In the realm of myth, the palaces of the gods are eternally opulent, attended by countless divine servants. Yet, Ereshkigal's throne defied such expectations.
When Castorice arrived at the heart of the underworld, her eyes met only desolation, punctuated by flickering candles fueled by souls.
Legend has it that the goddess of the netherworld captured souls and bent them to her will, condemning them to endless torment once seized.
But was that truly the case?
Of course not. The underworld's cold was so severe it could scatter souls themselves; ordinary spirits couldn't endure it long.
To remain unharmed here, one had to either use the Flower of the Underworld, as Castorice had done earlier, or rely on the only other method: the protection of the netherworld's mistress.
Those soul-fires hadn't died out precisely because Ereshkigal was shielding them with her own power, keeping them from freezing into nothingness.
Seated upon her throne, Eresh suddenly sensed an unfamiliar presence coursing through her domain, approaching her at startling speed. Surprise flickered within her.
She gathered her power, shaping it into a fearsome skeletal form, and strode out to meet the intruder.
To mortal eyes, this terrifying visage was what a goddess of the underworld ought to look like. None could guess that beneath the bones lay a maiden fair as blossoms.
For the living to enter the netherworld was forbidden—let alone to penetrate its heart and stand before her throne.
Yet when Eresh saw the visitor, her expression shifted to one of astonishment.
"Her?" she murmured, staring at Castorice, bewildered as to why she had come.
"Bearer of death,"the great, dreadful figure loomed over Castorice, leaning down, "you trespass boldly into the realm of the netherworld's goddess. Are you prepared to leave your soul here?"
Through the gaps in those bones flowed a chill capable of freezing souls solid.
"O Goddess, I come only in search of my other self. I mean no disturbance."
Since Eresh hadn't appeared in her true form, Castorice wouldn't expose her.
Other self? Something to do with that power she carries? Eresh wondered inwardly, though outwardly she declared, "Foolish. You invade my realm for selfish desires. Why should I answer you? What price are you prepared to pay?"
"You will, Goddess, because this concerns you as well. You see, the one I seek is called Thanatos. In my world, he holds dominion over death. Should he roam freely in this world, the order of the underworld would fall into chaos. I don't know his current state, but I alone can deal with him."
"The being you seek is not here. The netherworld is my domain. If a powerful entity appeared, I would know—especially a god."
Eresh let out a cold humph, but finally replied evenly, "So it seems. You're fortunate I'm feeling merciful today, or you might have wandered these wastes much longer. What will you offer in return? Besides yourself, anything within my power, I shall grant."
"What I desire, you cannot give. No matter. Consider this information a gift. Or bring me a worthy offering later."
Eresh shook her head gently. "Do not trespass here again. If you repeat this folly, I will bind your soul within a lantern, to be driven and enslaved for eternity."
"When we meet again, I shall bring a gift."
Castorice lifted her skirt slightly, curtsying with a grace that bespoke elegance.
The serene, lovely maiden and the deathly, chilling reaper formed a strange, yet somehow beautiful picture.
"Wait."
Just as Castorice turned to leave, Eresh's voice stopped her.
"Is there something more, O Goddess?"
Castorice tilted her head, gazing at her curiously.
Then, under that puzzled look, Eresh reached out and gently took Castorice's hand.
"I have marked your essence. The moment you step into the netherworld again, I will claim your life."
Eresh felt the warmth of Castorice's small hand as she spoke coolly.
Though inwardly she only meant to remember Castorice's aura to help search for this "other self," the words that left her lips twisted into something else.
Those who cannot be honest will never find it easy to speak their hearts—to them, baring the truth is harder than death.
But what caught Castorice's attention wasn't the goddess's lack of frankness—it was her action.
"You… held my hand…"
"Preposterous! I am the goddess of the netherworld. You don't imagine your power could affect me, do you?"
Eresh sniffed haughtily.
Here, in her domain, she was invincible. Castorice's current strength posed little threat to her.
Indeed, she was one of the very few in this world who could touch Castorice's hands directly.
"...No, it's nothing."
Castorice shook her head softly, burying centuries of feeling deep within.
The next moment, Eresh waved a hand, and a golden light descended from above, drawing Castorice upward until she was borne back to the surface.
When Castorice's senses cleared, she found herself on the earth once more, holding the objective of her quest: the Tablet of Destinies.
It was only then she remembered—she'd forgotten to tell Eresh about planting those flowers in the underworld…
When the goddess mentioned that the Coreflame wasn't in the netherworld, Castorice had been too absorbed in pondering where the Coreflame of Thanatos might be, and let other matters slip her mind.
"What a headache…"
Castorice pressed a hand to her brow. If even the underworld held no trace of the Coreflame, where could it truly be?
It couldn't be that Tiamat had eaten it like a Holy Grail, could she? That's not something you're supposed to consume…
"Miss Castorice, so it was you who found it in the end. I'd hoped to be a step ahead."
While Castorice was lost in thought, Merlin approached with Ana, a hint of regret on his face.
When they'd split up, the three had jokingly wagered on who would find it first. Castorice had won.
"Merlin, don't forget to honor your bet when we get back," Ana added.
They'd wagered a meal of barbecue.
"I know, I know. What, do you think I'm the kind to welch on a debt? Surely not… right?"
Merlin sounded impatient, but under Ana's gaze, even he seemed less sure.
Just as the group prepared to return, a figure descended swiftly from the sky, landing before them.
"Well, well! I heard you lot grilled the ranch manager about me? Asking about a goddess's holiday schedule—you've got some nerve! And now you sneak into my territory—what are you trying to steal?"
Ishtar declared, her tone brimming with arrogance.
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T/N: While I am an inexperienced Translator, I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
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