The Republic of Cyprus was an island nation straddling the boundary between Asia and Europe, located in the eastern Mediterranean, not far from Italy.
This small island boasted a long history, with traces of human habitation dating back to 10,000 BC. From 1500 BC onward, it was successively ruled by various civilizations—Ancient Greece, Assyria, Ancient Egypt, Persia, Ancient Rome, Byzantium, and others.
Though small, this island nation was a developed capitalist country.
A private jet landed at Paphos International Airport in the Republic of Cyprus, the country's fourth-largest city and the legendary birthplace of Aphrodite, the goddess of love.
In Greek mythology, Aphrodite was hailed as the most beautiful among goddesses. In Roman mythology, she was known as Venus, symbolizing Friday and the planet Venus.
Originally a goddess of harvest, her worship originated in Cyprus and Asia Minor before spreading to Greece, where she became renowned as the goddess of love and beauty. Her role as a harvest goddess was the root of her identity as an earth mother deity.
This goddess had a rather poor reputation in Greek legends. By modern human standards, she would be considered unchaste—a classic "green tea bitch."
Of course, myths are attributes assigned by humans. Just as Aphrodite was initially a harvest deity among earth mother goddesses—completely unrelated to love—it was only through the evolution of human mythology that she was forcibly given the title of goddess of love and beauty, simultaneously leading to her "fall" as she became the wife of a sky god.
This goddess was also deeply connected to the famous Golden Apple of Greek mythology. For instance, she once used the Golden Apple to trick Atalanta, who had sworn to Artemis to remain unmarried for life, and she also used it to instigate the Trojan War.
As Roy recalled these myths about Aphrodite during the flight, it wasn't long before they arrived in Paphos, Cyprus, from Italy.
"Today is Friday—the perfect time to begin the ritual."
On the streets of Paphos, Roy walked side by side with Athena. This sacred land, where Aphrodite was born, still held many believers among the common folk even today. The island even housed magical associations related to Aphrodite, though due to the fading faith, these organizations were merely third-rate.
Though Cyprus was a developed country, this was largely due to its favorable geographical location and small population. In reality, many people didn't even know such a country existed. It wasn't a tourist hotspot, and Paphos, the island's fourth-largest city, had few visitors. The city itself wasn't particularly developed.
Still, it lived up to its reputation as the birthplace of the goddess of love, adorned with numerous ornaments and decorations related to Aphrodite.
Ignoring the curious gazes of the locals living their leisurely lives, Roy and Athena soon boarded a car arranged by the Italian magical association's local representatives, heading northward.
After over half an hour, the car arrived at Polis Chrysochous Beach. The water was clear, the sand white, and the shore lined with carob and olive trees. In the distance, the pale blue Troodos Mountains stood like a grand screen, creating a picturesque landscape of serene beauty.
"Your Majesty, this is the legendary beach where Aphrodite was born—her most beloved swimming spot," the driver said respectfully, sweat beading on his forehead despite the car's air conditioning. Any magician would know what a Campione's presence at a god's birthplace meant, and for a mortal like him, this place was about to become one of the most dangerous spots on the planet.
Roy rolled down the window, observing the few tourists still on the beautiful beach. "…Use magic to clear the area. Then inform the local magical association to stay out of the way. If they refuse to listen…" He left the sentence unfinished, but the driver understood. If the local magicians lacked sense, the King would grant them the authority to eliminate the association.
"You are Europe's ruler, the King of Europe. Even these provincial magicians in Cyprus must have heard of your name and wouldn't dare defy your will!" the driver flattered.
Roy flicked a finger, his expression unchanged. He had heard such praise too often. As the driver said, even in the 21st century, Roy was Europe's true emperor. Not even figures like Frederick, Napoleon, or Queen Victoria had ever achieved such complete submission from the entire continent.
This was true power. True authority!
"Get to it. Don't keep me waiting," Roy said indifferently, instantly putting the driver on edge. Over a dozen magicians emerged from the accompanying vehicles, swiftly preparing spells to "disperse the crowd." Before long, the "Beach of the Goddess of Love" stood empty.
After handling the trivial matters, the mages bowed to Roy and quickly departed, unwilling to linger on a battlefield where a divine war might soon erupt.
However, these mages were overthinking it. With Roy's current power, an ordinary Heretic God could be dealt with in just a few moves. Moreover, this time he and Athena had come prepared. The Goddess of Love and Beauty who was about to descend wouldn't even have a chance to resist before becoming like meat on a chopping block, to be slaughtered at Roy and Athena's leisure.
"Athena, didn't you say we didn't need any ritual items?"
Roy and Athena stepped out of the car and walked to the shore. Seeing the ritual items prepared at their feet, Roy smirked.
Athena remained unruffled, calmly replying, "...To increase the success rate, this one believes it's better to make more preparations. All of this is to help you—you should be thanking this one!"
Athena shared a trait with Luo Hao—she would never show weakness in front of others. No matter what she did, she could always justify it. In other words, she was stubbornly proud.
"Yes, yes, my goddess. Then let's hurry and begin the ritual."
Roy replied dismissively.
"Who's your goddess?!"
Athena huffed lightly before the wise goddess began arranging the offerings, adding, "...Once that woman appears, immediately silence her. Don't let her chatter. If she sees this one using these things to summon her, that sharp-tongued woman will surely spout nonsense."
The items prepared for summoning the goddess were simple: doves, sparrows, swans, goats, dolphins, as well as roses, myrtle, clover, and the like—all sacred symbols of Aphrodite. In ancient times, people used these to offer sacrifices and pray for blessings. For Athena to perform such a ritual was indeed beneath her dignity.
Thinking of this proud goddess lowering herself to perform tasks meant for servants, Roy felt a warmth in his heart.
He knew that if not for him, Athena would never have summoned Aphrodite in this manner, no matter how much she disliked her. This was a ritual that would tarnish Athena's pride. As the supreme goddess of Greek mythology, she would never allow herself to lose face.
But now, to find a useful Earth Mother Goddess for Roy, she had set aside her pride and performed a ritual typically used by priestesses and witches.
"Queen of Cyprus, princess born of foam, heed this one's call and descend upon this land!"
After arranging the ritual items, Athena lifted her head with solemn and noble grace, reciting the incantation to summon the Heretic God Aphrodite with her divine authority. No doubt, upon realizing that it was Goddess Athena herself performing such a menial summoning ritual, Aphrodite would eagerly leap from myth.
But she would never expect that a mousetrap had already been set for her.
Roy summoned the Holy Grail, running his fingers over the divine artifact as he pondered whether he could simply stuff the goddess reputed to possess the most beautiful countenance into this cup the moment she appeared.
***
[T/N: Good morning guys! Sorry I forgot to release the bonus chapters for hitting the 50 PS goal the previous week, so I am posting them this week. I'll keep an eye out so this doesn't happen again. And be sure to throw your PS for more bonus chapters next week :) ]