The Judge of Life and Death departed, leaving Hades to approach the small courtyard by the lake. He observed the woman before him, reminiscent of Kushi Inada Hime. Dressed in a twelve-layer kimono, she possessed a stunning beauty, with long black hair cascading down her back. In her hand, she held a tobacco rod, from which a wisp of green smoke curled upward. She was a mature and alluring figure.
Beautiful, and yet, Hades felt an unusual sensation. Was Yan Mo beautiful? Undeniably! However, gods are seldom unattractive, and Yan Mo was no exception. Yet, in his mind, she resembled his mother goddess or his three sisters—beautiful, yes, but devoid of the deeper fluctuations he felt now. Facing Yan Mo evoked something different, a peculiar resonance.
"Hehehe"
Yan Mo giggled playfully, exhaling a wisp of green smoke. "Pluto from another world, what an intriguing first meeting."
Hades replied calmly, "Yan Mo, indeed, it is our first encounter."
A silence enveloped them, thick with a strange tension. It felt as though these two gods were fated to be a pair.
Right!
This notion seemed apt; the two gods indeed felt like natural counterparts. Yet for them, this peculiar sensation was entirely manageable. Hades' divine power spoke for itself, and Yan Mo was a true king among gods, not weaker than Poseidon or Zeus—save for lacking the ability to slay gods. If the three deities were to meet in battle, the victor would be difficult to determine.
The atmosphere remained heavy with silence.
After a while, Yan Mo exhaled another wisp of smoke, her enchanting face partially veiled in green. "Pluto, are you contemplating the complete occupation of hell?"
Hades answered lightly, "Occupying hell would perfect the underworld, enhancing its essence and elevating my strength further."
With that, he laid everything bare. There was no need for pretense. In the realm of gods, straightforwardness often outweighed subterfuge.
"Hehehe"
Yan Mo chuckled, leaning forward slightly. Her jade-like hand brushed Hades' flawless face, her dark eyes shimmering with myriad colors. "You truly are perfect! Just gazing at you, I feel an irresistible pull—it's utterly mesmerizing."
"I can hand over the entire hell to you."
"But!"
"You must agree to take me as a concubine, and I shall become your wife!"
Withdrawing her hand, she stood gracefully, arms spread wide, and a radiant light illuminated her features, love glimmering in her eyes as she looked at Hades, filled with adoration. For her, Hades was the ideal husband.
This was a god's notion of love: simple and direct. For Yan Mo, the entirety of hell could serve as her dowry, contingent on Hades' willingness to marry her.
Hades remained silent, observing Yan Mo, his mind racing. Love? Yes! The call of the soul was indeed simple, hinting that his essence had already been drawn to Yan Mo. As for feelings? Those could wait; for gods, equality in status was paramount.
"I can."
"But."
After a moment's reflection, Hades added, "Yan Mo, you understand that you won't hold the position of Queen of the Underworld; you'll be a concubine. That role has been predetermined since my birth."
Honestly, Hades' words were scandalous—reminiscent of a true scoundrel. He was treating the entire realm of hell as a dowry for the formidable King Yan Mo! And then to declare that she could only be a concubine? Absurd!
"Good!"
Yet, even more outrageous was Yan Mo's immediate acceptance. She stepped closer to Hades, her lotus-like grace evident. "So! Pluto, will you relinquish the concubine's title?"
Hades took a moment, then replied, "I will not abandon anyone. We shall transcend all or face death by fate."
His meaning was clear: before him lay no option for divorce, only widowhood.
"Hehehe"
Upon hearing Hades' declaration, Yan Mo's smile grew brighter. She leaned in, kissing him lightly, then stood tall, waving her arms. "Then! My dear husband, let us take over all of hell together."
"Agreed."
Hades rose as well, following Yan Mo into the depths of hell, the two deities moving as one.
"..."
"Concubine!"
Kushi Inada Hime watched the scene unfold, her mouth agape in disbelief. She opened it again, but words escaped her. As a divine being, Kushi Inada Hime considered herself mature and composed, yet what was unfolding felt surreal.
Was this love among gods? Their marriage?
The rapidity of it all left her staggered. Hades and Yan Mo had exchanged mere words, and now they were ready to wed? What was happening?
Her mind swirled with questions, particularly about Yan Mo's motives. She was willing to offer hell as a dowry, even while accepting a secondary status. This was unfathomable. Kushi Inada Hime, now transformed into a god, felt utterly lost in this chaos. Was this truly the nature of divine unions?
"..."
Kushi Inada Hime trailed behind Hades, her expression blank, unsure of how to react or what role to assume.
At a loss!
Confused!
These emotions were evident, yet they were the essence of the divine experience. Gods possess desires, and they manifest them freely. Genuine marriages? Rarely exist, more often alliances forged from interests and desires.
But for Hades and Yan Mo, the resonance of their souls signified a bond that transcended mere convention. In this divine union, everything fell into place.
All in all: outrageous!