Primary and secondary.
In essence, this was never a real problem. It was more of a small issue in Hades' perception and judgment. A slight shift in his thinking, and the matter was resolved naturally.
It was a simple thing, easily fixable, and Hades wasn't too concerned about it. He didn't dwell on it too much.
However, if this issue had only been discovered in the future, after significant changes had occurred, then it wouldn't have been a small problem. It would have become a major one, a monumental issue.
This was no joke. After all, it would mean that the very foundation had a problem. If left unresolved, it would lead to immense trouble. There was no mistake about that.
In short, there was no need for lengthy explanations. The fact that this matter could be resolved now was a great outcome. From any perspective, this was undeniably a positive development.
Hades returned to his usual calm state, merely adjusting some of his upcoming plans.
Initially, he had intended for the Underworld to become part of the World Tree, helping it grow further. But that wasn't acceptable. He was the King of the Underworld, and while this path could still lead to his progress, it would also bring issues.
Following that course would eventually create significant problems for himself. If this led him to further advancement in the future, it would compromise his very identity as the ruler of the Underworld. And that was something Hades could not afford.
A god who makes mistakes in their path of cultivation, even if they manage to make progress, may find that their next step is their final one. They could be forever unable to advance beyond that, and for Hades, this was absolutely unacceptable.
His divine kingdom was the Underworld, and everything else was merely auxiliary. This was the core. Everything else was just a tool and did not deserve too much attention or concern.
Hades maintained his inner peace, gradually calming himself. At the same time, he reminded himself to stay vigilant. This was no laughing matter.
The path of a god is inherently dangerous.
Each step along this road must be taken carefully. Even the smallest misstep could lead to catastrophic consequences. If that were to happen…
What would the future hold then?
Clearly, once one thinks about it, the answer becomes obvious. This is not something to be taken lightly.
Hades calmed his mind and did not need to say much more. All he needed to do was remember this lesson.
At this moment, the gates of the Underworld opened, and Persephone stepped through.
Persephone looked at Hades, who had a calm gaze, and gracefully bowed with a smile. "Your Majesty."
Hades responded quietly, "Persephone, just call me whatever you do when speaking with my elder sister."
"Husband!" Persephone laughed softly, her smile warm. It was just as her sister had said—her husband, though calm and at times seeming distant, was in fact a very gentle person at heart.
Hades looked at Persephone, who was softly laughing, and didn't mind. He had never rejected his Queen.
Why would he?
This was the Queen of the Underworld, born naturally from the laws of life and death. In other words, she was his destined wife.
If Persephone had been the daughter of Zeus and Demeter, he might have felt strange about the situation. After all, he wasn't just the ruler of the Underworld but also a blend of two entities. However, now that Persephone was born from the very source of the laws of life and death, Hades had no reason for concern.
The essence of their relationship had fundamentally changed.
What was there to hesitate or twist himself over?
Persephone softly asked, "Husband, do you wish to rest?"
"..."
Hades was briefly stunned by Persephone's directness. He hadn't expected the goddess to be so straightforward.
But this sort of thing was quite normal in the Greek pantheon. Since his wife had already said it, Hades had no reason to refuse.
As for whether the King and Queen of the Underworld would have children? That was hard to say. Unlike Poseidon and Zeus, Hades and Persephone had no real inheritance to pass on.
The King of the Gods has no heir, and perhaps it was better that way. Otherwise, it could lead to massive problems.
This was a critical issue, one that Hades was well aware of. Persephone understood this too, which is why it was easy for the two to avoid having any offspring.
...
Rhea nodded in satisfaction, murmuring to herself, "I wonder if Persephone will give me a grandson or granddaughter?"
Clearly, even though Rhea was a goddess, she had begun pondering the idea of doting on a grandchild.
After all, her other two sons and two daughters were hopeless in that regard. She wasn't interested in them either. Hestia, in particular, seemed destined to live alone forever, so Rhea's only hope was with her eldest son, Hades.
Hestia noticed her mother's gaze sweep over her and silently excused herself. Marry? No way. Not in this lifetime. I'm perfectly fine loafing around in the Underworld, with my brother and sister-in-law taking care of me. Why would I need to marry anyone?
No, it's impossible! Absolutely impossible!
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