The God of Underworld - Chapter 193

193: Chapter 37 193: Chapter 37 Underworld, Demeter’s Garden.

Persephone sat in the kiosk at the center of the pond, the divine mirror floating before her, shimmering with numbers and names.

Her lips curled into a smug smile as she watched her name rise, climbing one rank after another, finally resting at fifth place.

“Hmph.

Just behind Aphrodite, Hera, Hecate, and Nyx,” she muttered, eyes gleaming with pride.

For weeks she had been carefully orchestrating this, going out with Hades where others could see, letting divine spirits whisper the details across the Underworld.

Her efforts were finally paying off.

She leaned back, crossed her arms, and giggled softly.

“Won’t be long before I’m at the top.

Let’s see their faces then.” Just then, the sound of footsteps made her freeze.

Turning, she saw her mother Demeter approaching, chatting pleasantly with Aphrodite of all people.

Persephone’s mood soured instantly.

Her smile dropped into a scowl.

“Mother,” she snapped, standing.

“Why did you bring this woman here?” Aphrodite raised a brow, then chuckled, stepping closer.

“This woman?” she echoed, her tone honeyed and playful.

She then reached out, patting Persephone’s head like she was still a child.

“My, my, you’ve grown, but you’re still so cute when you pout.” Persephone’s face turned red.

She slapped the hand away and glared daggers at her.

“Don’t touch me!” “Kore!” Demeter scolded sharply.

“Mind your manners.

Aphrodite is here to request flowers to decorate her temple.

You will treat her with respect.” Persephone clicked her tongue but sat back down, arms crossed.

“Hmph.” Aphrodite only smiled wider, unbothered, and tilted her head as if enjoying the sight of Persephone sulking.

Persephone’s eyes narrowed.

That smile felt smug.

Too smug.

As if she was boasting the fact that she’s Underworld’s favourite choice for a Queen.

Hmph!

Suddenly, Persephone waved her hand, pulling up the mirror for them to see.

“Look at this.

See the rankings?

I’m already fifth.

It won’t be long before I surpass you.” Aphrodite glanced at the mirror, saw the numbers, then turned back to her with a small laugh.

“Fifth?

My, congratulations.

But…” She leaned down slightly, her eyes gleaming.

“Surpassing me is impossible.

No matter what these little numbers say, the one who will win in the end is me.” Persephone slammed her hand on the table.

“Hah!

I’m sure Lord Hades would prefer a pure, innocent, beautiful maiden than you!” “Really?”Aphrodite said smoothly, her smile never faltering, “A pure and innocent maiden, is that it?.

Well dear, that is what I am.

Of course, an incredibly beautiful one at that.” Persephone blinked at her words, then slowly repeated them under her breath.

“…Pure and innocent?” She suddenly leaned to the side and spat on the ground with a loud, sharp ptui!

Her eyes locked on Aphrodite with nothing but disdain.

“You?

Pure and innocent?

Don’t make me laugh.” Aphrodite gasped dramatically, placing a hand over her chest as if wounded, but the mischievous glint in her eyes betrayed her.

On the side, Demeter sighed, rubbing her temples.

“I knew letting you two meet would be trouble…” Persephone’s glare deepened as Aphrodite continued to smile that irritating, knowing smile.

Persephone scoffed, her tone sharp.

“Please.

You couldn’t be further from pure.

Everyone knows you run that brothel chain that stretches across the Underworld and even the Overworld.

If you are pure, then I must be a saint.” Demeter blinked, frowning.

“Persephone-” But Persephone wasn’t done.

“Calling yourself a maiden when you profit off sin… aren’t you ashamed?” Aphrodite just laughed, the sound warm and light, as if Persephone had told a cute joke.

She reached out and pinched Persephone’s cheek playfully.

“Such a fiery little thing,” Aphrodite cooed, ignoring the question entirely.

Persephone slapped her hand away again, cheeks red.

“Answer me!” Aphrodite only smiled wider.

“Ashamed?

Of course not.

I’m not the one selling myself.

I simply manage the network.

Besides, there is nothing sinful about enjoying the pleasure of the flesh.” Besides, those brothels are Hades’ greatest source of information.

Not a single event in the Underworld or Overworld escapes her notice.

“And also, it was Lord Hades who put me in charged of those things, and I was merely following his orders.

Everything I do is for him.

Ashamed?

Please.

Why would I be ashamed of helping the man I love with every fiber of my being?” Persephone faltered for a moment.

She hadn’t expected Aphrodite to answer so sincerely.

Demeter exhaled, tired.

“Persephone, sit down.

You’re being unreasonable.” Persephone crossed her arms, huffed, but sat down reluctantly.

Meanwhile, Aphrodite casually took a seat next to Demeter, pulling out a parchment with designs of floral arrangements.

“Now, Demeter, I was thinking of using night-blooming jasmine around the altar, to complement the moonlight.

What do you think?” Demeter smiled and nodded.

“A fine choice.

We also have moon lilies that are in season.

They’d add a silvery hue to the temple.” As the two began discussing flowers, Persephone tried to ignore them, glaring at Aphrodite whenever she laughed.

But then Aphrodite suggested adding imperial bromeliad near the temple entrance, and Persephone couldn’t hold back anymore.

That was a terrible choice!

“Imperial bromeliad would barely last for a short amount of time without direct sunlight,” Persephone blurted out.

“Even with mother and my authority, it will be difficult to keep it alive.” Both women turned to her.

Persephone frowned but stood and walked over.

“I suggest you just use a hellebore.

They’ll thrive and they look better in clusters.” Aphrodite grinned knowingly.

“Oh?

The little spring goddess speaks.” Persephone ignored the teasing and knelt beside them, pointing at the sketches.

“And this arrangement will make the colors clash.

You should add white flowers here to balance them out.” Soon enough, Persephone was fully engrossed in the conversation, suggesting combinations, blooming schedules, and the best way to enchant them to keep them fresh longer.

Aphrodite watched her with a soft smile, clearly amused by how quickly Persephone went from glaring daggers to eagerly participating.

“You’re adorable when you’re serious,” Aphrodite said suddenly, leaning on one hand.

Persephone’s face flushed red, and she shot her a glare.

“Shut up!” Demeter laughed softly at the sight.

“It’s been a while since I’ve seen the two of you in the same room without a real fight breaking out.

Maybe there’s hope for peace after all.” Persephone crossed her arms again, pouting.

“I’m not making peace with her.” Aphrodite giggled.

“You already did.

You just helped me plan the entire decoration.” Persephone’s blush deepened.

“T-That doesn’t mean anything!

I just can’t stand seeing flowers being used terribly!” Aphrodite only smiled knowingly, and Demeter hid her amused smirk behind her teacup.

* * * Overworld.

With Herios and Athena.

The day of the funeral arrived heavy with grief.

The whole village gathered.

Men, women, children, all dressed in muted colors, their faces solemn.

Herios’ grandmother had lived a long life, and though her passing was expected, it still weighed on everyone who had known her kindness.

With the help of the villagers, the body was carried in a slow procession.

The bier was adorned with wildflowers she had loved tending.

Herios walked near the front, his face pale, fists clenched, his steps unsteady.

Athena walked close by, quietly supporting him with her presence.

At the burial site, the grave was ready.

A hush fell over the crowd as the villagers lowered the body.

One by one, offerings were placed inside: pottery filled with grain, small weapons, baskets of food, and trinkets from the neighbors who loved her.

These were meant to aid her in her journey to the Underworld, to keep her company among her family waiting there.

A priest of Hades stood by the grave, lifting his hands to the sky.

“May the Lord of the Dead welcome this soul with peace.

May she be reunited with her husband, her children, and those who wait for her beyond the veil.

May her name never be forgotten among the living, and may her memory guide those she leaves behind.” The villagers bowed their heads.

Some murmured prayers.

Others wept quietly.

The soil was laid upon the grave.

The flowers placed carefully on top.

The priest’s voice faded, and the ceremony was over.

Slowly, the villagers began to leave, whispering condolences to Herios as they passed.

Soon, only two figures remained before the fresh mound of earth: Herios and Athena.

The wind rustled through the trees.

Herios stared at the grave in silence, his jaw tight.

Athena’s voice broke the stillness.

“What will you do now?” Herios didn’t answer at first.

He exhaled sharply, lowering his gaze.

“I don’t know.

Maybe… just keep farming.

It’s what I’ve always done.” His voice cracked faintly.

He turned slightly toward her.

“You don’t have to stay here with me.

You can continue your journey.

Go wherever you need to go.” Athena’s lips trembled.

She bit down hard, hesitating.

Then, with quiet firmness, she said, “…Herios.

Come with me!

Let’s see the world together!” Herios looked at her, stunned, unable to respond.

Athena stepped closer, her eyes burning with determination.

“Don’t you want to see more of this world?

I’ve traveled far.

I’ve seen many wonders-mountains that touch the sky, rivers that glitter like silver, cities filled with music and color.

I want you to see them too.” Herios lowered his eyes again, silent, torn.

Athena’s voice softened.

“Don’t you want to show her-your grandmother-that you’re living well, so she doesn’t have to worry, even in Hades?” Herios froze, breath catching.

His hands clenched tighter.

Athena pressed on, her words piercing through his grief.

“Don’t you want to tell her stories, if you ever see her again one day?

Stories about the places you’ve been, the people you’ve met, the life you lived?” The silence stretched.

Herios’ shoulders shook ever so slightly.

His lips parted, but no words came.

Athena stood beside him, her hand hovering uncertainly, wanting to comfort him but unsure if he was ready.

Herios stood frozen for a long while, staring at the fresh earth piled over his grandmother’s grave.

His throat tightened, his chest aching as Athena’s words echoed in his head.

Finally, he spoke, his voice hoarse.

“…You’re right.” He lifted his eyes to the sky, blinking away the blur of tears.

“If I just stay here, tending the fields like nothing has changed… then she’ll worry.

She’ll think I’ve stopped living.” He drew in a trembling breath, his hands curling into fists at his sides.

“I don’t want her to worry anymore.

Not after all she did for me.” Athena’s lips parted, her eyes softening as she watched him.

Herios turned toward her at last, his gaze filled with grief but also a new, fragile resolve.

“I’ll go with you.

I’ll see the world.

I’ll live, Athena.

And when the day comes that I see her again… I’ll have stories to tell her.” The weight of his words broke something inside him.

His voice cracked, and he finally let go.

Tears streamed down his face as he choked out, “I’ll make her proud.” Before he could falter, Athena stepped forward and wrapped her arms around him.

He stiffened for a moment, then collapsed against her, burying his face in her shoulder.

His sobs shook through both of them, raw and unrestrained.

Athena held him tighter, her own tears falling silently into his hair.

“You will,” she whispered.

“You already have.

And now… we’ll make sure the whole world knows it too.” The two of them stood there, clinging to each other before the grave, while the wind carried the scent of flowers over the burial site.

When at last Herios steadied his breathing, he pulled back slightly, eyes red but calmer.

He looked at Athena with a small, grateful smile.

“…Thank you.” Athena brushed a tear from his cheek, smiling faintly through her own.

“Then it’s settled.

From this day, we’ll journey together.”