King of Underworld

Chapter 79

The Story of Bellerophon - Part 2@@@@

When I returned to the citadel with Pegasus after leaving Elysium, I was greeted by Goddess Styx. She had been managing urgent matters during my brief absence and was now taking a moment to rest.

"You’re back. Hades... and you’ve brought Pegasus."

Whinny!

Some might think it overstepping her authority, but I was the one who granted the goddess Styx the right to make decisions in my stead as a gesture of gratitude for her help during the war against the Titans. As such, she often acts as the final decision-maker when I'm not present in the underworld. Still, for issues too complex to resolve on her own, she always waits for me to return before making a final judgment.

"Now all that remains is to hand this over to the hero. I was thinking of sending Hermes or Athena."

"Shall I send a message to Olympus?"

"Yes, please do."

With that, I began to return to my usual place, but something about the sight of Goddess Styx caught my attention. Her long black hair and her tired, yet striking, blue eyes stood out, and she was holding a parchment in her hand.

Come to think of it, I owe her quite a lot.

A very long time ago, during the war with the Titans... she helped me manage the underworld and supported me during my inexperienced days. The feeling of Styx's sword hanging at my waist was somehow comforting. Along with Goddess Styx, there were Lethe, Mente, and Persephone—each of them precious to me in their own way. Yet, have I ever truly repaid them for their kindness?

Her beautiful eyes were filled with trust, affection, and devotion toward me. As I gazed at her, lost in thought, she let out a small laugh.

"Pfft. Hades, what are you staring at so intently? Have you become entranced by my beauty?"

"...Yes. You look particularly beautiful today."

"Wha—?! Huh?! What... did you just say...?"

The parchment slipped from Styx's hand as her face flushed bright red all the way to her ears. She covered her mouth with one hand, unsure of how to respond.

I, too, felt a bit of nervousness creep into my voice as I continued. This was just a walk... yes, that's all it was. A way to show my appreciation... Nothing more. Probably.

"Since Pegasus is heading to the mortal world, would you like to take a ride through the skies with me?"

Gasp! "I-I’ll get ready right away! Wait here!"

Thud, thud, thud—crash!

In her rush to leave, the goddess brushed past me, only to trip on the audience chamber’s door, causing part of it to break under her divine strength. As I stared at the splinters scattered on the floor, one thought crossed my mind:

"Should I change my clothes too?"

I expected her to return soon, but even after a while, Styx didn’t come back.

...?

Just as I began to worry and considered checking on her, the door suddenly flew open, and Styx rushed in, breathless. She bent over, hands on her knees, panting as if she had been chased by something—or someone.

Who could have possibly made Goddess Styx so frantic here in the underworld?

"I spend so much time in the underworld... I don’t often get to see such views."

"Now that things in the underworld have stabilized, you’ll have more time."

"...Thank you. Being with you, Hades, even a simple ride through the sky feels enjoyable."

I turned to look behind me, only to find Styx leaning in even closer, her face inches away from mine. As our eyes met, she slowly closed hers, a clear indication of what she desired.

Her delicate, red lips—if I moved just one step forward, what would happen?

I halted Pegasus in midair and slowly leaned in. My heartbeat thundered louder than Zeus’s lightning as I inched closer. The sound of the wind, the chirping of birds, all faded into the background. My focus was entirely on the goddess before me.

"Huff..."

I took a deep breath, feeling nervous yet eager. I couldn’t deny that I found it pleasing to have goddesses who cared for me. But... could I truly make them happy? Not just one goddess, but several?

I knew the truth. This hesitation, this reluctance—it was my own fear, nothing more.

As I battled with these thoughts, a sudden, deliberate gust of wind blew through the air.

Whoosh—

"Wha—!"

"Hmm?!"

Pegasus stumbled in the strong wind, causing both Styx and me to lose our balance. I gripped the reins tightly with one hand while the other wrapped around Styx’s waist to steady her.

And then... in the midst of the chaos...

Smooch.

The soft sensation of lips meeting. The sweet scent of honey lingered as I tasted the warmth of the goddess in an unexpected moment. It was a small accident caused by the sudden wind, yet it pushed us together.

Styx’s eyes widened as she opened them, her pupils dilating in shock. I, too, quickly turned my head, my face reddening.

Whoosh—

It didn’t take long to figure out who had caused the sudden wind. In the distance, I saw a god flying away, giving me a thumbs-up with a nod.

It was Euros, god of the east wind, son of the goddess Eos of dawn. It seemed he had stirred up the wind while passing by on his way to bring warmth and rain to the world.

You’re not the god of matchmaking, you know...

Just as we were about to head back, we encountered the messenger god, Hermes, flying toward us. He looked surprised to see Styx and me riding Pegasus together and couldn't hide his curiosity.

"Well, if it isn’t Uncle Hades! And Goddess Styx behind you?"

"...Hermes."

"What brings you to the skies? Wait, don’t tell me... were you having a romantic moment? Oh, I’ve interrupted, haven’t I? Haha!"

"......"

Neither Styx nor I could say a word. After all, the sensation of that soft kiss still lingered on my lips...

"...Is it true?"

"Stop with your nonsense. Here, take the reins and deliver Pegasus to the hero."

"Huh? Oh... Thank you for lending Pegasus, Uncle Hades."

"Once you land, release him in the mortal world and leave him somewhere appropriate."

I need to test whether this hero is truly worthy of handling Pegasus. If he can hold the reins and stay atop the winged horse, only then will he be worthy of borrowing him.

"Understood. I planned to do that anyway. But... seriously, were you two really—"

"Quiet."

Why is he so quick to notice things that don't concern him?