King of Underworld

Chapter 145 Hercules and Hebe’s Wedding

With proposals made to Styx, Lethe, Persephone, and Mente, all that remained was to arrange the wedding itself.

Together, the goddesses and I agreed to hold our ceremony after the final battle with the Gigantes. It seemed best not to celebrate a major event with such an important fight still ahead. Besides, Hercules would soon complete his month of service in the Underworld and ascend to Olympus, where he was set to marry Hebe, the goddess of youth and daughter of Hera. Naturally, I’d need to attend and offer a few words of blessing.

“Hades, have you heard?”

Styx’s voice wasn’t quite as sweet as usual—there was something sharp in it.

“I happened to overhear something by chance… given that I’m also the goddess of oaths.”

Normally, she wouldn’t hear oaths sworn on the River Styx unless she was present to witness them in the Underworld. But if she heard a high-ranking vow, made while she was resting in her river… surely not…

“When you proposed to Persephone, you mentioned me, didn’t you?”

“Ah.”

“‘I swear on the River Styx… that the bond between us will be an eternal spring.’ How very… sweet.”

“Um… well…”

Styx narrowed her eyes, arms crossed, her whole posture radiating dissatisfaction.

So this is why Zeus is always scrambling to placate Hera?

“No, it’s just… as my first bride…”

“Oh, so I’m your first bride, which makes it acceptable to say that to Persephone?”

“…”

“Or maybe you’re just seeing me as ‘a caught fish’ now that the proposal is over?”

I needed to think fast. What could I possibly say? Athena, lend me your wisdom…

“It was actually to seek your approval, as my first and dearest partner, that I spoke those words.”

“…?”

“Yes, to seek your blessing, as it were…”

“Oh, I see. And as for Demeter’s daughter, she happened to be present, so I suppose Mente is just a concubine, right?”

Mente had expressed that she was uncomfortable with being officially designated as a consort among more powerful goddesses. Although I wanted to treat everyone equally, she had repeatedly asked not to be placed on the same level as the others. Seeing her relief when I’d accepted was… suspicious. I’d even wondered if someone had pressured her about it.

Finally, Styx’s rigid stance softened, and she released her arms, smiling.

Relief washed over me.

“Then… you should’ve just told me that from the start.”

“Hm. Speaking of which, Hercules and Hebe’s wedding is in two days. Shall we go together and enjoy the festivities?”

“Just you and me?”

“Well… Lethe was also planning to come…”

Styx’s eyes went cold again.

Ah. Another mistake.

* * *

In the end, I arrived on Olympus accompanied by both Lethe and Styx.

The atmosphere was lively and celebratory, fitting for the marriage of the goddess of youth and the hero who had ascended to godhood.

“Kuh… Lady Hebe dismissed my courtship so coldly…”

“Tsk, tsk. Just look at you—do you think that’s a face worthy of courting the goddess of youth?”

“How dare you… It’s a joyous occasion, so I’ll let it slide this time.”

“I heard Lady Iris went to the Underworld herself to bring the god of strength.”

“Yes, I’ve heard the same. Apparently, the god of strength looked absolutely exhausted when he emerged.”

“It’s said he personally asked Lady Hera for the task of working in the Underworld. Heroic or not, it seems like it left him a bit…”

“Hush! Remember, he’s the son of Zeus, and he’s being treated as an equal among the Twelve Olympians.”

“Ares, the battle with the Gigantes will soon be upon us.”

“Just don’t get in my way, Athena.”

“It reminds me of a certain boar who charged headlong into Typhon last time, only to be blasted back.”

“W-what?! You… you…!”

Some gods were envious of Hercules for marrying Hebe, while others were chatting about his month-long ordeal in the Underworld. At least, until they noticed me and quickly fell silent.

And it looked like Athena was still taunting Ares about his misadventures during the Typhon battle, with the god of war fuming in return, held back by his sons Phobos and Deimos.

As I looked around, the massive figure of Hercules approached, dressed in his ceremonial attire, with Hebe beside him, smiling gently. They seemed genuinely happy.

“Hades!”

“Hercules. Without that lion’s skin, you look quite stately.”

“Thank you. It’s a little strange not to wear it, honestly. I’ve been used to it for so long…”

“Haha! Still, I doubt your bride would appreciate it on your wedding night. You’ll adjust soon enough.”

At my comment, Hercules glanced at Hebe, a faint blush on his face but a hint of affection in his eyes. Hebe shared the same gentle look.

“Y-yes… I suppose you’re right.”

“…!”

On either side of me, Lethe and Styx exchanged glances, their eyes carrying a certain intensity.

Perhaps it was my imagination, but their stares felt almost warm against my skin. Then I remembered, I’ll be having not one, but four wedding nights…

“Well, Hercules, how does it feel to finally be on Olympus?”

“It’s truly a magnificent place, unlike anything in the mortal realm. Although…”

“Although?”

A sheepish grin crossed Hercules’ face.

“The gods… they’re rather, well, a bit more casual than I expected.”

“Ah. So that’s it.”

Many mortals imagine the gods to be embodiments of power and dignity, each word carrying weight and purpose, every action possessing profound meaning.

But once you ascend to godhood, you realize…

The gods are not so different from mortals.

“Because we’re both physically and mentally immortal, it’s only natural. Your mind won’t age into that of an old man; it will remain as it is now.”

“I see…”

“That’s the effect of divine energy. Immortality brings whimsy and capricious behavior with it, which is why even a god’s impulsive actions can cause such havoc.”

“……”

“That’s why I emphasized this to you time and again. A god isn’t simply one who has achieved feats of power…”

Trailing off, I met Hercules’ gaze. I had a feeling he’d found the answer, but I wanted to hear it from him.

“To be a god… is to fulfill the wishes of mortals and serve as a pillar of the world?”

“Precisely. Dionysus claimed divinity through wine and ecstasy. You’ve earned it through strength and struggle.”

“All thanks to you, uncle. Call on me anytime you need my strength!”

“…Is that so?”

Although Hercules was no expert in paperwork, he excelled in handling souls and anything that required sheer strength…

Perhaps I should call him back to the Underworld one day?

Realizing his slip-up, Hercules’ expression turned apologetic, and he lowered his head.

“…My apologies. Please, not the Underworld… It was by far the hardest of my ten labors.”

“Haha!”

The cheek of this boy… couldn’t even pretend it wasn’t that bad.

Hebe stifled a laugh at her husband’s words, though he looked rather nervous. I even sent Hermes to help him—perhaps I should consider a complete reform of the Underworld’s workload…

“Now then, let us begin the wedding of Hercules, god of strength, and Hebe, goddess of youth!”

At Zeus’ command, the ceremony began.

* * *

“The bride, Hebe, has chosen Hercules as her husband…”

The officiant was Hymenaios, god of marriage. Light streamed from his white wings and torch, illuminating the area.

“Now, groom and bride! You may kiss!”

“W-wait… um…”

♡

“Haha! The goddess of youth made the first move! Ah, youth is wonderful!”

“I remember a time when I was that young… Ahh!”

“Eurus, what are you up to?”

“Isn’t it obvious, Notos? I’m crafting a breeze just right for the bride and groom.”

“…Why exactly are you doing that?”

Hymenaios, who is said to appear at blessed weddings, graced the ceremony. With his blessing, happiness would surely follow them both.

Sealed with a kiss, the marriage of the new god of strength and the goddess of youth was complete.

Curious gods gathered to greet the newlyweds, and I saw Zeus pat Hercules’ shoulder approvingly, with Hera standing beside him.

“Live happily together, both of you.”

“Of course! Thank you, Lady Hera!”

“Yes, mother. I will.”

“Ah, Hercules. I’d like a word with you, as well.”

“Certainly, Lord Ares.”

“I could even fashion you a better club if you like.”

“Having the craftsman god make one would be an honor!”

They’ve drawn quite a crowd. Of course, Zeus’s declaration that Hercules was equal to the Twelve Olympians would naturally attract attention.

With strength, fame, valor, and bloodline… he was an ideal match, and perhaps Hebe had accepted with that in mind.

Seeing them surrounded by so much interest and admiration, I couldn’t help but think of the goddesses by my side—Persephone, Mente, Styx, and Lethe. Once the war with the Gigantes is over, we’ll be able to find our own happiness.

Tap tap.

“Lethe?”

“Why are you staring? Is your heart feeling cold? I’m right here, you know…”

“Not at all. I was simply thinking how much I look forward to seeing our own wedding like this.”

Hearing my words, both Lethe and Styx brightened with a smile.

Once the Gigantes are defeated and Gaia’s favor is won, we’ll have a hopeful future waiting for us.

Smooch.

“Oh! Haha! Hades, you should see the look on your face right now!”

“Stop drifting off… just stay with us…”

I held them both close, a warmth blossoming as each kissed a cheek.