Story of Perseus - Part 4
"Yes, and the second option is…"
Medusa's eyes focused intently on my lips, waiting for my next words.
"I will grant you the right to choose your own fate."
"What do you mean by that…?"
"If you wish to remain in the Underworld without reincarnating, I will ensure you have the highest comfort. If you desire reincarnation, you will be able to choose all aspects of your new identity."
If she wishes, I could even adjust the blessing of forgetfulness. But this is not the end. The most significant option remains...
"Finally… if you so desire, you could become a minor goddess of the Underworld."
…!!!
Medusa's eyes widened in shock. But this offer shouldn't be too surprising; she is already a demi-goddess, and her sisters are already deities. I judged this level of compensation to be the most appropriate for her.
The Minos brothers beside me, who had been briefed and consulted beforehand, showed no reaction, but Thanatos, who had brought her here, seemed deeply astonished.
"Why are you offering this to me?"
Medusa looked at me with a dazed expression, her eyes filled with confusion.
"No matter how merciful you are, turning a monster slain by a hero into a goddess…"
"You are not a monster. You are merely a victim of fate."
I interrupted her to respond.
"There are many reasons. Although your death was destined, I was also involved in it, and as the god who rules the Underworld, the final destination of all mortals, I have a responsibility to you..."
To grant peace to those who suffered misfortune in life. To punish those who committed excessive sins.
This is the responsibility of the ruler of the Underworld, which maintains the world's balance and order. And also...
"But the main reason is that I have never seen anyone suffer as much as you have at the hands of the gods."
"...?!"
Because of her beauty, she was raped by Poseidon, an unstoppable calamity. Losing her purity was tragic enough, but she was then abandoned by the goddess she served, Athena, and turned into a monster. She tried to live quietly on a small island with her sisters, causing no harm to others, but was used as a stepping stone for a hero's glory.
In my personal judgment… even when considering figures like Phaethon, Oedipus, Cadmus, and countless others, no one has suffered more at the hands of the gods than her.
"The Underworld is separate from Olympus… I may not be Zeus, but I have the authority to elevate at least one minor deity."
"Ah… You truly are a merciful god."
I found being called a "merciful god" somewhat distasteful. How many other gods must be so cruel that merely returning what was taken earns me the title of merciful?
But if hearing this brings her some comfort and peace, then perhaps I can accept being a merciful god for a moment.
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Like finding a ray of light in a dark cave… hope and expectation filled Medusa's eyes.
"If I become a goddess, will I be able to reunite with my sisters someday?"
"You won't be able to live in the mortal world, but I'll allow you to visit them occasionally."
Her head tilted slightly as she heard my words.
"If I can see my sisters again… Yes, please make me a goddess."
As Medusa nodded, I waved my hand. Black divine power surged toward her.
Ssshhh—
A power that transcends mortal comprehension forcibly expanded her being. Her demi-goddess soul was enveloped in black flames, and as they burned, a light burst forth as if blessing her transformation into a new entity.
Whoosh—
I could sense the entire Underworld welcoming the birth of a new minor goddess. Since Medusa was already a demi-goddess with the bloodline of the Titans, her ascension was not difficult.
The black flames that enveloped her mortal body vanished, revealing her new form, now one of the many deities of the Underworld.
The clothes she wore as a mortal were gone, her body returning to its pristine state from the moment of her rebirth. Her beautiful green hair and flawless, soft figure drew exclamations from the Minos brothers.
"From now on, you are Medusa, a minor goddess of the Underworld."
Medusa inspected her transformed body, clenching and unclenching her hands, before letting out a startled cry.
"Ahhh!"
Trying to cover her vital areas with her hands, Medusa blushed deeply and spoke in a small voice...
"Um… excuse me, but could I have some clothes…"
Oh.
After sending the newly ascended minor goddess Medusa away, I leaned back on my throne, only to be approached by the goddess Styx. Today, as always, her attire was rather daring.
"Hades, now that Medusa is a minor goddess, how should we distribute her duties?"
"Do you feel sympathy for her situation?"
"Of course. There are few gods who wouldn't feel pity after hearing her story."
As a goddess now, Medusa must still fulfill her duties to maintain the world's balance. However, since she was made a goddess as a form of compensation for her sufferings...
"Assign her only simple tasks. I didn't make her a goddess to burden her with work."
"Understood. I'll do that."
"And please summon Menthe for me."
After Styx left, a weary-looking Menthe arrived, holding documents, presumably from her recent tasks.
"Hades… Why have you summoned me?"
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"Menthe, thanks to your efforts, mint has spread widely in the mortal world. You've done an excellent job."
"R-Really?! Does that mean…"
She looked at the documents in her hands, her face lighting up as she spoke to me. There's no need for her to stand so close; I can hear her just fine.
"Does this mean I no longer have to spread mint in the mortal world?! Please say yes!"
"Well… yes. It's now widely recognized as my symbol, so you can stop…"
"Wow! Finally…!"
Oh dear, there's still more work for her, though. But since Menthe seems so happy, I'll let her enjoy this moment for now.
A brief moment of relief shouldn't hurt.
"Hehe… But why did you call me here? Perhaps a reward, like a private tour of the mortal world…"
"…No, I wanted to discuss ways to incorporate mint into food."
"Do you want me to spread that knowledge to the mortal world?"
When I nodded, the energy that had just returned to Menthe from her time as a nymph quickly dissipated. Her face, so full of life just moments ago, now looked utterly dejected—truly, the goddess of despair.
"Caron is struggling because the scent of mint clinging to souls has become too strong."
"Yes…"
"So, if we can teach humans to use mint in their cuisine, the amount used during funerals might decrease..."
As I explained this while looking at a parchment, Menthe seemed to wilt before my eyes. But this workload was relatively light… I suppose she's still adjusting after having had such an easy life as a nymph.
"If you complete this task successfully, I'll take you with me on my next patrol near Mount Etna."
"…!!! Really? Just the two of us, without Lady Styx or Lady Lethe?"
Did I say something wrong? The eager gleam in her eyes… this doesn't feel right.
"The two goddesses have already been before, so I suppose…"
"You said just the two of us, right?! Hehehe…"
Menthe is… adorable, but something feels off. Somehow, she's starting to give off an Aphrodite-like vibe.
"Alright, then start with mint tea and mint-infused dishes for humans…"
"Hehehe… Yes… Hehehe…"
I forcibly averted my gaze from Menthe, whose eyes seemed to be getting stickier by the moment. Ahem. Ahem. Please stop looking at me like that.
Now that Perseus has slain Medusa, it's time for the Helm of Darkness to be returned to me. And sure enough, Hermes, the messenger god of Olympus, arrived in the Underworld.
"Uncle Hades, it's me, Hermes, I've returned!"
"Do you have the Helm?"
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"Ah, here it is. By the way, Perseus was quite courteous."
Courteous? Did he express his gratitude for borrowing the sacred weapons? I accepted the Helm of Darkness from Hermes and placed it beside my throne.
"Since I was returning the sacred weapons, I also presented Medusa's head to Aunt Athena."
"Hmm. Bring it to the Underworld."
"Pardon?"
Hermes looked at me with a confused expression.
"Uh… if you request it, I'm sure Aunt Athena will give it to you. But why do you need it…?"
"Medusa is now a goddess of the Underworld. Her mortal body must be reclaimed."
"A goddess?!"
The messenger god froze, stuttering as he looked at me.
"Uncle…? Did you make the monster that Perseus slew a goddess…?"
"She wasn't a monster; she was a poor woman who was raped by Poseidon and punished by Athena."
"But my father and Aunt Athena might object…"
"And what do you want me to do about that? Just bring me Medusa's head. If they don't return it, tell them I'll come for it myself."
"Y-Yes, sir…"
Hermes, bowing deeply, left with a troubled expression to return to Olympus.
Later, Medusa's head, as it was when she was alive, was returned to its rightful owner.
The head of the monster, with its countless serpentine locks, lay before her, its eyes closed. When I handed it to Medusa, she lowered her head with a somewhat conflicted expression.
"…In any case, I have returned your head to you."
"Thank you. Truly…"
"Your head… well, since it was your mortal body, do with it as you wish."
As I was about to turn away, I felt a tug on my robe.
"Hmm?"
When I looked back, she hesitated for a moment before meeting my gaze directly.
"The grace you've shown me by making a monster into a goddess… with your permission, I would like to spread this story to the mortals."
"…You may do as you wish. But even so, I too…"
I bear responsibility for her death. If I hadn't lent Perseus the Helm of Darkness, he might have died instead of Medusa.
"But unlike the other gods, you apologized."
"..."
"And you even made me a goddess, giving me a new life… I wish to spread the word of your grace."
Has she abandoned the goddess she once served, turning to me for her new faith? It feels less like a faith born of grace and more like a crutch to cover the wounds of her heart.
"…I understand."
Even so, I couldn't bring myself to refuse her.
Story of Perseus - Part 5
After slaying Medusa, Perseus was passing near Ethiopia when he discovered a woman offered as a sacrifice to a sea monster. Her name was Andromeda. Perseus turned the sea monster to stone and rescued the princess, eventually becoming the son-in-law of King Cepheus of Ethiopia.
However, as Perseus was about to marry Princess Andromeda, someone burst in with soldiers, interrupting the wedding.
"Who is this nobody trying to take my place? Andromeda was originally betrothed to me!"
"Father-in-law...? What do you mean by this? Betrothed?"
"Ha! Pay him no mind, Perseus. That man was one of those who supported offering my daughter as a sacrifice."
"Is that so? A coward who fled from the sea monster's threat, only to return and seek power now."
With that, Perseus reached into the pouch where he kept Medusa's head, ready to reveal it, and shouted:
"Everyone on my side, close your eyes!"
"Hah! What nonsense…"
"What the...?!"
As Medusa's head, capable of turning any mortal who gazed upon it to stone, was revealed, all those who didn't close their eyes were petrified.
However...
"Father! Mother…"
"My father-in-law and mother-in-law… I'm so sorry..."
The King and Queen of Ethiopia, who closed their eyes too late, were petrified and died.
Deeply saddened, Perseus returned to the island of Seriphos, where he found King Polydectes threatening his mother, Danaë. When the king saw that Perseus had returned alive, he was terrified, having assumed that Perseus had died at the hands of Medusa.
"What…! You survived Medusa? Don't lie to me!"
"See for yourself whether I'm lying!"
As the lustful king was turned to stone by Medusa's head, Perseus brought his mother Danaë back to safety.
"Perseus… Although your grandfather abandoned you because of the prophecy, I'm sure he still misses you."
"Yes, Mother. I'll send a message to Argos and try to meet him."
However, Perseus' grandfather, Acrisius, fled Argos in the dead of night, abandoning the throne. Perseus married Andromeda and became the king of both Ethiopia and Argos.
As a king, the first thing Perseus did after returning the sacred weapons borrowed from the gods was…
"I will sponsor the temples of the gods who helped me, in the name of the royal family. Lady Athena, Lord Hermes, and…"
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"Your Majesty, but there is no temple of Pluto in Argos."
"Then we'll build one, won't we?"
It was his way of repaying the gods who had aided him.
In the Underworld:
Here in the Underworld, where I, Hades, reign, I ordered my followers to create a new statue for Medusa, now a goddess of the Underworld. A few days later, when I listened to the mortal realm…
"I thought Medusa was a monster, but the priests of Pluto tell a different story."
"She was originally human but became a monster due to a tragic fate?"
"Is that true? I only knew of her as a monster."
"I don't fully understand it either, but Pluto isn't just any god. He must have uncovered the truth and restored her honor."
"After all, the god of the Underworld has no reason to lie."
"Does this mean that those who suffer sorrow and misfortune are rewarded even in the Underworld? Oh, merciful god…"
It seemed Medusa had slightly altered her story when relaying it to the living. Perhaps she thought that directly blaming Athena and Poseidon might cause problems for me?
Regardless, my followers are now praying at Medusa's statue, albeit with some uncertainty. Times like these make the status of one of the three rulers quite useful.
I received word from Olympus questioning whether making Medusa a goddess was appropriate, but I made my stance clear through the messenger god, Hermes. At least, I hope so.
"Tell Zeus to mind his own business and stop raping mortals."
"Uh… Uncle Hades… Should I deliver that message exactly as you said?"
"...You handle it."
With that, the matter of Medusa seemed to be nearing its end. However, I suddenly heard a voice calling out to me from the mortal realm, not from Thebes, but from Argos.
"..Lord Pluto…"
There aren't many ways to get my attention when I'm not focused on the mortal realm… Is it from Argos? Perseus?
Now a king, Perseus had built a great altar and was offering sacrifices to me, speaking as he did so. The amount of burning offerings was enormous, befitting a king of two nations.
"Lord Pluto! I have built a temple in your honor to repay the favor of lending me the Helm of Darkness. Please send a priest in return!"
Standing atop the high wooden platform, Perseus personally conducted the burnt offerings. Despite having many servants at his disposal, the hero chose to perform the ceremony himself.
"Your Majesty, we could do this…"
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"No, it's fine. I'll do it myself."
As I watched his humble demeanor, even as a king, I recalled the prophecy concerning Perseus.
A grim prophecy foretold that he would kill his grandfather, but prophecies are often vague and full of loopholes. If I could help him soften his destined tragedy…
A small piece of advice might suffice.
"Tell Hypnos and Morpheus that I am summoning them."
"Yes, sir! Right away!"
As Perseus offered sacrifices to Pluto in the Underworld, he suddenly felt a strange sensation. His mind grew hazy for a moment, and before him appeared a young man with wings.
"I am Morpheus, the god of dreams. I bring you a message from Lord Hades."
"...!! It is an honor!"
Kneeling before the god, Perseus listened as the mysterious figure spoke.
"The prophecy cannot be changed, but the path to its fulfillment is yours to choose."
"...?"
Leaving these cryptic words behind, Morpheus disappeared.
A prophecy that cannot be changed, yet a path that can be chosen… What could this mean? Isn't prophecy an absolute fate that even the gods cannot alter?
What could Lord Pluto have meant by this? Could it be about the prophecy that he would kill his grandfather?
"Your Majesty! Your Majesty! Are you alright?"
"Uh?! What's the matter?"
"Sire? You just fell asleep while standing!"
Perseus looked around to see the citizens and servants who had been watching the sacrifice murmuring among themselves. They seemed bewildered by what had just happened to their king.
He quickly gathered his thoughts. His sharp mind, honed as a hero, quickly assessed the situation.
Zeus, watching from Olympus, called upon the goddess of fortune, Tyche, to bestow a small blessing upon him.
The goddess of wisdom, Athena, also took note of the situation and briefly lent him some of her wisdom.
"...People of Argos!"
Finally, after standing in silence, the hero spoke. His words were intended to mitigate the tragedy that fate had decreed.
"You all know why my grandfather, King Acrisius, abdicated the throne!"
The people gathered there murmured among themselves. Many were aware of the famous prophecy linking Perseus and Acrisius.
"As you know, there is a prophecy that I will kill my grandfather. However, I have just received a new prophecy from Lord Pluto, the ruler of the Underworld!"
"Then… was that why His Majesty just fell asleep?"
"Did Lord Pluto grant him a vision in return for building a temple?"
"Was it about that terrible prophecy…?"
The crowd grew restless, but the king continued to speak undeterred.
"While the prophecy cannot be avoided, the path to its fulfillment can be altered—this is the message from the god!"
Everyone listened intently to the king's words.
"I swear by the River Styx that I will treat my grandfather, King Acrisius, with utmost respect until he meets his natural end. And when his time comes, I will personally ensure that he passes peacefully!"
!!!!
The people erupted in astonished murmurs. The newly crowned King Perseus had just sworn an oath!
The oath by the River Styx, an absolute vow that even the gods of Olympus cannot break. If broken, a mortal's soul would be dragged to Tartarus after death.
Could this have altered the prophecy even slightly? Wait a moment… but what if the king fails to keep this oath…?!
"Wait! Stop! You can't!"
From the chaotic crowd, someone emerged. He was a shabby old man, but there was something familiar about his face.
"How can you make such an oath to the River Styx…?! What if you can't keep it…?"
"Wait! Perseus, that man is your grandfather…!"
"Mother, is that really him?"
"Wait… is that!"
"The former King Acrisius?!"
Acrisius had secretly returned, curious to see his grandson's face. Upon hearing his grandson swear by the River Styx, he stepped forward.
"Is… Is he truly my grandfather?"
"...You look just like Danaë, whom I wronged. The prophecy… But why did you make such a rash oath by the River Styx…?"
"Seeing how you worry for me and knowing what my mother has said… Please, allow me to escort you, Grandfather."
"I'm sorry… Perseus…"
They embraced each other, experiencing the joy of reunion. Danaë, witnessing this, burst into tears, and the people prayed as they observed the scene.
"To see them reunited and nothing bad happening… Could it be?"
"Has the absolute prophecy been altered slightly by the power of the River Styx?"
"Oh, the gods are merciful indeed. To witness such a sight…"
While it was certain that Acrisius was fated to die by Perseus' hand, it now seemed that he would live out his days peacefully, eventually making his way to Hades' embrace.