King of Underworld

Chapter 145

The Wedding of Heracles and Hebe

Having proposed to Styx, Lethe, Persephone, and Minthe, all that remained was to set a date for the wedding. We agreed to decide on it after the upcoming battle with the Gigantes, as a great celebration before such a decisive conflict would be ill-timed.

Moreover, Heracles, newly granted godhood, was about to complete a month in the underworld and ascend to Olympus, where he would marry Hebe, the goddess of youth and Hera's daughter. Naturally, I would attend and offer my blessings.

"Hades, have you heard the news?"

The voice of Styx, who, though not yet married in ceremony, was now my wife. Her tone was not quite as sweet as one would expect.

"Well, as the goddess of oaths, I happened to overhear..."

While Styx couldn’t hear every oath uttered near her river, if a high god swore something within the underworld, especially while she was present, she would. Was she referring to...?

"When you proposed to Persephone, you mentioned my name, didn’t you?"

"Oh."

"You even swore by my river that the two of you would share an eternal spring. How romantic."

"Uh... uh..."

Glare.

Her pursed lips, sharp gaze, and crossed arms conveyed her displeasure. Was this why Zeus was often cowed by his wife?

"Well, you see... you’re..."

"I’m what? You thought I’d just let it slide? Did you already consider me ‘caught fish’ that requires no further effort?"

I needed to think quickly. What could I say? Athena! Lend me some of your wisdom!

"It was to seek your blessing, as my first bride."

"...?"

"Lethe and I have been together for a long time, but I meant it as a gesture to seek the approval of my first wife..."

"Hmph... So Demeter’s daughter just happened to join along the way? And Minthe is just a concubine?"

Minthe had expressed reluctance about being formally recognized as the queen of the underworld, feeling burdened as a minor deity of mortal origin amidst powerful goddesses.

Although I wished to treat everyone equally, I respected her wish, though her obvious relief made me wonder if someone had pressured her.

Styx thought for a moment, then uncrossed her arms and smiled. Thank goodness.

"Hmph. You should’ve told me that earlier."

"Hmm... By the way, I hear Heracles and Hebe are to be wed in two days. Would you care to join me? It’d be a good chance to mingle."

"Just you and me?"

"Well... Lethe would be joining us..."

Her gaze turned icy once more. Ah, another misstep.

In the end, I brought both Styx and Lethe with me to Olympus.

The wedding was lively, as one would expect for the union of the goddess of youth—who had turned down many suitors—and Heracles, a mortal who had ascended to godhood.

"Kuh... Lady Hebe rejected my proposal so coldly..."

"Tch tch. Do you really think you have the looks to match a goddess of youth?"

"Have you lost your mind? It’s a joyful day, so I’ll let it go... kuh."

"I heard Lady Iris traveled to the underworld to bring back the god of strength and combat."

"Yes, I heard too. He looked utterly exhausted even before the wedding..."

"He told Lady Hera he wanted to work in the underworld, but... well, he might be a little unhinged."

"Shh! Shh! He’s Zeus’s son and was declared equal to the Twelve Olympians by Zeus himself..."

"Ares, the time to face the Gigantes is nearing."

"Don’t hold me back, Athena."

"Just like that boar who rushed in with a chariot during the battle with Typhon and got knocked out in one blow."

"What did you say?! You...!"

With Zeus’s proclamation, the wedding finally began.

"The bride, Hebe, will take Heracles as her husband..."

Hymenaios, the god of marriage, presided over the ceremony, his white wings and torch casting a radiant glow.

"Now, the groom and bride! Go on, kiss!"

"Hmm... ahem... uhm?!"

♡

"Hahaha! The goddess of youth made the first move! Ah, young love!"

"I remember my younger days... ha!"

"Eurus, what are you doing?"

"Isn’t it obvious, Notus? I’m sending a gentle breeze to bless the bride and groom."

"...And why is that your job?"

Blessed by the presence of Hymenaios, the wedding would surely bring lasting happiness. With a kiss, the two were now officially married.

Already, gods curious about this newly ascended god of strength swarmed around them.

I could see Zeus congratulating Heracles with a clap on the shoulder, Hera standing beside him.

"May you live happily, daughter. Hebe, take care of him."

"Of course, Lady Hera!"

"I understand, Mother. Hehe..."

"Hey, Heracles, let’s have a word."

"Oh, Ares, certainly."

"Ahem. That club of yours—I could have Hephaestus craft something sturdier."

"It would be an honor if the god of the forge himself would do so...!"

So many had gathered. After all, Zeus himself had declared Heracles equal to the Twelve Olympians.

With strength, fame, accomplishments, and lineage, he seemed the ideal husband, and Hebe must have happily agreed.

Watching them receive all this attention, my thoughts turned elsewhere.

With the Gigantes defeated, I’d finally be able to live happily with the goddesses at my side—Persephone, Styx, Lethe, and Minthe.

Tap-tap.

"Lethe?"

"Why are you staring off into space... feeling a bit lonely? I’m right here, you know."

"Not that... I just look forward to seeing us in their place soon."

Hearing my words, Styx and Lethe smiled brightly.

Once we overcame the Gigantes and earned Gaia’s recognition, a promising future awaited us.

Smooch.

"Oh! Hades, you should see the look on your face right now!"

"Stop daydreaming..."

I touched my cheeks where the goddesses had kissed me, pulling them both into a gentle embrace.