After receiving the stone tablet, whose surface was already so mottled that only a human figure hanging from a cliff could be seen, Ares felt the cursed power within the tablet and finally breathed a sigh of relief.
He did not want this stone tablet to rely on the sorcery on it, which could steal the authority of a God, to kill the Persian God of WarVeleslana.
Perhaps for Kusanagi Godou, who had no foundation in magic or martial arts, this was the only way to kill Veleslana, but for Ares, it was not.
He took this stone tablet, on the one hand, to reduce variables, lest he and Veleslana fight, and Kusanagi Godou would pick up the slack; on the other hand, it was because of the sorcery on the stone tablet itself.
Sorcery that could steal a God's authority, divinity, and power—once he took it back and studied it carefully with Hecate, it might even have an effect on the Olympus Gods in that world.
After putting away the Prometheus Scripture, Ares looked up and showed a friendly smile to Kusanagi Godou.
"That's more like it."
He said to Kusanagi Godou with a chuckle:
"An innocent man is guilty because of his treasure. If you, an ordinary person, hold such a thing, it will only attract others' covetousness. It's better to leave it in my hands; no one will dare to snatch it. Here, this is the reward I promised you."
As he spoke, Ares took out a large box from his imaginary space and threw it onto the long table with a clang, pushing it towards Kusanagi Godou. Kusanagi Godou looked at Erica, then reached out and opened it, finding it filled with stacks of the highest denomination euros.
This money was earned when Ares and Veleslana went to the mafia's casino that day, using the divine authority of victory. Ares gave half to the boss who took him in, and used some over the past few days, but even so, the remaining money was a huge sum for Kusanagi Godou, enough for him to live a stable life.
"Your Majesty, this money…" Erica was probably startled just now. She looked at Ares with some fear and whispered.
"Take it," Ares said. "He also needs to give an explanation to his family."
Erica turned her head to translate. After a moment of hesitation, Kusanagi Godou also put away the box and stood up to thank Ares. Noticing Ares's gaze, Erica and Liliyana also stood up voluntarily, indicating that they would no longer disturb Ares. The three of them successively prepared to leave the room, but just as Liliyana was about to walk out of the room, Ares suddenly called out to her:
"Miss Liliyana, may we talk?"
Liliyana stopped, turned back with some hesitation, and then nodded gently:
"Okay."
She retreated into the room and closed the door. After Ares's display just now, the people outside probably didn't dare to peek anymore, so Ares didn't bother to set up any more barriers. Anyway, what he was going to talk about with Liliyana wasn't any secret.
He took the initiative to speak: "Miss Liliyana, thank you for your help in Cagliari. I was able to stay there and avoid living on the streets. And during this time, the Bronze Black Cross has also helped me a lot. What do you want? I hope to repay you."
"It is our honor, the Bronze Black Cross, to be able to help Your Majesty. How dare we ask Your Majesty to repay us?"
Liliyana quickly replied.
"Don't be afraid, I won't get angry. Let's speak frankly," Ares waved his hand, then stood up, walked to the window with his hands behind his back, pulled back some curtains, looked at the street view of this small Italian city, and said softly:
"I know you are different from Erica Brantelli. You have a certain level of understanding, or rather, fear, of us God Slayers. You must have seen a God Slayer when you were young, and considering the God Slayers active in this area, I think you must have met Marquis Voban, right?"
Liliyana neither affirmed nor denied. Seeing her reaction, Ares continued: "I say this, and you probably won't take it seriously, but you need to know that a thousand people have a thousand faces. I am different from Marquis Voban and Luo Hao. I don't like to maintain the so-called 'King's dignity' by forcing others to obey me, but I also don't like others using me with ulterior motives to control me. If Miss Erica hadn't tried to deceive me with flowery words just now, I wouldn't have lost my temper with her. So, from now on, when we interact and communicate, just talk to me like normal people. Also, if you want something, speak frankly and trade with me seriously. I won't hold grudges against you."
"Yes," Liliyana agreed. "I understand."
"Then let's go back to the original matter," Ares looked at Liliyana and pressed, "The Bronze Black Cross sent you and so many people to receive me, presumably wanting me to protect your magic society?"
When Ares asked this, Liliyana's expression immediately looked a little shy. Although asking for a King's protection is common sense for adults in the magic world, it is still a bit difficult for a teenage girl like Liliyana to say.
It can only be said that Ares suggested she go to France or Denmark for further study, and learn about the War history of these two countries. After learning, Liliyana will surely understand what it means to "a wise man does not stand under a crumbling wall" and "be flexible."
"There's no need to be ashamed of this. A magic society submits to a God Slayer, a God Slayer protects a magic society, repels Gods of Disobedience, and a magic society serves a God Slayer, providing convenience for a God Slayer's life, travel, and actions. In my opinion, this is just a cooperative relationship," Ares said. "Isn't this common sense here?"
"Indeed." Thinking of her teacher and the magic society, Liliyana also suppressed the shame in her heart. She asked Ares with some anticipation and fear, "Then, Mr. Ares, will you accept the allegiance of our Bronze Black Cross?"
Ares thought for a moment, then replied, "Not this time, next time."
Liliyana showed a disappointed expression upon hearing this, while Ares explained to her: "This is not because I look down on your magic society. It's mainly because I'm about to leave Europe, and I don't know if I'll ever come back here. However… I will help you deal with the Persian God of WarVeleslana with the minimal loss, and I also allow your Bronze Black Cross to use my name outside. Do you understand what I mean?"