"Are you suggesting... that I declare myself King?"
Gilgamesh looked at Enkidu-Sa with a trace of surprise as he processed the recommendation his strategist had just laid before him.
"Precisely. If the King does not take the formal title of Sovereign as soon as possible, the civil and military officials throughout the army will lack the official status necessary to advance their own positions," Enkidu-Sa replied. He nodded slightly, his expression grave as he performed a formal bow. "Only when you take that step forward can everyone else be promoted accordingly. Only then will the men follow you with total peace of mind, knowing they are building an eternal legacy."
As the Auric Reclamation struck out across the Alluvium, Gilgamesh's tactical brilliance combined with the army's iron discipline sent the Imperial forces into a steady retreat. By the time the rebels captured the ancient city of Uruk—a place of immense historical and strategic importance—they had effectively gained the strength to establish a dynastic title and challenge the decaying Palace as a legitimate rival power.
However, Gilgamesh had yet to show any personal ambition to claim a formal crown. For his generals, who dreamed of being the founding heroes of a new dynasty, this lack of initiative was a cause for concern. Under the urging of Ur-Namu and the other high-ranking officers, Enkidu-Sa took upon himself the responsibility of persuading Gilgamesh to found a new state.
And thus, the scene above unfolded.
"Lord Commander—no, perhaps I should call you 'Your Highness' now," Enkidu-Sa continued, sensing Gilgamesh's internal conflict. "I understand if you feel that claiming a throne betrays your ideals of fighting for the common people. But you must realize that without the proper title, the greatest of deeds cannot be legitimized."
"I understand, Master Enkidu-Sa. I know what you are saying," Gilgamesh sighed, shaking his head. "I can guess that the men wish to become the dukes and marquises of a new era. It is only human; who wouldn't want glory after risking their lives? Since they've sent you as their envoy, it would be a disservice to them if I refused."
He managed a wry, self-deprecating smile. "Besides, I suppose 'The Golden King' does have a certain ring to it."
"Indeed, Your Highness," Enkidu-Sa said, feeling a wave of relief. "Furthermore, by declaring a kingdom, we will find it much easier to attract scholars and men of vision. Taking a title signals to the world that we have the true capacity to contend for the divine mandate, and that we are not merely some 'here today, gone tomorrow' rebel band."
"The problem is... how do I do this legitimately?" Gilgamesh asked, a new worry clouding his face. "I rose from the very bottom. To claim a throne usually requires a pedigree—the bloodline of an ancient royal house. I was found in the wilderness; I don't even know who my parents were! If I suddenly call myself King, won't the world see me as a desperate pretender?"
"I see. You are worried that without a noble lineage, you will not gain the recognition of the people," Enkidu-Sa noted. He understood the concern. In the history of Babylonia, rulers always sought "legitimacy"—that divine or historical justification for their right to rule. Without it, the people would never truly submit in their hearts.
"Do not worry, Lord. While legitimacy seems like a daunting obstacle, in truth, it is not difficult to craft," Enkidu-Sa said with a confident smile. "Do not belittle yourself. Though your parentage is a mystery, these are not barriers to becoming a King—or even a God-King."
"Oh? Can you explain the logic behind that?" Gilgamesh asked, intrigued.
"Simply put: if we are willing to spread the word, we can frame your rise as the descent of a True Sovereign. People will believe without question that you are a figure sent by the Gods to pacify the chaos and restore the Golden Age," Enkidu-Sa explained.
"So... we create some 'auspicious omens' or miracles? Proof that I was born to rule the Alluvium?" Gilgamesh nodded slowly.
"No, there is no need to fabricate anything. You have already performed the miracle yourself. Do you remember the Mušḫuššu you hunted?" Enkidu-Sa replied. "We only need to broadcast the story of that hunt across the Central Alluvium. According to ancient lore, the Mušḫuššu is the attendant of the gods, and it only appears when a ruler of destiny walks the earth. The fact that you brought one down... is that not proof enough that you are the Sovereign of this age?"
"Hmm..."
Gilgamesh looked at Enkidu-Sa, who clearly had the entire plan mapped out. "Since you are well-versed in the ancient rites, Master Enkidu-Sa, find an auspicious day on the calendar... and let me be crowned."
"It would be my greatest honor, My Lord," Enkidu-Sa replied with a deep, respectful bow.