Chapter 3

“I’m sorry. I’m a bit late, aren’t I?”

“It’s fine. You must be tired from the trip—please, sit down.”

Seeing her rush in, Hades stood up and pulled out the chair opposite him.

“Thank you, Lord Hades.”

She smiled softly as he returned to his seat. Perhaps because it was the dining hall of the king of the Underworld, the place was imposing in size. There were no grand decorations, but the atmosphere alone was overwhelming.

“The way here was more complicated than I expected, wasn’t it?”

“It was fine. Thanks to you, I got to see a lot of interesting things.”

“Interesting things?”

“Yes. There’s a lot on display.”

He looked as if he couldn’t remember what was on display and wanted her to explain, but she deliberately didn’t mention it. If he realized she’d seen his childhood portrait, his face would surely turn red as a beet, and he’d insist on eating somewhere else.

‘That’s the last thing I want.’

“What’s on the menu for today’s meal?”

“Ah, I’m sorry. You must be very hungry—I’ll have the food brought out quickly.”

Hades, who had been quietly watching her, softly called a maid and gave instructions in a gentle voice. Soon after, several maids entered carrying plates.

“Today’s meal is steak grilled with blue flames, soul juice made from the Underworld’s soul fruit, and a salad topped with sauce made from black pomegranate.”

With the maid’s introduction, the dishes were set before her. The colors of the food were unlike anything on the surface, giving off a mysterious vibe, and she found herself staring, entranced.

“The food of the Underworld must seem unfamiliar, right?”

“Yes. Even the descriptions and the food in front of me are all so fascinating.”

“The taste shouldn’t be much different from what you’re used to on the surface. I chose dishes similar to those you like, so please eat before it gets cold.”

Hearing he’d chosen the menu with her in mind made her cheeks flush.

He’s much kinder than she expected.

It had only been a short time, but he was so different from the Hades she thought she knew; she began to understand why he’d wanted to see her alone in the Underworld.

The fact that he’d abducted her was slowly fading from her mind.

“Thank you. I’ll eat well.”

Wondering what to try first, she reached for the salad. She dipped the vegetables generously in the black pomegranate sauce the maid had mentioned, and as she brought it to her lips, a thought struck her.

“Come to think of it, I still haven’t heard your answer, Lord Hades. Shouldn’t we finish that conversation first?”

Seated at the table in the dining hall, Persephone looked at him before even glancing at the neatly arranged tableware. Their eyes met hesitantly, and she tilted her head lightly.

“Mi–m sorry. I was only thinking about how you must be hungry…”

Hades avoided her gaze and let out a small sigh. Then he quietly gestured to the maids. No words were needed. The maids withdrew silently and skillfully. Soon, only the two of them remained in the spacious dining hall. A cautious tension floated between the gentle lighting.

“Miss Persephone, what kind of answer do you wish to hear from me?”

His question was gentle, but it was clear he was inwardly nervous.

“You said you wanted to talk to me alone, didn’t you? Surely the conversation we had in the room earlier isn’t all you wanted to say?”

She tilted her head slightly, looking at him with a smile in her eyes.

“Ah… No. Earlier, I think I revealed my feelings too hastily, so I wanted to prepare myself better before speaking this time.”

Hades fiddled absentmindedly with his fingertips. His hands, resting on the black table, seemed to tremble ever so slightly.

“Is it that you’re still not ready?”

She asked again, her smile mischievous. His expression darkened noticeably, then quickly turned to embarrassment.

“If I say it during the meal and you feel uncomfortable, what should I do? So I thought it might be best to talk after we finish eating.”

“But I want to hear it now…”

At her words, he opened his eyes wide and parted his lips, then quickly closed them. She’d noticed it before—Hades’s flustered look was a rare and precious sight in this Underworld.

Watching him, her playful side kept rising. He probably didn’t even realize how cute he looked, blushing with that normally cold and composed face.

‘If he showed this side on the surface, there’d be a line of people following him around.’

Thinking that, she flashed another mischievous smile.

“Miss Persephone.”

He paused as if catching his breath, then finally looked at her directly and spoke.

“Earlier, I was so flustered I couldn’t say it properly… but formally, I’d like to ask you on a date. While you’re here, would you spend time with me, getting to know each other?”

His words weren’t flashy like a grand confession, but his sincerity came through clearly. Persephone was surprised, unable to close her mouth for a moment, then slowly nodded.

“Yes, I’d like that. While I’m in the Underworld, I’ll go on dates with you, Lord Hades. But I’m very curious and love interesting things. If we’re going to date here, I trust you’ll show me and share a lot of things?”

Hades’s lips curled up slightly. His smile was especially careful, his eyes holding a hint of gratitude.

“Thank you, Miss Persephone.”

“No need to thank me. I only accepted your invitation.”

“I know it may have been a sudden request, so I’m grateful for your kindness.”

At his words, Persephone lowered her gaze for a moment. His words were so sincere that she couldn’t respond playfully anymore.

But soon she raised her head again.

“By the way, I have a question. You could have invited me when we met on the surface, so why didn’t you? Is it… a bold preference?”

Her question was filled with genuine curiosity. Now, she truly wanted to know why he’d brought her here.

“Ah, that’s…”

“No matter how negative others’ opinions may be, it’s hard to understand why you’d do something so reckless.”

“I’m sorry for treating you harshly. But I thought if I approached you, someone else would surely interfere.”

“Are you talking about my mother?”

The words slipped out reflexively, but he didn’t answer, as if it were true.

“My mother does care for me a lot, but she wouldn’t have stopped you just for approaching me.”

“Demeter is gentle and warm to you, her daughter, Miss Persephone. But she can be endlessly cold to others.”

Hearing something unfamiliar, Persephone blinked and asked again.

“My mother?”

Hades nodded slowly.

“Yes. Demeter is the Goddess of the Earth. She’s kind, but if her mood turns, no one can stop what happens.”

As if recalling something terrible, a shadow passed over Hades’s face. Instead of his usual cold look, his expression was full of complex emotions.

“If you say so, Lord Hades, then….”

She trailed off naturally. His expression was more convincing than any explanation.

“Just abducting you has already provoked Demeter’s anger beyond what I can handle. Still, I thought this was the only way to speak with you without her interference. I hope you can understand.”

Persephone quietly took a breath. She was Demeter’s daughter, but Hades had known her mother far longer. The Gods of Olympus each had their own history. She realized there must be sides of her mother she didn’t know, so she decided to trust his words.

“All right. But I was really shocked at first. I was scared, too. Even if this time couldn’t be helped, please promise you’ll never do this again.”

“I… I apologize once more. I acted impulsively and didn’t consider your feelings. If I’d had more time, I would have explained, but I can’t stay on the surface for long.”

“Is it because of your powers, Lord Hades?”

He nodded slowly.

“If I, who govern the Underworld, leave my place too long, the order between the surface and the Underworld can be disrupted. So, except for visiting the Olympus Temple, where my powers don’t affect me, I can’t spend much time on the surface.”

She quietly accepted his words. She’d suspected as much. Hearing he couldn’t stay on the surface long because of his powers, she felt a glimpse of the loneliness he must have endured.

“No matter my circumstances, I should have considered your feelings first… I’m sorry. But while you’re in the Underworld, I’ll always put your wishes first.”

His gaze carefully met hers, as if he no longer wished to hide his sincerity.

“So if I say I want to return to the surface, you’ll send me back right away?”

“Yes. I’ll send you immediately.”

She nodded and spoke right away.

“Then please send me back to the surface now.”

“What? But you said you’d go on dates with me…”

He looked at her in surprise, and she barely suppressed a smile as she replied.

“You said you’d send me back anytime I wanted, didn’t you?”

“S-sorry. I was just a bit flustered… I’ll prepare right away.”

He got up in a hurry, moving a bit slowly as he prepared something. Persephone placed her hands on the table, swallowing her laughter.

“Really… I guess I shouldn’t lie in front of you, Lord Hades.”

“Hm?”

He turned his head and asked, and she quietly grabbed his sleeve. She had to stop him quickly, or he really would send her back immediately.

“I was testing whether you really meant to send me back. I’m sorry for tricking you. I just wanted to know your true feelings.”

She bowed her head slightly, then looked up at him. She wondered if her little prank to test him had startled him too much.

“Ha… No. I’m actually relieved it was a lie. I was thinking deeply about what I should do if I really had to send you away.”

Hades let out a sigh of relief and smiled faintly. His gaze was still uncertain, but there was tenderness in it.

“Really? What were you planning to do?”

She asked with wide, curious eyes, and he quickly looked away. His furrowed brow and pursed lips showed how complicated his feelings were, enough to make her want to peek into his mind.

“Ah… That… Oh, the food will get cold at this rate. Please eat, Miss Persephone.”

He hurriedly turned his gaze to the table, embarrassed. She smiled at his awkwardness and nodded.

“Yes, Lord Hades.”

Now that her questions had been answered one by one, she finally noticed the feast before her. She carefully picked up the vegetables she hadn’t touched before. The subtle aroma relaxed her, and her nerves slowly calmed.

Without a second thought, she took a bite—

“Ugh!”