Chapter 40 Journey to the Underworld (Part 7)

Why are you dragging me into your business with the God of the Underworld?

Hades, seated on his high throne, listened patiently to Hermes's words. He yawned lazily and gently wiped away the few tears welling up in his eyes.

"I heard that you persuaded Charon to bring the undead of the Silver Humans to live in my kingdom."

Hades' voice was deep and hoarse, sounding dangerous yet also quite charming.

At least, his gaze wasn't fixed or meaningful; he was simply looking at her, waiting for her reply.

Even though he didn't directly address the topic she chose—Persephone.

Hermes retreated down the steps and stood with the expressionless Apollo.

She replied respectfully, "Yes, please forgive me."

Hades should actually thank her, for she brought many diligent and loyal subjects to his desolate kingdom, just as she had promised Poseidon that those who ventured into the ocean would sing the praises of the Sea God.

Like her father Zeus, they were proud and powerful kings.

Thinking of this, Hermes' originally clear green eyes darkened. She seemed to feel very uncomfortable, and feelings of resentment and doubt surged into her heart, making her sad and angry.

She thought, this shouldn't be the case.

But then she suddenly realized what was happening, and emerged from the grotesque, twisted mire of her heart, saving her body from the impending abyss of filth.

Hermes had long noticed that she was becoming increasingly strange lately, but she didn't know why, nor could she directly confirm who was plotting against her.

She couldn't help but glance at Apollo beside her. He was staring straight ahead, his high nose and the curve of his slightly pursed lips as beautiful as ever.

He remained as indifferent and aloof as ever.

—So, it definitely can't be this guy, right?

Hermes licked her rosy lips, her eyes becoming hazy.

She was at a loss because she was reminded of a great god she admired most.

Fortunately, Hades' voice interrupted Hermes' unease, bringing her back to this important task.

“I can let Persephone return to Demeter’s side.”

Hades tapped his fingers lightly on the left armrest, leaning back in his chair with his long legs stretched out and crossed, looking quite languid.

“She has already eaten three pomegranate seeds, a specialty of the underworld. We have agreed that she must come to the underworld to be my queen for three months.”

Things progressed both smoothly and unexpectedly.

Hermes had long sensed that Persephone was hiding behind the throne in a secret passage, holding a pomegranate, so she was not alarmed by Hades's slow and deliberate words.

This is fate's arrangement, she thought. Regardless of the means, regardless of the outcome.

The goddess Gaia, being the Earth Mother, must have known about this.

“That was my intention. But now, there’s something else that interests me more.” Hades shifted his hand to support his cheek, his long, narrow black eyes narrowing slightly, a faint smile curving his lips. “Hermes, your relationship with humans is extremely close, and the power you possess can perfectly integrate various domains…”

Hermes: "? Your Majesty Hades, what...does this mean?"

Why do I suddenly have this ominous feeling?!

Hades said leisurely, "Why don't you lead the human spirits to our underworld from now on, Hermes?"

Hermes stared in disbelief: "...Huh???"

Hades repeated leisurely, "What do you think, Hermes?"

No, isn't that something Thanatos, the god of death, and Hypnos, the god of sleep, should do? What does that have to do with her, the goddess of deception and theft?

Just as Hermes was about to voice her doubts, the secret passage behind the throne twisted and opened once more.

This time, a beautiful blonde girl with green eyes appeared.

The girl was still wearing a white dress with a cinched waist, and a periwinkle crown on her head, just like when she was with her mother.

Persephone, whom Hermes and Apollo had been searching for for so long.

They finally met her.

but--

Hermes narrowed her eyes, noticing that the other person did not have a pomegranate in their hand.

"Please accompany me to and from the underworld from now on."

As a soft, melodious voice rang out, the Seed Goddess slowly walked to the throne, but her gaze resolutely fell upon the chief god below the steps, who would become her protector.

“Dear Goddess Hermes, please take me away from here. As autumn fades away next year, please protect me and lead me to the underground as you have done today.”

Hermes stared blankly at the seemingly holy goddess of the seed, unable to react for a moment.

“…Me?” She pointed to herself.

She still didn't understand why Hades and Persephone both trusted her and wanted her help.

Could it be that they're actually treating her like a gofer, like that old geezer and the Sea King?

Persephone nodded firmly and said, "Yes, because you are an upright and powerful goddess, and I need your protection, beloved Hermes."

Persephone said this without any regard for Hades, who was watching and listening silently beside her. She seemed to have accepted the fact that she had to spend three months of the year away from her mother and live with him in the dark underworld, and she did not resist the fact that she had become his queen.

Or rather, even if she wanted to resist, this power was no match for Hades's seed goddess, and she was powerless to comply.

After all, the pomegranate from the underworld has transformed into its new seeds, which are gradually taking root and sprouting.

Hades said without any emotion, "Persephone, I will always miss you until you return to my side."

Persephone hesitated for a moment, then turned back and kissed her husband, who had forced himself to become the god of the underworld, on the cheek, receiving a gentle kiss in return.

Although Hermes and Apollo did not know what had happened between the two before their arrival, they always felt that there was an unspeakable secret hidden between them.

"So," Apollo finally turned to look at Hermes, who was deep in thought, "did you agree to Hades and Hades' demands?"

He brought up the topic again, enlightening all the deities present.

Hermes was jolted awake, stiffly turning her head to glance at this jerk who had brought up the most inappropriate thing, then stiffly turning back to face Hades and Hades, whose eyes seemed somewhat eager.

That's unbelievable! That bastard Apollo has dumped another huge problem on her.

"Hermes, you haven't replied to me yet." Hades remained seated on his throne, his pale, gaunt face bearing a hint of profound meaning.

Persephone walked directly down the steps to Hermes, who had frozen into stone, and took her hands in his, her delicate face showing a pleading expression.

"You have not yet replied to me, beloved Hermes." The Seed Goddess spoke with caution and hope, as if handling fragile glass. "Please help me, please protect me, be my protector on earth and in the earth."

Hermes was overwhelmed by Persephone's fervent pleas.

She understood that once she agreed to Demeter's daughter's request, it would mean she would be entangled with the mother and daughter.

While there are benefits, there are also harms.

This is a double-edged sword.

“Excuse my bluntness, but…” Hermes steadied herself and looked directly at the resolute Persephone before her, “Why me, Goddess of Seeds?”

Persephone said, "Because I only believe in the Mother Goddess and in you."

Hermes then fell silent.

She recalled that in Enna, Artemis and Athena accompanied Persephone as they picked flowers and played, and then Hades abducted the poor Persephone.

But when Demeter learned of this and sought Themis's help, all her efforts were in vain.

Meanwhile, Hermes happened to visit the great Gaia on Crete and received this equally great mission.

All of this seemed to be destined, but Hermes sensed something amiss.

Persephone is the goddess of seeds, whose power can awaken slumbering crops and revive all things on earth. This is why the three Horey sisters, who govern the seasons, loved these half-sisters.

Persephone inherited the abilities of her own mother, Demeter, who symbolized agriculture and harvest.

At the same time, she is also an earth goddess with natural attributes.

“Thank you for your trust, Persephone.” Hermes sighed and gently grasped her hands in return; they were soft yet strong. “From now on, I will accompany you in and out of the Underworld and be your guardian forever.”

Anyway, I had long since accepted my fate as a delivery person.

That's outrageous.

“I should be thanking you, my dear Princess Hermes!” Persephone threw herself into the arms of the benevolent goddess, burying her face and head in the warmth of her neck. “When we return to the earth, I will give you the most beautiful flowers in the world and offer you the most sincere blessings!”

Hermes let Persephone snuggle and rub against her, and she reached out to stroke the other's back, feeling a pang of nostalgia for the same adorable young Hebe.

Apollo watched this scene calmly, without saying a word.

At the same time, Hermes heard Hades' voice again.

"And while you're at it, help guide the human dead to the underworld, Hermes." Hades was truly persistent. "That is, just lead them to the passage to the underground, and guide them through Erebus and the Gates of Hell."

He added confidently, "This is all Thanatos and Hypnos's work, and they have never complained about it. It will certainly be no problem for you either."

Hermes: "..."

Listen to what you're saying, Your Majesty Hades!

Is it really okay to just dump the job on me, especially in front of me?! And how do you know they haven't complained at all? How do you know I'm definitely capable of doing this job?!

Why are you dragging me into your business with the God of the Underworld?

Of course, Hermes could only keep these thoughts to herself, while on the surface she still had to put on a cheerful smile when facing the gloomy Hades.

“Yes, Your Majesty.” Hermes tried hard to control herself from gritting her teeth. “You said it yourself, this is the work of Death and Sleep. How can I take their job? Besides, I am usually on the ground and on Mount Olympus. I can’t always barge into your residence like this.”

She's been so blunt, surely Hades doesn't understand her true feelings?

Hades wasn't actually unaware of her refusal; he simply pretended to ignore it. After all, he was genuinely lazy, and his subordinates, the gods of the underworld, were just as lazy.

Thanatos and Hypnos, who occasionally went on strike, were considered relatively diligent.

“I see.” Hades tilted his head, thought for a moment, and then said, “From now on, the gates of the underworld will always be open for you and welcome your return, whether it is the entrance to hell, Elysium, or Tartarus, Hermes.”

Hermes: "..."

It has to be said that Hades is really quite persistent; he went to such lengths to bring her to work in the underworld.

She can even freely enter such important underworld sites as Elysium and Tartarus... What exactly is Hades' purpose? It can't be that the workload in the underworld is too great for him to handle!

Hermes thought for a moment, then glanced up at the God of Light, whose presence had been barely noticeable for a long time.

Apollo had already grown accustomed to the chills running down his back.

“Then…” Hermes withdrew her gaze and tentatively asked, “Can Apollo share this job with me, Your Majesty the King of the Underworld?”

In fact, she believed that helping Hades was not such a bad thing, since the conveniences he provided were beneficial to her in many ways.

This truly confirms what Charon, the ferryman of the River Styx, said—that the gods of the underworld welcomed her to their underground kingdom.

Apollo remained expressionless after being given a malicious look by Hermes. He knew that this little rascal wouldn't be happy unless she dragged him down with her.

Will they continue to work together?

Who knows!

Even Persephone noticed the unusual relationship between the two deities. She stood to the side, covering her mouth with a knowing smile.

Look what she discovered—

But Hades wouldn't spoil the young duo like his two troublemaking brothers would.

“No,” Hades said firmly. “Erebus complained to me about Apollo’s audacity, and besides, he also injured my Cerberus.”

Hades refers to Apollo leading Hermes through the darkness to the Gates of Hell, and how he wounded Cerberus with an arrow.

The God of Light shines with golden light from birth and can ward off and destroy all evil spirits.

He was not born to live in the dark underworld.

Hermes, however, defended Apollo, saying, "But Apollo also healed Cerberus, and he knew that his recklessness was wrong!"

Seeing this, Hades simply told her the truth behind his actions: "You are the god of the underworld, he is not."

Hermes was stunned upon hearing this.

"……ah???"

When did she become a deity of the underworld?!