Chapter 151: Declare You Innocent

When you were still a baby.

Yu Lin traced a field on the wooden table with his finger, then drew a baby and two little figures:

Athena and Hera arrived at the field; Athena saw the baby was beautiful, liked it greatly, felt compassion, and urged Hera to nurse the child.

Hera did not refuse, and fed the baby her Divine Milk.

From then on the baby shed its mortal flesh, gained an Immortal Body, and thus became immensely strong.

Heracles listened, his doubts deepening, and frowned, saying:

But... what does this have to do with my current affairs?

Could it be that you want me to ask the Queen of Heaven; she knows exactly what happened to me?

"No," Yu Lin shook his head, pointing at one of the little figures:

"She simply doesn't know your identity; had she known, she would have strangled you then."

Heracles: "............"

"Why?"

"Because... you'll know later." Yu Lin didn't tell him now, choosing to be a Riddle Person.

But it makes no real difference.

Later, when Heracles goes to Delphi for Atonement and seeks a Divine Oracle, the Pitia Priestess will directly reveal his true identity and then have him undertake the Twelve Trials.

And rescuing Prometheus occurs during the Eleventh Trial.

Earlier, the Egyptian deity Taifu told Yu Lin that the supreme gods have vanished, though she didn't know when they began to disappear.

So at this moment, Yu Lin cannot say for certain whether Zeus is present.

Rescuing Prometheus ultimately requires Zeus's permission; if he is absent, then Hera's family would dominate... originally that fellow had allied with other gods to overthrow Zeus.

If Hera doesn't nod, rescue may be impossible, and given Heracles's status, her nodding would be nothing but a pipe dream.

Thus... simply send Heracles straight to Olympus; even if Hera refuses, she'll have to comply!

Of course, if Zeus is present, everything proceeds as originally planned.

Yu Lin has several plans.

Heracles, unaware of Yu Lin's thoughts, pressed, "So you mean... the Queen of Heaven wants me to kill my wife and children?"

Yu Lin nodded, "Yes. You drank her Divine Milk; it has both benefit and drawback, and your Madness Disease stems from her."

Heracles saw him nod, but shook his head, "I don't believe it."

Yu Lin: ".........."

It's understandable; after all, Hera's standing among the people is high at this time, so Heracles not trusting her to act against him is easy to grasp.

"Later you'll believe it," Yu Lin grabbed a rib of lamb, said no more, and began to eat.

"Have something to eat first."

Even without spices, the chef here is skilled, grilling the lamb rib to a crisp exterior and tender interior; the flavor is decent.

Heracles, however, has no appetite, merely watching him eat while silently pondering his words.

Once the seed of doubt is sown... it only needs time to take root and sprout.

When Yu Lin has eaten and drunk his fill, he stands and says to Heracles:

"I'm full; I'll go ahead now."

Having said that, he heads toward the doorway.

"Wait," Heracles calls him, asking:

"If I later want to find you, how should I see you?"

Yu Lin raised his hand and pointed to the sky: "Call my name to the heavens three times."

"A Miracle will guide you to find me."

Heracles asked again, "Then what is your name?"

"Yu Lin."

"Good, I'll remember it."

"Goodbye."

Yu Lin turned and left the restaurant, his figure merging into the crowd outside, vanishing.

"Yu Lin..." Heracles murmured the name.

He looks unlike them, even his name differs; a person whose origin and purpose are unknown.

Even after only one encounter, he has left a deep impression in Heracles's mind.

He seized a piece of roasted lamb, chewed it heartily, then bit into an unleavened flatbread, eating until the food was completely finished.

He wiped his mouth, and as soon as he left the restaurant, two soldiers in uniform approached him and said:

"Heracles, the king wishes to see you."

Heracles, as if expecting the scene, whispered, "Is he here to judge me?"

The soldier nodded, "Yes."

"Please come with us for a walk."

Heracles let out a long sigh, did not refuse, and followed them toward the Thebes Palace.

——

The Thebes Palace towers in the city center, built from massive limestone blocks, its soaring colonnades carved with images of divine beasts.

Bronze fire pits stand on either side of the palace gates, flames flickering in the breeze, casting shifting light and shadow.

Through the spacious courtyard, Heracles steps into the Great Hall.

Inside, many have already gathered—nobles, priests, warriors—standing on both sides, their gazes complex as they look at him.

On the Royal Throne sat Ke Ruiweng, the king of Thebes, an old man.

His beard and hair were all white, his face kind, but his eyes remained as sharp as an eagle.

"Heracles, my child," Ke Ruiweng waved at him, his voice gentle:

"Come, come to me."

Heracles shook his head.

He stepped into the center of the Great Hall, knelt before Ke Ruiweng, and said in a deep voice:

"My king, I have wronged you."

His voice was low and hoarse, as if forced out from deep within his chest.

Ke Ruiweng rose from the Royal Throne and slowly descended the steps.

His steps were slow, yet very steady.

Until he reached Heracles, extended his hand to grasp his shoulder, and pulled him up from the ground.

"It is the Madness Disease that makes you kill them," Ke Ruiweng said, gazing into his eyes, his voice light yet clear enough for everyone to hear:

"That is not your true wish; I know what kind of person you are."

Heracles's throat rolled slightly, a flash of pain crossing his eyes.

Ke Ruiweng patted his shoulder, then turned, pulling his hand and walking toward the outside of the Royal Palace.

The people inside the hall quickly cleared a path, silently watching them.

After exiting the palace gate, Ke Ruiweng halted, pointing ahead—there lay the city gate of Thebes, leading to the vast world.

"Heracles," he said, his voice calm and firm: "I, in the name of the king."

"I declare you not guilty."

"Leave Thebes."

Heracles was stunned.

He turned his head toward Ke Ruiweng, his eyes full of confusion:

"My king, I..."

Ke Ruiweng shook his head, cutting off his words: "This city can no longer contain your destiny."

"Your path lies far away; the road to becoming a hero is destined with many hardships."

"Go then."