After Leviathan was slain, Eirene quickly began to return to stability.
The collapsed buildings were cleared away, the injured received treatment, and the people were relieved simply to have survived.
But unlike the others, I could not smile so easily.
"...This is not something to let pass."
Before me still lay a colossal corpse that had not yet vanished.
Leviathan's body, split in two and staining the sea red.
"What are you going to do now?"
And from behind me, Hecate quietly approached.
"Poseidon is not the sort to sit still when it comes to his children."
At her words, I remained silent for a moment before speaking.
"...I'm going to hold a funeral."
"...A funeral?"
Hecate looked at me with interest, as if my answer had been unexpected.
"Yes. Though it had been consumed by madness, that thing still bore the blood of the god Poseidon. As you said, Lord Poseidon cherishes his many children, so we should show proper respect. That should ease his anger somewhat, shouldn't it?"
At my words, Hecate gazed at me quietly.
"...Are you sure? If you do this wrong, you could incur a god's wrath."
"That's why I'm doing it."
"Hmm..."
When I finished speaking, the corners of Hecate's lips lifted ever so slightly.
"...I see. That is very much like you."
After that, many hands were mobilized and the funeral preparations were carried out swiftly.
The widest and deepest stretch of ground near the shore was chosen as the grave.
However, a normal burial was impossible.
"Lift it with magic."
With Hecate's magecraft, Leviathan's corpse was wrapped in sorcery, and its enormous body slowly rose into the air.
Thus Leviathan's remains were lowered little by little into the grave that had been dug in advance.
As Leviathan was laid into the pit and covered once more with earth, many people offered their respects before it.
"...At this point, do you think Lord Poseidon will calm down?"
"It won't be settled so easily. Still, for the moment, he'll likely be rather confused."
"I see..."
Watching the scene, I spoke with Hecate as I tried to anticipate Poseidon's reaction.
"You look worried."
"Of course I am. It was the child of our chief god."
"Then if Poseidon does anything, I'll step in."
At my words, Hecate looked at me and replied, "...That's reassuring."
"Is it? Then why don't you call me big sister once?"
".....Seriously?"
"Yes. I'm serious."
When she told me to call her big sister, I looked at her face and found her expression more serious than ever.
"..."
"Come on, hurry up~ What's so difficult about it?"
"Do I really have to say it..?"
"Yes. With your own mouth."
"I've never once... called you that..."
"Then make me your first. Come on. You've had me working for you all this time, so think of it as a fair reward."
"Haa... Th-then... big sis..."
"Ah, there you are."
Just as the words were about to leave my mouth, Thetis spotted us and came over.
"Fortunately, Poseidon said he would overlook the disrespect this once, but there will be no mercy next time."
"I, I see! Then... let's hold a banquet for a change. Invite everyone...!"
With Thetis's arrival, Hecate's expression gradually cooled, and I hurriedly seized upon Thetis's words and withdrew with her.
After that, as planned, I held a grand banquet following the wedding.
In the city, now freed from Leviathan's threat, the people wore bright smiles as they enjoyed the countless dishes piled high upon the tables.
I, too, was seated with my retainers when—
"Ah, found you."
"So you were here."
My wives all came together to where I was. The retainers who had been laughing and talking with me until just moments before immediately said,
"Your Majesty, we shall take our leave."
"Hey! Where are you going? Are you running away?!"
Seeing my wives arrive, they hastily fled from their seats.
After all the retainers at my side had withdrawn, I found myself saying,
"Hehe. I'm glad these guys know when to read the room."
"Here. I made this, so please try it. Ah, no—let me feed you myself."
"Medea. What do you mean by that?"
"Why, are you perhaps jealous, Atalanta?"
"Hmph. As if. Astellon. Here, eat."
"Uh... uh...?"
Without realizing it, I kept stuffing my mouth with the food my wives fed me by hand.