The King of the Underworld is Tired

Chapter 160: Hades’ Wedding – (2)

“This might not be the best topic for a wedding, but... I’ve been thinking about discussing the idea of reducing the number of heroes. If I send a messenger to the Underworld later, could you visit Olympus?”

To bring up such a matter at a wedding of all times.  

I’d prefer if he discussed something so important later, but on the flip side, it must mean that Zeus considers this matter extremely urgent.

“In my opinion, it should be fine for now. With so many gathered here in the Underworld, fear alone will keep them from doing anything foolish.”

“Hmm…”

“Even if mortals grow strong enough to rival gods, they are still mortal. It’s not something we need to worry about just yet.”

Zeus stroked his beard and nodded slowly.

“Ah, I’m not saying we should exterminate humans immediately or hurl lightning bolts at them. I just feel like heroes might cause problems someday.”

“I understand your position as the one overseeing Olympus, but it’s still too early. If you're truly concerned, we could also consider revealing certain aspects of the judgment awaiting them in the Underworld.”

Although I was once human in a past life and am known as the God of Mercy and Justice, favoring mortals,  

I can’t say I don’t understand Zeus’ concerns.

The Gigantes, or Giants, were monstrous weapons created by the Protogenoi themselves… designed to slay gods.

Even though many of them were mere fodder, the fact that mere mortals could defeat them suggests they could rival gods.

A ruler who is too trusting and doesn’t prepare for the future cannot maintain their power.  

Zeus’ wariness has some merit. However, in my judgment, the heroes of this era aren’t worth worrying about for now…

“Hmm, my apologies for bringing this up at a wedding. I’ll send a messenger if any issues arise in the future.”

“Sure. Let’s discuss it in more detail later.”

“Now, take a look at the wedding gift I brought. It’s a fan made of eagle feathers—it can stop the rain…”

After sharing a smile with Zeus and finishing our conversation, I returned to my wives.  

Mente had gone off to chat with the nymphs… but where was Lethe? Persephone was talking to her mother, Demeter while Styx was surrounded by a group of goddesses.

“Wow… Is it true, Lady Styx? That you kissed Hades in the sky while riding Pegasus…”

“Kyaa! Unbelievable!”

“And it wasn’t even because of one of Eros’ golden arrows…”

“How did someone like Hades, who had the reputation of being the most impenetrable fortress in the divine realm, end up married to you?”

Their faces blushed as they whispered secrets to each other. I stepped in to interrupt.

“Excuse me for a moment.”

“Ah…!”

“Lord Hades! Is it true you saved Lady Persephone from a Gigantes?”

“Wait—hold on! Let us ask just a few more things…”

Although I was bombarded with countless questions, I managed to rescue Styx safely.  

This reminded me of something similar at the wedding of Heracles and Hebe… Well, it makes sense. The idle gods of Olympus have little to entertain themselves with aside from gossip.

My beautiful, raven-haired wife approached me with a sly smile, clearly relieved.  

By now, physical affection had become natural for us. Matching her gesture, I tucked her hair behind her ear.

“Sigh… As expected of the Muse of Love Poetry, Erato. She asked so many questions, saying she needed inspiration for her work.”

“We’re the stars of the day, after all.”

At my words, she gave me a soft smile and leaned her head against me.

For some reason, I was reminded of the time with Phaethon (파에톤).

The slight weight resting against my chest and her pleasant fragrance.

As the gentle mountain breeze blew, I couldn’t help but feel content with this tender atmosphere.  

No—hadn’t we officially married now?  

“…Yes. Today is a truly wonderful day.”

It seemed that the Goddess Styx wanted to prolong this atmosphere as well.  

As our gazes met, we could tell exactly what the other was thinking.  

Quietly, I kissed the Goddess of Oaths, closing her eyes, and whispered words of love…

* * *

As I made my way around the wedding hall, checking on other goddesses, I decided to head toward Lethe.  

I didn’t want to interrupt Demeter, who was holding Persephone’s hand and speaking with her seriously, nor Mente, who was proudly boasting about something in front of the other goddesses.

“So you weren’t his first choice? How could this be!”  

“Mother… I’m really fine with it…”

It seemed that Lethe, who had momentarily disappeared, had found her mother and was talking with her.

Clearly aware that she was not warmly welcomed, was observing the hall from the outskirts where the gods rarely passed.

"Finding a good son-in-law who invited me to the wedding is fine, but how could you lose to Styx! What does she have that you don’t—whether in beauty or destiny? Unbelievable! Should I just toss my golden apple and create some chaos…?"

The conversation between Lethe and her mother sounded… somewhat dangerous.

If I just stood by and watched, I had a feeling I would deeply regret it in the future. Revealing my presence, I quickly intervened.

“Oh? Hades…!”  

“Ahem! Lady Eris! Thank you so much for attending!”  

"Oh? Since you’re here, there’s something I wanted to discuss. I heard you proposed to Lethe second…"

Ignoring Lethe’s attempts to stop her, the Goddess of Discord reached into her robe for something… only to lower her hand when she noticed me.  

Please, mother-in-law. That’s not it. Let’s calm down first.

“Haha!”  

I laughed nervously to diffuse the tension.  

“I happened to overhear your earlier remarks, and I believe there’s been a bit of a misunderstanding.”  

“Misunderstanding?”  

“I did not propose to Styx because I love her more than Lethe. Nor did I intend to make Styx my primary wife in the Underworld.”  

Lady Eris gave me a skeptical look, her expression unreadable.  

“Hmm. Is that a lie to get out of this situation?”  

“Absolutely not. While it is true that Styx was the first I met while proposing to the goddesses, I did not intentionally arrange the order of my proposals. As the God of fairness, I could never show favoritism among the goddesses I love.”  

“Hmm… is that so?”  

Why I was being forced to make such an impassioned defense, I had no idea.  

I just spoke earnestly, relying on my divine intuition. May the Goddess of Persuasion bless me in this moment.

“Now that I think about it, you’re not like other gods. Fine. But you’d better take good care of Lethe, alright?”  

“Of course.”  

“Ah… Hades…”  

Not missing a beat, I pulled Lethe into my arms.  

Lady Eris, the Goddess of Discord, watched the harmonious display between me and my newlywed wife for a moment before bursting into laughter.  

Now that her mood seemed to have improved, this was my chance. I rummaged around in my robe and pulled out a piece of jewelry to hand to her discreetly.  

Perfect. I hadn’t had time to choose carefully, but could this be Dike’s blessing at work?  

“Oh! And I wanted to offer a small token of appreciation for attending my wedding with Lethe.”  

“Oh… What’s this?”  

“A piece crafted by Hephaestus himself, using gems found only in the deepest parts of the Underworld. I thought it would suit you, my lady.”  

“Well, look at you. I almost ruined the wedding with my antics, and here you are, giving me gifts! Oh ho ho ho!”  

Good grief. That was a close one.  

* * *

“Take care, Lady Eris.”  

“Indeed, indeed. Next time, it would be nice if you could give me some grandchildren. Ho ho!”  

“Ahaha…”  

I waved as I saw off the Goddess of Discord.  

Judging by her pleased expression, it seemed she liked the jewelry I’d given her.  

“Phew…”  

What’s the use of being the Lord of the Underworld?  

My mother-in-law, who I must absolutely stay on good terms with, still lingered vividly in my mind.

“Hades… was that really true?”  

“You mean what I said about loving both you and Styx equally?”  

“…”  

“Of course. I’ve always wanted to avoid showing favoritism in matters like these.”  

As I stroked her soft, silver hair to soothe her, my adorable wife tugged at my ear. Was there something she wanted to say?  

Following her gentle pull, I bent down slightly. The Goddess Lethe, her cheeks as red as an apple blessed by Demeter, whispered to me.

Without even meeting my gaze, she used her divine power to block out any sound, fumbling over her words.  

“T-then… prove it to me right now.” 

What? Did I hear her wrong?  

When I looked at her, unable to hide my shocked and trembling eyes, she shyly turned her head away.

“You proposed to Styx first, so… it’s fine if I’m the first for this, isn’t it?”  

She was wearing a light chiton for the wedding, adorned with elegant jewelry.  

At this moment, with her beauty surpassing anyone else’s, she looked truly breathtaking.  

Those who lay hands on others recklessly are severely punished in the Underworld.  

When the free-spirited and capricious gods of Olympus abducted mortals they fancied, I would have Dike intervene to stop them.  

For that, I earned the title of the God of Mercy and Justice.

But… wasn’t Lethe my wife now?  

Even though doing this with her—especially at the wedding—felt a bit… improper.

But… wasn’t Lethe now my lawful wife?Although, doing something like this at the wedding… and with other goddesses around… isn’t right.

Yet, when the woman I love asks me so earnestly,

Refusing her outright wouldn’t be proper either.

I immediately summoned my divine power to move us elsewhere.

Shadows engulfed us, transporting us far from the wedding hall to a distant, secluded place.

I am the Lord of the Underworld.  

Here, not even Zeus would be able to find us easily. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

“…You were the one who tempted me first, Lethe.”

I could no longer hold back.