The Greece Antagonist

How is it that Thebes is so exclusive?

But at least I'm half a local here, shouldn't the folks give me some face?

"Kid, are you asking for trouble? Shut your mouth now!"

As Luo En was muttering to himself about the failure of the performance, an old farmer, who was tending to the grapevines in the field next to him, hurried over in a panic and snatched the lyre from his hands.

Faced with this sudden turn of events, a hint of surprise appeared on Luo En's face.

"Old man, what are you..."

"Save your breath, if you don't want to die, follow me now!"

The old farmer looked around cautiously, making sure no one was in sight, then quickly grabbed the arm of the young man under the tree and dragged him into the dense shade of the grapevines, walking deeper while earnestly lecturing him.

"What are you thinking, kid? With all the things to learn, why study those outsiders' tunes and sing praises for that good-for-nothing God of Wine? If I hadn't pulled you out of there, you'd be in deep trouble once the city guards showed up, watch your life!"

Hearing this, Luo En slightly furrowed his brows.

"Old man, what do you mean by that? Thebans don't like the God of Wine?"

"Not just dislike; we can't even mention it!"

The old farmer stopped, turned back in surprise, and looked at Luo En thoughtfully.

"You're an outsider, aren't you? No wonder you dare to sit under the tree and openly sing about the Dionysian Sect's 'Sacred Words'."

Luo En nodded and took out two pieces of Zeus's Gold from his pocket, handing them to the kind-hearted old farmer, and with a feigned look of lingering fear, he quietly asked.

"Old man, what's all this about? Could you give me the details so I don't accidentally breach some local taboo since I'm new here?"

"The taboo has nothing to do with us poor folks; it's the King's order. For some reason, he vehemently despises the Dionysian Sect from outside, forbidding any believers from preaching here, and even the topic related to the Sect is off-limits unless you want to end up in the dungeon awaiting trial and severe punishment."

The old farmer pointed toward Thebes in the distance and warned in a grave voice.

"Because of this, many followers of the Dionysian Sect have been arrested in the city, even the King's mother, because she participated in a Dionysian assembly, was thrown into jail. Young man, if you don't want to get in trouble, be smart..."

While speaking, the old man pushed the two pieces of Golden Zeus back, his expression displeased.

"I saved you because you're still young, not for these..."

Luo En quickly explained, "I've just caused some trouble, and I'm not clear about the situation outside. Why don't you let me hide out on your land for a few days, and please prepare some food for me? Consider this as a payment for your help."

The old farmer nodded, his face turning from clouded to clear as he took the coins and led the foreigner to a makeshift shelter he had built in the vineyard.

And on the way, Luo En, through hints and leading questions, also came to grasp the current state of affairs in the city.

The current King of Thebes was named Pentheus. He was the son of Echion, born of the earth, and Agave.

In fact, through blood, Agave was the daughter of the old King Cadmus and sister to the Princess of Thebes, Semele.

This meant that the resident in the palace was his dear cousin, the beloved of the God of Wine.

However, Pentheus himself was hot-tempered and easily angered, with a strong desire for control, and an exceedingly high opinion of himself. He couldn't tolerate degradation or criticism, and only the Chief God of Olympus could make him bow his head in reluctant superficial respect during rituals.

But, in recent years, an outside religious movement called the Dionysian Sect became prominent in Thebes, spreading rapidly. Many from the middle and lower classes became followers of their teachings, willingly venerating this obscure God of Wine.

"To think, they were only preaching, not doing anything outrageous or harmful..."
Experience tales with empire

On the way, the old farmer couldn't help but grumble for the followers of the Dionysian Sect who had been arrested.

As most of the primary members of this outside movement were from the lower echelons of society, they better understood the hardships of life and the struggles of ordinary people.

Therefore, the congregants of the Dionysian Sect often distributed bread and red wine for free, or they delivered rice, flour, grains, and oil collected by the church to help the needy and lonely elderly.

Sometimes, they would also gather volunteers to do what they could for people who had drawn a lucky lot.

As they put it, it was the 'God of Wine's Teachings' and spreading 'the God's kindness to all humans.'

This old farmer's few acres of vineyards had also been visited by them.

Not only did they buy that season's grapes at a fair price, but they also weeded and maintained the seedlings free of charge.

It was because of his favorable impression of the followers of the Dionysian Sect that this old man daringly pulled Luo En, who had been singing by the road, into the field.

In fact, the reputation of the Dionysian Sect was always good in Thebes, with many people from the lower, and even upper middle classes, holding a similar favorable view of the followers of the Sect.

Moreover, when they expounded their religion, many men, women, and children in Thebes, including influential and high-ranking nobles, followed and praised this new deity who brought joy to the people, even elevating him to a status equal to the gods of Olympus.

However, this annoyed King Pentheus.

In his view, some wild god from who knows where did not deserve such veneration.

Especially since the status and renown of that God of Wine in Thebes had actually surpassed him as the true King.

Therefore, Pentheus strictly forbade the public worship of that God of Wine.