King of Underworld

Chapter 70

The Story of Persephone - Chapter 5

"...Persephone, do you understand the significance of consuming food from the Underworld?" "What? Is it forbidden? I'm so sorry..."

Persephone's expression shifted rapidly to one of dismay.

The Underworld operates under different rules than the world of the living, and these rules are well-documented on enchanted parchment:

Laws of the Underworld:

Article 1, Clause 1: The dead may never return to life.Article 1, Clause 2: All souls must undergo judgment to resolve their earthly deeds. . . .Article 5, Clause 3: Anyone who consumes food from the Underworld, even once, is bound to live here.

Persephone’s case falls under this last clause—Clause 3. This doesn't mean she is entirely forbidden from returning to the living world, but it does mean she must now consider the Underworld her permanent residence.

This law applies even to the gods, which is why deities sent on temporary missions to the Underworld never touch the food. Neither Athena, Ares, nor Aphrodite ever ate anything while they were here.

"Indeed... Anyone who consumes food in the Underworld must live here." "Oh? Really? Does that mean I’ll be living with you now, Uncle?"

Struck by Eros' golden arrow, Persephone’s reaction was not one of distress but rather mild acceptance. But what would Demeter or Zeus think of this?

Wait a moment... Could it be that even though she's a young goddess, having lived for just over 300 years, she deliberately ate the food knowing the consequences? The position of the Lady of the Underworld is one of power and prestige, and if Persephone, struck by Eros' arrow, truly desires it...

"...For now, follow me. Do not leave my sight." "Yes, Uncle!"

It seems best that I keep her close.

So, I took her along as I went about my duties.

"For losing your chastity and being cast out by Artemis’ followers, meeting your death as a result..." "...May the God of Mercy bless you... Thank you, Lord Plouton."

As I listened to the grievances of the souls and strained to deliver fair judgments, Persephone stood by, her face full of questions.

After concluding a backlog of trials, she approached me.

"Uncle Hades, why are you so lenient with mortals?" "Lenient?" "Yes. You seem to show mercy even to those who insult or defy the gods."

Her eyes, filled with genuine curiosity rather than sarcasm or criticism, reflected the innocence of a young goddess raised under the care of the highest deities, never knowing want or hardship.

Young gods and goddesses often possess immense power but, being born into privilege and reverence, sometimes appear capricious or harsh toward mortals.

Persephone, born to Demeter and Zeus, likely shares her parents' temperament. After all, both can be severe with mortals.

"...It would be best if you let go of such thoughts." "What? But why?" "The Underworld is where mortals come to find their final rest. If I were harsh with them, what would become of their souls?" "But aren't we gods meant to be revered by mortals? If I were to withhold the power of spring, they would—"

Young gods, despite their naiveté, wield immense power and can appear merciless to mortals, who suffer greatly under the whims of deities.

Persephone, cherished and powerful from birth, might have naturally inherited such an outlook. Her parents, Demeter and Zeus, have not been strangers to harshness themselves.

"...You truly speak like the goddess who governs one of the seasons." "But I’m just the goddess of spring and seeds, Uncle." "I don't mean it that way. I only wish to say that your small actions could manifest as natural disasters to mortals."

I continued, gazing into Persephone's questioning eyes. I wanted her to grasp some of the wisdom I had gained from my long tenure in the Underworld.

"We gods are not infallible beings. Even Zeus or Athena can make mistakes." "My father and the goddess of wisdom too?" "There is no such thing as a perfect god. So refrain from wielding your powers on whims or without thought." "Uncle Hades, one of the three Great Gods... Have you ever regretted something?" "...Too many times to count."

How could one live through countless millennia without making mistakes? No matter how merciful or just one may try to be...

"I’ve made errors in judgment, been overwhelmed by emotions... And regretted it deeply." "Oh..." "When you let your anger consume you, it may seem trivial that mortals perish as a result, but remember..." "......" "To them, it is an unavoidable catastrophe. And those unjustly dead are the ones who come to the Underworld."

As Persephone pondered my words, her once unchecked divine power began to settle. Could she be awakening to the gravity of her role, the responsibility she bears over her domain?

"We cannot always be perfect, but as gods, we must strive to make the best decisions we can."

"...My mother never spoke to me like this before..."

Surely Demeter has already informed Zeus, and countless gods are now watching the Gigantes' base closely.

The Gigantes can no longer strike without drawing the gods' attention.

Their only options now are open war or Gaia’s cunning schemes.

Persephone had remained silent, watching with bright eyes throughout the entire discussion. She wasn’t interfering with the work—had my earlier words resonated with her?

Goddess Lethe tilted her head curiously as she looked at Persephone.

"Hades, who is this goddess? She doesn’t seem to be a minor deity..." "Oh, I’m Persephone!"

I should clarify this situation before any misunderstandings arise. Otherwise, leaving her presence unsaid could lead to unnecessary rumors.

"I met her near Mount Etna. She is the daughter of Demeter and Zeus. Also, she was struck by Eros’ golden arrow and ate food from the Underworld."

"What?!" "Eros' golden arrow... Does Demeter know about this?" "I intend to go to Olympus soon to explain everything."

The expressions of the many gods present changed.

There was nothing I could do now. The Gigantes had attacked more than just Mount Etna, and I had to take her along.

"I wasn’t affected by the golden arrow at all!" "Yes, yes." "It’s true! Uncle Hades, you saved me, so you have to take responsibility!" "...What?"

"Hades... Why do you keep attracting goddesses whenever you leave the Underworld?" "Before there are any more additions..."

The gathered gods quickly turned to look at Goddess Styx and Goddess Lethe. They also noticed Menthe, who had just entered the room and was now standing frozen.

Persephone suddenly began to tear up, causing everyone to tense up.

"Lord Hades, you held me so gently back then! You have to take responsibility!"

"W-what did you say?" "Wait, am I hearing things wrong because of my age? Do I need to see Apollo...?" "Who touched what?" "Hades...! What have you done?"

Why are they all looking at me like this?

This is all a misunderstanding...

Persephone, even if you’re maturing as a goddess, your lively spring-like personality remains unchanged...!

"My dear niece... I merely pulled you onto the chariot while you were being strangled by the Gigantes, and now you say this..." "T-that’s basically the same thing! I want to marry you, Lord Hades!"

"Hades... You didn’t touch her beyond placing her on the chariot, right?" "The Gigantes aren't the issue right now! Hurry up and explain everything..." "Lord Hades... I’m fine with being a concubine, but if there are too many..."

The Underworld has always been a place where strange things happen, but recently, it seems worse than usual. Is this some curse from Gaia?

"Lord Hades, the Rainbow Goddess Iris has arrived. I believe she’s here on behalf of Olympus regarding the Gigantes..."

"...! Let her in at once."

She must be here to invite me to the meeting at the Olympian palace.

We need to discuss the Gigantes and what to tell Demeter.

As the Underworld buzzed with activity, the Rainbow Goddess Iris arrived.

"I have come to see the Lord of the Underworld..."

Iris paused as she entered, surveying the scene before her, her eyes widening in shock.

Seeing her reaction, Moros, the god of inevitable doom, who had been leaning against the wall with his arms crossed, spoke nonchalantly.

"Oh, Iris, don’t be alarmed. This is just another day in the Underworld." "Moros... What on earth is happening here?" "Nothing much. Just that the daughter of Demeter and Zeus got struck by Eros' golden arrow, ate food from the Underworld, and is now caught in a quarrel with three goddesses who all have feelings for Hades."

"W-what? Whose daughter?"

The Rainbow Goddess’s face turned pale, and the seven-colored halo that always radiated from her back dimmed.