King Of Underworld [EN]: Chapter 66

The King of the Underworld is Tired 66

Persephone’s Story – (1)

A long time has passed since I introduced mint dishes with Menthe and popularized them in the world above.

Fortunately, it seemed to work, and Charon, the ferryman, really liked it.

Shall we take a look at the reaction from the world above for a moment?

Thebes has changed to the point where you can consider it completely my territory.

It’s as prevalent as seeing Athena worship in Athens.

The followers who believe in Dionysus have been pushed out by me and become a minority…

I think it’s because the story has spread that if you commit crimes chasing freedom and licentiousness, you will be judged harshly in the underworld.

So, if you just listen for a moment, you can hear the voices of the people of Thebes.

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

“We need to adjust the amount of mint used for funerals a bit.”

“We might be able to eat plants blessed by Pluto.”

“It grows well even if you just sprinkle water, so how about cultivating it in large quantities?”

“Since its main use is as a herb and spice, there’s no need to grow it in large quantities in a field…”

“Priest, I heard that you have to eat mint well to become a priest of Pluto. Is that true?”

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

“Oracle? What is it?”

“Everyone has different tastes, so don’t discriminate against those who dislike his symbol.”

“Wow! So you can become a priest even if you don’t like mint!”

Mint tea, snacks mixed with mint and honey, etc.

As the fact that you can make various dishes with mint became known in the world above, the amount of mint used for funerals decreased.

While looking at the trend of mint food spread, which was meticulously summarized on parchment, I said to Menthe.

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

“Menthe, you’re getting used to writing reports now.”

“Really? Because I write it every day… Hehe…”

Menthe, who was initially clumsy with the work of the underworld, is now slowly adapting.

At this rate, I can slowly increase her workload.

I smiled contentedly and raised my head…

I met Menthe’s eyes, who seemed happy and was grinning.

“Lord Hades. Now that mint dishes have spread a lot in the world above… um… the reward you mentioned last time…”

Hmm. That’s right. There was something I promised her.

I clearly said that if she finishes this job well, I would take her with me when I go on patrol near Mount Etna.

“Clearly, only with me…”

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

“Waaah! Thank you!”

Poof.

No, wait a minute, don’t suddenly hug me.

“Hehe…”

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

* * *

The world above with Menthe.

We soon arrived near Mount Etna.

As expected, the wide meadows, animals, and countless nymphs welcomed me.

I drove the chariot pulled by the ghost horse around Mount Etna and checked Typhon’s condition [Typhon was a monstrous giant and one of the deadliest creatures in Greek mythology].

While admiring the scenery for a moment, Menthe waved her hand, looking at the forest a little further away.

“Oh! Delias! Iphigenia!”

“Menthe?!”

“I heard you became a priestess of Hades…”

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

There were some Naiads [a type of nymph associated with fountains, wells, springs, and streams], who were nymphs like Menthe, playing there.

They looked happy to see Menthe, but when they met my eyes in the chariot…

“Huh… H-He?! L-Lord…?”

“Menthe became a minor god of the underworld… then, could it be…”

“Black hair, black eyes, and a ghost horse… the master of the underworld?”

Their faces turned pale in an instant, and they hurriedly prostrated themselves to me on the spot.

Seeing them unable to even think of leaving, a sigh escaped me.

I didn’t do anything, but they’re already afraid.

Well, who would accept the underworld in a friendly way… Menthe, who applied for a date with me at our first meeting, must be unique.

“Menthe. I’ll look around elsewhere, so you can play with your friends.”

“Ugh… Yes, thank you. Everyone seems to have too many prejudices…”

I avoided the spot after seeing Menthe, who had a tearful face, jump out of the chariot and run to her friends.

I should go back to her a little later.

“Oh my god… Menthe, aren’t you scared?!”

“A minor god belonging to the underworld…”

“Becoming a god is something to celebrate, but underground…”

“Eek… the underworld is good too!”

I can hear everything you’re saying even if you say it there…

After some time passed, I headed to the place where Menthe got off.

She must have relieved her feelings with her friends appropriately by now.

I saw Menthe waiting for me.

“Haa… everyone seems to have too many prejudices about the underworld…”

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

Seeing Menthe, who got back on the chariot, talking about the underworld with a sullen expression, made me laugh.

Menthe, who has spent a long time in the world above, has now become a native of the underworld.

“The underworld is actually fun once you experience it. I’m even at the point where I find the souls cute now, you know?”

“Haha… isn’t that because you’re a unique nymph?”

“Heeeh? I’m an ordinary Naiad, though? And I’m a goddess now!”

“The you I see is still that strange nymph from back then.”

“Ugh… I’m not strange…”

What are you talking about? Where else is there a nymph like you…

What crazy nymph wants to spend time with the lord of the underworld.

Recalling those memories, I turned to her with a smile on my face…

“Hmm?”

I felt a sense of déjà vu.

This strange feeling… is it north? The flow of power, a large number moving quickly.

It’s not just one or two. At least hundreds or more.

Not humans, not nymphs, not gods…

“Lord Hades?!”

Swaaaa-

I draw out even more of the divine power I had suppressed to come to the world above.

The surrounding plants and animals die, and the dryads [tree nymphs], the tree fairies, scream, but it can’t be helped.

I reached out and searched the surroundings thoroughly.

Numerous presences moving from deep under the ground…

Kugugugu…

This feeling is definitely Gigas [In Greek mythology, the Gigantes were a race of great strength and aggression, though not necessarily of great size].

Our gods’ hateful enemy.

Moreover, an attack involving at least hundreds of them.

Why are they appearing here, not in Olympus or human cities…

Ah. I see.

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

If Gaia [the personification of the Earth and one of the primal Greek deities] digs up the mountain and gets her hands on the body of Typhon, a powerful monster,

she could really do a lot of things.

She could summon Typhon’s consciousness in Tartarus [the deep abyss that is used as a dungeon of torment and suffering for the wicked and as the prison for the Titans], or use his body as a sacrifice to create other monsters…

In the worst case, Typhon could be resurrected…

Even in the best case, his body could run wild and cause great damage.

Unless many Olympian gods step up, the unleashed body will devastate the surroundings.

“Lord Hades? Is something wrong…?”

“Gigas have attacked, so go back to the underworld, Menthe.”

Was this the single blow that Prometheus spoke of?

Certainly, if Typhon’s body is taken away, it would be a huge loss for the gods.

“No matter how well you prepare… the gods will be hit by Gaia’s blow, even if I tell you in advance.”

“Are you saying that we will be hit unconditionally once?”

“Of course, it will be a pretty painful blow to your plans.”

But Prometheus, it seems your prophecy is wrong this time.

Because this Hades is here.

* * *

The goddess of mint, Menthe, was in a good mood.

She had carried out Hades’ order to spread mint dishes to the world above well, and

he kept the promise he made last time and brought her on patrol to Mount Etna.

She also met other nymph friends she was close to in the world above and relieved her feelings…

Now, she was planning to have a good time with the handsome Lord Hades.

She was always afraid of the glares of the goddesses Styx and Lethe, so she couldn’t make progress,

but since she came to the world above alone, she would definitely show off her charm today!

…That’s what Menthe thought.

“Hmm?”

Hades, who was looking at her and smiling kindly(?), hardened his face and groaned.

The black divine power slowly leaking out from his body.

“Lord Hades?!”

As if sensing something strange, he reached out his right hand and drew out divine power.

The mighty power of the three main gods who rule the underworld is unleashed, and the surrounding plants and animals meet their death.

An aspect that is not like the god of mercy, who usually cares for the lives of the world above and suppresses his power for them.

What on earth happened? Why is he doing this…

Swaaaa-

The power that Hades draws out gradually increases. Little by little… more… more…

Even if all the gods of the underworld combined their divine power, could they emit a more intense sense of oppression than he does now?

Puhihing! Pururuk-

Reflecting his emotions, blue ghost fire swirled in the eyes of the ghost horses, and flames of hell soared from their hooves.

The wraiths, baring their sharp teeth and sneering, seemed to be looking forward to the upcoming time of slaughter.

The eerie energy emanated from the chariot, which had been ordinary until just now, and the shape of screaming dead was engraved on it.

The chariot had already transformed into a terrifying appearance worthy of the lord of the underworld.

She trembled with fear as she looked at Hades, who was gradually covered in black shapes.

“Lord Hades? Is something wrong…?”

“Gigas have attacked, so go back to the underworld, Menthe.”

Gigas.

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

According to the prophecy, monsters that the gods cannot defeat without a human hero.

Then, shouldn’t she, who has become a god, also fight to help Lord Hades?

He’s going to face such dangerous enemies alone?

A thick hand gently stroking the goddess’s long hair.

Black eyes like an abyss that seemed to have no end.

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

he smiled coldly and whispered quietly in Menthe’s ear.

“It’s an order. Goddess of Mint.”

The god of mercy, Pluto, who always cared for the wronged dead and was indifferent to blasphemy, was nowhere to be seen.

The one in front of her now is the king of the underworld, Hades, whom everyone fears.

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

Menthe couldn’t refuse those words.