The God of Underworld - Chapter 201

201: Chapter 45 201: Chapter 45 Overworld.

At the great steps of Rhea’s temple, the gate of underworld materialized as Hades, Hera, Demeter and Nekyria appeared before their siblings who have already gathered there.

“Ah, brother, sisters.

You have finally arrived.” Hestia greeted them, smiling.

Her eyes, however, quickly landed on the little girl on Hades’ arms.

Zeus stood tall, arms crossed, a smirk tugging at his lips as he eyed his elder brother.

Beside him, Poseidon leaned on his trident, looking equally smug, his tone dripping with sarcasm as he said, “Well, well, the King of the Dead actually left his pit.

I thought your bones had already fused to that obsidian throne of yours.” Zeus chuckled in agreement, his voice booming as he added, “Careful, brother, don’t stay out too long.

The living world might burn under your gloomy aura before we even start dinner.” Hera immediately crossed her arms, her glare sharp enough to pierce the heavens, and she retorted in a cutting tone, “Better his aura than your endless lightning storms that nearly set half the sky aflame last week.

Shall I remind you how many temples had to be rebuilt because you sneezed during a thundercloud?” Demeter stepped forward, her voice laced with scorn as she eyed Poseidon.

“And as for you, I hear farmers still curse your name for drowning their fields with salt water, because you ‘thought it would be amusing.’ Perhaps focus less on mockery and more on not ruining the soil of mortals who depend on it.

Besides, you should be glad that you can be allowed to leave for a day!” That was enough to set the sparks flying.

Zeus narrowed his eyes at Hera, lightning crackling faintly at his fingertips.

Poseidon raised an eyebrow at Demeter, his grip on his trident tightening.

Hera glared back, her lips twitching as if she was about to unleash another biting remark, while Demeter’s jaw stiffened, her eyes glowing faintly green in warning.

The air grew tense, the four of them caught in a standoff of pride and sarcasm, ready to erupt into their usual bickering chaos.

And then, a soft sound cut through the tension.

“…Dad, who are they?” The small voice came from Nekyria, who clutched at the folds of Hades’ dark robes, her little hands gripping tightly as she peeked out from behind him.

Her wide eyes darted nervously between the four who are glaring at each other, then quickly retreated, her face pressing against her father’s chest as if seeking shelter.

Hades lowered his gaze, his expression softening in a way rare for the stern god of the Underworld.

He shifted her gently in his arms, raising her so she would feel safe, and in a calm, steady tone, he said, “This is your aunt, and these are yout uncles.

They are family, little one.

Be polite, and introduce yourself.” Nekyria squirmed slightly, her cheeks flushing pink.

She tilted her head, whispering so quietly it was barely audible, “…H-Hello.

My name is Nekyria.” Then, unable to hold their eyes any longer, she quickly buried her face into Hades’ chest again, clinging to him like a lifeline.

The silence that followed was broken by Hestia, who smiled warmly, her voice full of genuine affection.

“She’s adorable.

What a sweet child.” She stepped closer, her presence gentle and soothing, and added with a teasing laugh, “Shy, definitely different from Hades when he was young.” Then her eyes narrowed, and she turned her gaze like a spear toward Zeus and Poseidon, her tone suddenly sharp as steel.

“And you two.

Enough.

Stop this childish display.

You are embarrassing yourselves in front of a child.” Surprisingly, both gods immediately faltered under her words.

Zeus huffed loudly, turning his head aside with exaggerated irritation, muttering, “Fine, but only because you asked, sister.” Poseidon clicked his tongue, looking away with a similar huff.

The sparks of their glares died down, though their pride remained intact in their stiff postures.

Hestia, satisfied, turned back to Hades with her serene smile.

“Come inside.

Mother has been waiting for this moment for far too long.” She glanced fondly at Nekyria, who was still clutching her father’s clothes, and added softly, “The little one is welcome too.

She will bring warmth to this table.” Hades gave a slow nod, his deep voice calm and resolute.

“Then we shall not keep Mother waiting.” And with that, together, they stepped into the temple.

Inside the grand temple, the air was filled with the faint fragrance of freshly baked bread, herbs, and flowers.

Golden curtains swayed in the breeze, and the walls glowed softly under divine light.

At the center of it all, Rhea sat upon a cushioned seat, her hands folded neatly on her lap, her presence dignified yet warm.

The moment her eyes landed on the group entering, they lit up with joy.

She rose immediately, her smile radiant as she stretched her arms.

“My children… finally, all of you under one roof again.” Her voice trembled with emotion, carrying both the weight of her long solitude and the relief of reunion.

Hestia walked forward first, embracing her mother gently.

Rhea whispered, “Thank you, for bringing them here together.

Hestia chuckled softly, “Anything for you mother.

Besides, they must also want to come and see you again.” Zeus came next, his usual swagger tempered just enough to show respect.

He bent his head slightly, allowing Rhea to touch his cheek.

“Still causing storms wherever you go?” she teased.

Zeus smirked, but his eyes softened.

“Only when necessary… or when bored.” Poseidon stepped up with a sly grin.

“And me, Mother?

Am I still the favorite, as you once said?” Rhea laughed lightly and tapped his chest.

“I don’t know about being the favorite, dear, but you were always the loudest.” Poseidon clicked his tongue but chuckled, clearly pleased just to be acknowledged.

Hera and Demeter came together, bowing respectfully before embracing their mother tightly.

Hera murmured, “We’ve missed you.” Demeter added, “Sorry that we barely have any time to visit, mother.” Rhea stroked their hair fondly, her expression tender.

“And I have missed you all more than words can tell.” Finally, her eyes landed on Hades.

The eldest son of Cronus stood at the back, tall and solemn, shadows clinging faintly to him even in the golden light.

For a moment, he did not move.

Rhea’s lips parted, her smile trembling as tears welled in her eyes.

Slowly, she walked toward him.

“Hades,” she breathed, her voice catching.

“My child, how have you been?” Amongst her children, only Hades was someone who hasn’t come to meet her.

At least the others visited her from time to time.

The room grew quiet.

Even Zeus and Poseidon, who were always ready with a quip, remained silent as Rhea reached for him.

Hades lowered his gaze respectfully, his deep voice steady yet softer than usual.

“Mother.” She placed her hands on his face, her thumbs brushing against his pale skin, as if to make sure he was real.

“You’ve hidden yourself away for so long,” she whispered.

“Let me see you properly.” For the first time in centuries, Hades allowed himself to lean into her touch.

“Hmm.

I am here,” he said simply.

And then, something small shifted in his arms.

Nekyria peeked out, her big eyes darting curiously at the unfamiliar goddess.

She clutched Hades’ robes tighter, but her curiosity made her brave enough to whisper, “…Dad, who is she?” Rhea blinked, startled, before looking down at the little girl.

Her heart melted instantly.

“And who might you be, little one?” So this is Hades’ daughter, huh.

Rhea can definitely feel fragments of Gaia’s authority coursing through her.

Hades’ expression softened as he glanced at his daughter.

He gently adjusted her so she was facing forward.

“This is Nekyria,” he said in his calm, grave tone.

“My daughter.” The silence that followed was sharp with shock.

Zeus and Poseidon have heard how the kid referred to Hades as Dad earlier, but it was only now did it clicked into their minds, ‘Hades has a daughter!’ They simply cannot imagine their dark, gloomy, mysterious older brother could ever have a child!

They wonder who her mother is?

Must be incredibly beautiful if their daughter was that cute.

Rhea, however, simply knelt down, bringing herself to Nekyria’s height.

Her eyes brimmed with tears, but her smile was wide and warm.

“Then you… are my granddaughter.” It doesn’t matter who her mother is.

She is first and foremost, her son’s daughter.

She can probably head over to Gaia’s and have her call her mother-in-law.

Huh, a mother calling her daughter mother-in-law.

The Greek blood in Hades is truly strong.

Thinking about it, if she gave Hades a child, Gaia would have a granddaughter who is also her sibling-in-law.

And she would have a child who is also the father’s sibling.

What a complicated relationship.

Nekyria hesitated, peeking at her father as if asking if it was safe.

Hades gave her a small nod.

Slowly, she let go of his robes, reached her tiny arms forward, and wrapped them around Rhea’s neck.

The Titaness of Motherhood gasped softly, hugging the little girl close as her tears finally fell.

“Oh, how blessed I am,” she whispered, her voice breaking.

“To live long enough to hold the child of my eldest.” She had actually worried that Hades would remain single and would never have children in his whole life.

The entire room softened at the sight.

Even Zeus and Poseidon, so quick to mock, stood quietly, their gazes gentler than before.

Hestia wiped a small tear from her eye and said warmly, “Mother, it seems you have more family to dote on than you expected.” Rhea pulled back slightly to look at Nekyria, who smiled shyly and whispered, “Grandma.” That was all it took.

Rhea held her even tighter, laughter and tears mixing together.

“Yes, my little one.

I am your grandmother.

And I will cherish you with all my heart.” The reunion, long overdue, was complete.