The God of Underworld - Chapter 184

184: Chapter 28 184: Chapter 28 Overworld.

Athena was thinking of how good it was to farm.

Plowing the land.

Planting seeds.

Watching the crops grow and enjoying the fruits of her labor.

No wonder Herios chose to be a farmer.

It was satisfying.

NOT!

Why was she farming?!

She was supposed to convince Herios to become a hero once again!

She will prepare the greatest quest for him.

Under the eyes of the gods.

And once he completed the quest, with the gods as witnesses, she will come down and marry him, making him her immortal husband!

It was perfect plan.

So perfect she even fears her own wisdom!

But what is this!?

This isn’t part of her plan at all!

She turned to glare at the other side of the field where Herios was humming a cheerful tune as he worked, sweat glistening on his brow.

He looked completely at peace, as if this was the most natural thing in the world.

Athena could not understand.

With his strength, he could till this entire field in seconds, yet he moved with slow, deliberate motions, like a mortal man savoring every moment.

She strode toward him, irritation written across her face.

“Herios!” she called out.

He glanced up at her and smiled, leaning on his hoe.

“Yes?” Her irritation immediately vanished seeing that smile.

She sighed, and asked softly, “…Why are you doing this?” Herios blinked, then chuckled softly.

“Because I’m a farmer.

And I enjoy farming.” She stared at him, “You remember, do you not?

About your life?

About who you really are?” Herios shrugged.

“Maybe.

Maybe not.

Either way, I am a farmer in this life.

That’s enough for me.” “But it’s not.” Athena looked at him pleadingly.

“You should be out there making your name known!

Leaving behind feats that will echo through eternity!

You shouldn’t be in this small village playing at being a farmer!” Herios shook his head and went back to work.

“That kind of life is behind me.

Today, the human race is flourishing.

Many heroes roam the land.

Many kingdoms rose.

There’s no need for me in this era.” Athena’s mouth opened, ready to argue, but Herios cut her off with a firm voice.

“No, Athena.

Thank you for caring, but there is no chance of me taking up a sword and becoming a hero again.

Not in this life.” Athena stood in silence, watching him.

That look.

That unwavering fire in his eyes.

It hadn’t changed, even after all these years.

It was that same fire, that defiance even against the will of the gods, that had once made her heart race.

That had made her obsessed with him.

Her fingers curled into a fist as she turned her gaze to the tilled soil beneath her feet.

How dare he say he would never take up the sword again!

He shouldn’t be buried here!

He should be out there, outshining every heroes from the past, present and future!

His line should shine brightly!

Overshadowing the entire era!

And yet… She couldn’t stop the faint heat that rose in her chest as she looked at him.

He was still Herios.

Still the man who had once defied Olympus and stood tall against destiny.

Still the man she couldn’t look away from.

Athena grabbed his hand suddenly.

Herios blinked, confused.

“Athena?” “Let’s get married.” Forget her plans!

She wants him now!

Herios froze, staring at her with wide eyes.

Athena felt heat rush to her cheeks but ignored it.

So what if he was a farmer?

Herios was still Herios.

He was still the man who made her lose all reason, the one who drove her to madness back then.

Herios exhaled slowly, then smiled softly.

“I’m flattered.

The Goddess of Wisdom herself asking me to marry her… but I’m sorry, I can’t agree.” Athena’s brows knitted, looking hurt.

“Why not?

Am I not beautiful?

Do you not find me appealing?” “No, it’s not that.

But I’ve heard the rumors,” Herios said.

“You were punished by Zeus to walk the earth as a mortal.

You won’t stay here forever.

And I have no intention of leaving.

Even if I agree, by the time you finished circling the world on foot, I’d probably be a pile of bones then.” Athena shook her head, her grip on his hand tightening.

“It doesn’t matter.

My punishment is to circle the world, not to rush through it.

I can stay here.

As long as it takes.” Herios hesitated, but Athena pressed on, her voice low and firm.

“I can stay here until your lifespan ends.

And when you are reborn, I will find you again.

We can be together for many lifetimes.

I won’t allow you to belong to another woman.

You are mine, in this life and the next.” Herios stared at her.

Those eyes, glowing faintly, full of conviction and obsession, sent a chill down his spine.

At that moment, Herios finally understood just how terrifying goddesses-especially virgin goddesses-truly were.

What to do…he tried to shake her off, but her grip on his hand was very firm.

“Herios!

Minerva!

You two come take a break.

I have some bread and juice here!” Thank you!

Herios turned and saw an old woman in a straw hat waving at them from a small hut by the edge of the farmland.

“Coming, grandma!” Herios called back, cheerful.

He turned to Athena with a small smile.

“We can finish this later.” Athena’s eyes narrowed slightly, but she eventually released his hand and nodded.

“Very well.” They walked toward the hut together.

Inside, the air was warm and smelled of fresh bread and herbs.

On the table were cups of cool barley tea, a loaf of steaming bread, and a small dish of goat cheese.

Herios’ grandmother welcomed them with a bright smile.

“Sit down, you two.

You must be thirsty after working in the fields.” Herios sat casually, reaching for the bread right away, while Athena lowered herself onto the bench with measured grace, her movements almost regal despite the humble surroundings.

Grandma glanced at Athena, her eyes twinkling.

“I’m so glad, truly.

This boy finally brought a girl home.

And not just any girl, but one who helps him in the field.

That’s rare.

You truly are a good girl, Minerva” Minerva, that was the name Athena uses while travelling.

After all, no mortals dares to use the name of a god for their children.

And as she is currently nothing more than a mortal, she decided to adapt this name.

Athena smiled softly, keeping her voice gentle.

“Thank you grandma.

But it is only natural to help him.

After all, I am to be his wife.” Herios raised an eyebrow slightly at her wording but said nothing.

Grandma nodded in approval.

“That’s good.

I was starting to think this grandson of mine had no interest in marriage at all.” She chuckled and turned to Herios.

“You had me worried, you know.

I thought maybe you’d stay single forever.” Herios scratched his cheek, embarrassed.

“Come on grandma.

I just don’t want to rush, is all.” Athena’s heart jumped a little at those words.

She leaned forward slightly and added, “His wait finally paid off.

He has me.

I am the most, no, I am the only one worthy of him.” Grandma laughed.

“Yes, yes, I can see that.

And you’re a beauty, too.

The other girls in the village will be green with envy.” Athena’s smile widened a little.

“Other girls?” she asked casually, taking a sip of the barley tea.

“Oh yes,” Grandma said, waving a hand.

“Half the girls in this village have been after him since he was a teenager.

But he always refused, no matter how hard they tried.

Some of them still linger around, hoping he’ll change his mind.” Athena’s fingers tightened slightly on the cup.

“I see,” she said calmly, though her golden eyes gleamed faintly.

Grandma leaned closer, lowering her voice.

“You’d better keep an eye on him, dear.

These country girls can be persistent.

If you’re not careful, one might steal him away while you’re not looking.” Athena’s expression darkened for an instant, her mind already imagining crushing any woman bold enough to try.

But just as quickly, she masked it with a serene smile.

“I’ll make sure that never happens, don’t worry grandma.” Herios glanced between them, sensing the shift in tone but not quite sure what was going on.

“Grandma, don’t scare her.

No one’s stealing me away.” Grandma chuckled, patting his arm.

“I’m just saying, you’re a fine young man, and people notice.

It’s about time you settled down, anyway.” Athena seized the moment.

“I agree,” she said quickly, looking straight at Herios.

Herios blinked at her intensity.

“…At- Minerva.” Athena leaned back slightly, acting innocent.

“What?

She’s right.

You should settle down.” Grandma laughed again, delighted.

“I like this girl.

She’s direct.” Athena allowed herself a small, victorious smile, already deciding that she would “directly” deal with any woman who dared come near Herios.

After they finished eating, Athena and Herios stood up and offered to clean the dishes, but the old woman shook her head with a smile.

“No, dear.

You two spend time together.

I’ll handle this.” With that, grandma took the plates and cups and left to clean them.

Herios watched her leve and sighed, before walking out of the hut.

Athena hesitated for a moment before stepping out with Herios.

Outside, the afternoon breeze swept across the farmland, carrying the smell of freshly turned soil.

The fields stretched wide and golden under the sun, a peaceful scene that even Athena found herself pausing to appreciate.

Herios stood silently, hands resting on the handle of his hoe, his expression unreadable.

Athena glanced at him before speaking softly.

“Your grandmother doesn’t have much time left.” Herios didn’t flinch, he even didn’t look surprised.

He only nodded slowly.

“I know.” He turned to face her, his voice calm.

“That’s why I didn’t correct her when she mistook us as a couple.” Athena’s eyes softened.

“Yeah.” Herios looked back toward the hut.

“It’s her lifelong wish to see me married before she passes away.

She’s always worried I’d end up alone.

I want to give her that peace, even if it’s just for a while.” Athena nodded, a strange warmth filling her chest.

“Then all the more reason we should get married,” she said, her tone matter-of-fact.

Herios chuckled under his breath and shook his head.

“Athena, you know I’m also a believer of Hera.

Marriage isn’t something I can take lightly.

It’s sacred – two people promising to walk through life together until death.” He glanced at her with a small smile.

“Right now, I’m satisfied that grandma thinks I’ve found someone.

That’s enough for me.” Athena frowned slightly, her heart squeezing at his words.

“So you’d rather let it stay as an act?” Herios shrugged.

“For now, yes.

It makes her happy, and it doesn’t hurt anyone.” Athena crossed her arms, staring at him with a mix of frustration and determination.

“You won’t be able to keep me as an ‘act’ for long.

I meant what I said, Herios.” Herios looked at her for a moment before letting out a quiet laugh.

“I don’t doubt that for a second.” After all, only a piece of wood would think that she was joking after seeing that obsessive bordering insane look in her eyes when she made her proclamation of wanting to marry him.

He shivered.

Virgin goddess.

They are truly terrifying.