On this day, the people of Uruk were filled with joy.
Their once-indifferent king had finally appeared before them again. The order that had frayed under her neglect was now being restored.
Hearts long heavy with worry began to ease.
...
"This… should be enough."
Setting aside the stone tablets covered in records, Ophis sat back.
Why does an era so advanced in technology… have no paper?
"You see? It wasn't that hard, right, Ophis?"
"It's troublesome…"
Ophis sighed quietly.
Even she didn't understand why, after their first encounter, she hadn't killed or banished the green-haired woman—but instead allowed her to stay in Uruk.
And as a result, that woman had roped her into doing actual work day after day.
No matter how she tried, Ophis couldn't bring herself to ignore her. Under Enkidu's gentle but relentless persistence, Ophis eventually ended up helping with the city's administration.
…If Enkidu had shown even the slightest irritation or impatience, Ophis might have found an excuse to drive her away.
But the woman's heart was as calm and generous as her flowing green hair. No matter how coldly Ophis treated her, Enkidu never wavered.
Well… it's not as if this work takes much time anyway…
That was how Ophis justified it to herself.
With the knowledge stored in her mind, managing the affairs of a city with fewer than a hundred thousand people was hardly a challenge.
She glanced at Enkidu—whose outward form was that of a beautiful young woman but who truly had no gender—and silently shook her head.
Ophis wasn't stupid; she simply ignored things she deemed unimportant.
After some thought, she had a rough idea why this person caught her attention so strongly.
In the original timeline, Enkidu had been the beloved companion of the Hero King, Gilgamesh. Though that destiny had been completely overturned, the bond meant to tie them still persisted in some form.
Now, the fate that should have belonged to Gilgamesh had been overwritten by Ophis herself.
In other words, this was a bond powerful enough to transcend fate—meant for Enkidu and Gilgamesh—yet Ophis had stolen it away.
Given that, it was only natural that deep down, Ophis felt a lingering guilt toward Enkidu. And so, when it came to small things, she found herself unable to refuse her.
Ophis could analyze information with flawless logic, but when it came to feelings… she was completely lost.
"Fate, huh…"
Her eyes drifted out of focus as she murmured softly.
"Hey, hey~ Ophis, why don't we go out and have a look around?"
A bright voice pulled her back to the present.
Hands clasped behind her back, Enkidu smiled warmly at her, extending a hand in invitation.
Fine. Maybe… I should try getting along with her.
Thinking that, Ophis gently took Enkidu's hand.
...
"My king, you're so adorable~"
"My king, would you like to try this?"
"My king, this is for you!"
"My king, look over here—"
As they walked, townspeople called out one after another.
Though Ophis's face remained expressionless, her calm, detached air lacked any trace of intimidation. Combined with her childlike beauty, it effortlessly melted the hearts of Uruk's townsfolk—especially its doting aunties.
Few still held her past negligence against her. To them, their king was young—naturally inexperienced. And hadn't she stepped forward when danger loomed over Uruk?
The woman walking at her side must be the one guiding their king, they thought—a wise and gentle sage worthy of respect.
And besides…
Though a little older than their king, she's beautiful too!
After much cheerful chaos, Enkidu finally managed—barely—to pull Ophis free from the crowd's eager embrace.
"Haha… that was quite something, wasn't it?"
Even after being swarmed, Enkidu's smile stayed soft and serene.
Seeing that gentle smile, Ophis felt a strange, deeply familiar warmth stir within her—
It felt as if, long ago, someone had smiled at her in just the same way.
A feeling of calm. Of warmth. Of belonging.
Like the place where she had been born…
Or perhaps—something even more peaceful than that...
"So, what did you think?"
Enkidu's voice suddenly drew Ophis out of her thoughts.
"Everyone seems happy, right?"
"Mm… they seem happy, I guess."
Ophis gave a small nod.
"Enkidu, why do you ask?"
"Ophis, don't you want to protect smiles and peace like this?"
"…I don't really understand."
It was an honest answer.
"Haha, I suppose it wouldn't be that simple."
Ophis fell silent once more.
To her, the streets they'd walked through—and the entire city—were far too noisy, too alive.
For someone who loved stillness above all else, it was almost unbearable.
And yet…
Somewhere deep within, she felt that perhaps this wasn't so bad after all.
The world outside was bustling and bright, but inside, she felt an unfamiliar calm.
I really don't understand.
If that's the case…
Given that she still wasn't ready to face Great Red, maybe it wouldn't hurt to stay here a little longer—to keep watching, and see.
Besides… not everything in this city was joy.
"Enkidu."
"Hm?"
"What's that?"
Ophis pointed toward a distant corner, where a cluster of people huddled together on the ground, heads bowed low.
The shadowed alley stood in stark contrast to the sunlit streets around it.
From her memories, Ophis vaguely knew what they were—but she wanted to be sure.
"Ah… yes, there are people like that too."
Enkidu scratched her head lightly. As one who carried the divine priestess's knowledge, she understood this world far better than Ophis, who was still learning its ways.
"They're people who've lost everything. Now they can only struggle to survive in the shadows…"
"I see…"
Even in a city so full of laughter, there were those who suffered.
"If Ophis puts a bit more effort into ruling, people like that will become fewer," Enkidu said gently, seeing the thoughtful look in Ophis's eyes.
Ophis didn't reply. To her, humans were insignificant beings.
And yet… she couldn't help but feel that the sight of those people marred the city's beauty.
Shaking her head, she set the thought aside and turned back toward the palace.
"Eh? Going home already?"
Enkidu's voice carried a trace of disappointment as she pouted slightly.
"Mm. There's nothing else interesting to see."
"Really? Really? Then, did you feel anything at all?"
At that question, Ophis's steps paused for just a moment before she answered.
"Maybe… I felt a bit happy."
"Eh?"
"Seeing them happy made me feel… a bit happy too."
Seeing your smile makes me even happier.
The words stayed unspoken.
Watching Ophis's small back, Enkidu's lips curved into a warm, radiant smile. Quickly, she stepped forward to walk beside her.
"Then, shall we go out again next time?"
"…We'll see."
Under the light of the setting sun, their two shadows stretched long across the ground—and slowly, quietly, merged into one.