Thinking back on her former status, Aphrodite felt an indescribable sense of unreality.
She had once been one of the most desired goddesses in Olympus. Countless gods had competed for her attention, showering her with treasures merely to earn a smile.
Yet now, she was kneeling at the feet of a man without the slightest trace of her former arrogance.
This man had even killed Hephaestus, her estranged ex-husband.
But Aphrodite felt no hatred.
She had never loved Hephaestus. Even during their marriage, her heart had belonged elsewhere.
For countless years, Aphrodite had believed that no male god in Olympus was truly worthy of her.
Then she met Karl.
His overwhelming strength, handsome appearance, powerful physique, and natural presence gradually shattered her pride.
At first, Aphrodite had remained cautious.
However, after witnessing Hera and Gaea—the former Queen of Olympus and the ancient Earth Mother—become so attached to Karl, she could no longer suppress her own desire.
She wanted his attention.
She wanted his favor.
At this moment, Aphrodite's body trembled slightly as she knelt before him.
"Stand."
Karl's calm voice echoed through the hall.
Aphrodite immediately obeyed.
Karl looked at her with undisguised satisfaction.
Aphrodite had been worshipped by mortals for thousands of years as the Goddess of Love and Beauty.
She was a legendary beauty even among the Olympians.
Yet now she stood before him willingly offering her allegiance.
Aphrodite slowly rose.
Her blue eyes remained fixed on Karl, filled with unmistakable fascination.
Her long blonde hair fell over her shoulders as she stood before him.
Seeing her expression, Hera and Gaea exchanged glances.
They had already realized that Aphrodite was interested in Karl.
But they hadn't expected the proud Goddess of Love to fall so quickly.
After all, they themselves had needed far longer before their feelings changed.
Yet Aphrodite merely looking at Karl seemed enough to make her lose her usual composure.
Karl smiled.
He withdrew one hand from Hera's waist and gently touched Aphrodite's cheek.
Aphrodite immediately leaned into his palm.
Her eyes never left his face.
Hera's expression subtly changed.
The moment Karl removed his hand from her waist, a trace of displeasure flashed through her eyes.
She glanced toward Aphrodite.
Then toward Gaea.
A realization struck her.
Previously, there had only been two of them competing for Karl's attention.
Now there were three.
If she didn't act, the favor she received would inevitably decrease.
Beside her, Gaea had clearly reached the same conclusion.
For an instant, a trace of satisfaction appeared in the Earth Mother's eyes when Karl released Hera.
Then she realized Aphrodite was the larger threat.
Aphrodite, meanwhile, noticed both their expressions.
A faint look of triumph appeared in her eyes.
She had expected this.
She had no intention of yielding to Hera or Gaea.
In terms of beauty, Aphrodite had never considered herself inferior to either of them.
Hera acted first.
She leaned closer to Karl, resting against him as though deliberately reminding him of her presence.
Karl immediately understood what she was doing.
A faint smile appeared in his eyes.
Three goddesses who had once stood among the most revered women of Olympus were now quietly competing for his attention.
Regardless of who succeeded, Karl was the one who benefited.
His gaze returned to Aphrodite.
Then he withdrew his hand from her cheek and once again wrapped it around Hera's waist.
Aphrodite's eyes briefly showed disappointment.
Gaea noticed immediately.
Before either goddess could act, Karl brought Hera and Gaea back with him and sat upon the throne.
Both women naturally settled beside him.
Then Karl looked toward Aphrodite.
"Goddess of Love."
"Bring Persephone before me."
Aphrodite's disappointment disappeared immediately.
"Yes, God-King!"
Her voice carried obvious delight.
Karl released his control over Persephone and slowly lowered the Queen of the Underworld back to the floor.
The moment Persephone landed, Aphrodite grabbed her.
Persephone glared furiously at her.
Although Karl had released her body, her voice was still sealed, preventing her from cursing them again.
Aphrodite paid no attention to her hatred.
She firmly pushed Persephone toward the throne.
Persephone attempted to resist, but with her divine power sealed, there was little she could do.
Soon, Aphrodite brought her before Karl.
Then—
Bang!
Aphrodite kicked the back of Persephone's knee.
Persephone immediately dropped to her knees before the throne.
Her eyes burned with anger and humiliation as she stared at Karl, Hera, Gaea, and Aphrodite.
Her hatred toward Aphrodite was especially intense.
Aphrodite didn't care.
At that moment, only one thing mattered to her.
Completing Karl's command.
Perhaps afterward, the God-King would finally reward her with some of his attention.
Karl watched everything with satisfaction.
Then Aphrodite slowly floated upward and approached Karl, who remained seated upon the throne with Hera and Gaea beside him.
...
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