King of Underworld

Chapter 160

Hades' Wedding - Part 2

"This isn’t exactly wedding talk, but... I’ve been considering reducing the number of heroes. When the time comes, I’ll send a messenger to the Underworld. Could you visit Olympus to discuss it?"

Discussing such matters at a wedding was unusual, but it also indicated how important Zeus deemed the issue. While I’d prefer this conversation to happen later, the gravity of the topic couldn’t be ignored.

"I think things will be fine for now. With so many here in the Underworld, fear alone will likely keep mortals from doing anything reckless.""Hmm...""Even if there are many who rival gods, they are still mortal. It’s not yet a matter for us to worry about."

Zeus stroked his beard thoughtfully and slowly nodded.

"Yes, yes. I’m not saying we should wipe out humanity or hurl lightning bolts immediately. It’s just that I foresee potential problems arising from heroes in the future.""I understand your position as ruler of Olympus, but it’s too early for that. If you’re that concerned, we can consider revealing aspects of the judgment they’ll face in the Underworld as a deterrent."

Although I was once mortal myself in a previous life and am known as the god of compassion and fairness, I can understand Zeus’ concerns.

The Gigantes—creations of the Protogenoi—were monstrous weapons designed to kill gods. Yet, despite being lesser ones, the fact that mere mortals could slay them suggested that humans were nearing godlike strength.

A ruler who neither doubts nor plans for the future risks losing their power. Zeus’ concerns weren’t baseless. Still, in my assessment, today’s heroes weren’t yet a threat worth acting on.

"Hmm, my apologies for bringing this up at your wedding. I’ll send a messenger if any issues arise later.""Very well. We can discuss it in detail then.""For now, take a look at this wedding gift I brought. A fan made of eagle feathers—it stops the rain..."

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Zeus smiled and walked off, leaving me to return to my wives.

Where was Lethe? Persephone was chatting with her mother, Demeter. Menthe had joined a group of nymphs, and Styx... Styx was surrounded by other goddesses.

"Wow... Is it true, Lady Styx? Riding Pegasus into the sky to...!""Oh my goodness! Incredible!""And it wasn’t even because of one of Eros’ golden arrows...""How did you, the so-called ‘Greatest Fortress of the Heavens,’ end up marrying Lord Hades? Tell us more!"

Their hushed voices carried a mix of gossip and astonishment. I decided to step in.

"Pardon me for interrupting."

"Ah!"

"Lord Hades! Is it true that you rescued Persephone from a Gigante?"

"Wait! Just a little longer; we were just getting to the good part..."

The barrage of questions was overwhelming, but I managed to extract Styx unscathed. It reminded me of a similar scene at Heracles and Hebe’s wedding. After all, the idle gods of Olympus had little else to entertain themselves with but gossip.

My beautiful wife with her dark hair approached me with a faint sigh of relief. By now, physical affection had become natural for us. Matching her movement, I gently tucked her hair behind her ear.

"Hah... As expected of the Muses. Erato kept pestering me with questions, hoping for inspiration for her love poetry...""Well, we are the stars of today."

She smiled softly at my words and leaned her head against me. It brought back memories—of the time with Phaethon, of all things.

I felt a slight weight against my chest and caught a pleasant scent. The gentle breeze that blew past carried with it a tender atmosphere that I found myself enjoying. Then again, we were now officially married, weren’t we?

"...Yes. Today is indeed a wonderful day."

Lady Styx seemed to want to linger in this moment, just as I did. Our gazes met, and without words, we understood each other’s thoughts.

Closing her eyes, the goddess of oaths leaned toward me, and I whispered words of love as our lips met.

* * *

"So, you weren’t his first choice? Unbelievable! This just won’t do!""Mother, please... I’m really fine...""It’s nice that you’ve found a son-in-law kind enough to invite me to the wedding, but how could you let Styx outshine you? What does she have over you in beauty or connection? Ugh, I should throw my secret golden apple and stir things up a bit—""Ha ha ha!""I overheard part of your conversation earlier, and I think there may have been a misunderstanding.""A misunderstanding?""I didn’t propose to Styx before Lethe because I loved her more. Nor did I intend to make Styx my principal wife.""Hmm. Are you sure this isn’t just a convenient excuse?""I swear it’s not. While Styx happened to be the first I met during my journey of proposals, it was purely coincidental. I never intended to prioritize or rank my beloved goddesses. As the God of Fairness, it’s intrinsic to my nature to treat them all equally!""Hmm... Thinking about it, other gods might be another story, but you’re not the type. Still, you’d better take good care of my Lethe!""Of course."

"Then take care, Lady Eris."

"Yes, yes. And next time, perhaps you’ll give me a grandchild to hold. Hoho!"

"Ahaha..."

I waved as the Goddess of Discord departed. The smile on her face suggested she was pleased with the gift I’d given her. At least for now, the crisis was averted.

"Haah..."

What good is being the ruler of the Underworld? Even so, I couldn’t help but feel like my mother-in-law’s shadow lingered before my eyes, a reminder of how crucial it was to stay on her good side.

"Hades... Was that true...?"

"That you love both Styx and me equally?"

"..."

"Of course. I wouldn’t allow any favoritism in something so important."

As I gently stroked her soft silver hair, trying to comfort my dear wife, Lethe tugged lightly on my ear, urging me to lean closer.

Following her subtle pull, I bent down. Her face, as red as an apple blessed by Demeter, turned toward me. Her divine power shielded her words from prying ears as she whispered haltingly.

"Th-Then... prove it to me right now."

What? Did I hear her correctly?

Her eyes trembled, but she couldn’t bring herself to meet mine, shyly turning her head away.

"You proposed to Styx first, so... it’s only fair if the first time is with me, isn’t it?"

Her delicate chiton, carefully adorned for the wedding, her gleaming jewelry, and most of all, her radiant beauty at this moment made her seem otherworldly.

As the God of Compassion and Fairness, I’ve always upheld a strict principle: those who take advantage of others, especially mortals, receive the harshest punishment in the Underworld. Many reckless Olympians who kidnapped mortals found themselves on the wrong side of Dike’s justice.

But... this was different. Lethe wasn’t just anyone. She was my wife.

Though... doing this at the wedding venue... No, that would be improper.

Yet, how could I refuse such a heartfelt request from the woman I loved?

With a thought, I summoned my divine power and shifted us to another location. Shadows enveloped us as I transported us far from the wedding ceremony, to a secluded part of the Underworld.

Here, not even Zeus could find me.

"...You were the one who tempted me, Lethe."

And in that moment, I could resist no longer.