone who had discovered a part of themselves.
Opala, beside her, seemed even more intrigued. Her red eyes remained fixed on the hybrid prince's profile, following the measured sway of his white mane as he walked ahead, smiling jubilantly.
The civilian Eirene, on the other hand, glanced alternately between Asterius and the foreign delegation, her brow slightly furrowed. She was not accustomed to seeing him interact with strangers—let alone with such a… serious tone.
Their steps echoed along the stone pavement leading to the main courtyard of the royal palace. Marble columns with colorful carvings, heavy tapestries, and imposing statues of golden bulls, symbols of the blood flowing in the royal lineage.
Yet the atmosphere seemed charged. Even the guards, flanking the procession, appeared uneasy, as if sensing the strange energy between the three.
Upon reaching the grand gate, the bronze doors slowly opened, revealing the inner atrium bathed in golden light. The sound filled the uncomfortable silence.
Asterius stopped a step before the entrance. Without turning, his deep voice resonated, this time in common Greek:
"The king awaits you."
He then stepped back slightly, gesturing for the delegation to proceed. His eyes, however, lingered a moment longer on Opala, as if measuring something—perhaps her beauty, perhaps her intent.
Opala held his gaze without retreating, a playful and challenging sparkle appearing on her expression.
Farah, noticing the silent exchange, leaned slightly toward her daughter and whispered almost inaudibly:
「Be careful… he is not an ordinary prince.」
And as they passed through the gates, atop the opulent Mount Olympus, where a certain goddess watched everything, Aphrodite smiled slowly and dangerously.
"Oh… this will be fun," she said, as if savoring every second to come. And she already knew how to have fun with such a situation.
²
Minos was a worthy and just king. After all, who else but him would allow a being like Asterius to live among his children? No matter how obsessed Pasífae was with her youngest, in the end, it was Minos' will that granted him life. Without it, he would have already been sacrificed or imprisoned, but he was a just king.
Moreover, having a powerful hybrid as his stepson gave him control over a weapon of war against anyone who challenged his power. After all, he was not foolish in seeing the advantage of using such strength for his will.
And it was with this thoughtful king on his imposing throne that Farah and Opala found themselves.
Minos' throne rested at the center of the great hall, carved and adorned with gold that reflected the light streaming through the tall windows. Around him, advisors and guards stood motionless, framing the king with authority.
Minos sat, imposing, the heavy crown settled on his head. His eyes followed the delegation's entrance from the first step into the hall until they stopped before him.
Asterius' presence did not go unnoticed—the massive figure stood like a living sentinel, arms crossed over his broad chest. To many, he was merely a reminder of the shameful episode that united royal blood with that of a beast; to Minos, he was an invaluable tool to display the power Minos wielded.
The power to crush those who challenged him with force.
"Lady Farah of Thebes," announced a herald, the voice echoing through the warm hall. "And Her Majesty, the Pharaoh-Queen Opala."
Protocol demanded that the two bow, but both women were queens. In Farah's case, with over 20 years of regency, bowing as a commoner would insult her titles. She only nodded with a slight curve of her face, with an elegant, measured movement; Opala, though obedient, kept her chin slightly raised, enough not to appear submissive. She was the queen at that moment and would not show submission—she had her noble pride.
And with that, the silent gong of the meeting began.
"I hope that, with these measures, you know my doors will always be open to Egypt," declared the king, in a tone that sounded hospitable but carried the weight of unspoken words. "Be it for peace… or prosperity."
Farah responded with a trained smile, one that revealed nothing yet concealed nothing. Charming, yet alluring, perfectly designed to attract her target.
"May our lands share in both, Your Majesty."
As formalities continued, Opala's gaze wandered, inevitably returning to Asterius' figure. The hybrid prince remained silent, but the rubies of his eyes captured every gesture of hers—a mutual curiosity that seemed more dangerous than any treaty.
She remained fascinated by the beast-man. He was… stunning.
"And I believe you also agree with your mother, Lady Opala?" the king's voice pulled her from her daydreams about the prince.
"Hm?!"
Turning her eyes to him, she saw that her mother and he had entered some discussion or agreement. Normally, she would have authority, but she was young, and her mother still wielded the power to negotiate on her behalf. Smiling slyly, she nodded as she said:
"As my mother says. We intend to establish an agreement that ensures good trade and commerce between our peoples—a treaty and accord of peace and harmony."
Smiling, she caught Farah's subtle nod with her eyes. Even without focusing, they had rehearsed and agreed upon what to say in this meeting. It was a dance they both knew. Men tend to underestimate them because of their beauty. And looking at Minos' convenient expression, she confirmed her assessment.
Minos nodded slightly, as if musing to himself, and said firmly:
"Lady Farah, Pharaoh-Queen Opala, very well, tell me what kind of agreement you have come so far to seek."
Farah inclined her head slightly, maintaining eye contact with either of them.
The one who responded was the mother and ex-queen, already planning her discourse:
"Your Majesty, Egypt has always prospered when its neighbors prosper. The currents that bring our ships to your shores can also bring wealth and mutual protection. I would say the benefits of such an alliance are considerable."
King Minos leaned slightly in his throne, fingers drumming on the armrest. His eyes, for a moment, slid to the young queen beside her, as if dissecting her and all her secrets. Then he remarked:
"Protection… a word dear to my people. Crete dominates the seas, but even we are not exempt from their costs. What does Egypt offer, so that our ports may open without reservation?"
Before the ex-queen could present the benefits, her daughter stepped forward, confident and dignified:
"Egypt offers enough grain to keep your cities full, rare metals for your artisans, and the promise of a firm and lasting alliance with Crete while the sun rises over the Nile."
With a smile, the mother agreed:
"—And as said, we extend our hand. An ally in the south is a wall against any threat coming from there."
Faced with these advantages, Minos massaged his face thoughtfully before raising his eyes and questioning:
"And in return? I imagine you do not intend to give without asking something in return?"
"Of course," Farah responded, firm and deliberate. "Egypt seeks only what it has not yet found elsewhere—a true ally in the Aegean, someone who can guarantee safe passage for trade and ambassadors alike."
"We want guaranteed access to your trade routes through the Aegean Sea. The right to dock, trade, and purchase whatever is necessary, without excessive taxes."
Farah added; the agreement was fair.
They gained shipments of delicacies and raw materials at fair prices, even exclusive for royalty, in exchange for merely opening their doors to their products? It was a fair game.
Farah soon spoke again:
"—And, if necessary, the support of your fleet in times of crisis."
The king paused, his eyes wandering between his advisors and the Queens…
And then—
"Fleets do not move for free, nor out of friendship. But… a pact of mutual aid, recorded and sealed by the gods, is not impossible."
"Egypt keeps its word. Shall we keep that of Crete?"
Faced with the challenge from the Queens, Minos smiled challengingly:
"As long as Minos is king, yes."
"—Then let this pact be more than words. Let there be a symbol… something to remind both kingdoms of what was promised." Farah smiled knowingly, her eyes briefly drifting to the silent hybrid beside her.
Something Minos noticed, if his narrow gaze was any indication:
"An exchange of offerings. Egypt sends something worthy of the halls of Crete… and Crete sends something that honors the temples of Thebes."
"So be it. And may the gods of both peoples be witnesses."
"Then it is decided," he said, his deep voice echoing across the marble. "Egypt and Crete shall walk side by side, as allies… and as witnesses to this union, nothing is more fitting than to hold a banquet tonight."
The words were accompanied by a calculated smile—courteous on the surface, but with the coldness of one who moves pieces on a much larger board.
Farah inclined her head, accepting with a practiced grace.
"It will be an honor to share the table with Your Majesty."
Opal kept her gaze on the king, but sensed, at the corner of her vision, the nearly imperceptible movement of Asterius: he had lifted his chin, as if the mere mention of the banquet were the only thing worthy of his attention.
Eirene, discreet in the corner, bit her lip anxiously. She knew enough about the hybrid prince to understand that this was no casual gesture.
Minos then raised his hand, ending the meeting.
"Guards, escort our guests to the chambers of honor. Let them rest… for the night will be long."
The doors opened with a slow creak. Opal and Farah were guided down the corridor lined with torches and tapestries on stone and marble walls.
As she walked, Opal couldn't resist one last glance back. Asterius was still there, motionless, but with his eyes fixed on her. There was no clear desire, nor pure hostility… just something that made her feel a chill along her spine and warmth in her chest at the same time.
(What an interesting man\~).
◇◇◇
³
The night that followed was in some ways tense, yet relaxed. The Egyptian visitors were strange, particularly the former and current Queen; both were overly animated and strangely warm with their allies.
Minos sat at the head of the table with his wife beside him, who watched the pair warily, while the mother conversed politely yet charismatically. At the same time, she tempted the men at the feast with her voluptuous figure, her breasts seeming to almost spill from her noble purple gown—a costly and rare color—while beside her, her daughter conversed animatedly with Minos' youngest, Ariadne.
The young daughter, with light blonde hair and gentle blue eyes, seemed enchanted by the young dark-haired queen.
Ariadne spoke animatedly, not often receiving so many guests outside her lands. Opal, seated to Ariadne's left, seemed perfectly at ease, as if she had known this hall for years. Her easy smile and sweet words captivated the young princess, but her eyes? They inevitably wandered from time to time to the opposite end of the table.
Asterius sat there, a few seats below Minos, a motionless colossus among the courtiers. The torchlight cast strong shadows across his face, emphasizing that mix of savagery and royalty. His crimson eyes met Opal's for a moment, enough to make her lose the thread of conversation with Ariadne.
She was captivated by such beastliness.
"—The landscapes you must have seen, right? I am enchanted imagining them!"
Quickly, the young queen's eyes returned to her host, smiling softly at her while nodding.
Meanwhile, at the other end, Asterius nibbled on a piece of meat with a strange self-restraint. Something those who lived with him had already noticed. This was the result of his stepfather wanting to maintain the "civilized good image" of his stepson. Nothing more than a political maneuver, nothing new within the family.
"You should eat more, Asterius. Your body needs nutrients; feed it." A female voice, firm yet almost whispering, said beside him.
Crimson eyes narrowed in her direction, noticing dark brown curls on pale skin. Her face held a perfect porcelain smile, dissonant from her empty eyes.
It was Phaedra, Minos' 2nd daughter, and his 3rd child in order of birth, older than Ariadne and Asterius. His elder sister.
Phaedra held the smile a few seconds longer than necessary, as if she wanted to engrave the image of him obeying into her memory. Then she lifted the wine cup to her lips, drinking slowly, never breaking eye contact.
"Always obedient…" she murmured, almost inaudible, before turning to converse with the courtier to her left, all the while keeping a vigilant gaze on her little brother.
Asterius did not respond verbally, merely acknowledging his sister's command with a slight nod.
Soon, a touch on his arm drew his attention; turning, he saw another and last of his siblings.
"Don't hold back, Asterius, Mother won't mind. Besides, the guests seem relaxed from what I see. Don't overexert yourself."
Firm, comprehensible eyes studied Asterius carefully. Golden curls and healthy tanned skin, paired with a chiton adorned with jewels and gold bracelets. This was Minos' 2nd son, Deucalion.
His more "steady" brother, so to speak.
"None of us will be disappointed if you eat, Asterius. Eat, come on." With a scolding tone, Deucalion shook his cup while pointing to the abundant table. In his own way, he was caring for his little brother.
This was the strangeness within the royal family.
The king and queen viewed Asterius oppositely, but his siblings? They all adored their little brother in their own ways.
Whether it was Ariadne's childish pampering,
Androgeus' challenges,
Phaedra's firm hand,
or Deucalion's dignity.
…
And so the banquet continued with soft music and conversations punctuated by restrained laughter—more for etiquette than genuine joy.
Opal, still entertained by Ariadne, noticed that whenever she glanced at Asterius, he returned her gaze, as if no detail escaped him. It was not the look of a man trying to seduce; it was that of a beast analyzing an intruder in its territory. She felt almost compelled to meet his gaze with equal intensity.
On the other hand, Farah perceived far more than the daughter imagined. With every exchange of glances, she saw the implications: alliances formed not just with words, but with subtler bonds—or chains, depending on who pulled first. And with that thought and fascination in her eyes, she proposed:
"Your Majesty," said Farah, momentarily breaking the atmosphere as she addressed Minos, "in Egypt, one traditionally toasts not only to the agreement, but to those who make it possible. It would be a mistake not to honor your children on this occasion."
Minos raised an eyebrow, curious about the intention behind the announcement.
"And who, according to you, Lady Farah, should be the first to be toasted?"
The former queen smiled as though she had just achieved her goal:
"Prince Asterius, of course. He has ensured our safety and guided us to this hall since our arrival. It would be… discourteous not to acknowledge such a gesture."
The silence that followed was not of surprise—it was of interpretation. Everyone looked at the king and the hybrid, trying to gauge if this would be received as an honor or a provocation in the relationship between the king and his stepson.
Asterius, however, did not move a muscle. He merely inclined his head slightly; deer-like eyes bathed in deep scarlet spoke:
"I need no toasts," he said softly, yet his voice seemed to echo in the silent hall, enough to quiet even the musicians. "I have fulfilled my duty."
Opal smiled subtly, seeing her opportunity for immersion:
"And yet, a fulfilled duty deserves recognition… My Prince."
The crimson eyes fixed on amber. For a moment, no one else existed in the hall. Ruby and amber met, each trying to see who would yield first; both were determined not to retreat.
...
However, it was Ariadne who broke the tension, raising her cup with youthful enthusiasm.
"Then let us toast to all of us! To Egypt and Crete!"
Minos chuckled lightly, allowing the sound to return to the banquet.
"To prosperity," he declared, raising his own cup.
The toast was made, and the feast resumed. It would be a long night.
◇◇◇
⁴
「Idealization」 when you perceive someone as perfect or with exaggerated qualities, based on your expectations or fantasies, without knowing reality.
This was how Asterius felt about the people around him. All were shallow fools, projecting ideals onto him, acting as if he were a calm lake reflecting the pale moonlight of their projections and idealizations.
Always others, but never "Asterius."
It was—
"Repugnant."
Since arriving in this life, Asterius had done nothing productive, not for divine reason, but because his life had been calm and, in a way, too tranquil. Yet he felt, oh! How irritating it was.
It was like countless insects burbling, tearing at his skin—the "Crawling Chaos" demanding release.
What an abomination. What an abomination, what an abomination, what an abomination, what an abomination, what an abomination, what an abomination, what an abomination, what an abomination, what an abomination, what an abomination, what an abomination, what an abomination, what an abomination, what an abomination, what an abomination, what an abomination, what an abomination, what an abomination, what an abomination, what an abomination.
Sometimes Asterius felt he would vomit from disgust.
It was a duality he felt—a call of destiny? Who knows. Earlier, he had been curious about the Egyptian entourage, and he was the first to admit that he could understand or perceive that they spoke the same foreign tongue; to him, it was natural.
But this was still irrelevant. In the end, they didn't understand him either. Everyone thought they knew what "Asterius" was, but no one truly did.
They didn't understand him, and he didn't understand them.
For example, it was as if a reader of a book could experience the events while reading, standing in the place of one of the characters. You would be impressed, but since they were characters, you never touched their heart; you wouldn't mourn or build tombs for them in real life, and Asterius was the same.
All were strangers, like fictional characters.
This was Asterius' dilemma.
"What would be the answer?"
He murmured alone in his room, expecting nothing from his question to the void; yet—
"I would say \[whatever you wish], my dear hybrid\~"
Asterius' eyes quickly turned toward the source of the voice, and there he glimpsed a perfect and beautiful vision, so beautiful it was grotesque and nauseating, "perfect," a perfection of beauty that induced nausea and disgust.
"If you want an answer for your troubled heart, obey what it asks of you\~ \[If you can do it, do it!]"
"Who… are you?"
He murmured, observing that anomalous figure, a hole in the world. A living singularity.
「Oh? Sorry for not introducing myself, dear great-nephew!」 A fox-like smile appeared before the response came: 「I am Aphrodite