The King of the Underworld is Tired

Chapter 159: Hades’ Wedding – (1)

After the long and arduous Gigantomachia came to an end, the gods began gathering in the Underworld.  

The reason? Because I, the King of the Underworld, had announced that I would be hosting my wedding here.  

Rumors spread that the reason we were able to win the Gigantomachia was due to Lady Nyx’s intervention, and Zeus declared that I was the one who deserved the most credit.  

Of course, it was only natural. While Heracles killed the most Gigantes, it was I who persuaded Prometheus, defended Mount Etna where Typhon was buried, and brought Lady Nyx into the battle.  

Regardless, the gods of Olympus, scattered across the world, flocked to the Underworld, causing a small commotion.  

At the River Acheron, both divine beings and souls gathered, waiting to board Charon's ferry to enter the Underworld...  

“Is this the Underworld? It’s my first time here...”  

“Olympians, hurry up and get moving! I’m already too busy ferrying souls as it is.”  

“Gasp. Lord Charon!”  

“Hm. The ferry has... changed a lot since I last saw it.”  

“It’s not a ferry anymore; it looks more like a steel ship.”  

Of course, Charon, the ferryman of the Underworld, had been working tirelessly. With the victory banquet for the Gigantomachia and my wedding being held here, it couldn’t be helped.  

Naturally, the ambrosia and nectar for food and drink were to be procured from Olympus.  

Ganymede, who had taken over the management of ambrosia and nectar after Hebe married Heracles, would also be busy today.  

I ordered the Underworld to be decorated as splendidly as possible so that it wouldn’t feel like the realm of the dead, which all mortals feared.  

After all, the treasury was overflowing with jewels—there was more than enough to make it dazzling.  

As the groom, I was preoccupied with trying on and adjusting various outfits.  

Though I had already finalized my attire days ago, for some reason, adjustments kept being made.  

Finally, I found myself seated in a black gown adorned with all sorts of embellishments, a crown on my head.  

Feeling the texture of the bident in my right hand, I tried to relax my slightly tense body.  

“Wow, Lord Hades! You look amazing all dressed up!”  

“Whoa...”  

“Perhaps a bit more decoration on the shoulders...”  

From time to time, gods would stop by to chat with me and offer their congratulations.  

Even gods who were rarely seen made an appearance. Notably, Lady Eris, the goddess of discord, whom many gods hesitated to approach, was invited despite that.  

How could I exclude the mother of the goddess Lethe, my bride-to-be?  

She was a kind-hearted woman who assured me not to worry too much. She said she would quietly make an appearance and not cause trouble at her daughter’s wedding...  

Or would she? If I hadn’t invited her... Hmm.  

Other than her, gods like Lady Limos, the goddess of hunger, and the three goddesses of vengeance—whom others avoided—were also invited.  

After all, as the god of fairness, I couldn’t discriminate. Besides, with the Cornucopia in my possession, I could at least temporarily satisfy Lady Limos’ hunger.  

I arranged the seating to ensure that gods with strained relationships, such as Athena and Medusa, wouldn’t cross paths.  

After having spoken with them beforehand, I was confident there would be no issues. Oh, someone else was arriving.  

The two Furies—goddesses of vengeance—who shed tears of blood? Why were there only two of them?  

“Hades, congratulations on your wedding.”  

“Ah, welcome. Has Lady Alecto not joined you?”  

“...Alecto is crying because of you.”  

Though I didn’t understand what that meant, I decided to visit Lady Alecto after the wedding to clear things up.  

Thud.

The door opened again, and yet another god entered carrying a gift.  

Was it Aphrodite this time?  

“Ah... H-Hades. Seeing you out of your usual plain attire... slurp... You look so... gulp!”

  

“Oh, Mother! Please, stop embarrassing me!”

  

“Honestly, Eros. Let me enjoy the view for a moment...”  

“...?”  

The goddess of beauty, Aphrodite, entered and ogled me absentmindedly, drooling, before being dragged out by a mortified Eros.  

“Hades! It’s been a while!”  

“Is there anything you’d like from us as a gift? Perhaps we could improve your weapons?” 

“Could you take a look at my Kynee while you’re at it?”  

“What in the world has it collided with?”  

“Even Poseidon has a chip in his trident—he’s probably asking to have it fixed.”

“It wasn’t smashed against Scythe again, was it?”

The Cyclopes, who weren’t immortal but possessed eternal youth, also made an appearance to offer their assistance.  

And so, for a brief moment, I continued to receive blessings and gifts from countless gods.  

* * *

After a long wait, it was finally time for the ceremony to begin.  

A voice called me to enter, and I walked into the Underworld's garden.  

The god of marriage ceremonies, Hymenaios, was standing there, looking my way with a wide grin.  

I could see them—the beautifully adorned brides.  

Persephone, catching my eye and waving brightly; Styx, smiling softly as she played with the ring on her finger; Mente, looking down shyly, seemingly unaccustomed to her ornate attire in front of so many gods; and Lethe, wearing a pristine white chiton, standing with her hand on her hip.  

They all wore elaborate red veils and wreaths made of unfading flowers, their smiles radiant. 

Walking forward, stepping on the flowers scattered on the ground, I heard the murmurs of the gods lining both sides. 

"He's finally getting married. Are those four the queens of the Underworld?"

"I hear Menthe, the minor goddess, is considered a concubine. But to accept them all—Lord Hades really is something."

"Perhaps it’s because he’s the god of fairness?"

"We even made bets on when he’d finally get married..."

"So that’s the level of beauty Demeter’s beloved daughter, goddess of spring possesses."

"Uncle Hades, congratulations!"

The garden glowed softly in the darkness, with the jewels of the Underworld sparkling like stars.  

Translucent souls of deceased musicians floated in the air, singing sacred hymns that praised the gods' festival, resonating throughout the Underworld.  

"Hehe."

"This feels like a dream..."

Reaching Hymenaios and the brides, I met their gazes.  

Their faces were all slightly flushed, turning red with excitement. Mine was probably no different.

"Ahem. Ahem! In the name of the River Styx, in this place where all mortal journeys end, you will be united for eternity."

I was so focused on the four stunning goddesses before me that Hymenaios' words barely registered.  

In this moment, it felt as though only they and I existed in the entire world. 

"And so… Lord of the Underworld, will you spend eternity with these four beautiful goddesses?"

"Of course."

"Goddesses, do you swear to share your fate with the ruler of the Underworld, remaining by his side even in the eternal darkness?"

Each of them, without breaking eye contact, answered without hesitation.  

As I looked into their eyes one by one, I found myself recalling the past.  

Styx and Lethe, whom I met shortly after my reincarnation in ancient Greece. Mente, who helped me recover a precious part of my past life’s memories. Persephone, whom I initially met with some awkwardness but later realized was a remarkable goddess.  

They were all deeply precious to me.  

These goddesses, who liked me and waited for me despite my unworthiness.

"Under the declaration of Hymenaios, god of marriage, I hereby proclaim you as one before the world."

A soft, chiming melody filled the air…  

As I kissed each of them in turn, feeling the gentle sensation of their lips, the gods burst into applause.  

Thunderous cheers erupted from all sides. Iris waved her hand, creating a brilliant rainbow, while Apollo gently strummed his lyre.  

“Woohoo! Congratulations, Lord Hades!"  

"With the Gigantomachia over, enjoy your married life!"  

"I'll occasionally descend to the Underworld to lend you a hand!"

"...What? Are you out of your mind?"

"Ku-hahaha! Yes, this is it! Ahahahah!"

"Euros? Whatever scheme that laugh implies, stop it at once..."

"As the goddess of the hearth, I sincerely hope you build a happy home."

Zeus chuckled softly, sipping nectar. Poseidon, laughing with Amphitrite watched with smiles.

Hephaestus, his face oddly swollen and colorful, clapped enthusiastically. The Muses began to show off their talents, while Aphrodite wore a slightly pouty expression. Demeter wiped tears as she gazed at Persephone.  

Beyond them, numerous lesser gods, nymphs, attendants, and souls chatted noisily.  n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

Then, I overheard a small comment from two minor deities.  

"Wait, today is the day the queen of the Underworld has been chosen. Does that mean we get a break?"

“Is… that possible?”

"Even just a month, please..."

I see now. I had never considered their feelings before.

Even those in power shouldn’t be so absorbed in work. Maintaining the balance of the world is important, yes, but...

Working even on one’s wedding day would leave me with no excuse for the criticism behind my back.

"Listen well, gods of the Underworld! In celebration of this joyous occasion, by my authority…"

I could see the anticipation on their faces.  

Charon and Thanatos’ pupils widened as they waited with a mix of doubt and hope. Finally, I opened my mouth to declare:  

"…The Underworld’s operations will cease for four days."

That was already a significant concession.

* * *

For some reason, even with this good news, the gods’ shoulders seemed to droop briefly before they began chattering happily and enjoying the banquet.  

Though a few gods still looked slightly uneasy… Surely, it was nothing. 

"Ugh... As soon as Lord Hades mentioned work, I suddenly felt a headache coming on."

"Ares, you too? I feel the same..."

"Ugh. But still, a four-day break is better than nothing. Wait a moment, I’m not even part of the Underworld anymore?"

"No paperwork... no paperwork."

Ignoring the strange complaints of various gods, I turned to Zeus, who had approached me.  

Having left Hera's side, he wandered over with nectar in hand, glancing around at the Underworld’s sights.

"Brother Hades, it seems the Underworld has changed a lot since I last saw it."

"You haven’t visited much since the Great Flood. I’ve made a few reforms here and there."

"I never knew the Underworld could have so much to see."

After some light conversation, Zeus suddenly spoke in a more serious tone.

"This isn’t exactly wedding talk but… I’m considering reducing the number of heroes. When I send a messenger, could you visit Olympus for further discussion?"

He’s not planning another Great Flood, is he?