The Story of Hephaestus - (1)
Not long after the situation with the rampaging King Oedipus in Thebes was resolved, I was sharing my powers with my newly appointed priests.
"May the blessing of Hades be upon you..." "O guardian god of Thebes..."
Perhaps it was because I had personally descended to deal with Oedipus, unlike Dionysus, who only sent a divine beast, that the people's faith in me had become even stronger.
"Dionysus sent a divine beast, but the lord of the underworld himself descended to help." "Indeed, it's hard to find anyone in Thebes who isn't a follower of Hades." "Of course, who in Thebes hasn't received the grace of Pluto?"
As a result, the priests of my temple have been kept busy, managing the daily influx of people and verifying those who wish to become new priests.
Even Penedeye, who was newly appointed as the high priest after the previous one stepped down, was complaining of fatigue.
But among the new priests, I noticed a particularly familiar figure.
"Hehe... Handsome and all-powerful Lord Hades..."
Bright, pale turquoise hair... a water nymph, a Naiad. Could it be Mente, whom I met near Mount Etna?
She was praying to me. Surprisingly, her devotion was so strong that I could even descend into her body.
"Mente, how did you become one of my priests?" "Hah! Lord Hades!"
I spoke to her telepathically, and Mente was startled. The other worshippers around her turned to look.
"Did she just hear Lord Hades?" "As expected from the one who created mint..." "She must be truly favored by Lord Hades..."
Mente, smiling brightly, moved to a quiet place and clasped her hands together once more.
"I came all the way here when I heard there was a temple of Lord Hades in Thebes!" "Aren't you a nymph from near Mount Etna? How did you come to Thebes...?"
Nymphs are spirits that dwell in nature or objects, and if the place they inhabit is destroyed, the nymph dies as well.
That's why most nymphs don't stray far from where they dwell.
"Well, I wanted to serve Lord Hades! There are goddesses, but even in the mortal world..."
Was this because I had made mint a symbol associated with me? It was a rightful reward, and she deserved the recognition.
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"If you don't protect your origin, you could be in danger at any moment. Even so..." "I'm fine! I've asked other nymphs to guard my origin!"
Even if she had asked other nearby nymphs she was close to protect her origin, it was like a human leaving their heart behind and traveling far away.
As I was left speechless, Mente cheerfully smiled and spoke again.
"I heard that Lord Hades sometimes descends into the body of a priest..." "That's true..." "So if you were to descend into my body, we could become one... kyah!"
For a moment, I saw a glimpse of Zeus in her expression. Typical Greek nymph behavior—she's a little eccentric...
"Next time you descend, please do so into my body!"
Isn't she afraid of me...? Even other nymphs and gods tremble in fear at the sight of me...
Then again, when I revealed my identity near Mount Etna, she had asked for the reward of spending time with me. Perhaps it's the rumor spreading in Thebes that I am the god of mercy, Pluto, that made her think this way.
Well, she is rather charming, so I'll let it go.
After disconnecting from the mortal world, I took some time to handle my duties.
The news that Gaia had corrupted King Oedipus, the hero of Thebes, had already been relayed to Olympus. I explained to Dionysus that it was due to Gaia's influence. I had also completed my patrol of Tartarus and Mount Etna. There were no longer any severe criminals that Minos found difficult to judge...
Finally, I could get some rest, right?
Just as I was about to relax on my throne, the goddess of oaths entered the room.
"Hades, are you free at the moment?"
Lady Styx?
"What's the matter? Has Thanatos tried to escape again..." "Hephaestus is at the entrance to the underworld and wants to consult with you."
"Hephaestus? Bring him in, then."
What could Hephaestus want to consult with me about? Could there be a soul he cherishes among the dead?
After a short wait, the lame god with a simple face, Hephaestus, entered. The greatest blacksmith god in the world, he appeared somewhat troubled.
"Uncle Hades, thank you for seeing me despite your busy schedule."
"If it's you, who crafted my bident, you're welcome in the underworld anytime."
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I called for a servant to bring nectar and offered it to Hephaestus. He drained the golden cup in one gulp and then spoke to me.
"Aphrodite is so cold to me, Uncle..."
"Ah..."
Aphrodite was known for having relationships with other gods despite being married to Hephaestus. I was aware that Hephaestus knew this...
"No matter how hard I try to win the heart of the goddess of beauty, she shows no interest. Would you believe that we haven't even shared a bed since our marriage?"
Not even once? Good heavens... was it that bad?
You gifted her the magical girdle, the Cestus Himás, and crafted everything she asked for...
"So why are you coming to me with this issue? There are many other popular gods like Apollo or others you could consult with."
Hephaestus glanced at the goddess Styx beside me and then spoke.
"Well, Uncle, despite being busy day and night, you're quite popular among the goddesses, aren't you?"
"Uh..."
"There are many goddesses in Olympus who would love to spend a night with you, Uncle Hades."
Is he referring to those young goddesses who are practically nieces and granddaughters to me? I've always thought it's the title of one of the three great gods that attracts them.
"And most of all...!" "...?" "There's a rumor going around that my wife wants to come down to the underworld just to spend a night with you... Of course, I trust you, Uncle..."
Hephaestus's muscular body and round eyes drooped sadly. Don't worry... I'm not like the king of the gods, I don't engage in infidelity...!
"Yes, I appreciate your trust. I swear by the River Styx that I have never had relations with your wife."
"I knew you would say that! As expected, you're known for being the most impenetrable..."
Impenetrable... what...? I gave Hephaestus a stern look, and he cleared his throat, bowing his head in apology.
"Ahem. I'm sorry. I meant to say, the dignified and honorable lord of the underworld..."
"Let's stop with the strange comments. You wanted advice, didn't you?"
"Yes, that's correct."
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Why does Aphrodite dislike Hephaestus? Well... it's probably his appearance.
Hephaestus, born to Hera and Zeus, was thrown from the clouds by Hera for being born with an ugly, lame appearance that disappointed her.
After falling for nine days, he landed on the island of Lemnos, where he later took revenge on Hera before reconciling with her. However, compared to the other gods, his looks weren't exactly an advantage.
As I pondered, Hephaestus's eyes began to fill with disappointment. His head hung lower and lower, until he seemed like he might gain a divine aspect of depression.
It was so pitiful that I was about to say something when... Ah! An idea struck me.
"Well... how about trying a different approach?"
"What...?"
"Make Aphrodite regret neglecting you and instead, have her become more attached to you..."
Hephaestus, despite his strained relationship with his wife, still loves her. That's why he makes everything she asks for and even gave her the Cestus Himás.
"So, if you start refusing Aphrodite's requests and act indifferent toward her...!"
At this point, the goddess Styx, who had been quietly listening, interrupted me.
"Hades! That's not a good idea!"
"Then do you have another method to help restore harmony in Hephaestus's marriage?"
"Well... that method definitely won't work! If anything, it'll make Aphrodite happier, and she'll just spend more time with other gods!"
She would enjoy it more? How could she...
But they're married, surely there's some affection left...?
The goddess Styx confidently stepped forward. As a fellow goddess, perhaps she had a better solution.
"Why don't you seek help from Lady Hera, the goddess of marriage?"
"Lady Styx... I've already tried that, but it didn't work."
"Then how about creating something that could sway the heart of a goddess, like the Cestus Himás?"
"There are already dozens of such items in my forge..."
"Then...!" "No, you don't have to say anymore. It seems there's no solution..."
The straightforward blacksmith god wept sorrowfully. Despite his status as one of the Twelve Olympians and his reputation as the world's greatest blacksmith...
"My ugly face... my lame leg... must not be to Aphrodite's liking..."
"Ah..."
Right now, he was just a pitiful man who couldn't win the heart of the goddess he loved.
Neither Styx nor I could find any words to console him.
The Story of Hephaestus - (2)
Hephaestus wiped his tears away with flames, which somehow seemed to reflect his sadness. Was there truly no other solution? Perhaps altering his appearance with divine power to suit Aphrodite's tastes...?
"Oh, maybe you should consult Apollo? As the god of medicine, he might be able to..." "I've already tried that."
Hephaestus explained that he had indeed sought out Apollo, hoping that he could change his appearance to match Aphrodite's preferences. But it was impossible. Transforming the appearance of one of the Olympian gods was beyond even Apollo's power, especially since Hephaestus was no ordinary human.
"When I ignite flames for my work, my face quickly returns to its original form." "I see..."
No matter how much Apollo tried to maintain a handsome face, Hephaestus's flames and power always reverted his appearance to its original state. After all, we gods retain the appearance we were born with...
Hephaestus was a lame and unattractive blacksmith not because of his fall to Lemnos but because he was born that way.
"Thank you for listening to my troubles so seriously." "No need to thank me... I'm sorry I couldn't help." "It's alright. It's my fault for not being able to win over my wife."
As Hephaestus turned to leave, I noticed a flicker of flames in his eyes. Oh no... what are you thinking now, my nephew?
"But I absolutely cannot forgive Ares!" "You mean Ares, who had an affair with your wife and fathered Harmonia?"
Aphrodite's love for Ares was strong enough that she bore him a child, the goddess of harmony, Harmonia. However, as much as the goddess of love loved Ares, it wasn't something that could be easily controlled. Hera, I'm sure, must have told them to stop after Harmonia was born.
"Didn't Hera tell Aphrodite to stop her infidelity some time ago?" "Yes, she did. But..."
Hephaestus, unable to bear it any longer, had complained to Hera. Feeling guilty for throwing her son off Lemnos, Hera agreed to his request.
I heard from Hermes, who visits the underworld frequently, that the queen of the gods quietly summoned the two and warned them. While the Olympian gods are somewhat free-spirited in matters of love, it seems she wanted to remind them to moderate themselves after producing a child through their affair.
Even Zeus, despite his reputation, didn't often engage in affairs that went beyond a one-night stand. When a child was born, he would be careful to avoid Hera's wrath for some time...
"Even after Hera's warning, they continued. I caught them in the middle of a tryst not long ago."
Ares, true to his nature as the god of war, was muscular and handsome, with a protective nature towards his offspring. It's no wonder Aphrodite found it hard to let him go.
"Despite having a child together and being caught several times, they still shamelessly meet!" "Hmm..." "It makes me furious at my wife, too. I've tolerated it because our marriage was forced, but there's a limit...!" "It does seem excessive..." "Still, coming to the underworld has helped me clear my thoughts! Thank you, Uncle."
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What thoughts are you referring to? What are you planning now, my nephew?
"Apollo is hosting an arts festival in Olympus for several days. I would appreciate it if you could attend, Uncle." "Well, I'm not really inclined to go up to Olympus..."
"If you come, I'll inspect your Styx sword, bident, and cap of invisibility." "...Well, since my nephew is asking, of course, I'll go."
I had noticed some slight rust on my Styx sword anyway. If he could inspect the cap and bident as well, it would be beneficial.
Seeing me agree, Hephaestus seemed to make a firm decision, nodding heavily.
"I also have some spectacular art to show at the festival. I want as many gods as possible to see it, so I'll invite the other gods of the underworld too..."
What are you planning?
The day of the arts festival in Olympus arrived. Apollo, the god of the arts, was hosting the event, so expectations were high...
"I'm coming with you to the festival!" "But I want to go too... Styx."
Both Lethe and Styx wanted to accompany me to Olympus. However, only one of them could leave their post.
If both goddesses were to leave the underworld, the remaining gods would be overburdened with work, so only one could go...
"Are we really going to keep doing this?" "You were the one hugging Hades behind my back last time..." "Well, you're always flaunting those big...!" "What did you say?!"
Goddess Styx crossed her arms with a pout, while Lethe stood with her hands on her hips, not backing down. Please... stop this.
"I'll just go alone then..."
"Let's settle this with a draw." "Good idea."
The tension was palpable as the two goddesses quickly prepared for a drawing to decide who would accompany me.
"Yes! I won! Let's go to Olympus, Hades!" "Ugh... The goddess of fortune, Tyche, always seems to turn her back on me at times like this..."
Goddess Styx excitedly waved the winning lot in the air and hugged me. But please, stop burying my face like that... ugh!
...#$%@%!
"Let go of Hades, Styx!" "No~"
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The underworld is as peaceful as ever.
So, I arrived in Olympus with Goddess Styx.
Even outside the palace, the sounds of laughter and music filled the air. The harmonious melodies of lyres, citharas, and auloi played in unison.
"Oh...? It's Lord Hades." "And beside him... Lady Styx? Could it be...?" "I didn't hear any news of the lord of the underworld getting married?"
It's been a while since I've heard such whispers as I walked by. Even if they try to block the sound with divine power, I can still hear it all. You young ones...
"Wow... Hades, look over there."
Styx, who had linked arms with me, pointed to something with her free hand. There was a weaving contest with many goddesses participating.
"Oh... Their craftsmanship is remarkable." "Does weaving require wisdom too?" "I wonder which goddess is the best weaver in Olympus..."
Weaving intricate patterns into fabric is an art form in itself. The contestants... were Athena, Hera, and Hestia.
Ssk Ssk. Cre-eak. Clank.
Athena's tapestry depicted Zeus seated on a golden throne, countless gods battling Typhon, and herself bestowing blessings upon mortals.
Hera showcased a peaceful domestic scene, depicting a woman's joyful face as she cradled her child.
Hestia, in contrast, wove an image of her hearth illuminating the night, evoking the warmth and comfort of her presence.
"As expected, Lady Hera is magnificent..." "Goddess Athena, as the goddess of wisdom, is also a skilled weaver." "It's hard to say who's better... But Athena's tapestry seems the most intricate..." "I agree. Does wisdom include manual skill too?"
The gods around commented on the completed tapestries of the three goddesses. Even to my eyes, Athena's work seemed the most elaborate and well-crafted.
"Athena, you are indeed extraordinary." "It's just a small skill, Lady Hera." "You captured our battle against Typhon well..."
Athena's tapestry depicted the gods during the battle with Typhon. It even included me, wielding the bident in one hand and the cap of invisibility in the other.
As I quietly admired the tapestry, a voice called out to me.
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"Lord Hades." "Dionysus."
With his golden curls reminiscent of Zeus and the scent of strong wine wafting around him, Dionysus, the god of wine and madness, approached me.
He swirled the golden cup of nectar he was holding, transforming its contents into a rich, dark red wine.
"Please try this. I've made it in the most popular style among mortals."
I took the cup and sipped the wine. The bittersweet flavor, accompanied by the deep aroma of grapes, was delightful on the palate.
Of course, nectar tastes better, but Dionysus's wine is a pleasant enough treat. As I set down the empty cup, the wine god sighed and spoke.
"Ah... Because of the recent events, my worship in Thebes has significantly decreased." "You mean when King Oedipus lost his mind." "The temple was burned, the worshippers fled... It seems unlikely that my worship will ever recover in Thebes."
But in Thebes, during your spread of worship, you instilled fear by killing even the king. It didn't seem like the loyalty or faith of your followers was that deep...
"I have a request, Uncle." "Go ahead." "Even if Gaia is to blame, can you not impose a harsher punishment on Oedipus?"
That's not possible. No matter how much my nephew asks, I can't change the laws of the underworld on a whim.
"Once a judgment is passed, it cannot be altered. And I determined that his punishment was appropriate." "But that man killed one of my beloved leopards." "I understand your situation. But please remember that he was a victim as well." "Yes... I understand, Uncle."
Dionysus nodded with a bitter smile and stepped back quietly.
I had already explained the decision regarding Oedipus to him, but it seems he's still holding on to his grudge.
"You're still lenient with mortals, Uncle. Even refusing your nephew's request." "Hermes." "And may I whisper something to you for a moment...?"
Hermes approached me with a mischievous grin. Why whisper... is there something secret he wants to share?
"Hehe... Is it true that you refused Dionysus's request simply because he's not a cute female relative?" "Stop with the nonsense. Now tell me, is there a war or something?" "What do you mean?" "Despite this being a major festival, some gods are missing. I don't see Ares either."
This festival seems just like any other in Olympus, but I've noticed that some gods are absent. Ares, who would usually be enjoying his nectar, isn't here. Aphrodite, who should be sitting somewhere eyeing the gods, is also missing.
And most importantly...
"I came because Hephaestus invited me, but where is he?" "Well... As far as I know, Hephaestus went to Lemnos for some business and was supposed to return a few days later."
What is going on?
Just as Hermes looked equally puzzled, the blacksmith god appeared on a large platform.
"Wait a minute... Wasn't Hephaestus supposed to be on Lemnos?" "I thought he wouldn't return until the last day of the festival."
Hephaestus sought permission from Zeus and then began to speak. His powerful voice echoed throughout Olympus.
"Ahem. Ahem. Everyone! I, Hephaestus, have created a masterpiece, the pinnacle of art, for all the gods participating in this festival!"
The next chapter will be updated on August 10 at 8 PM.The Story of Hephaestus - (3)
Hephaestus had told the Olympian gods that he would be spending a few days on Lemnos Island, only to suddenly appear at the festival? Something about this seems suspicious...
I observed Hephaestus as he stood on the podium.
"If you all follow me for just a moment, you'll be able to witness my masterpiece!"
"A masterpiece? Made by the god of blacksmithing...?" "Hephaestus is good at crafting weapons, but art?" "Is it something large in scale?"
As the gods whispered curiously, Zeus, who was enjoying his ambrosia, addressed him.
"Hephaestus, you seem so confident—should I expect something great?" "Of course, Father. Even Apollo won't be able to surpass this work of mine!"
What exactly did you make, nephew? Surely it's not a weapon like my bident...
Hephaestus's boast, saying his work could surpass even that of the god of the arts, was so self-assured that it bordered on arrogance. The murmurs among the gods grew louder, but Apollo only smiled with curiosity.
"Very well, since you speak so confidently, let's see it. Lead the way." "Yes, Father. Anyone who wishes to see it, please follow me!"
Zeus stood up, and Poseidon, intrigued, also began to walk forward.
Although Hephaestus is renowned as a blacksmith, he's never shown much interest in creating something in the field of art...
As I hesitated, Styx whispered to me.
"Hades, Hephaestus seems serious. Let's go see what he's made." "Something feels off... Yes, let's go."
The gods who followed Hephaestus arrived at his residence in Olympus. Was his artwork inside his chambers?
Hephaestus, standing before his quarters, turned to face us. He cleared his throat and grasped the door handle, preparing to speak.
"This is a modern masterpiece, or rather, a true Greek art piece. The title is Love and War!"
With those words, he flung the door wide open...
And the artwork was revealed.
Inside Hephaestus's chamber, behind the opened door...
Were two figures entwined on a bed, seemingly caught in the aftermath of passionate lovemaking. It was Aphrodite and Ares.
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"What... What is this?!" "Hephaestus...?! Didn't you say you were going to Lemnos...?"
The two, naked and tangled in bed, tried to escape upon seeing Hephaestus, but they couldn't. A fine bronze net was cast around their bodies, preventing their retreat.
"W-Why can't this be broken...?" "Ugh..."
"What do you think of my masterpiece? Doesn't it surpass even Apollo's art?"
Everyone was stunned, left speechless by the scene before them.
Even more astonishing than the fact that Ares, the god of war, couldn't break free from the bronze net was the sight of Aphrodite's breathtaking form, caught in the act.
The goddess of beauty, entangled naked with Ares, displayed an incredible elegance. Her smooth, flawless skin, her attempts to escape the net, the subtle blush on her face from the shame of being caught committing adultery in front of so many gods—all of it highlighted her unparalleled beauty.
Clap, clap, clap.
The sound of clapping suddenly echoed, and when I looked, I saw Apollo standing there, absent-mindedly applauding. Golden ichor, the blood of the gods, was trickling from his nose.
Unlike mortals, we gods don't bleed from excitement, so it seems the shock to his divine essence from seeing his artistic ideals shattered had triggered this response.
"I concede, Hephaestus. I can't possibly surpass your art." "Hm. With effort, you might get there someday."
Apollo, now seemingly dethroned as the god of art, couldn't tear his eyes away from Aphrodite's form, his hand still wiping at the blood under his nose. Watching this gave me a headache.
"Haa... This is madness..."
Other gods seemed to come to their senses as well, each adding their own comments.
"Didn't Hera tell them to stop this affair?" "Even after they had Harmonia..." "It's quite a sight for an art festival." "Zeus, what do you think?" "Well... They should have known better. Tsk, tsk."
Apollo, still dazed, turned to Hermes, who looked equally stunned, unable to avert his gaze from Aphrodite.
"Hermes, are you envious of Hephaestus, or of Ares?" "Brother Apollo, what do you mean by that?" "Are you jealous of Hephaestus for being the one to catch them, or Ares for being in the net with her?" "Of course, I'm envious of both. I wish that net was even stronger so I could stay trapped forever..."
Hearing their conversation made my headache worse. I wonder if mortals who worship us are aware of this side of the gods...
"Ugh... What a disgrace...!"
Styx, standing beside me, looked like she was about to explode before she hurriedly left the room. Judging by the distant sound of her steps, she must have fled back to the underworld.
"Ares, Aphrodite. You've already had Harmonia, isn't it time to stop?"
Zeus sighed, rubbing his forehead.
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With a rather displeased expression, Poseidon spoke to the blacksmith god. He didn't seem particularly thrilled with the situation either.
"Hephaestus, I'll ensure they give you a proper apology and compensation. Now release them."
But even Poseidon couldn't take his eyes off Aphrodite's body.
"Well... Since you put it that way, I'll stop here."
Hephaestus approached the bed and manipulated a few devices, causing the net to release them. He must have suspected Aphrodite would call for Ares the moment he left, so he spread a false rumor.
No wonder the Olympian gods seemed so surprised when they thought Hephaestus had gone to Lemnos...
Once the bronze net was released, Ares fled to his temple in Thrace, and Aphrodite left for the island of Cyprus.
On Cyprus, there is a spring that can restore a woman's virginity with just a bath. She probably intended to soak in it to regain her virginity.
But isn't that pointless if she's just going to lose it again?
Afterwards, I followed Hephaestus, who had promised to inspect my weapons, to his forge. As I watched him work, examining my bident with focused concentration, I couldn't help but comment.
"Hephaestus, won't today's events make Aphrodite dislike you even more?"
The blacksmith god's shoulders trembled.
"I've... I've mostly given up. Ugh..." "In that case, why don't you find another goddess? You could talk to Zeus..."
At this point, their marriage was effectively ruined.
Even though their wedding had been overseen by Zeus himself, after today's events, I wonder if Zeus's perspective on this might change.
Perhaps if I add my voice to the matter, and if both of them wish for a divorce, it could be possible. If there's concern about other gods fighting over Aphrodite, I could step in...
"But a part of me... still sees Aphrodite's beautiful figure..."
Ah...
"I desperately want to win her love, but the future seems bleak. Aphrodite has already given herself to Ares and borne Harmonia! I'm left with nothing but this ugly face, abandoned by my wife, reduced to seeking revenge like this...!"
What should I do with this situation? Should I arrange a confrontation?
"One day... I'll burn Ares's face in the flames!"
This is definitely going to lead to trouble over a woman. I can't just stand by any longer.
"Let's go see Aphrodite together." "What...?" "Wouldn't it be better to hear from her directly what it is about you she dislikes so much, to make her turn to Ares?"
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The only solution is to push them to have a sincere conversation.
As soon as my weapons were inspected, Hephaestus and I headed straight for the island of Cyprus.
We had one of Aphrodite's nymph attendants inform her that we were waiting, and after a short time, the goddess of beauty emerged, having just finished her bath.
I nudged Hephaestus, urging him to speak, and he stammered as he began.
"What exactly is it that makes you so unhappy that you keep turning to Ares?" "Ha... What makes me unhappy? Isn't it obvious? This marriage itself!"
Aphrodite's face twisted with displeasure.
"I wanted to marry someone I loved! From the start, this marriage was against my will!" "You agreed to marry me by your father's command, yet you had a child with Ares and still carry on like this? Isn't that too much?" "You, on the other hand, are always so absorbed in your forge work that you rarely come home! How could I possibly develop any affection for you?"
Aphrodite's behavior isn't entirely justified, but... shouldn't a husband pay more attention to his wife?
"I'm the god of blacksmiths—I can't help it. But ever since we married, I've made efforts, haven't I?" "Hmph..."
Aphrodite turned her head slightly, as if she felt a bit guilty. Even though Hephaestus is often busy with work, forging items for the Olympian gods day and night, he did try to spend time at home after marrying the goddess of beauty.
Of course, it seems this wasn't enough for Aphrodite...
"But how can you ignore me even at official gatherings, only to seek me out to save face? Your attitude proves that you only married me for my looks!"
"What?! Is that all you have to say? And you—you only come to me when you need something crafted...!"
Their conversation grew more heated, even though I was standing right there. Their tempers were rising, and I knew that once the tension boiled over, the island of Cyprus would begin to shake.
It was time to intervene.
"That's enough."
I stepped between Hephaestus and Aphrodite, disrupting the growing tension.
Amidst the smell of burning and the sweet, seductive fragrance in the air, the cold aura of the underworld seeped in, chilling everything.
"Hephaestus, no matter how busy you are with your work, it's important to pay more attention to your wife. If other gods complain, tell them to come see me in the underworld." "Yes... Understood."
Hephaestus calmed down, stepping back a little. Now it was time to address the goddess of beauty, who stood with a fierce expression.
With a sigh, I placed a hand on Aphrodite's shoulder and met her eyes.
"Aphrodite, aren't you the goddess of love? How is it that you can't grant a simple request from a man who loves you? Even after having a child with another god, Hephaestus still loves you."
"...I..."
Aphrodite tried to retreat, but I knew that this was the only way to truly address their issues.
"I can't force the goddess of love to love, but at least try to act like a wife in public."
"Ugh... Fine... I'll try..."
With tears welling in her eyes and her face flushed, Aphrodite hurriedly left the scene. It seemed like things might finally start to improve after this conversation, so I turned back to Hephaestus...
Only to find him more heartbroken than ever, tears streaming down his face.
"Apparently... looks are all that matter in this world... Oh, Father Zeus..."