CLEON EROS (God of Love Who Fell In Love With Humans)

Old Castle

I followed the old man who was walking bent over with a wooden stick. Until finally, we have arrived at the old castle. Visible from the outside wall that began to moss. Apparently, this castle is not well maintained.

My eyes widened when I saw the inhabitants of the castle. The inhabitants are wild animals and it is scary if a human being has to live with wild and wild animals in there.

Visible snakes, tigers, jaguars, wolves even tame animals such as rabbits and other small animals that are often the pet of humans.

"Put, Cake."

I was quite surprised when I heard a lion greeting the old man who was with me.

"Piang. Change your form so as not to look creepy in front of guests" said the old man who was walking with me.

"Good, Cake."

Instantly the lion turned into a handsome figure with a tall stature and looks handsome.

"Leo, please get the maid to prepare lunch for me and this young man. Tell all the residents to change so that it doesn't look scary" Grandpa told the lion named Leo.

"Good, Cake."

Leo walked away, eventually disappearing when he turned. Maybe he's preparing a lunch menu for us. But what menu will they serve us? Fresh meat?

I was invited to a fairly large room with a long table and many chairs neatly lined up there. On the table there are plates and cups that are neatly and cleanly covered.

"Sit down" said the man who was more familiarly called grandfather by the inhabitants of the old castle.

I pulled the chair after the grandfather sat down. My butt followed in his footsteps sitting on a chair made of gold-carved wood looking luxurious. Contrary to the appearance of the castle that looks seedy from the outside. The items inside looked luxurious and majestic.

We're waiting for lunch. From behind, they came by carrying something in a sealed container. One by one present their luggage at a long table. They opened the container and it turns out that many food menus with various variants of dishes that smell tempting.

Almost all the tables are filled with food and drinks that look delicious. I didn't expect to be entertained by so much food and drink.

"Please, Mother, Master" said a woman.

The grandfather nodded and the young woman stood right beside him.

"Go away. Leave us both here" said the grandfather.

"Good, Cake. Excuse me." The woman walked away and disappeared.

"Let's enjoy, enjoy" said the grandfather.

Actually, there's a little bit of doubt about the food. Is it just an illusion or is it real? I don't know, because my divine power has been lost.

I nodded doubtfully and it turned out that it seemed like the grandfather knew my doubts. Grandpa's lips looked a little smiling.

"Eat only. There is nothing strange in the food or drink. They prepared it in earnest without any poison that would cause you to die" he said, scooping the rice onto a golden plate.

I smiled and tried to believe. My stomach is already starting to hurt from enduring hunger for too long. Is a human like this? They should resist hunger if there is no food available at home. Depressing.

I take the plate and give rice also side dishes that are indeed fragrant and tease my stomach rumbling at this time.

Rice and side dishes have been slid into my mouth. Feels good, I admit they're really good at cooking.

"Hows it? Yummy?" asked the grandfather as I chewed on the first mouthful.

"Eat a lot. You'll be out of this forest by nightfall. And you'll find an ocean with white sandy beaches. That's where you'll be back adventuring. You have to dive to the bottom of the ocean to find a golden apple tree" the grandfather explained. I just nodded then continued eating voraciously.

After the stomach was filled until I burped because I felt full. Grandpa smiled when he saw me.

"Why are you smiling?" I asked the haired grandfather who was almost all whitened.

"I remember the figure of the man trying to find the golden apple" he said with a smile.

"Did he get the golden apple?"

"No. He seemed to die horribly," he said, giving me goosebumps.

"Dead how sad?"

"He was drifting on the high seas. I don't know because of what. It may be that his intention has not been round to look for the apple which ended up being dragged by the waves in the middle of the ocean and his body was not found" he said.

I'm nodding.

"His face is exactly like yours, young man," said the grandfather who made my eyes perfectly round.

"As me?"

Grandpa nodded. "Yes. I remember what happened a few decades ago. He's young with a face that looks like you. Maybe, exactly about 28 years ago I met him," said the grandfather who made my heart beat and my mind was reminded of my father.

"But there are rumors that the man is still alive. Either way, no one knows for sure because it's been decades and the man hasn't returned to this forest" he said.

"It's possible that he's alive, he's coming home another way" I said, trying to guess.

Grandpa shook his head.

"There is no other way but through this forest. If you survive, you'll be reunited with me in this forest."

I don't know if what he said was true or not. I myself am just about to start this journey. However, I even remembered the figure of the man who was said to be similar to me. When it happened 28 years ago, my father disappeared. Unfortunately, I didn't know the look on my face at all.

The sun is right over your head. The atmosphere should be hot right now. But not in this forest. The sunlight is so minimal through the lush foliage.

I say goodbye to the grandfather to return to continue the journey that might feel heavy for me. For I have been like a man who has no power that distinguishes us.

"pull up. My blessing is with you, young man" said the grandfather, patting me on the shoulder.

I smile.

"Thank you, Cake."

"I'm sure we'll be reunited in this castle. Because, I saw your round throat. You want to edit out the human child, don't you? She's a woman of perfect beauty in this universe," she said with a smile.

"Where do you know, Cake?" My eyes narrowed.

"When someone comes through this forest looking for a golden apple. By itself I will know his purpose and life before he comes here. Go, the sun is right on your head and you must reach the sea when night comes with the moonlight that will shine tonight."

I nodded and left.