Bear School Astartes-Chapter 856 - 839: Leaving Athens

Although the situation in Athens is currently a mess, Alcibiades has ultimately inherited the political prestige of Pericles and has already started implementing Lann’s suggestions.

This allows him to still maintain significant influence within Athens.

Therefore, there were no obstacles when Pericles and Aspasia headed to the port.

Pericles is leaving, and Aspasia is also leaving with him.

In this era, women are subordinate to men, and even Pericles, known as the ’Father of Democracy’, openly expressed disdain for women, believing they inherently lack logical thinking capabilities.

Although Aspasia was highly respected by Pericles, within the political system of Athens, she existed entirely as a dependent of Pericles.

With Pericles gone, if she couldn’t obtain Alcibiades’ protection, surviving would be difficult for her, as many were looking to settle scores with her.

However, if she accepted Alcibiades’ protection, considering his reputation as a notorious and charming Athenian youth, along with her own status as a socialite and Pericles’ lover... the kind of scandalous rumors that would ensue need not even be imagined.

Even with Ancient Greece’s liberal views on sex and love, such matters undoubtedly would heavily damage political repute.

So ultimately, even though Aspasia had many ambitions, she could only leave Athens.

The era ultimately constrained this woman’s development.

"So you’re not planning to leave either?"

Before boarding the ship, Lann looked down at Phoebe.

The little girl met his gaze without hesitation.

"I’m not unconnected now, you know." Phoebe smiled and shrugged, "I’m no longer that little girl on Kefalonia Island who would dare to bring home a mysterious ’Guardian God’."

Lann couldn’t help but smile.

That so-called ’mysterious Guardian God’ Phoebe referred to was her understanding of his identity when they first met.

In a blink, the little girl who had to endure hunger in Kefalonia now even owns a ’business’ in Athens.

"Alcibiades gets along with me reasonably well, along with Socrates, Hippocrates, Aristophanes, and the rest... Don’t worry, with these connections, I’ll make sure my people don’t go hungry!"

"You better not go hungry..." Cassandra, watching from the side, said with arms crossed.

Her eyes held a sense of nostalgia, as Phoebe, whom she had raised, now navigates the Aegean Sea searching for her own mother.

And the little girl she had brought up has now made a name for herself... Time is indeed a fascinating thing.

Remembering something, Cassandra rummaged through her bag and handed Phoebe a wooden eagle sculpture.

"Chara!"

The little girl exclaimed in delight.

This wooden eagle was a toy she had always held on to since her time in Kefalonia, inspired by her longing for Icarus on Cassandra’s shoulder.

"You have your own adventure now, Phoebe."

Holding the girl’s hand, Cassandra smiled as she returned the wooden eagle to its owner.

"You no longer need to leave Chara with me to feel out my adventures for you."

The little girl gladly accepted, nodded to Lann, Cassandra, and the eagerly waving Rong Buqiu, then swiftly darted onto the roof of a warehouse in Piraeus Harbor, disappearing into the night.

Her movements, even from Lann’s perspective, were flawless.

Boarding the ship, Aspasia and Pericles were already seated in the rear seats of the Adrestia’s command post.

Just like Lann had observed during previous naval battles, the ships sailing the Mediterranean in this era had quite minimalistic fittings and equipment on the deck.

The command post was merely a small elevated spot at the stern, slightly above the deck level.

Cassandra usually stood there to command, and a map of the various small islands in the Aegean Sea was drawn on the floor.

By standing and looking at the floor, one could study the navigation routes.

"Ah! Lann! My friend! Great demigod!"

The ship’s first mate, the one-eyed old sailor Barnabas, who managed the nautical affairs, came up enthusiastically to embrace Lann in a bear hug.

While hugging, he boastfully spoke to the side.

"Look, Herodotus! Whether you acknowledge it or not, believe it or not, great characters and mythical tales are unfolding right before our eyes! In our lifetime!"

"Preventing plague, battling enemies that destroyed the Parthenon Temple! Look! I bet even after a thousand years! This story will remain legendary upon the vast seas!"

"I can hardly imagine what kind of battle could topple such a temple praised and envied by the gods."

After speaking, he maliciously added to Herodotus.

"Even if you don’t record it, it will be passed down eternally!"

As always, Herodotus had learned not to be at odds with his old friend.

"But how can I not record it?"

His tone remained warm and gentle as he walked over to Lann, exchanging arm grips with him.

"Such grand events, such tales, would render this book useless if I didn’t document them before it even reaches completion."

"It’s genuinely pleasing to see you all still in good health, my friends. I was quite frightened when I first arrived in Athens."

Lann replied with a smile.

"We were too." Herodotus was caught in Barnabas’ arm, and the sailor laughed heartily as the historian nodded in agreement.

"Wait, is this the fabled Divine Cat?"

Barnabas crouched down, curious yet cautious, as he observed Rong Buqiu.

Lann grinned and raised an eyebrow, seemingly unsurprised by Barnabas’ superstitious nature.

Meanwhile, Cassandra obtained news of her mother from Aspasia.

Since the situation in Athens had calmed down slightly, Aspasia had been concerned about Cassandra’s affairs.

She utilized some unknown methods, and somehow unearthed Cassandra’s target.

"If your mother uses the alias Phoenix and has wandered the Aegean Sea, the most likely place for her to settle would be here."

Aspasia’s foot pointed on the island map on the floor.

"According to my information, she is now the leader of Naxos Island."

Cassandra pursed her lips and nodded.

This news didn’t really come as a surprise.

This is an era of wilderness exploration, where a soldier, stranded after a naval battle away from home, might eventually become the king of some island after many adventures.

Cassandra knew well her mother’s prowess, not finding it hard to believe she could become the leader of Naxos Island.

"I will go to Naxos Island, what about you? Do you and Pericles have a place to go?"

Cassandra asked, looking up.

"Of course we have a place. Now that Pericles is no longer the Athenian Governor, those assets can be used. We’ll live comfortably."

Aspasia waved her hand, signaling Cassandra not to worry.

Her face, as steadfast as Cassandra’s, radiated a certain determination.

"But if you plan to continue dealing with the Order Divine Teachings, count me in. Members of the Order Divine Teachings are deeply rooted in many places, and you will need a politically savvy advisor. Pericles may not have the energy anymore, but I still have plenty."

The sailors set sail and began singing sea shanties.

The joyful, melodious songs blended with the sound of waves striking the hull, carrying Cassandra’s thoughts soaring like Icarus in the sky.

Rong Buqiu clung to the ship’s side, curiously watching the ripples and waves next to the ship.

Lann walked over to Cassandra’s side.