King of Underworld

Chapter 166

The Peculiar Trojan War - The Omen

In the city-state of Troy, King Podarces was living a tranquil life. However, the moment he woke up one morning, he urgently summoned all his ministers.

Gathered before him were Troy’s prominent figures: the princes Deiphobus and Hector, the hero Aeneas, and even Cassandra, who had been dedicated to Apollo as a temple priestess.

With everyone assembled, King Podarces spoke with a grave expression.

"Last night, the god Morpheus appeared to me in a dream... and delivered Pluto’s oracle."

"An oracle...?!" "Hmm!"

As his words commanded everyone's attention, only Cassandra appeared unusually cheerful.

"The oracle stated that if we establish a temple for Pluto in Troy, he will aid us in overcoming the impending crisis. How should we interpret this?"

"A temple for Pluto, you say?" "But aren’t we already devoted to the god Apollo? What if the sun god becomes angered by this...?" "No, if we explain that this is a direct oracle from Pluto, I believe he will not take offense." "Still, a temple for the god of the underworld feels somewhat ominous."

The ministers were quick to voice their opinions. While it was generally wise to obey divine oracles, could the god of the underworld truly have Troy's best interests at heart? Was it wise to trust the king of the dead?

Before the debate could escalate further, King Podarces turned his gaze to his daughter, Cassandra. Blessed with the gift of prophecy through Apollo’s love, she had become his steadfast advisor and pillar of support.@@@@

"Cassandra." "Yes, Father?" "You, who are favored by the sun god and possess the gift of prophecy—do you believe we should follow Pluto’s oracle?"

At this, Cassandra beamed brightly and answered.

"Of course. It is one of the few threads of hope we have to navigate through the crisis before us." "Hmm..." "If we do not heed Pluto’s oracle, Troy will face destruction."

Renowned for her prophetic abilities bestowed by Apollo’s favor, Cassandra was a unique figure. While love between gods and mortals often ended in tragedy, she maintained a good relationship with Apollo despite her gift of foresight. Many seers rejected the love of gods due to their ability to see the future, yet Cassandra was an exception.

As King Podarces pondered the matter, a man stepped forward. With a tall, commanding presence, an impressive physique, and striking features, he was not only Troy’s supreme commander but also its greatest hero.

"Father, may I offer my thoughts?" "Oh, Hector! Yes, let us hear your opinion."

He was also one of Troy’s princes.

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The Supreme Commander of Troy Speaks

As the supreme commander of Troy, Hector, began to speak slowly, everyone focused intently on his words.

"This talk of a crisis facing Troy is all well and good, but wouldn’t it be wise to first consider the nature of the god who delivered this oracle?"

"Didn’t I already mention it? It was Pluto, the god of the underworld..."

Naturally, King Menelaus was enraged. He sought out his brother, Agamemnon, the ruler of Mycenae, to demand action. Even with Sparta’s considerable strength, it was impossible to bring down Troy alone.

"Very well. Let us punish Paris for breaking the sacred laws of hospitality and bring Troy to ruin." "I’ll send word to all those who once courted Helen." "With a coalition of forces from all over Greece, we’ll quickly sever Paris’ head and destroy Troy."

The two brothers resolved to annihilate Troy, and all of this—

Hades Observes

"...Of course."

Hades, in the underworld, was well aware of everything that had transpired.

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Helen, renowned as the most beautiful woman in Greece, had suitors who were kings and royals of various lands. It was clear as day that Paris’ fate, after abducting her, was sealed. The Greek coalition army was already forming.

Of course, it wasn’t as if all these suitors were raising armies purely for the sake of one woman. Greece was a land of heroes, and many of Helen’s suitors were royalty or rulers themselves.

These were men who had grown up hearing the epic tales of heroes from their parents’ generation—legends of completing great feats, earning glory, and immortalizing their names. The war provided a perfect stage for such ambitions.

Among the coalition forces were those eager to make a name for themselves through battle, as well as those greedy for the gold and treasures that would come from plundering Troy. For everyone except Menelaus, reclaiming Helen was little more than a convenient excuse.

It was a war destined to happen, with or without the intervention of the gods.

The Consequences of Paris’ Actions

"But because of you, our Troy is now engulfed in the flames of war!" "Y-yes, Father..." "I can’t even stand to look at you! Take that woman and confine yourself immediately!"

Now, Paris... A man who seduced a married woman, with the so-called "blessing" of Aphrodite, certainly didn’t sit well with anyone. War or no war, wasn’t it only right to return Helen to her husband as soon as possible?

But divine blessings and punishments, once issued, could not be revoked or interfered with by another god. This was the unspoken agreement and binding law among the Olympian gods.

Hades’ Plan

"Very well then. Morpheus, appear in King Podarces’ dream once more and deliver my words." "What shall I tell him this time?" "Tell him that the goddess of justice is aligned with the underworld. Since Troy is devoted to Apollo, surely they will understand my will."

If mortals were to "voluntarily" reject a divine blessing, then it would all resolve itself, wouldn’t it?

While I cannot directly interfere and order Helen to be returned to her rightful husband, now that my temple stands in Troy, there are countless ways to circumvent this fate and its prophecy. Of course, if this meddling were discovered, I might incur Aphrodite’s resentment and perhaps receive a scolding from Zeus.

"And if they fail to understand the message...?" "Then simply remind them that the underworld stands for justice. Convey that nuance clearly."

But before anything else, I must deal with this affair.

Now that my temple has been erected in Troy, this level of intervention won’t offend Apollo.