The Story of Persephone - Part 1
A long time has passed since I, along with Menthe, introduced mint-based dishes to the mortal world. Thankfully, it seems to have had the desired effect, as Charon, the ferryman, expressed his genuine appreciation.
Shall I take a moment to observe the mortal world's reaction?
Thebes has now almost entirely become my domain, to the point where it could be compared to the worship of Athena in Athens.
The worshipers of Dionysus have been reduced to a minority, likely due to the spread of stories warning that those who indulge in lawlessness and excess will be judged in the Underworld.
If I listen carefully for a moment, I can hear the conversations of the people of Thebes. Near my temple, I can make out those discussing mint:
"We should probably adjust the amount of mint used in funerals."
"We could also consume the plant blessed by Pluto."
"It grows well with just a little water. Why not cultivate it in large quantities?"
"Since it's primarily used as a spice like other herbs, I don't think we need to grow it on such a large scale..."
"Hey, priest, is it true that to become a priest of Pluto, you have to enjoy eating mint?"
"Hahaha! It’s true that mint is Pluto’s symbol. But do you know what the god said in his oracle?"
"An oracle? What was it?"
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"He said that personal preferences vary, so we shouldn’t discriminate against those who dislike his symbol."
"Wow! So, even if I don’t like mint, I can still become a priest!"
As knowledge spread in the mortal realm about how mint could be used in various dishes—such as mint tea or mint and honey snacks—the quantity used in funerals decreased.
As I reviewed the parchment summarizing the spread of mint-based foods, I spoke to Menthe. She stood nearby, looking slightly nervous, which made sense given that she was the one who compiled this report.
"Menthe, you’ve become quite adept at writing reports."
"Really? I guess it’s because I’ve been writing them every day... Hehe..."
Menthe, who once struggled with the tasks of the Underworld, now seems to be adapting well. It might be time to increase her responsibilities.
I looked up with a satisfied smile, only to find Menthe beaming at me with a hopeful expression.
"Lord Hades, now that mint-based foods have spread widely in the mortal world... about the reward you mentioned earlier..."
Ah, yes. I did make a promise to her. If she completed this task successfully, I agreed to take her with me on a patrol near Mount Etna.
"Yes, you did say..."
"That’s right. You’ve been doing well lately, so we’ll go together."
"Wow! Thank you!"
Hug.
Wait, hold on. Just because I agreed doesn’t mean you should suddenly hug me.
"Hehe..."
The refreshing scent of mint tickled my nose as the goddess of mint clung to me.
Menthe and I ventured out into the mortal world, eventually arriving near Mount Etna.
As expected, the vast meadows, animals, and numerous nymphs greeted us. We took a ride around Mount Etna in a chariot drawn by ghostly horses, inspecting the state of Typhon.
As I took in the scenery, I noticed Menthe waving at a group of nymphs in the distance.
"Oh! Delias! Iphigenia!"
"Menthe?!"
"I heard she became a priestess of Lord Hades..."
"No, she said she’s become a goddess now, didn’t she?"
There were several naiads, former nymphs like Menthe, playing in the forest. They seemed happy to see Menthe, but when they caught sight of me in the chariot...
"Gasp! A... A god?"
"Menthe became a minor deity of the Underworld... so does that mean..."
"Black hair, black eyes, ghostly horses... The Lord of the Underworld?"
Their faces turned pale, and they quickly fell to the ground, bowing before me in fear. They were so terrified they couldn’t even think of leaving. I couldn’t help but sigh.
I hadn’t done anything, yet they were already frightened. I suppose no one welcomes the Underworld... Menthe, who boldly approached me on our first meeting, is indeed an exception.
"Menthe. I’ll be inspecting other areas, so feel free to spend time with your friends."
"Uh... thank you. I think their prejudice is a bit too strong..."
With a disappointed look, Menthe jumped off the chariot and ran to her friends. I decided to give them some time and space. I’ll return to her later.
"Oh my... Menthe, aren’t you scared?"
"A minor deity of the Underworld..."
"It’s good that you’ve become a goddess, but to be tied to the Underworld..."
"Hmph... The Underworld isn’t so bad!"
I can hear everything, even from here...
After some time had passed, I returned to where Menthe had disembarked. She should have had enough time to catch up with her friends by now.
As expected, I saw her waiting for me.
"Sigh... I think everyone has too many misconceptions about the Underworld..."
"That’s unavoidable. It’s the final destination for mortals and the realm of the dead."
Seeing her sulking expression as she climbed back into the chariot made me smile. Menthe, who had spent so much time in the mortal world, now seems to have become fully accustomed to the Underworld.
"The Underworld is actually quite enjoyable once you get used to it. I even find the spirits cute now."
"Haha... Or maybe you’re just an unusual nymph."
"Wh-what? I’m just an ordinary naiad! And I’m a goddess now!"
"To me, you’re still that strange nymph from back then."
"I... I’m not strange at all..."
What are you talking about? Where else would I find a nymph who wants to spend time with the ruler of the Underworld?
As I reminisced about those memories, I smiled and glanced at her...
"Hmm?"
Something felt off. This strange feeling... it’s coming from the north. A surge of power, rapidly approaching, in large numbers.
Not just one or two. At least several hundred. Not humans, not nymphs, not even gods...
"Lord Hades?!"
Whoosh—
I began drawing out the divine power I had suppressed while in the mortal realm. The surrounding plants withered, and the dryads, the spirits of the trees, screamed in distress, but I had no choice.
I reached out and scanned the area thoroughly. Beneath the earth, deep below, there was movement... many presences...
Rumble...
This feeling... It’s definitely the Gigantes, the hated enemies of us gods.
And they’ve mobilized at least several hundred of them for an attack. Why here, rather than Olympus or one of the human cities...
Ah, of course.
This is Mount Etna, where Typhon’s body is buried.
If they manage to unearth and seize the powerful body of Typhon, Gaia could accomplish many things.
She could summon Typhon’s consciousness from Tartarus or use his body as a sacrifice to create another monster...
In the worst-case scenario, Typhon could be resurrected...
Even in the best-case scenario, if Typhon’s body goes on a rampage, the damage could be immense. It would take the combined effort of many Olympian gods to contain the devastation his freed body could cause.
"Lord Hades? What’s happening...?"
"The Gigantes are attacking. Return to the Underworld, Menthe."
Was this the single blow Prometheus warned about?
Indeed, if Typhon’s body were to be stolen, it would be a severe loss for the gods.
"No matter how well you prepare... the gods will fall prey to Gaia’s blow, even if I warn you in advance."
"Are you saying we’ll inevitably be caught off guard?"
"Yes, your plans will suffer a painful setback."
But Prometheus, this time, your prophecy will be wrong.
Because I, Hades, am here.
The goddess of mint, Menthe, was in high spirits.
Not only had she successfully carried out Hades’ command to spread mint-based foods in the mortal world, but he had also kept his promise to bring her along on his patrol of Mount Etna.
She had even reunited with her old nymph friends, catching up with them.
Now, she was looking forward to spending some quality time with the handsome Lord Hades.
Usually, the sharp gazes of Lady Styx and Lady Lethe prevented her from getting closer to him, but now that they were alone in the mortal world, she was determined to show him her charm!
...Or so Menthe thought.
"Hmm?"
But as Hades, who had been smiling warmly at her, suddenly stiffened, his face darkened.
A black aura began to seep out from his body.
"Lord Hades?!"
Sensing something amiss, he extended his right hand, summoning his divine power. The overwhelming force of one of the three rulers of the Underworld was unleashed, causing the surrounding plants and creatures to perish.
This wasn’t the usual gentle side of the god who normally held back his power to protect the living things in the mortal world. What on earth was happening? Why was he...?
Whoosh—
The power Hades was drawing out grew stronger, bit by bit... more... and more...
Even if all the gods of the Underworld combined their powers, could they emit such a terrifying pressure?
Neighing Snorting
His ghostly horses, reflecting his emotions, flared with blue ghost flames in their eyes, and their hooves ignited with the fires of the underworld. Baring their sharp teeth, the specters seemed to anticipate the slaughter to come.
The once ordinary chariot now exuded a chilling aura, with the forms of screaming wraiths etched into it. The chariot had transformed into something fit for the ruler of the Underworld to ride into battle.
Menthe trembled in fear as she watched Hades, his form gradually enveloped in darkness.
"Lord Hades? What’s happening...?"
"The Gigantes are attacking. Return to the Underworld, Menthe."
The Gigantes.
The enemies that Hades and the other gods of the Underworld feared and guarded against.
According to prophecy, these monsters were impossible for the gods to defeat without the help of mortal heroes.
Shouldn’t she, now a goddess, help Hades fight against such dangerous foes?
Was he really going to face them alone?
"Lord Hades... I can fight... I can help..."
But as she stammered, his large hand gently brushed through her long hair. His eyes, dark as the deepest abyss, held no end in sight.
Unlike before, when he would awkwardly avoid physical contact with her, he now wore a cold smile as he whispered softly into her ear.
"This is an order, goddess of mint."
The gentle god, Pluto, who cared for the unjustly damned and remained unmoved by blasphemy, was nowhere to be seen.
The figure standing before her now was Hades, the feared ruler of the Underworld.
"Yes... I’ll go call for the other gods. Please be careful."
Menthe couldn’t bring herself to defy his command.