King of Underworld-Chapter 143: The Story of Orpheus (2)

The Story of Orpheus - (2)

"Just once... please listen to my music."

"What did you say?"

"I promise you, it will be the finest performance, one worthy of moving your heart! I beg you, bring Eurydice back to life!"

I, Hades, looked down at the mortal who dared enter the underworld.

Did he think a close performance would change my mind?

His skill rivaled even Apollo’s seat as the god of music—a truly impressive talent.

But bringing the dead back to life... It wasn’t as though she died unjustly by a god’s malice. Her death was inevitable.

Though I felt a twinge of pity, I couldn’t grant his wish.

Glancing at Persephone, I noticed she hadn’t even thought to pick up the item she’d dropped. She simply clasped her hands, staring at Orpheus in a daze, tears forming in her eyes again. It seemed his music had indeed moved her deeply.

But to think I, the god of the underworld, would fall as easily as the goddess of spring...

As soon as I heard that sound up close, old memories surfaced, filling me with nostalgia. The lyre’s notes brought back memories of past sorrows, even the anguish of losing a loved one.

In the center of my citadel, that heartrending music spread.

Once more, all within the underworld paused, entranced.

His lyre had subdued storms, defeated Sirens, and even calmed the rivers of the underworld. Truly extraordinary.

Even I, for a fleeting moment, felt moved... nearly allowing him to take his wife back.

Yet what moved me was not the music itself, but his heart.

Tears streaming, Orpheus played with all his might, each finger moving with fervor. A mortal with no power, no godly backing—nothing.

Here he was, performing the greatest piece of his life to move me, the ruler of the underworld, to mercy.

A display of skill far beyond mortal limits.

When the music ceased, Orpheus gasped for breath.

Persephone’s eyes overflowed with tears, and even the souls of the underworld sighed, having paused in their duties. He’d affected nearly the entire underworld, except Tartarus.

"Even so, I cannot allow it."

“...!"

"Your feat is impressive, but that’s all it is. It is no justification, no rightful cause to break the laws of the underworld."

Thud.

At my words, the lyre fell from Orpheus’s hands.

The instrument, which had just played such heavenly sounds, now lay discarded, stripped of its luster.

Seeing his lowered head, I felt a pang of sorrow... but it couldn’t be helped.

Just as I prepared to send him back to the world of the living, Persephone looked at me.

"Lord Hades."

"...?"

"Would you... please grant this man’s request to bring his wife back?"

I nearly refused outright, but her tear-filled eyes stilled my words.

Her voice was trembling, but the plea in her gaze was unmistakable.

The goddess of spring and seeds had a way of softening my resolve.

I had planned to propose to Persephone before this Orpheus arrived, which made it all the more difficult.

Just moments ago, I’d been preparing to propose... I didn’t want her to be disappointed in me.

"Persephone..."

"As the ruler of the underworld, if that is your decision, then... wouldn’t your decision as a god of mercy be somewhat different?"

"My priority is the underworld. These are the rules that maintain balance in the world."

"Still... it is such a devoted love, that he would come here with only a lyre..."

"No matter what you say, I cannot..."

Bang!

Our conversation was interrupted as Orpheus struck his head against the ground.

Blood flowed from his brow, staining the earth.

"Lord Pluto! If I cannot take my wife, then let me remain here with her!"

"Hah..."

Is this what it means to be madly in love? To ask for death if he cannot be with her?

At least from what I’ve heard, he has neither taken other lovers nor been unfaithful... I suppose I can overlook this minor breach of decorum.

Though he seems sincere, I might test him a little more.

Show me your resolve.

"If you cannot take her, you’re fine with death? Do you take me for a fool?"

"...!"

"Did you think that risking death to save your wife would make me pity you and grant your wish?"

Persephone opened her mouth, looking shocked.

I finished my statement in a stern tone. Let’s see how he responds.

Lying prostrate, Orpheus whispered faintly.

"Absolutely not. I swear by the River Styx, that was not my intent."

"......"

"I am a sinner for failing to protect my beloved wife. If you will not revive Eurydice, then take my life. I will endure any punishment."

He fell silent after these words.

"Hah..."

I sighed, rubbing my temples.

Yes, this was exactly the problem.

As the ruler of the underworld, it was these cases that troubled me most.

For the wicked deeds done in life, I mete out punishment, and for those who were good, I offer them rest in death.

But when a hero or good person pleads for something that bends the rules...

It becomes far more challenging to judge impartially.

Even the most powerful gods have emotions, subjectivity, and moments of error.

The fact that I’m swayed by this hero’s plea is proof of that.

"Lord Hades. Please..."

"...Persephone."

I should not set a precedent of allowing such exceptions, but showing myself as a cold god before Kore...

Ah. Fortune is with him today... just this once.

And it has nothing to do with wanting to keep Persephone from disappointment.

"Very well. Take her."

"...!"

The hero’s face lit up as he raised his head.

"But no one must know you retrieved her from the underworld. Such a precedent cannot exist again; if even a word of today’s event leaks, you will suffer even in death."

"Thank... thank you!! Gracious Pluto! I will change my name and live in seclusion with my wife!"

"Remember that promise well... unless you wish to fall into Tartarus."

And with that, it was done.

After thanking me repeatedly with his forehead pressed to the ground, Orpheus took his wife’s spirit and left the underworld.

I crossed my arms, looking at Persephone as she stepped beside me.

"Thank you, Lord Hades..."

"I didn’t do it because you asked. It was simply a reward befitting his feat."

"Oh, of course! I understand! Hehe!"

She didn’t look very convinced. No matter...

"Who’s outside? Come in!"

"Yes, my lord. How may I serve?"

The attendant, still affected by Orpheus’s music, entered with tears streaming down his face.

"Deliver a message to Olympus. I wish to recommend a candidate for a minor god of music."

"Understood!"

"That mortal hero who just left will be the candidate. Let it be known that when Orpheus’s life reaches its end, his soul shall ascend to Olympus. Inform Charon that I will see him later as well."

With the hall finally quiet, only the stillness remained after the music that had filled the underworld dissipated.

Many humans risk their lives or face danger for love, but to venture into the underworld to plead with me for a dead wife... His bravery and resolve mark him as a true hero.

And yet, of all times, he had to come now and interrupt...

I’ll be lenient, given the grief of losing his wife and the unfortunate timing with my proposal.

‘Still, it’s vexing. Well, I’ll deal with him in death...’

Even though such matters shouldn’t involve personal feelings...

Once he becomes a god, I’ll make sure to put him to use at every occasion. I’ve needed someone for the wedding music, after all.

"Oh! Lord Hades, I almost forgot to mention... the gift I prepared!"

"The gift you promised me?"

"Yes, here it is!"

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Just before Orpheus arrived, Persephone had planned to return to the living realm soon, and she had prepared a gift.

I took the small box she offered, opening it to find something entirely unexpected. I had anticipated flowers or some other modest treasure...

"It’s a ‘One Wish Coupon’ from Persephone!"

"......?"

"I’ll grant any wish! You can keep it until you need it!"

Persephone beamed, one hand placed jauntily on her hip. I stared at her, completely caught off guard.

The lively spirit of this young goddess, not even five hundred years old...

In her elegant script, the parchment at the bottom read:

As the goddess of spring and seeds, I vow to fulfill the desire of the holder.

The words glowed faintly in gold, perhaps imbued with divine power.

I chuckled softly, handing the wish coupon back to her.

"Thank you, Persephone. I’ll use this wish right now."

"Right now...? Hm-hm! Alright, anything you want!"

Amused by her confused expression, I took out a box I had prepared and opened it, revealing the contents.

"This is my wish—accept it."

"Huh...?"

"I love you, Kore. Marry me."

"Oh... I... If that was your wish, you wouldn’t have needed the coupon..."

The gift I presented to Kore was a golden apple.

Taken from Gaia’s golden apple tree, the one she gifted to Hera and Zeus when they wed, before she and we fell out.

On the apple, words had been inscribed in dark lettering by the power of the underworld:

To the beautiful goddess of spring and seeds.

"This... isn’t this Lady Hera’s golden apple? Such a precious thing... for me!"

"As the god of wealth, rare treasures are within my reach."

Blushing, she accepted the apple, and I leaned over to kiss her forehead.

"So? Your answer?"

"Of course, yes! Oh, and you can’t change your mind later or...!"

"I swear by the River Styx—our bond will be an eternal spring."

"Hmm!"

Sighing softly, Kore pressed her face into my chest, and we held each other in a gentle embrace, until a messenger arrived to bring Olympus’s response.

Winter would never come.