The God of Underworld - Chapter 188

188: Chapter 32 188: Chapter 32 Underworld, Demeter’s Garden.

The air was heavy with the smell of blooming flowers, the pond reflecting the faint glow of ghostly lights that hovered over the surface.

The kiosk in the center stood like a serene sanctuary, where Demeter sat gracefully on a stone chair.

Her long hair glimmered faintly in the dim underworld light as she calmly sipped her tea.

Themis, ever composed, sat with perfect posture.

Thetis sat more casually, her elbow resting on the table, swirling her cup lazily.

“I didn’t know you moved to Underworld, Thetis.

I was surprised.” Said Demeter.

Thetis smiled, “Thank Lord Hades and Lady Themis for that.

I was almost imprisoned or married off to some random guy just because of a prophecy.” Themis grimaced, “Apologies.

It was because of my prophecy…” “No need for that.

I should even thanked you.” Thetis smiled, “Even if you weren’t the one to prophesized it, someone else would.” “Still-” “Ah, enough!” Demeter smiled at them, “No need for that self-blame talk.

Let’s change the subject!

Do you have any gods you fancied here?” Themis and Thetis looked at eachother, then back to Demeter.

Silence.

Demeter felt her cheek twitch, “No one?” “…” “…” “Seriously?

Are we going to stay a virgin forever?

At this rate, Kore might lose her virginity before me!” “Well…” Thetis spoke up, “If I have to say, then Lord Hades?” “True.” Themis nodded.

Demeter’s eyes widened.

“Seriously?” Thetis blushed, and nodded.

“Well, it’s not like I love him or anything.” Demeter leaned forward, “What if he ask you to warm his bed?” Thetis looked away, embarrassed.

“Ah, that’s a bit…I, probably, maybe, won’t say no?” Themis nodded.

She thought the same.

“Holy shit…” Demeter was speechless.

Just then, their ‘peaceful’ conversation was shattered when heavy footsteps echoed across the wooden bridge leading to the kiosk.

Persephone appeared, cheeks puffed, her beautiful face twisted into a pout.

She stomped her foot so hard that ripples spread across the pond.

“Kore?” Demeter asked, putting her cup down gently.

“What on earth-?” “It’s not fair!” Persephone blurted, crossing her arms and glaring at the three of them like they were personally responsible for her suffering.

Themis raised a brow, calm as ever.

“What is not fair?” Persephone marched over, sat down hard on an empty chair, and pouted.

“How come so few voted for me?

Even Mother has more votes than I do!” Demeter blinked, confused.

“Votes?

What are you talking about?” Persephone leaned forward, voice rising.

“You know, the betting pool!

Everyone is betting on who Lord Hades will pick as his queen!

Aphrodite is at the top, Hera is second, and I’m all the way near the bottom!” Thetis choked on her tea, laughing softly.

“Wait, there’s a betting pool?

About Lord Hades?” “Yes!” Persephone huffed.

“And everyone’s taking it seriously too!

There are literal charts and scoreboards hanging in the capital!” Themis placed her teacup down with a soft clink.

“I had heard some whispers about this from the spirits… I thought it was merely idle gossip.” Persephone groaned.

“It’s not gossip!

It’s official now!

Even the ferrymen are talking about it!” Demeter tried to suppress a smile but failed.

“Well, dear, even though you visited here from time to time, but you did spend a lot of your time sulking in the overworld.” “That’s not true!” Persephone shot back.

“Even if it is, you spend as much time in overworld as me!

We just decided to move here!” Demeter chuckled softly, brushing a lock of hair behind her ear.

“I have been here longer than you, dear.

I’ve… made connections.

Socialized.” “Socialized?” Persephone frowned.

“Mother, you spend your time planting vegetables and baking bread with spirits.

That’s not socializing!” Thetis giggled, covering her mouth.

“You have to admit, Demeter, it’s rather impressive you can place higher than Persephone, considering the way she acted around Lord Hades.

She might as well have a words ‘Hades’ Fangirl’ written over her head.” Demeter gave her a look but smiled.

“Well, you weren’t here during the Titanomachy.

But I did spend a lot of time with Hades before.

Not to brag, but if I wanted to, back then, I would’ve taken him down to bed.” Persephone’s eyes shone, “What!?

Mother!

You didn’t tell about that!

That’s your brother!” “Says the niece!” “Not blood related!” “Touché.

But since when did blood relation ever stop us?” “Ugrhh.” Themis turned her gaze to Persephone.

“If this truly bothers you, why not… do something about it?” Persephone blinked.

“Do something?

Like what?” “Propaganda.” Themis said simply.

“If there’s a betting pool, you could try to show them how close you are to Lord Hades.” Persephone’s eyes widened as the idea sank in.

“You mean…going around on a date with Lord Hades!?” “Why not?” Thetis said, smirking.

“You’re beautiful, charming, and the Queen of Spring.

If you actually smiled at people instead of scowling, you’d probably rise to the top quickly.” “I do smile!” Persephone protested.

“Not when you’re stomping into the garden like a thundercloud,” Demeter teased, sipping her tea.

Persephone flushed bright red.

“Mother!” Themis tilted her head, her lips curving into a faint, rare smile.

“Still, you are at a terrible disadvantage.

Hades saw you grew up as a child, it would be hard for you to actually make him look at you as a woman.” Persephone paused at that, then sighed.

“You’re right.

But I won’t give up!

In fact!

I have a plan!” Demeter immediately narrowed her eyes.

“Persephone… what are you thinking?” “Nothing bad,” Persephone said innocently, though her grin betrayed her.

“I’m just going to… remind Lord Hades why I’m the perfect choice.” Thetis laughed outright.

“Oh, this I have to see.

Please tell me you’re not going to do anything reckless.” Persephone’s grin widened.

“Don’t worry, it’s not.” Demeter sighed, rubbing her forehead.

“I can already feel the trouble brewing.” Persephone stood, determination lighting up her face.

“Just watch.

By the end of this week, I’ll be at the top of that betting pool!” Themis chuckled softly.

“Then I suppose the Underworld is about to get very interesting.” * * * Persephone wasted no time.

The next day, she woke up early, put on her most flattering dress – one that showed just enough to be considered bold but not scandalous – and styled her hair with care.

She made her way to Hades Hanging Fortress, humming to herself.

The fortress guards, who usually saw her scowl or march past them, blinked in surprise when she smiled sweetly at them and greeted them politely.

One of them even turned to the other after she passed and whispered, “Did you see that?

Lady Persephone smiled!” “I think I’m dreaming.” Persephone soon reached Hades’ office door and knocked gently.

“Enter,” came the deep, calm voice from inside.

She stepped in, her steps light and elegant.

Hades was, as usual, buried in paperwork.

His eyes flicked up, and for a brief moment, there was a flicker of surprise before he returned to writing.

“Persephone,” Hades said, his tone neutral but not unkind.

“What brings you here?” “I came to visit,” Persephone said sweetly, walking over and sitting down across from his desk.

“Lord Hades, you work too much.

I think you should take a break.” Hades raised an eyebrow.

“I’m fine.

This paperwork won’t finish itself.” Persephone pouted.

“You’ve been going on walks with Aphrodite.

Having tea with Hera.

Even taking Hecate out to some super secret place she won’t say.

But you haven’t spent any time with me at all.” Hades put down his pen and looked at her.

“I just thought you might want to adjust yourself in underworld first, is all.” Persephone pouted, “It’s not fair.

You spend more time with me before.

Why aren’t you now?” There was a moment of silence.

Then, unexpectedly, Hades chuckled.

“I guess even though you’ve grown, Persephone is still Persephone.

Still acting childish.

How cute.” Persephone crossed her arms, emphasizing her chest, “I’m not childish.

I’m mature.” Hades studied her for a moment, then nodded.

“That, you are.

So?

Does miss mature needs something from me?” Persephone blinked.

She hadn’t expected him to ask so plainly.

“I… I want you to take me out.

Like you did with them.” “…like a date?” “Yes!” She stood, leaning over his desk.

“Let’s go outside.

Go to the gardens, the capital, anywhere.

Spend time with me!” Hades stared at her for a long moment before sighing softly.

“Well, you look persistent.” Persephone smiled, triumphant.

“So you’ll do it?” “I didn’t say that.” “Lord Hades!” He chuckled again, clearly amused by her fiery determination.

“Fine.

I’ll walk with you after I’m done with this paperwork.

But only if you wait patiently.” Persephone brightened instantly.

“Deal!” She practically skipped over to the couch and sat down, smiling to herself.

Today’s going to be so much fun!

* * * Persephone was practically bouncing as she walked beside Hades through the Capital of Nox.

The city was lively tonight.

Lanterns lined the streets, casting soft glows on the dark stone roads.

Mortals, spirits, and lesser gods mingled in the open plazas.

Shops bustled, food stalls released warm smells, and laughter echoed everywhere.

Hades, as usual, was calm, hands behind his back, his tall figure drawing stares wherever he went.

Persephone, on the other hand, looked radiant.

She had chosen a flowing pale green dress that contrasted beautifully with the dark surroundings, making her stand out like a flower in the night.

People began whispering.

“Is that… Lady Persephone?” “She’s walking with Lord Hades!” “First Aphrodite, then Hera, then Hecate… now Persephone?” “The betting pool is going to explode.” Persephone heard them and smiled smugly.

‘Good.

Let everyone talk.’ Hades glanced at her.

“You seem pleased.” “Of course I am,” she said, tilting her head up proudly.

“Let them see that I’m not sitting quietly in the corner anymore.

If Aphrodite, Hera, and Hecate can make their moves, so can I.” Hades’ lips curved into the faintest smirk.

“So this is a competition to you?” Persephone blinked.

“It’s not?” “I suppose that depends,” Hades said, eyes on the street ahead.

“Why are you doing this?

Because you just want to, or is it because you don’t want to lose to them?” Persephone froze mid-step.

“Why not both?” she said quickly, flustered.

“I want to spend time with you.

But I’m also very competitive.” Hades chuckled, a rare sound that made a few nearby spirits stare in shock.

Persephone chuckled internally.

She can already see her votes rising rapidly!

They continued walking until Persephone suddenly tugged at his sleeve.

“Let’s stop here,” she said, pointing to a street vendor selling pomegranate wine.

Hades raised an eyebrow.

“Wine?” “Why not?

You drank with Aphrodite, didn’t you?” she said, narrowing her eyes.

Hades allowed himself to be pulled toward the stall.

The vendor nearly fainted at the sight of them.

Persephone bought two cups and handed one to Hades.

“To me finally getting mt first date, and one day beating the big three,” she said with a grin, raising her cup.

“Big three?” “That’s what the people call the top three on the betting pool, Aphrodite, Hera, and Hecate.

Their votes far surpasses those under them by a great margin.” “Oh.” Persephone raised an eyebrow, motioning at his wine.

Hades sighed but tapped his cup against hers.

“To you, who is trying too hard.” She stuck her tongue out at him and took a sip, smiling happily as the sweet, rich taste spread in her mouth.

As they walked on, people kept staring, whispering, and even cheering.

Persephone felt a rush of excitement.

For once, she wasn’t just Demeter’s daughter, or a background figure in Hades’ court.

She was the center of attention – walking proudly beside the King of the Underworld.