Even having seen glimpses in anime before, the sights of Uruk still took Castorice by surprise.
To think such a magnificent city existed thousands of years in the past.
The marketplace buzzed with voices, a convergence of countless tongues. Even in the midst of an apocalypse, this city's order stood unbroken—flourishing, in fact. In everyone's eyes shone a kind of self-assurance, a belief that their king would lead them to final victory.
Honestly, witnessing this scene left Castorice deeply moved. Having seen the tragedies of other cities with her own eyes, the state of Uruk astonished her all the more.
After all, compared to the devastation elsewhere, this city was thriving, without a hint of chaos—even though wartime troubles were far worse than those in peacetime.
It was only upon arriving here that Castorice began to grasp just how extraordinary this so-called "Wise King Gil" really was.
Ascending a thousand stone steps, Castorice followed Merlin into a great hall.
Once past the gates, a splendid palace unfolded before her.
Ancient murals depicted the nation's prosperous history, and upon a dignified throne sat a handsome, shirtless man leaning back as he efficiently managed official affairs. His pace was so brisk that the attendants below struggled to keep up.
Noticing Merlin's arrival, he set down the clay tablet in his hand, propped his cheek on one hand, and turned his gaze to Castorice and Ana.
A pair of crimson eyes studied Castorice, their owner's thoughts hidden behind an unreadable expression.
"Your Majesty, I've brought them as requested," Merlin stepped forward and said plainly.
"Hmm," Gilgamesh acknowledged with a slight nod. Just as Castorice was about to introduce herself, he cut her off.
"No need. I know who you are, Castorice. I've witnessed your deeds. Whatever your purpose in coming, your contributions to Uruk have earned my recognition. I do not overlook those who serve this kingdom."
"State your request—if it is within my power, I shall assist you. Naturally, you will also be expected to contribute to Uruk's cause."
His words caught Castorice off guard.
Wasn't this Wise King Gil supposed to be the arrogant, condescending type? Why was he being so reasonable?
But she had overlooked the differences between herself and the "original story."
In the original timeline, it took numerous trials and demonstrated strength for the Master of Chaldea to earn the king's acknowledgement.
Yet Castorice's efforts—escorting survivors and battling outside the city—had already shown Gilgamesh her caliber.
In both power and character, she stood above the rest. If a king—even one called "Goldy"—rejected such an ally, he wouldn't be a wise ruler, but some third-rate villain from a cheap novel.
In times of survival, every capable fighter could sway the tide of war, let alone someone like Castorice, whose power rivaled that of the gods.
Even Gilgamesh's clairvoyance couldn't pierce her origins, and that intrigued him.
According to his foresight, the one who should have entered his throne room was the Master of Chaldea. Yet instead, here stood an unknown entity.
Okhema, Chrysos Heir—such terms led Gilgamesh to suspect Castorice was a figure from the Age of Gods in some other world.
How else could one explain the dense aura of death around her, or the divine-level power she wielded?
In the Age of Gods, there were indeed mortals who stood equal to gods. Most of them ended up becoming deities themselves, or heroes of legendary stature.
"What I seek is the Coreflame of Death, to restore my body to wholeness. Until then, I will remain in Uruk and aid in repelling the demonic beasts. If there is anything you need, please don't hesitate to ask."
"Hahahaha! Straight to the point. In that case, I shall not stand on ceremony. Uruk is in turbulent times—an extra hand is never a bad thing."
His hearty laughter echoed through the hall. Having received the answer he wanted, the most ancient king couldn't help but laugh in satisfaction.
Then, growing serious again, Gilgamesh looked at Castorice. "Now then, tell me—why are you helping Uruk?"
"I simply… do not wish to see death arrive."
"One blessed by death… yet you despise it?" Gilgamesh studied her, stroking his chin.
"It's not about despising it. It's that the more one deals with death, the more one feels it should be treated with solemnity."
Castorice shook her head gently.
Merlin, who had been silent nearby, seemed about to speak when a guard rushed in, flustered.
"My apologies for interrupting your pleasant discussion, Your Majesty!"
"What is it?"
Gilgamesh didn't deny that their talk had been pleasant. This first meeting had given both him and Castorice what they wanted—it really had been a satisfying exchange.
"Someone is approaching Uruk—one of the Three Goddess Alliance, the goddess Ishtar!"
Hearing the guard's report, Gilgamesh sighed from his throne. "That idiot again? Is she just incapable of learning?"
The moment Ishtar's name came up, Gilgamesh slipped straight into trash-talking mode.
"What did you just say?!"
No sooner had Gilgamesh spoken than the ceiling above the hall shattered, and Ishtar descended astride her boat-shaped vehicle, Maanna, right into the room.
Dust billowed everywhere. A goddess's battle was no place for ordinary people—the guard swiftly made his exit.
Once inside, Ishtar noticed Castorice standing there.
"You're here too? Step back—I'd hate for you to get hurt."
Seeing Castorice, Ishtar paused, then waved a hand and spoke in a surprisingly gentle tone.
Gilgamesh raised an eyebrow. "How unusual. The great goddess Ishtar, worried about a mere human?"
"Hah?! I—I'm not worried! Don't flatter yourself, human! I just… have considerations for Uruk—no, wait, this place isn't even mine anymore! Anyway, I'm definitely not worried about her!"
Called out by Gilgamesh, Ishtar shook her head vigorously, stumbling into a tangle of contradictions.
Watching their exchange, Castorice couldn't help but sigh inwardly.
Ishtar's personality was just too easy to read.
Where Castorice differed from Gilgamesh was that she was willing to play along, to smooth Ishtar's ruffled feathers and coax her into a better mood—while Gilgamesh refused to indulge her, never sparing her pride.
"How pathetic, the way you rush to defend her. Is it because Castorice is your only remaining believer? Hah! Castorice, don't be fooled by this woman's appearance. She may look like a goddess, but in truth, she's nothing but a prideful, arrogant fool—completely unworthy of godhood!"
"I do NOT care about Castorice! You… I'll turn you into Swiss cheese!"
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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!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.