Even though Hades's voice is not actually scolding, Hythlodaeus still startles. The question is too similar to what this memory of his fears would ask - perhaps even something Hades has said before on watching Hythlodaeus's attempts to create something.

"I merely..." Hythlodaeus begins, an ashamed look in his eyes, but another voice interrupts him.

"What are you bothering with him for?"

By fate or coincidence, it seems that the labyrinth chose a very similar way of forcing both Hades and Hythlodaeus to confront their doubts. A younger version of Hades steps out of the shadows again, giving his older counterpart an unimpressed look.

"Whatever hopes you may have for him, you know he never applies himself properly."