"You are..."
As Thetis looked at the woman who had approached her and asked, the woman with long, flowing black hair answered.
"Nyx. That is my name."
"...!"
Thetis was more startled than she had ever been in her life, her eyes widening as she stared at the goddess Nyx.
"I—I..."
"That will do. I did not come here expecting such formalities or courtesies from you."
As Thetis hurriedly tried to bow, Nyx stopped her with a gentle wave of her hand.
"You are the wife of our youngest son; it would not sit well with me to make you suffer through such rigid etiquette. Please, at ease."
"Ah, y-yes..."
Thetis could only respond helplessly, though her mind was racing.
But... how is this even possible?!
She remained completely flustered in the presence of the goddess.
At the same time, she seriously pondered why Nyx—the adoptive mother of her beloved husband, Astellon—had come to seek her out.
"May I ask why the goddess Nyx has come to see me?"
"I heard the news. That I have gained a very lovely granddaughter."
"Ah...."
At that answer, Thetis immediately thought of Noxia, the precious daughter born to Astellon and the goddess of magic, Hecate.
"Are you referring to Noxia?"
"Noxia... Is that my granddaughter's name?"
"Ah, yes. That is correct. Astellon named her himself on the day she was born."
"I see. Hehe..."
Having learned her granddaughter's name, Nyx beamed with a bright, warm smile.
"By the way... you seem to have something weighing on your mind."
"Ah..."
While thinking of her adorable granddaughter, Nyx noticed the lingering shadow on Thetis's face and casually inquired about her well-being.
"It's just..."
"If you have a concern, please speak of it. Since you are the wife of our youngest, you are as much a part of my family as he is."
Moved by Nyx's gentle tone, Thetis hesitated, wondering if she should reveal the truth. Eventually, she could hold it back no longer.
"The truth is..."
She poured out the anxieties she had been harboring in solitude to the goddess Nyx.
"I see. Hehe. It gladdens me to know our son is loved so dearly by those around him. However, the matter of his lifespan is indeed a problem... As you know, Astellon has received a portion of the power belonging to me and my husband, Erebus, as our son."
"Yes. Astellon told me about that. But even so, that doesn't fully solve the problem, does it?"
"It does not. Under ordinary circumstances, our youngest might still succumb to the limits of his lifespan, and I find the thought of letting my precious son go utterly unacceptable. However, there is one way—a way for Astellon to live eternally and remain with you all forever."
"W-What is it?!"
Hearing that a solution existed, Thetis asked urgently, her voice trembling with hope.
"It is to ascend Astellon to godhood. Normally, this would require the recognition of a higher deity along with a series of monumental achievements."
Nyx slowly explained the path to salvation, calming the visibly anxious Thetis.
"But if Erebus and I acknowledge him, all that remains are the achievements. Our youngest has already subjugated Leviathan, a child of a god, so he already possesses the minimum qualifications."
"Does that mean... Astellon can actually become a god?!"
"Indeed. However, there may be complications, such as the existing gods refusing to simply stand by and watch. And above all, we need the opinion of Astellon himself—our youngest."
"...So you mean it will be possible as long as Astellon agrees?"
"Yes. If he accepts, I can handle any complaints from the other gods."
At Nyx's words, the deep-seated unease in Thetis's heart finally began to lift. Desiring nothing more than to spend eternity with the husband she loved above all else,
"Yes. Then I will go and ask my husband."
She made her decision: she would help him ascend to godhood.
"I wonder what our youngest son is doing at this moment?"
"At this hour... he is likely playing with Noxia, or perhaps putting her to sleep."
At the mention of her granddaughter, Nyx's eyes sparkled with anticipation.
"I see. Then could you guide me to where Astellon and our granddaughter are? I wish to see my son's face after so long, and I am eager to meet my granddaughter as well."
"Ah..."
Thetis hesitated for a brief moment, then bowed her head.
"Then... I shall guide you."
With a face full of excitement, Nyx followed Thetis to find Astellon and Noxia.
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