King of Underworld

Chapter 66 Persephone’s Story – (1)

It had been a long time since I made mint dishes with Mente and spread them to the mortal world.

Fortunately, it seemed to have worked because the ferryman, Charon, really liked it.

Shall I take a look at the mortal world’s reaction for a moment?

Thebes had now changed to the extent that it could almost be considered my territory.

It was like watching the Athena worship in Athens.

The followers of Dionysus had been pushed aside and became a minority…

Could it be because stories spread about how those who commit crimes in pursuit of freedom and indulgence are judged in the underworld?

So, if I listen closely for a moment, I could hear the conversations of the people of Thebes.

If I listen to the voices of those near my temple talking about mint…

“We need to adjust the amount of mint used in funerals.”

“It seems we can eat plants blessed by Pluto.”

“It grows well even with just water; how about we cultivate it in large quantities?”

“Its main use is as a spice like herbs, so there’s no need to grow it in large quantities in the field…”

“Priest, is it true that you have to eat mint well to become Pluto’s priest?”

“Hahaha! It’s true that mint is a symbol of Pluto. But do you know what he said in his oracle?”

“Oracle? What is it?”

“He said that since everyone’s tastes are different, don’t discriminate against those who dislike his symbol.”

“Wow! Then I can become a priest even if I don’t like mint!”

As it became known in the mortal world that various foods could be made with mint, such as mint tea and mint mixed with honey snacks, the amount of mint used in funerals decreased.

While carefully reviewing the summary of the spread of mint dishes on parchment, I spoke to Mente.

She stood there with a slightly nervous expression. Well, this parchment was written by her…

“Mente, you’ve gotten used to writing reports now.”

“Really? I guess it’s because I write them every day… Hehe…”

Even Mente, who had been clumsy with the underworld’s work, was now gradually adapting.

At this level, it seemed like I could start increasing her workload.

As I raised my head with a satisfied smile…

I met the eyes of Mente, who was grinning as if something happy had happened.

“Hades, now that mint dishes have spread widely in the mortal world… um, the reward you mentioned last time…”

Ah, right. There was something I had promised her.

I did say that if she successfully completed this task, I would take her with me when I went to patrol near Mount Etna.

“Just with me…”

“Yes. You’ve been doing a good job lately, so let’s go together.”

“Waaah! Thank you!”

Hug.

Wait a minute, don’t suddenly hug me like that.

“Hehe…”

The refreshing scent from the mint goddess clinging to me tickled the tip of my nose.

* * *

The mortal world, where I came with Mente.

We soon arrived near Mount Etna.

As expected, the vast grasslands, animals, and numerous nymphs welcomed me.

I drove the chariot pulled by ghost horses around Mount Etna to check on Typhon’s condition.

While I was enjoying the scenery, I saw Mente waving her hand toward a nearby forest.

“Oh! Delias! Iphigenia!”

“Mente?!”

“I heard you became Hades’ priestess…”

“No, didn’t you say you became a goddess now?”

There were several Naiads, nymphs like Mente, playing there.

They were happy to see Mente, but when they met my eyes on the chariot…

“Huh… Huh?! Go… God?”

“They said Mente became a minor god of the underworld… Then, could it be…”

“Black hair, black eyes, ghost horses… the ruler of the underworld?”

Their faces turned pale in an instant, and they hurriedly bowed down to me.

Seeing them unable to leave their spot made me sigh.

I hadn’t done anything, and they were already afraid.

Well, who would embrace the underworld warmly… Mente, who asked me out on our first meeting, was probably an exception.

“Mente. I’ll be looking around elsewhere, so you can go and play with your friends.”

“Ugh… Yes, thank you. Everyone seems to have such strong prejudices…”

I left the place after watching Mente jump off the chariot and run to her friends.

I’ll return to her later.

“Oh my… Mente, aren’t you scared?!”

“A minor god of the underworld…”

“It’s something to celebrate that you’ve become a goddess, but the underworld…”

“Sigh… The underworld is nice too!”

I can hear everything you’re saying…

After some time had passed, I headed back to the spot where Mente had gotten off.

By now, she must have had enough time to catch up with her friends.

I saw Mente waiting for me.

“Sigh… Everyone seems to have such strong prejudices about the underworld…”

“It can’t be helped. It’s the final destination for mortals and the world of the dead.”

Seeing Mente, who had spent a long time in the mortal world, now pouting and talking about the underworld, made me smile.

Mente, who spent a long time in the mortal world, was now completely adapted to the underworld.

“The underworld is fun once you get used to it. Now, even the souls seem cute to me!”

“Haha… Is it because you’re a unique nymph?”

“What? I’m just an ordinary Naiad! And now I’m a goddess!”

“To me, you’re still that strange nymph from back then.”

“Ugh… I’m not strange…”

What are you talking about? Where would I find another nymph like you…

Which crazy nymph would want to spend time with the lord of the underworld?

As I recalled those memories, I smiled at her and looked back…

“Mm?”

A strange sense of déjà vu struck me.

This strange feeling… From the north. A flow of power, many moving quickly.

It wasn’t just one or two. At least hundreds.

Neither humans, nor nymphs, nor gods…

“Hades?!”

Swoosh—

I drew forth even more of the divine power that I had suppressed when coming to the mortal world.

The surrounding plants and animals began to wither, and the dryads, tree spirits, screamed, but I had no choice.

I extended my hand and scanned the surroundings thoroughly.

Numerous presences moving from deep underground…

Rumble—

This feeling was definitely Gigas.

The hated nemesis of us gods.

And not just a few, but at least hundreds mobilized for an attack.

Why were they appearing here, rather than in Olympus or the large cities of humans…

Ah, I see.

This is Mount Etna, the place where Typhon’s body is buried.

If they dug up the mountain and Gaia got her hands on Typhon’s powerful body,

She could do a lot of damage.

She could summon Typhon’s consciousness from Tartarus or use his body as a sacrifice to create another monster…

In the worst-case scenario, Typhon could be resurrected…

Even in the best-case scenario, his rampaging body could cause great destruction.

If a large number of Olympian gods didn’t step in, the rampaging body would devastate the surroundings.

“Hades? Is something wrong…”

“The Gigas have attacked, so return to the underworld, Mente.”

Was this the single strike Prometheus had mentioned?

Indeed, if Typhon’s body were stolen, it would be a tremendous loss for the gods.

“No matter how well you prepare… The gods will inevitably fall to Gaia’s strike, even if I warn you in advance.”

“Are you saying there’s one blow we’re bound to take?”

“Of course, it will deal a significant blow to your plans.”

But Prometheus, this time your prophecy seems to be wrong.

Because I, Hades, am here.

* * *

The mint goddess, Mente, was in a good mood.

Not only had she successfully carried out Hades’ order to spread mint dishes to the mortal world,

But he had also kept his promise to take her on patrol near Mount Etna.

She even got to meet and catch up with other nymph friends she was close to in the mortal world…

Now she was planning to spend some enjoyable time with the handsome Hades.

She had always been too scared to make a move with Lady Styx and Lady Lethe watching her closely,

But now that they were alone in the mortal world, she was determined to show off her charms today!

…Or so Mente thought.

“Mm?”

Hades, who had been smiling kindly(?) at her, suddenly stiffened and fell silent.

Dark divine power slowly leaked out from his body.

“Hades?!”

As if sensing something strange, he extended his right hand and drew forth his divine power.

The overwhelming force of one of the three lords of the underworld was unleashed, and the surrounding plants and animals met their death.

It was a side of the merciful god, Pluto, who usually restrained his power for the sake of the living, that was unlike him.

What in the world had happened? Why was he…

Swoosh—

The power Hades was drawing out grew stronger and stronger. Little by little… More… And more…

Could even all the deities of the underworld combined exude a stronger sense of intimidation than he did now?

Whinny!

Snort—

Reflecting his emotions, the ghost horses’ eyes burned with blue flames, and hellfire erupted from their hooves.

The specters sneered, revealing sharp teeth, as if they anticipated the upcoming slaughter.

The once ordinary chariot was now filled with a chilling aura, with the forms of screaming spirits etched into it.

The chariot had transformed into something terrifying, befitting the lord of the underworld.

She trembled in fear as she looked at Hades, who was gradually being engulfed in darkness.

“Hades? Is something wrong…”

“The Gigas have attacked, so return to the underworld, Mente.”

Gigas.

The enemy that Hades and the other gods of the underworld were so wary of.

The monsters that, according to the prophecy, the gods could not defeat without the aid of a human hero.

Shouldn’t she, as a goddess now, also help Hades in the battle?

He was going to face such dangerous foes alone?

“Hades… I-I can fight too…”

A large hand gently brushed through the goddess’s long hair.

Eyes black as an endless abyss.

Unlike before, when he always avoided physical contact with her with a troubled and embarrassed expression,

He now smiled coldly and whispered quietly in Mente’s ear.

“This is an order. Mint Goddess.”

The merciful god, Pluto, who always cared for the unjust dead and remained calm even in the face of blasphemy, was nowhere to be seen.

Before her now was the king of the underworld, Hades, whom all feared.

“Yes… I’ll summon the other gods. Please be careful.”

Mente couldn’t disobey his words.