"Is it my concern that you are thinking about, Lord of Uruk?"
"...Enkidu."
Only then did Ophis realize that Enkidu had appeared behind her, kneeling on one knee without her noticing.
Thinking too deeply?
Perhaps it's because I no longer guard myself against this person...
"What's wrong?"
Though initially stunned, Ophis quickly regained her composure and asked.
"You are worried about your own death, aren't you?"
The atmosphere grew heavy.
Ophis hadn't expected Enkidu to make such a statement. She was generally unprepared for others' remarks, but Enkidu's words took her by surprise.
How did you know?
Enkidu smiled calmly.
"I understand the nature of the gods better than you do. If I cannot prevent you from betraying me, then I am nothing more than a useless waste. There is no need for me to continue to exist..."
Ophis closed her eyes.
"So, Enkidu wants me to obey the gods?"
"No, that's not the case."
Enkidu's tone was firm. Though Ophis had her back to him, she could imagine the resolute expression on his face.
"King, I hope you will not be swayed by me and will make the best choice for the people of Uruk!"
Enkidu looked at Ophis with determination.
"For Uruk and its people, should they rely on the gods or break away from them to secure a better future?"
For Ophis, the answer was clear.
Given humanity's potential for development, breaking free from divine constraints was the only way to move forward.
What Ophis understood, Enkidu could also judge.
"Impossible, putting the cart before the horse."
Even so, Ophis shook her head. She had initially managed Uruk for Enkidu, but now she faced the dilemma of choosing between Enkidu and Uruk. It didn't seem right.
"Ophis!"
Enkidu's tone grew more serious, filled with strong emotions.
"You are the King of Uruk!"
Enkidu took a deep breath and continued.
"King, you must always consider all your people, not just one individual!"
"I don't care about the king's status... As long as Enkidu..."
Ophis, who rarely spoke at length, was cut off by Enkidu.
"But you are still the king! You are the heroic king of Uruk!"
"Even so, I can't sacrifice you, Enkidu."
"It is the king's duty to guide the people towards the best path."
Faced with Enkidu's unyielding stance, Ophis gritted her teeth in frustration.
Just as in the past, she couldn't ignore or escape this confrontation.
"I am not human, so I shouldn't be responsible for humans..."
"But you are the king."
"Their lives and deaths have nothing to do with me..."
"But you are the king."
"Even if all of them were combined, they wouldn't compare to one of your hairs, Enkidu..."
"But you are the king."
"I didn't choose to be a king by choice..."
"But you are the king."
"Then I won't be the king anymore!"
Though her voice was only slightly raised, for Ophis, who rarely showed strong emotions, it was a shout of frustration.
She finally showed a hint of anger.
Turning to face Enkidu, who remained calm with closed eyes, Ophis was met with the same sentence.
"But you are the king."
Enkidu opened his eyes and met Ophis's gaze.
"Being a king is not just a title, but a responsibility. Whether you follow the path of a saint, a conqueror, or any other, the people are part of your responsibility. You can take from them, but you must also guide them properly."
"But the king must first take care of themselves before helping the people, right?"
"Perhaps that is true."
Enkidu smiled softly.
"However, this body cannot influence your decision. Ultimately, this body is just a tool."
"The value of a thing is not determined by its tool."
"No, I understand that."
Enkidu's expression softened, but his gaze remained fixed on Ophis.
"What you truly care about is not the demise of this body, is it?"
Compared to his previous assertiveness, Enkidu's gentle smile was almost soothing. Ophis couldn't stand his gaze and turned away.
────Enkidu was right... Ophis didn't care about her own death.
What she truly cared about was losing Enkidu.
After all, this was her own stubbornness and selfishness.
Setting that aside, she could even offer heartfelt blessings for Enkidu's death.
"Honestly, I'm glad Ophis feels this way... It means I hold a special place in your heart."
Enkidu saw through this but continued to smile gently, not minding at all.
"But... Ophis can't stay with me forever, right?"
Enkidu sensed that Ophis would eventually go far away, given the distant goals she pursued.
From the moment Enkidu realized this, she never asked to stay by Ophis's side—only to achieve one thing, even if it came at a heavy cost.
"…"
In response to Enkidu's statement, Ophis could only remain silent.
After all, this world was not her own, and her quest for silence was still far from complete.
Even if she hated to leave Enkidu, separation was inevitable.
So, sooner or later, what difference did it make?
In the end, Ophis sighed weakly, calmed her agitated emotions, and returned to her usual expressionless demeanor.
"If that is what Enkidu wishes."
Enkidu's words had pulled her from her peaceful reverie... She had to leave eventually.
Well, at least fulfill the other's wish before departing.
Become a king.
As a king.
"My wish..."
Enkidu repeated it quietly, then shook her head with a wry smile.
Her wish had always been simple.
And it certainly wasn't about asking Ophis to become king.
Looking at the landscape of Uruk from the top of the hill, Ophis closed her eyes in silence for a long time before opening them with renewed determination.
"Enkidu, are you willing to support me?"
Sensing the newfound authority in Ophis's tone, Enkidu smiled softly and bowed her head.
"This body is the king's weapon. No matter where I go or where the world ends, as long as this body remains intact, I will fight forever for the king!"
Enkidu declared in a low voice.
"This is my eternal vow to you."
Ophis nodded and extended her hand towards Uruk.
"I am the king, and it is my responsibility to build the civilization and future of this world."
"For that reason, the gods are no longer necessary constraints and burdens."
"In that case, sound the horn here."
"The horn of the rebellious god..."