Credits: ItsDragonking
After Nitocris departed, the sandstorm subsided, leaving the desert calm once more. Da Vinci gazed at Alaric's back and posed a question that also echoed Ritsuka Fujimaru's curiosity. Mash, as if only now realizing something, exclaimed in surprise, "Huh? Sir Alaric knows Miss Nitocris?"
"We've known each other for about half a year, though there's been a minor conflict."
Alaric tilted his head, pondering the dispute between himself and Nitocris. For the six months following the Lion King's command to fully initiate the Holy Selection, he hadn't had any conflicts with her—until about a month ago.
"Besides, I've already met the Sun King Ozymandias. Isn't it normal to know Nitocris?"
Alaric spread his hands as he spoke.
However, his explanation didn't seem to satisfy Da Vinci, who pressed further.
"Sir Alaric, I hope you can answer us honestly. Is your conflict only with Nitocris, or have you also fallen out with the Sun King Ozymandias?"
Although Alaric seemed reluctant to discuss his conflict with Nitocris, Da Vinci couldn't overlook it.
When Alaric led them to the Holy City to meet the Sun King Ozymandias, he had, to some extent, aligned himself with their cause. But if Alaric carried the Sun King's resentment, Da Vinci thought it necessary to reconsider their relationship and the reliability of his information.
After all, no one wanted to risk acting on faulty intel.
Ritsuka Fujimaru shared Da Vinci's concerns and watched Alaric closely, seemingly trying to discern the truth from his demeanor.
"Da Vinci, isn't this a bit disrespectful to Sir Alaric?"
Mash, ever considerate, looked conflicted.
"Ozymandias permits my actions, but Miss Nitocris feels I've insulted the Pharaoh's dignity, which is why she's so upset with me," Alaric responded frankly.
"Don't worry, Miss Da Vinci. My issues won't affect you. If you're still concerned, I can guide you to the city and part ways afterward."
Having recalibrated his direction toward the Holy City, Alaric looked at Da Vinci and Ritsuka, awaiting their response. Parting ways with the Chaldeans wasn't an issue for him. In this confined world, they'd likely cross paths again sooner or later.
"We trust you, Sir Alaric," Ritsuka Fujimaru said with a grin.
"But Miss Nitocris sure is furious."
Da Vinci, reassured by Alaric's guarantee, decided not to press the matter further and gave her tacit approval. Seeing this, Mash happily attempted to lighten the mood.
"Then, let's go meet the Sun King! Sir Alaric seems to be in a hurry to see him."
With the brief interruption over, Alaric led Ritsuka and the others toward the Holy City.
...
The journey was relatively uneventful. Any stray beasts in the desert were easily handled by Mash alone. Meanwhile, Alaric chatted with Da Vinci, expressing keen interest in matters concerning Chaldea, even mundane details.
An hour later, the familiar grandeur of the city loomed before them. The sandstorm in the sky had vanished, revealing a brilliant blue expanse with a radiant solar disc hovering in serene stillness.
"So that's the Holy City where the Sun King resides? It's enormous," Ritsuka Fujimaru marveled at the magnificent city, its vast expanse surrounded by swirling sandstorms.
"There are also troops and people. Are they locals or outsiders?"
Da Vinci's perspective differed from Ritsuka's. Upon entering the city, she observed numerous Egyptian soldiers and citizens, confirming both the validity and limitations of Alaric's information.
"A kingdom without subjects would render the king a mere figurehead," Alaric commented as he surveyed the grand city he hadn't seen for a month. Despite the tense circumstances, the city exuded tranquility, untouched by external turmoil.
Mash couldn't help but admire the architecture around them.
"It's like a city floating on a sea of sand. The craftsmanship is extraordinary. That central structure must be the Sun King Ozymandias's grand composite temple, Ramesseum Tentyris, right?"
"Hmm? What's that?"
Ritsuka looked puzzled, unable to grasp the reference.
Da Vinci gave a kind smile.
"This is where Romani would've been useful for a lecture."
Delighted, Mash began explaining.
"The Sun King Ozymandias, also known as Ramesses II, brought prosperity to Egypt in 1300 BCE. Proclaiming himself the 'Pharaoh of Pharaohs,' he was also a remarkable architect who famously declared, 'All the temples on this earth are my creations.' If that's true, the ancient human invention, the Dendera Light, might be tied to his legend."
Da Vinci nodded in satisfaction at Mash's explanation.
"Indeed, the Sun King is also known as the 'King of Builders.' That temple is likely one of his Noble Phantasms."
"That's incredible!"
Ritsuka exclaimed, impressed by Mash's clear and engaging lesson.
"Oh, by the way, Sir Alaric, what kind of person is the Sun King?"
Mash suddenly asked as they neared the temple.
"Yeah, is there anything we should be mindful of? Any specific protocols for meeting him?"
Ritsuka checked her attire, wondering if there might be taboos.
"Not really. Just approach him normally. The Sun King isn't one to fuss over such things," Alaric replied as he ascended the long staircase first.
After traversing the steps, they reached the temple's grand entrance. A faint, imposing aura seeped through the doors, hinting at the presence of a king within.
Click—!
As the doors slowly opened, Alaric stepped into the divine hall after a month's absence. Standing beneath the towering throne, Nitocris, still visibly angry, glared at him and his companions.
"It's Miss Nitocris," Mash whispered. The memory of her earlier outburst had left a strong impression on them.
But Ritsuka and Da Vinci's attention quickly shifted to the dark-haired monarch seated upon the throne.
"Not only have you trespassed into my domain again, but this time you've brought foreigners, Sir Alaric," a majestic voice echoed as the black-haired king on the throne opened his eyes, gazing down at them with regal authority.
The King of Kings, the earthly incarnation of the Sun God Ra, and Pharaoh Ozymandias awakened from his fatigue-induced slumber.