But now that things had come to this, no matter how shocked Rovi felt, he couldn't change the situation.
He still didn't really understand how things had gotten so bizarre.
Yet, the fact remained: the "holy maiden" of later epic legend hadn't appeared. Instead, it was because of Rovi that Enkidu had taken on this form.
If, in the future, a new epic about Gilgamesh were ever written… wouldn't he end up as that so-called "holy maiden"?
Rovi glanced at Enkidu—whose features now leaned more feminine than masculine—and suddenly thought… maybe this wasn't so bad?
No, what was he thinking!?
He quickly shut down that weird fantasy.
Over on the other side, Enkidu was still babbling softly, voice fresh and childlike. The woods were lush around them, but as time passed, the shade stretched and the once-blazing sunlight softened, orange-red rays draping over the slender figure like crimson wings.
Rovi hesitated for a moment, then swung down on a chain from the [Gate of Babylon] and pulled himself over to Enkidu.
He gently slipped off his linen robe, revealing the black clothes he wore beneath, and draped the robe over Enkidu's shoulders.
"Yaya—!?" A clear voice burst from Enkidu's rosy lips. Enkidu squirmed for a second, then poked a head out from the collar.
"Wear it properly," Rovi said, sizing up their heights. Enkidu only came up to his shoulder… Well, the petite figure was definitely his fault.
Still, hearing Rovi's words, Enkidu stopped fidgeting.
Because Enkidu could sense that there was no rejection in Rovi's tone.
The newly born, innocent divine construct felt a little at ease.
Then Rovi asked, "They all obey your orders—right?"
Enkidu tilted their head, then opened their mouth and sang softly in reply.
It was a clear confirmation.
"Then have them kill me?" Rovi asked hopefully.
"Yaya!" Enkidu shook their head with all the certainty of a rattle drum.
So much for that.
But Rovi wasn't discouraged. After so many failed attempts, what was one more?
He prided himself on his patience.
"Then have them leave," Rovi said, reaching out to gently pat Enkidu's head. "And for the next few days, I'll take care of you."
He was determined to follow the old legends.
To spend seven days here in the forest with Enkidu.
Of course, nothing indecent.
But to teach Enkidu about humanity.
To share knowledge and train in the ways of battle.
If Rovi remembered right… soon enough, Gilgamesh would sense the presence of the "Chains of Heaven" and come here himself.
There would be a battle between wedge and chain—an earthshaking clash. As Gilgamesh's trusted retainer, and now close to Enkidu as well, it made sense for Rovi to try to stop them.
And barging in on their fight was perfectly reasonable.
But, in terms of sheer power, there was no way he could match Gilgamesh the demigod or Enkidu the divine weapon.
To be caught in the crossfire and die there made perfect sense—especially since, after "death," he'd ascend to the Throne of Heroes and could come right back, with no real consequences.
It was the perfect plan.
Rovi stroked Enkidu's silky green hair, admiring the beauty of the newly born figure, a smile slowly curving his lips.
Enkidu seemed to enjoy it too, wearing a faintly blissful expression.
"From now on, your name will be… Enkidu!"
He added, "I'll call you En, how about that?"
"En… ki… du…" Enkidu moved their lips, struggling a bit with the syllables, but managed to get it right.
After all, they were a divine construct.
With the right conditions, growth would come quickly.
"Let's go!" Rovi withdrew his hand and straightened up.
"Mm…" Enkidu watched his hand, reluctant to let it go, but didn't say anything more.
They tugged at the robe, quickly adjusting to the new clothing.
Then—
With those vibrant green eyes, Enkidu glanced down, and the monsters scattered at once.
In moments, only the endless trees and drifting shadows remained, leaves flickering in the golden light of the distant sunset.
"I'll teach you about human knowledge, the things you'll need to survive and live in this world," Rovi continued.
"And, of course, I'll teach you how to fight."
As he slid down the iron chains from the tree, Rovi spoke, not really caring if Enkidu understood every word.
He knew that even if Enkidu couldn't grasp it yet, they'd remember everything and understand it bit by bit.
That was how learning worked.
Enkidu followed closely behind, hanging on every word, their delicate features intent and earnest.
Everything in the world was a curiosity to them.
And they especially loved Rovi's voice, his scent, and the feeling of following behind him.
A gentle breeze drifted through the woods, tossing Little En's lush, soft hair.
Through those strands, Enkidu watched Rovi's figure, as if seeing the future and hearing the wind that would one day blow through their own life—
The sage lifted the waters of wisdom,
And taught the wild child knowledge.
Like cleaving chaos at the dawn of time,
He brought light into darkness.
Those seven days—friend of the King of Heroes,
Enkidu's awakening, the meeting of friends,
And a beautiful turning point.
—The Epic of Gilgamesh
---
"King." In Uruk's palace hall, Siduri, the royal aide, was reviewing stacks of reports when a sudden noise interrupted her.
The young, beautiful assistant looked hesitantly at the king, who had abruptly sat up straight.
"Did you… sense something?" she asked, seeing the faint slit of Gilgamesh's snake-like pupils, and feeling a chill.
"Ah… I 'saw' a very interesting mongrel, daring to trespass on my land without my permission!" Gilgamesh bared his teeth, an edge of anger in his eyes.
"That one… hasn't come back yet, right?"
"No." Siduri dropped her gaze, as if hiding something, her hands trembling ever so slightly… tired, though she said nothing of it.
Siduri knew exactly who Gilgamesh meant: Rovi. "The monster riot ended seven days ago, but since that day, Rovi—your aide—has vanished."
"Hmph, at least he's someone I acknowledge. Without my leave… anyone who dares act will face the king's judgment!"
Gilgamesh shot to his feet. "I leave things here to you."
"I'm going to meet this god-sent mongrel myself!"