Seeing Athena finally relent, Nereus also heaved a sigh of relief, as if a great burden had been lifted off his shoulders. He then promptly took out a sea chart and, right there and then, delineated a safe maritime route for both Delphi and Arcadia, in accordance with the wishes of Apollo and Artemis. Furthermore, he swore an oath on the River Styx, vowing to keep those erratic Sea Beasts in check.
With the addition of some promised rare marine products, both Apollo and Artemis were quite satisfied with the outcome.
From his actions, it was clear that this elder was a thoroughly honest man, which explained why he was often selected as the representative of the ancient sea gods, frequently tasked with mediating maritime disputes.
When it was his turn to fulfill a promise to Athena, the Goddess of Wisdom, who sat before the fire, first secured a safe sea route for Crete Island and then, shifting her tone, she gestured behind herself.
"I won't be needing the rest; give it to him instead."
At that moment, Luo En, who was secretly enjoying the show, was taken aback when he suddenly became the topic of conversation.
"This one is the scribe of Crete Island, who nearly died twice due to the sea's beast tides; he surely deserves some compensation."
Athena introduced him with a smile brimming with warmth and encouragement, her gaze upon Luo En gentle and supportive.
Gazing at the Goddess of Wisdom, who was so quick to honor her promise, Luo En's heart overflowed with gratitude.
"That's right, I can vouch for it!"
At that time, Hestia too swung her fist, eager to secure this compensation for her fellow Lesser Deity.
Artemis was even more straightforward, waving her hand gracefully and declaring loudly.
"Indeed, he has helped me as well; my share goes to him!"
Noticing the coolness that crept into Athena's gaze upon him, Luo En hurriedly gestured with his hands, gracefully declining Artemis's generous offer.
"No need, no need, one share is plenty!"
The Goddess of the Hunt was all right in every other aspect, but she seemed to possess an indescribable wild streak, always able to cause situations to spiral beyond their intended path.
To save his own skin from a potential beating from Athena later on, Luo En swiftly stood up and moved to claim his share of compensation from Nereus, thus avoiding the perilous topic.
Athena simply smiled, gladly stepping back to give Luo En the opportunity.
But, as their paths crossed, the obstructed graceful figure silently moved her lips.
Luo En paused briefly, then, pretending to greet Hestia, he unobtrusively took another step forward.
"What kind of compensation would you like?" As a generous elder, Nereus took the initiative to ask.
Luo En smiled shyly but politely, saying, "It was all part of the job, there's no need for any compensation. I just want one item from you, and that will suffice."
Seeing his reasonableness and sensing that matters were coming to a perfect resolution, Nereus's face showed an affectionate smile and he nodded in agreement.
"Of course, that's no problem! Tell me, child."
With the promise granted, Luo En let out a sigh of relief and casually pointed towards Nereus's shoulder.
"That will do, that little fellow looks quite adorable."
In an instant, the previously unconcerned Nereus's expression changed dramatically as he saw the selected target.
At the same time, the elder protectively gathered the white seabird resting on his shoulder into his arms, looking as though facing a formidable enemy.
Observing the situation, Athena's friendly demeanor turned to fury.
"Nereus, what is the meaning of this?!"
In that moment, realizing his reaction had been too intense, the sea elder hurriedly tried to explain.
"It's just that, that one is impossible... could you choose another?"
"Are you trying to break the vow?!"
Upon hearing that, Athena's anger intensified even more.
"Why should they get their way, and not I? This is going too far! Nereus, do not think my spear is not sharp! Do you really believe Crete Island has no defenders?!"
Hearing this tirade, Apollo and Artemis, who were treated more favorably, squirmed uncomfortably, their gaze upon Nereus mixing subtleties of change.
Such blatant discrimination, was he trying to drive a wedge between them? It was a bit too direct.
"No, it's not that I..."
Under the wrathful stares of three chief gods of Olympus, Nereus stumbled over his words, unable to mount a defense, his reddening old face a portrait of embarrassment and helplessness.
Just as the sea elder was about to completely lose his dignity, a voice as melodious as the songs of heaven broke the tense atmosphere.
"Elder, if you are so unwilling to part with this little one, let's forget it."
Luo En's face carried an apologetic look as he pointed to the white seabird nestled in Nereus's arms, offering to lower his request.
"A single feather as a keepsake will do..."
After all, this was a gift from a goddess, to outright and fully refuse it would be tantamount to an implicit insult, and that was hardly an option.
This middle ground was the furthest he could retreat.
All the chief gods and lesser deities nodded silently to themselves, their gaze upon Luo En filled with admiration, silently commending him.
— This is a decent man.
Yet even with such a concession, Nereus still refused to relent.
"No... it's still not possible..."
Now, the sea elder's continued refusals incited collective outrage.
You've been given a decent way out, yet you insist on clinging to it, refusing to step down. Such a crude attempt at discord, do you really think we can't see through it?
Just as the increasingly indignant gods were on the verge of taking action, the white seabird voluntarily pecked open Nereus's grasp, fluttered its wings, and landed on Luo En's shoulder. It then turned its head and, with its slender beak, plucked out a pristine tail feather, presenting it into Luo En's right hand.