#881 Gods’ Banquet - The Old and New Jumbled Together

It seems we’re about to witness a grand finale in the reconciliation negotiations with the great god Cronus.

“...Very well, if such is the case. After all, the Titanomachy is but a distant memory, a tale from billions of years past. ‘Tis time it be forgotten and forgiven, washed away like water.”

“Verily, I, too, have forgotten who struck whom.”

Nonchalant words from Hades.

“Aye, harmony is a beautiful thing. With this, the worries since the creation of the world art no more,” chimes in the satisfied Gaia.

But you know what?

The fact that we managed to pull this off without a hitch is one thing, but to think that we came this close to reigniting a war among the gods... It really makes you realize how terrifying they can be to proceed without hesitation at the risk of such a catastrophe.

“I would rather not be lumped together with that notion,” Hades grumbles, his sigh heavy with the weight of both the underworld and the protection of the earth. “Mother Gaia is the creator of the world and all gods. Even amongst us deities, she stands apart. To her, the world is but a structure of blocks, rearranging pieces with ease, changing the very nature of the world. She cares not if a small trigger might topple it all.”

Wow...

“Yet, she cherishes her creations akin to a mother to her children. Her concern for the world surpasses the understanding of her offspring.”

It’s like the story of a mom whose well-meaning meddling ends up bewildering her kids...

And Gaia, the Mother of All, does so on a global scale.

“Yet now, with Father returning to the world, we, as his sons, must act accordingly. Another divine war would be nothing but a nuisance.”

A unanimous agreement, with 400% approval.

“And so, Saint, the time hath come for thee to play thy part. We entrust this task to thee.”

“What would that be, Your Mightiness?”

I thought our part was long done. Was I getting too ahead of myself?

I mean, we had the farm’s strongest workers mobilize to subdue the ancient gods. Wasn’t that achievement enough? 

Now, it’s time for the gods themselves to take pride in their role as protectors of the world.

Also, since when did the lead role subtly shift from Gaia to Hades?

“There remains a task of grave import that only thou canst accomplish. The full reconciliation with our Father depends upon it.”

So what’s the big deal?

What crucial task are you talking about?

“The fate of whether war amongst the gods shall rekindle rest upon thine shoulders.”

Now, you’re piling on more pressure?!

What am I supposed to do?! I’ll do anything to maintain peace!!!

***

And so, a grand party was held.

Turns out, it was just another raucous feast among the gods. 

Back at the farm, the gods indulged in drink and feasts in a whirl of merriment.

This time, Cronus is the guest of honor, but Hades and Poseidon are also here drinking along with everyone else.

Was it all just an excuse for them to drink and make merry?!

“Nay, nay, ‘tis not so.”

Hades tries to reassure me but loses all credibility when I see him holding that large mug.

And please don’t just hand it to me empty.

I’m not pouring you another one!!!

“Saint, thou seem not to grasp the worth of what thou createst. The beers, the nihonshu, and all manner of spirits brewed on thy farm, the steaks, sausages, bamboo rice, mentaiko, spaghetti, udon, ramen, and the delights of ice cream and cake - these art marvels that amaze even the gods.”

Is that so?

Flattery will get you nowhere with me, you know?

I pour beer into the mug.

“One taste of the farm’s cuisine, and even the most wicked deity would be ensnared. Those who know the splendor of the farm’s fare can surely become friends with anyone. That is why we invited our father to this farm restaurant!!!”

It’s not a restaurant, though.

And this isn’t some divine getaway izakaya.

It’s nice to have our cooking appreciated, but to think everything can be solved that easily is too convenient.

I’m not some omnipotent, blue robotic cat.

Even Cronus, being treated to such hospitality, couldn’t possibly be swayed by such a convenient plot...

“Fooohooooooo! Delicious, incredibly delicioussssssss!!!”

...And he was.

Cronus is giving an over-the-top reaction like something out of a cooking anime, stars flying from his eyes.

“Art there such delectable flavors abounding upon the earthhhhhhh?! In mine own golden era, such delights were unheard offffff!!! I hereby declare all the food here to be divineeeeeee!!!”

“Father, we have already done so.”

Seriously?

Why are gods so easily impressed by flavors?

Cronus might have been imprisoned in Tartarus for so long that he’s overwhelmed by the mere taste of the present world, but even accounting for that, his reaction is too much.

“...O my sons, thou hast impressed me. What world did thou seek to foster, even to the point of overthrowing thine own father? Yet now, beholding it with mine own eyes, I see thou hast built a world most wondrous.”

In this world, the quality of a meal speaks volumes.

Well, that’s important. Being able to enjoy delicious food is crucial.

“Aye, we did strive.”

“Despite many hindrances from Zeus, we persevered,” said the gods of the land and the sea. 

Aren’t they overstating their case a little?

“Yet, the true toil was borne by those who dwell upon the earth. Mortals, in their fleeting lives, did all within their power, passing their legacies to the next generation. The Saint amongst them is one such soul.”

Oh?

Surprisingly, our efforts here have earned pure recognition.

“Pray, bestow upon him words of praise, Father. Coming from thee, Cronus, the old ruler, such words would be an honor beyond measure for the children of man.”

“Hmm...”

Cronus, with his mouth full of food, turns to me.

“Mmmph, mmmph, mmph...”

“Father, pray to swallow thy food before speaking.”

“Mmm... gulp. Thou, frail child of man, hast achieved much despite thine ephemeral life. I commend thy perseverance and action.”

“I am humbled.”

I humbly bow down, not wanting to make a fuss, especially since this is a moment of reconciliation among the gods.

“Thine skill in harvesting the fruits of the earth and putting them to good use. I find it most admirable. For it resonates with mine own domain over agriculture.”

“Eh?”

What did he just say?

“Many a year hath passed since I was sealed, and perhaps mine own teachings have not endured. Mine own dominion is over agriculture. Tilling the soil, sowing seeds, and marking the passage of time with the changing hues of the earth is mine own charge.”

“Lord of the Harvest!!!”

“Ehhhh?!”

I immediately prostrate myself.

Cronus, the God of Agriculture!!!

For a farmer like me, isn’t he the ultimate patron deity?!

To think that the most fitting god for my livelihood would appear now!!!

From today onwards, I worship you! Right after Hephaestus!!!

I’ll make offerings to you every day as a priority!

“H-Halt, Saint! What of our offerings?!”

“Indeed! Hast thou not been in long and deep association with us?”

Hades and Poseidon may protest, but they’ve already had their fair share just from coming to collect occasionally.

I will worship this god of agriculture and pray for a bountiful harvest this year!!!

“I-Is that satisfactory? I did gain power over time as a god, able to halt it or even traverse past epochs. Wouldst thou not prefer that?”

“Not at all!”

So what if you can stop time?! If the protagonist reverses it on me, it’s all over!

I don’t find traveling to the past appealing, either. I live each day to the fullest, so I have no regrets!

Thus, I prefer the blessings of the god of agriculture!

Farming is always at the mercy of weather and temperature, and there are many areas beyond human control.

That’s why we turn to the gods for help!!!

O God of Agriculture, grant us bountiful harvests each year!!!

Let the climate be mild, the rain neither too much nor too little, and if typhoons must hit, let them be gentle. And may you eradicate pests, birds, and beasts that harm the crops!!!

“Oh... to be prayed to with such fervor...!”

Cronus, the God of Agriculture, is visibly moved.

“Long have I been imprisoned, thought myself forgotten, yet still there be those who offer their faith unto me...! Very well, if I am acceptable, I shall bestow mine own blessings generously upon the creatures and deeds of the earth!”

And so, Cronus, the god of agriculture, began his reconciliation with the world.

“Poseidon... This is dire. At this rate, all offerings from the Saint shall become the sole possession of our Father...!”

“Perhaps we should seal Father back in Tartarus once more?”

In the background, the current chief gods are having a rather dubious discussion.

Please earn your worship through proper means.