Six months later, atop Mount Othrys.
As tranquil as ever, only the woodlands around the Mount of the Gods were no longer filled with Nymphs frolicking about.
In the palace behind, Zeus, disguised as a human servant, picked up a tray. He moved leisurely around the edge of the table, arranged beverages and fruits on the platter, and then strode towards the front hall.
His steps were steady, not at all like he was about to face a crucial turning point in a god's life. Just like any other ordinary day, he passed through two corridors, paused slightly at the side door of the front hall, then stepped into the palace.
There were no dancing Nymphs in the great hall, no unnecessary presences. In fact, Cronus never needed these. Aside from one mistake long ago, he had little interest in material desires. In his heart, having All Spirits live under the order he established was far more satisfying than any material pleasures.
Regrettably, the world had never given him that chance.
