“How…”

How on earth did Hades figure out the answer?

I stared at him in surprise, unable to articulate a proper response. His violet eyes stared at me intently.

“As a descendant of a god, it’s something humans can’t comprehend. And, of course, it’s natural for gods not to understand humans. Now, I understand it all.”

“Hades.”

I swallowed hard.

“We’re not that different. I’m not an entirely different being unless in some specific situations. Look, where is the god who easily gets hurt and sick like me?”

“The physical body is just a shell.”

Hades spoke quietly.

“When you die, you return to the original world. To the world of gods…”

Ah.

I tightly shut my eyes.

Now, I finally understood Hades’ concern. He… was worried that I might die again.

Even though there was no chance of that happening.

‘I probably don’t need to mention that I’ve come back again.’

Hades was worried about uncertainty.

The uncertainty that I could leave him again at any moment.

‘…But he doesn’t seem to be trying to stop me.’

If I want to leave, he won’t stop me, he says.

He acknowledges that I am a descendant of a god, that it’s natural for me to want to return to the world of gods.

In a way, it was a tearful love, but I became uneasy with those words.

‘He doesn’t trust me.’

If he believes, he would think that I will never leave.

‘Somehow… I have to change Hades’ thoughts.’

I reached out to Hades. Fortunately, he didn’t push away my hand but gently embraced me, pulling me close.

I nestled into Hades’ large embrace and let out a sigh.

Hades buried his head in my neck.

I could feel moisture; he was probably shedding tears.

“…I understand that it’s selfish.”

His voice was tight as if his throat was constricted.

“But I hope you won’t leave. Of course, I don’t plan to stop you, but… still, I hope you’ll stay by my side…”

“I won’t leave.”

I murmured, but my words didn’t seem to reach Hades’ heart.

“It might be like that now. But our world is imperfect and fragile compared to the world of gods. Still, how can you stay until the end?”

Hades’ words were not wrong.

Yes, it’s imperfect and fragile.

But…

‘That’s precisely what Hades’ presence fills.’

I pulled Hades closer. I could feel a faint warmth from him. Perhaps, he felt like I was burning like fire.

That’s what the Saint’s Blaze is.

At that moment, I realized.

Thanks to Hades, I could soften my warmth, and Hades, too, weakened the coldness because of me.

We are in a mutually complementary relationship, and without each other, we can only be incomplete.

“Hades, I said this world is imperfect compared to the entire world.”

“I believe that’s true.”
“Hades is right. That’s an undeniable fact. But why did I choose Hades instead of leaving there? Can you think about the reason just once?”

After a brief silence, Hades’ response came.

“…Right now, I might be preferable. I won’t deny that fact.”

Caught at the end of Hades’ gaze, I was trembling.

“But I don’t know how far that feeling will go… gods are capricious.”

“I’m not a god.”

“A being no different from a god.”

Ironically, I couldn’t deny those words at all. When seen through Hades’ eyes, I indeed seemed to be a truly omnipotent ‘god.’

Denying that would be nothing but deceit.

‘In that case… I can only provide reassurance.’

I strengthened my grip on Hades with my arms around him.

“What should I do to make Hades trust my heart?”

Hades lowered his head.

“You don’t have to do anything. Just being there is enough. However…”

He asked desperately.

“Someday, when you leave me… can you at least say your last goodbye to me?”

I completely lost my words.

Does Hades not trust me to this extent? To think that he believes I will not only leave him but also won’t even say goodbye someday.

I felt bitter and frustrated.

“Don’t you know me to that extent?”

I shook Hades. Naturally, he didn’t flinch, but he seemed considerably surprised, sensing my anger.

“Have I ever said or done anything that would make Hades think like that? No, right!”

“No, you haven’t.”

Hades said slowly.

“But I’ve done too many things for you not to receive such treatment. I committed too many sins.”

Then, I realized.

Ah, Hades…

He wasn’t tormented by the non-existent concept of my identity.

It was because of the tangible memories of what he had done to me… He was suffering and apologizing.

‘…There’s no solution.’

If it were a problem on my side, I would have let Hades know in some way. That I won’t do it again. I’m sorry. I won’t make any actions that could lead to misunderstandings in the future…

But this time was different.

This time, the decline in self-esteem was not my fault but a clear mistake on Hades’ part.

‘There’s only one way to fix this.’

Show love.

“It’s beautiful.”

I gestured towards the sunset outside the window. Hades approached me with a blank face.

Although he seemed unimpressed, he still shifted his gaze in the direction my hand pointed.