Chapter 5

After a good rest, the room was still dark and chilly, as expected of the Underworld. But thanks to the blue flame Hades lit for her, she wasn’t afraid.

Unlike yesterday, they decided to have breakfast in the dining hall. Before the meal, a question suddenly came to Persephone’s mind, and she asked Hades.

“Come to think of it, you said we’d spend several days together. What should I do while I’m here?”

“Ah, well…”

She waited for him to speak, staring at his long, sharp lips.

“Well… I’ve lived in the Underworld for quite a while, so I know it well. If you don’t mind, may I show you around?”

“Oh! Actually, I’ve been curious about what’s in the Underworld.”

“Really? Then I’ll guide you to a few places. They’re sights you can only see here.”

“Thank you. Thanks to Lord Hades, I’ll get to look around the Underworld.”

“Then, after the meal, please wait in your room. I’ll come for you.”

Back in her room, the maids came in carrying dresses, jewelry, and cosmetics. With delicate hands, they hung clothes on the rack and spread accessories, perfumes, and makeup tools on the dressing table, filling the room with a bustling beauty.

“We’ll help you get ready.”

“Thank you.”

“Is there a style you usually prefer?”

She paused to think. She hadn’t dressed up much on the surface, so no particular style came to mind.

“Um… not really. If Lord Hades has a style he likes, could you dress me that way?”

“Lord… Hades’s preferred style?”

One maid asked with wide eyes. Persephone nodded.

“Yes. Is there not a particular one?”

“No. He usually does it himself, so we haven’t had to prepare anything special.”

“I see. Then what’s fashionable in the Underworld? Since I’m touring here, I want to try the local style instead of what I wore on the surface.”

At her words, the maids’ eyes changed. A moment ago, it was just duty; now it was… as if a sense of mission had been added. Persephone could feel the passion, as if they’d staked all their pride on this task.

“Understood. We’ll make sure to prepare styles that are both trendy here and suit your taste, Miss Persephone.”

Soon after the maids left, various dresses were brought in, and the room was filled with luxurious, dark-hued fabrics. Trying on her favorite among the options, the maids quickly decided on the accessories and makeup direction.

“Since the necklace is understated, maybe the earrings should be more glamorous?”

“No, the dress is vintage, so let’s keep the accessories elegant and go with an updo to highlight the lines.”

“Understood.”

After much discussion, the direction was set. With skilled hands, the maids arranged her hair, and as makeup was applied, her reflection in the mirror grew more unfamiliar.

On the surface, she’d gone about unadorned, but now she was becoming someone mysterious and elegant. As her new look bloomed at their fingertips, she unconsciously clasped her hands and gazed at the mirror.

“All done.”

“You look truly beautiful, Miss Persephone.”

She smiled awkwardly and slowly stood. The heavy dress brushed the floor, and the feeling of gems dropping along her neck was unfamiliar. The new look was strange, but not unpleasant.

Creak—

At that moment, the door opened and a familiar, deep voice was heard.

“I came because I heard you were finished—”

Turning her head, she saw Hades stopped at the doorway, looking at her. His gaze was quiet but clearly followed her, filled with emotions beyond words.

She walked toward him slowly. The sound of her adorned shoes echoed softly, and Hades’s eyes never left her for a moment.

“Do I look strange, Lord Hades? It’s unfamiliar, but I tried the local style.”

“N-not at all. Shall we go, Miss Kore?”

He answered briefly, turning his head, but she didn’t miss the faint blush on his ears.

Stepping out with Hades, she stood by his side. Her heart started to beat strangely. An unfamiliar excitement quietly bloomed in her chest.

“Wow, did you see that?”

As the door closed and their footsteps faded, the remaining maids spoke cautiously.

“I never thought Lord Hades would make that face.”

“He really looked like a man in love, didn’t he?”

“Just in love? He looked ready to give up everything.”

“But isn’t Miss Persephone so beautiful? Even I can understand why Lord Hades is so taken.”

“That’s right. She must have been devastated to come to the Underworld, but she’s not anxious at all and is trying to have a good time with Lord Hades. It’s impressive.”

“If someone like Miss Persephone stays with Lord Hades… I think the Underworld’s atmosphere will change a lot…”

“Tsk, we shouldn’t talk about this carelessly. If Lord Hades or Miss Persephone hears, we’ll be in trouble, so everyone be careful.”

“Understood.”

“We’ll keep that in mind.”

***

Following Hades, they arrived where a horse stood quietly. Its glossy black coat and blue mane flowing over its forehead flickered like flames. The sight was both mysterious and imposing. The energy emanating from the horse reminded her again that this was the Underworld.

“We’ll be riding that horse today.”

Hades spoke quietly. As if responding to his voice, the horse nodded slightly and pawed the ground, causing a small blue flame to spark.

“Does the horse have a name? Since it’s guiding us, I’d like to know what to call it.”

She asked carefully, and Hades lifted the corners of his mouth as he replied.

“His name is Necron. He only listens to me, so he’s quite fierce. I recommend not approaching him alone.”

There was a hint of concern in Hades’s voice. Yet Persephone felt instinctively drawn to Necron. His gaze was somehow familiar. She slowly approached and carefully looked into Necron’s eyes.

Hiiing!

Suddenly, the horse reared up and cried out excitedly. The heavy sound resonated through the ground, and the air tightened with tension.

“No, Necron!”

Hades shouted urgently, throwing himself toward Persephone. But contrary to his worries, Necron soon lowered his front legs, bowed his head to her, and quietly pressed his nose to her fingertips, as if asking to be petted.

“Hehe— Nice to meet you, Necron.”

She gently stroked his head. The horse’s warm breath tickled her fingers, bringing a strange sense of peace.

“Huh, he’s never listened to anyone else before. It seems Necron likes you, Miss Kore.”

Hades laughed as if in disbelief, but there was clear surprise and admiration in his voice.

“Oh my, that’s an honor.”

Persephone approached Necron’s side and leaned against him. Necron lowered his stance for her.

“Lord Hades, but there’s a problem.”

“What’s the problem, Miss Kore?”

“Well… wouldn’t it be uncomfortable for both me and Necron if I ride him in this dress?”

Hearing her words, Hades’s expression showed he realized the issue.

“I’m sorry, Miss Kore. I always ride alone, so I didn’t consider a lady’s comfort.”

His face was full of regret, and he seemed ready to call for a carriage. Seeing this, Persephone grabbed her dress and tore it straight up. She felt a bit sorry for the dress she liked, but didn’t hesitate.

“Miss Kore! Why did you suddenly…?”

“If it’s shorter like this, I can ride Necron! It’s my first date with you, Lord Hades, I’d rather ride Necron together than take a carriage.”

Hades looked truly flustered, but at her gesture to hurry, he took her hand and slowly helped her onto Necron’s back.

As soon as she was seated, Necron straightened his legs and stood tall. After a series of surprising events, Hades let out a sigh and laughed.

“It seems you’re the real owner, Miss Kore. I can’t believe he’s acting like this.”

He laughed helplessly and climbed up to sit beside her.

“Pfft— I suppose I’ll have to spend a lot of time with Necron while I’m in the Underworld.”

“Oh my, I already have a rival. I’ll have to try harder.”

His voice was a mix of playfulness and sincerity. Persephone laughed at his words, and Hades, with a softer expression, sat beside her.

When he climbed up, the space on the horse suddenly felt smaller. His arm gently wrapped around her waist, and the warmth and firmness of his chest from behind, along with his low, deep breath brushing her ear, made her head spin.

“Then, let’s head to the first location. If you’re worried about falling, just grab Necron’s mane.”

“Yes, Lord Hades.”

With frozen fingertips, Persephone carefully gripped Necron’s mane. Hades pulled the reins tightly, and Necron instantly kicked off and rushed forward. The wind brushed her face, and blue flames flickered brilliantly between the black mane.

Necron soared upward, and once he reached a certain height, he began to walk slowly, as if telling Persephone to enjoy the view. Thanks to that, she could take in the scenery of the Underworld all at once and look for places worth exploring.

“I’ll guide you to a place you already know.”

“A place I know…?”

“Yes. Among the rivers that the dead cross to enter the Underworld, this is the last one—the River Styx.”

“Ah, I know the River Styx. Thanks to you, Lord Hades, I get to see a place I’ve only heard about.”

The long river surrounding the Underworld felt grand, yet somehow chilling.

“There are many departed souls here, so it might be hard for you. The River Styx is the entrance to this world. I wanted to show it to you first.”

“It’s not good for me?”

“You govern the place where life sprouts. This place, full of death, might be overwhelming for you.”

“Oh, maybe that’s why I’ve been feeling cold…”

“I took measures so it wouldn’t affect you, but it seems I couldn’t help it. I’m sorry.”

Hades looked at her with regret. His gaze made her heart flutter, but she smiled and shook her head.

“No, Lord Hades, if not for you, I would never have seen the Underworld like this.”

“Thank you for understanding. Let’s look around a little and move on. The River Styx is the entrance for the dead, but it’s also famous for another reason.”

“Oh! Is it true that if you swear an oath here, anything will come true?”

Hades’s eyes softened, apparently pleased that Persephone knew about the Underworld.

“That’s right. Also, if you bathe in this river, no weapon can kill you.”

“That’s an amazing river. But I’ve heard it’s dangerous too.”

“Yes. Any oath made here must be kept. Even the Gods of Olympus are not exempt.”

“Really?”

“Yes. Even I, who rule this place, am not an exception.”

“That’s incredible.”

“So if you ever want to swear an oath at the River Styx, please think very carefully first.”

“I’ll keep that in mind, Lord Hades. By the way, have you ever sworn an oath to anyone? You’ve been here a long time, so I thought you might have.”

“I haven’t sworn to anyone yet. But… if I ever do…”

Feeling his gaze from behind, Persephone turned to find Hades looking straight at her. His intense gaze seemed to want to hold her even closer, and she could feel a subtle pressure in his arm.