Chapter 15

Even Demeter, who once froze the world in anger, eventually accepted their love, and the wedding preparations, following even Persephone’s smallest wishes, progressed at an astonishing pace.

Hades was so busy with Underworld affairs that he barely had time to breathe, so Persephone naturally took charge of the preparations. But she seemed happy, checking each detail and picturing the upcoming wedding in her mind.

“It’s an honor to meet you, Miss Persephone. I’m Ageph, the one in charge of making your wedding outfits.”

“Nice to meet you. I look forward to your help today.”

When Persephone greeted her with a bright smile, Ageph’s eyes sparkled as she gestured. Then assistants entered, carrying colorful fabrics. Among the beautiful silhouettes, textures, and eye-catching materials, Persephone hesitated for a while before choosing a combination of black and white. It was the perfect choice to symbolize the coexistence of light and darkness between the two of them.

“An excellent choice, Miss Persephone. Now, let’s fit the dress.”

“Please do.”

At the designer’s signal, the maids spread out the fabric. Persephone approached the mirror, carefully removed her top, and draped the fabric over her shoulders. The designer came closer and began adjusting the fabric to her body.

Just then, the door opened, and a gentle, low voice sounded.

“Kore, I heard you were trying on your gown today, so I stopped by.”

“Hades!”

Persephone greeted him happily. It had been so long since she’d seen him, her face lit up.

“It’s been so long. You’ve been so busy, I thought I’d only see you on the wedding day.”

“I’m sorry. There’s been so much work… But today, I really wanted to come see you.”

He looked at her with a gentle smile, but soon his gaze shifted toward the designer. Instantly, his eyes turned cold.

“…The designer is a man.”

“Hm? Ah, he’s someone Lord Zeus recommended. He’s apparently very skilled at making clothes…”

“Isn’t he standing a little too close to you?”

“What…? Of course he has to be close to fit the dress.”

“Everyone, please leave.”

At Hades’s low and firm voice, no one in the room dared to disobey, and they all left at once. Flustered, Persephone turned and burst out laughing.

“Wait… Hades, are you jealous right now?”

Instead of answering, Hades looked at her in silence and then spoke quietly.

“It’s not so much jealousy… It just makes me very uncomfortable to see someone touching your body so carelessly. And the fact that Zeus sent him makes me dislike it even more.”

“Hades, he was just doing his job as a designer.”

“Even so, there are female designers. There must be a reason Zeus sent a man.”

Hades trailed off, narrowing his eyes as if recalling the touch left on her body. His wariness didn’t subside.

Persephone looked at him and said playfully, 

“Then, Hades, do you want to make my dress?”

“…Me, personally?”

“Yeah. If you make it, no one else will touch me, and you’ll feel better too.”

Suddenly, Hades realized how childish his anger had been. He’d tried to prove his claim over her by being wary of another man.

“I’m sorry, Kore. I showed such a pathetic side in front of you.”

“No, Hades, your jealousy is actually really cute.”

“……”

“To think you care about me and love me this much, I almost want to thank Lord Zeus.”

“Are you really okay with someone like me? Even when I’m this petty and jealous?”

“Because it’s you. It’s because you love me so much.”

Persephone smiled softly and reached out her hand.

“If you’re grateful, will you hug me?”

Hades gazed at her for a moment, then came over and pulled her into a tight embrace. When her chest touched his arms, she slowly buried her face in his chest, then gently lifted her head.

Hades carefully cupped her chin and gave her a deep, passionate kiss. Persephone let out a short breath and wrapped her arms around his neck.

In that moment, as breath met breath and warmth was shared, the Lord of the Underworld was no longer the cold God of the depths. He was a man who surrendered before love.

***

Since the creation of the heavens and earth and the division of the Underworld, the world had never been so stirred—like the day the sky and land first split apart. Songs rang out every day, and smiles lingered on people’s faces. Even Olympus, usually filled only with authority and solemnity, was now vibrant with excitement and anticipation; the Gods could not stop whispering and laughing among themselves.

It was the moment all living things had longed for and awaited the most.

The wedding of Hades and Persephone.

Under Persephone’s direction, the wedding hall was decorated in a perfect and bewitching atmosphere. Softly shining black silk curtains, star-like decorations, and plants harmonizing darkness and life. Her personal touch was evident everywhere. The wedding attire, too, was chosen by her, one by one. Simple yet elegant, with restrained curves and refined colors, the design drew admiration from all who saw it.

“You look so beautiful, Miss Persephone. Today, you outshine any Goddess.”

“Truly. Words like ‘beautiful’ or ‘elegant’ aren’t enough. Of all the Goddesses I’ve seen, you are by far the most radiant.”

“It’s all thanks to your efforts. Thank you, everyone.”

“No, it’s our honor to help on such a day.”

The bridal waiting room was filled with laughter and warmth.

Persephone wore a black dress. Against her fair skin, the dress shone even brighter, dignified like the very essence of the Underworld, and the exquisite design baring her shoulders highlighted her neckline and collarbones.

Her hair was half-tied, flowing softly, and blue gemstone ornaments scattered through it sparkled like starlight. Even in silence, she radiated presence—a true queen of darkness and life.

Just then,

“Kore, are you ready—?”

Creak,

The door opened and Hades entered. But he stopped at the threshold, unable to take a step inside. His lips were closed, but his eyes said everything.

When Persephone turned to look at him, Hades’s expression came into view: as if he’d swallowed his breath, both surprised and awestruck.

“Hades, what are you doing standing there in the doorway?”

“…You’re so beautiful, I couldn’t help but stop.”

At his words, Persephone smiled softly and approached him.

The Hades standing before her was different from usual.

He, who always insisted on deep black, was wearing white today. The soft white fabric, edged in black, was neat and sacred, giving him an almost divine aura. He looked so immaculate, he could have been mistaken for a God of light.

“You look wonderful today too, Hades.”

“You chose these clothes for me. I just followed your lead.”

A quiet gaze passed between them.

It was filled with deep affection and the relief of finally reaching each other.

“You look perfect together.”

“Really… There’s no couple more beautiful.”

The maids beside them couldn’t help but exclaim at the sight. Even the air between the two seemed to sparkle. In the time of the Gods, that moment was especially still, as if it would be remembered forever.

As the others watched the blessed couple with envy, the door opened again.

“Kore, my daughter.”

A familiar, weighty voice filled the room.

It was Demeter.

“Mother!”

With a bright smile, Persephone hurried to her mother. The maids quietly stepped back, leaving the two alone in the room.

Hades also thought it right to give them privacy, so he quietly closed the door and left.

In the quiet room, only the long history between mother and daughter and their unresolved feelings remained.

Demeter looked slowly at her daughter’s face. Her eyes were full of both affection and a hint of sadness. After hesitating for a while, she finally spoke.

“My child, Kore. Have you been well?”

“Yes, Mother. I’m doing well. Hades takes such good care of me.”

“I saw earlier… You two looked like honey was dripping from your eyes.”

“Oh, Mother.”

Persephone replied with a laugh, but Demeter’s expression didn’t soften easily.

“But… Kore.”

“Yes, Mother?”

“…Did it really have to be him?”

Demeter’s eyes wavered several times before she got the words out, as if she’d forced herself to ask a question she’d tried to avoid.

Persephone took a short breath and nodded.

She’d expected this moment, but hearing it from her mother still made her heart ache.

“…You know, Mother. You know how long I’ve waited for this moment.”