King of Underworld

Chapter 64

Today is one of those days spent in the office with Menthe, wrestling with a problem. We need to resolve the issue of the overwhelming mint scent that Charon has been complaining about, emanating from the souls arriving from the mortal realm.

"Oh, Hades, you finally asked about it... My nose has been suffering..."

"I see. I apologize for not addressing it sooner. You should have mentioned it earlier..."

"Don’t misunderstand me. It’s not that your symbol has an unpleasant odor or that I dislike it... It’s just, well..."

"...I’ll consult with Menthe and resolve this for you quickly."

I recalled Athena mentioning the overabundance of mint being harvested near the Acheron River. So, after checking the entrance to the Underworld and consulting with Charon...

"I noticed the mint scent was quite strong. It’s understandable that some might find it unpleasant."

"But Hades, if mint becomes widespread in food, wouldn’t that increase its use at funerals?"

"Even so, humans wouldn’t waste a plant that’s also used as food just for funerals..."

Mint is a plant with exceptional growth and survival capabilities. Could this be because it was born from the power of Menthe, who was once a nymph? However, in my previous life, there were no nymphs...

As Menthe and I discussed this over the mint leaves on my desk, I suddenly had a craving for some refreshing mint tea.

"Hades?"

"Hold on a moment..."

I stood up briefly and retrieved the Cornucopia, the Horn of Plenty. I reached inside the broken horn, thinking of a yellow-tinged fruit: a lemon.

Plop.

"Wow... So this is the Cornucopia? It’s my first time seeing it."

"It’s not necessary for sustenance, but it’s useful when I want a little something to cleanse my palate."

I peeled the lemon that had popped out of the Cornucopia, letting it float in the air alongside the mint leaves...

"Do you enjoy sweet things?"

"Of course! I love honey. The bees near Mount Etna have been blessed by Pan..."

When I turned the Cornucopia over and thought of honey, golden liquid slowly flowed out. I caught the right amount mid-air and mixed it well, pouring it into a golden goblet.

Soon, the honey-lemon-mint tea was complete.

"This is mint tea, personally made by you, Lord Hades...!"

The tea, a delicate yellow, shimmered in the golden goblet. I offered it to Menthe, whose eyes sparkled, and took a few sips myself.

Slurp

The ripe lemon blended perfectly, offering a balanced tartness that complemented the refreshing mint aroma. The sweetness of the finest honey I could imagine rounded out the flavor.

"Wow... This is delicious. I think humans would really enjoy it."

"If there are any gods who aren’t too busy right now, we should call them over to share this."

"I’ll go. I saw Lady Styx resting in her room earlier..."

Menthe, having quickly finished her tea, left the office, licking her lips.

I waited for a bit, sipping the tea while she was gone. It might be a good idea to introduce more varieties of mint to the mortal world, encouraging them to use it in different dishes...

Oh, and I could issue an oracle, reminding my followers not to oppress those who dislike the scent of mint. Personal taste varies widely, so it might be best to allow my followers who dislike mint to keep their distance...

Clunk

"Hades. Menthe called me over."

"What’s the plan this time? Are you handing out rewards for hard work?"

"Mint tea? Isn’t that a plant humans use mostly for funerals?"

"Hello, Tisiphone. It’s been a while. Have there been fewer adulterers in the mortal realm lately?"

"...Thanatos."

Fortunately, it seems everyone is getting along well. It feels satisfying to see my efforts finally bearing fruit.

I was right to occasionally bring gods to visit their dark caves on the outskirts of the Underworld. Even the fearsome appearance of the Erinyes can become less intimidating over time.

"...I am Medusa, now a minor goddess, greeting you, Lady Alecto (goddess of unceasing anger)."

"I was actually considering paying you a visit."

"Is that so..."

"If you had continued to harbor rage even in the Underworld, I would have held the gods responsible for your suffering."

"Even those two gods...?"

I was a bit surprised by the conversation between Medusa and Alecto. The Furies rarely confront powerful gods directly.

Even Hera, as the goddess of marriage, might punish a woman who was wronged, but she could never harm Zeus.

Alecto sighed and continued speaking to Medusa, who had lowered her head.

"Poseidon and Athena wronged you terribly. I know you must harbor deep resentment toward the gods..."

"Yes..."

"But I hope you’ll come to realize that not all gods are like that."

As I noticed the two goddesses’ gazes turning toward me, I looked away. Ahem... It’s not that I’m a virtuous god; it’s just that so many of the others have their own peculiarities.

Both Medusa, newly elevated to godhood, and Menthe seemed to be fitting in well. My efforts to educate the other gods are paying off.

I’ve always hoped to minimize discrimination based on status or birth, and it seems my efforts...

"When should we start?"

"Huh? Charon? How did you get here?"

"Hmph... Can’t I come? I left a part of my power with my avatar to handle things. But I’ll have to return soon."

"Morpheus, why did you send a dream before I was fully asleep?"

"I guess I also had a dream..."

"The people of Athens mistook it for an oracle. Be more careful next time."

"Oh... Hades, let’s start soon. It looks like everyone’s here..."

Lady Styx, who was already tipsy on nectar, called out to me. Isn’t she drinking a bit too much, even if the work is tough?

All eyes turned to me, and I slowly looked around the room. Lady Lethe, Lady Styx, Medusa and Menthe looking a bit awkward, Thanatos still working hard...

And all the other gods and administrators of the Underworld... those who have always helped and supported me. I hope today’s feast serves as a small token of my gratitude.

Ahem. Ahem.

I stood up, slowly raising a golden goblet filled with nectar as I began to speak. The other gods followed suit, raising their goblets of nectar.

"Then, let the feast of the Underworld begin! It may be modest compared to Olympus, but I hope everyone enjoys themselves today!"

Ahem... Formal speech feels strange to me. Zeus might be used to ruling with such authority in Olympus, but the Underworld is much more egalitarian...

After I finished speaking, Thanatos, one of the oldest among us, raised his voice.

"Glory to the Underworld...!"

"Glory to the Underworld!"

And so began a feast that felt as though it might never end...