The King of the Underworld is Tired

After shedding a few tears, Hephaestus summoned flames to dry them. Somehow, the flames seemed to carry his emotions, appearing sorrowful.

Is there truly no other way…? Perhaps using divine power to alter his appearance to match Aphrodite’s preferences…

“Ah, how about visiting Apollo? As the god of medicine, maybe he could…”

“I’ve already gone to see Apollo.”

According to Hephaestus, he sought out Apollo, hoping that the god might be able to change his appearance to suit Aphrodite’s taste. However, it turned out to be impossible. Altering the appearance of a fellow Olympian god, not an ordinary human, was beyond Apollo’s power.

“No matter how much Apollo’s divine power fixed my face to be handsome, as soon as I ignited the flames for my blacksmithing, I would immediately revert to my original face.”

“Oh…”

Despite Apollo’s efforts, Hephaestus’ flames and power, as the god of fire, would return his appearance to its original form. After all, we gods retain the appearance we were born with. The reason the blacksmith god was a cripple and unattractive wasn’t because he fell on Lemnos Island, but because he was born that way.

“Still, thank you for listening to my concerns so sincerely.”

“No, I… I’m sorry.”

“It’s fine. It’s all my fault for not being able to hold onto my wife.”

With that, Hephaestus turned to leave, flames flickering in his eyes. 

What… what are you thinking now, my nephew?

“But I can no longer forgive that damned Ares!”

“You mean Ares, who had an affair with your wife and fathered Harmonia?”

Aphrodite loved Ares so much that they even had a child together, the goddess of harmony, Harmonia. But you can’t exactly forbid the goddess of love from loving… 

Still, since they had a child together, Hera must have told them to cut it out, right?

“Didn’t Hera tell Aphrodite to stop having affairs after she had Harmonia?”

“Yes, that did happen. But…”

Hephaestus, unable to endure it anymore, had gone to complain to Hera. Feeling guilty for throwing him off Lemnos Island, she agreed to his request. I heard that the queen of the gods called the two adulterers and quietly admonished them. Or, rather, Hermes, who often visits the underworld, told me.

The gods of Olympus are somewhat free-spirited when it comes to love. However, having a child out of infidelity and continuing the affair goes beyond the limits. It was probably Hera’s way of saying, “Enough is enough.”

Even Zeus doesn’t usually engage in affairs that go beyond a one-night stand. If a child is born, he tends to be more cautious, keeping an eye on Hera for a while…

“Even after my mother spoke to them, nothing changed. Recently, I accidentally caught the two of them in the middle of a secret rendezvous.”

Ares, befitting the god of war, is muscular and well-built. With a handsome face and a caring nature towards his children, it’s understandable that Aphrodite would have a hard time letting him go.

“How dare they, even after having a child, and despite being caught, continue to meet so shamelessly!”

“Hmm…”

“I’m furious at my wife too. I’ve turned a blind eye to this forced marriage far too many times…!”

“It does seem a bit excessive…”

“But thanks to visiting the underworld, I’ve made up my mind! Thank you, Uncle.”

Wait, what are you thinking now? What are you planning, nephew?

“Apollo is holding an arts festival in Olympus for the next few days, and I’d like you to come, Uncle.”

“Well, I’m not particularly eager to go up to Olympus…”

“If you come to Olympus, I’ll inspect the Styx Sword, Bident, and Kynee for you.”

“…But since my dear nephew is asking, of course, I must go.”

Come to think of it, the Styx Sword does seem a little rusted, and if he’s willing to inspect my invisible helmet and Bident too, it’s a good deal for me.

Hephaestus, seemingly having made a firm decision, nodded heavily and spoke.

“I have a grand display of art I want to show at the festival. Since I want as many gods as possible to see it, could you invite the other gods of the underworld as well?”

What exactly are you planning?

* * *

And so, the day of the arts festival in Olympus arrived. Since it was being hosted by Apollo, the god of the arts, I had high expectations, but…

“I’m going with you to the festival this time!”

“I want to go too… Styx.”

The goddesses Lethe and Styx both expressed their desire to accompany me to Olympus. However, only one of them could leave their duties. If both goddesses left the underworld, the remaining gods would be overwhelmed with work.

“Are you going to keep doing this?”

“You were the one hugging Hades in secret last time…”

“You, Styx, with your large chest…”

“What did you say?!”

Though Styx, with her hands on her hips, puffed out her cheeks, Lethe, with her arms crossed and lips pouting, was no less assertive.

Please… stop it.

“Fine… I’ll just go by myself…”

“Then let’s decide by drawing lots.”

“That’s a good idea.”

The two goddesses quickly prepared to draw lots to determine who would accompany me. For some reason, the atmosphere grew tense.

“Yay! I got chosen! Let’s go to Olympus, Hades!”

“Ugh… The goddess of fortune, Tyche, always turns her back on me at times like this…!”

The excited Styx raised her lot high, waving it around, then hugged me.

But if you press my face against… Gah!

…#$%@%!

“Get away from Hades, Styx!”

“No~”

The underworld is as peaceful as ever today.

* * *

And so, I arrived at Olympus with the goddess Styx.

Even from outside the grand palace of Olympus, the raucous laughter and sounds of music could be heard.

Lyres, kitharas, auloi, and many other instruments played in harmonious accord.

“Oh…? Lord Hades.”

“And the one beside him… is that the goddess Styx? Could it be…?”

“I didn’t hear any news that the ruler of the underworld got married.”

It's been a while since I've heard the gods whispering as I pass by.

Even if you block the sound with your divine power, I can hear it all. Such young ones…

“Wow… Hades, look at that.”

The goddess Styx, who was clinging to me with her arm linked through mine, pointed to something with her other hand.

There, a weaving competition between many goddesses was taking place.

“Oh… their handwork is impressive.”

“Did weaving require wisdom too?”

“I wonder which goddess weaves the best in Olympus…”

Weaving beautiful patterns into fabric was also a form of art.

The participants… Athena, Hera, and Hestia, I see.

Swish, creak, clack.

Athena’s tapestry depicted Zeus seated on his golden throne, numerous gods fighting Typhon, and Athena herself bestowing blessings upon humans.

Hera’s showed a peaceful scene of a human family enjoying a happy everyday life.

The depiction of a woman cradling a child, with a joyous expression on her face, was a masterpiece.

Hestia wove an image of her hearth lighting up the dark night, and her warm aura seemed to emanate from the pattern, creating an illusion of warmth.

“As expected, it’s Lady Hera…”

“Lady Athena is the goddess of wisdom, and yet she weaves so well.”

“It’s hard to judge, but… Athena’s tapestry has the most elaborate patterns…”

“I agree. Is craftsmanship included in her divine wisdom?”

As the other gods admired the completed tapestries, they added their own thoughts.

Even to me, it seemed that Athena’s tapestry had the most intricate and well-crafted designs.

“Athena, you’re truly impressive.”

“It’s just a small skill, Lady Hera.”

“You’ve captured us fighting Typhon quite well…”

Athena’s tapestry depicted the Olympian gods during the battle with Typhon.

In it, I could see myself, holding a σκῦτα (skuta) in one hand and a κυνέη (kynee) in the other.

[T/N: σκῦτα (skuta): This is a large shield, often made of leather, and sometimes reinforced with wood or metal. It was used by warriors in battle for protection. In mythology, it is often associated with gods or heroes during combat scenes.]

As I slowly admired the tapestry, I heard someone calling me.

“Lord Hades.”

“Dionysus.”

A male god with golden curls like Zeus and exuding a strong scent of wine approached.

It was Dionysus, the god of wine and madness.

With a single shake of the golden cup filled with nectar, he turned its contents into a deep, rich-colored wine.

“Please try it. I’ve crafted it to match the most popular taste among humans.”

I took the cup and slowly drank it.

The taste was bittersweet yet sweet, and the rich aroma of grapes delighted my palate.

Of course, nectar tastes better, but I thought Dionysus' wine was a fine delicacy.

As I finished the cup cleanly, the god of wine sighed and spoke.

“Phew… Due to what happened last time, my faith in Thebes has greatly diminished.”

“When King Oedipus went mad, right?”

“The temple burned, the worshipers fled, and it seems that my faith won’t easily grow again in Thebes.”

But Thebes… When you spread your faith there, you instilled fear, even killing the king. It didn’t seem like the worshippers’ loyalty, or faith, was that deep…

“I have a request, Uncle.”

“Speak.”

“Though nothing can be done about Gaia, could you not deliver an even harsher punishment to that human Oedipus?”

That won’t happen.

No matter the request of a nephew, I cannot alter the laws of the underworld at my whim.

“The ruling has already been decided, and it cannot be changed. And I believe the punishment is appropriate.”

“But that human also killed my beloved leopard.”

“I understand your situation, but I hope you remember that the human is a victim as well.”

“As expected… Yes, I understand, Uncle.”

With a bitter smile, Dionysus lowered his head and quietly withdrew.

I had clearly explained the punishment last time, but it seems his lingering grudge against Oedipus is hard to shake.

“Uncle Hades, you’re still lenient toward humans. To even refuse your nephew’s request.”

“Hermes.”

“Also, if you could lend me your ear for a moment…”

Hermes, wearing a bright smile, approached me.

Why lend an ear… Is there some secret story he wants to share?

“Hehe… Actually, didn’t you refuse Dionysus’ request because he isn’t a cute niece?”

“Enough nonsense. But tell me, is there a war happening somewhere?”

“Why do you ask?”

“Because I haven’t seen a few gods at this big festival. I don’t see Ares either.”

Though the festival seems like the usual one held in Olympus, a few gods have been missing since earlier.

Ares, who should be joyfully drinking nectar, is absent.

Aphrodite, who should be sitting in one corner eyeing the male gods with a mischievous look, is nowhere to be seen.

And above all…

“I was invited here by Hephaestus, but where is he?”

“What? As far as I know, Hephaestus said he had some business on Lemnos and would be away for a few days.”

What is this nonsense?

Even Hermes seemed puzzled, but at that moment,

The god of blacksmiths appeared on the wide platform.

“Huh…? I thought Lord Hephaestus went to Lemnos.”

“I heard he would be back on the last day of the festival.”

Hephaestus, after asking Zeus for a moment of permission, opened his mouth.

His thunderous voice shook Olympus.

“Ahem. Ahem. Everyone! I, Hephaestus, have created a masterpiece that can be called the pinnacle of art, for the gods participating in this festival!”