"Is this what flowers feel like? My underworld actually has a day when flowers bloom... Why? Why would you do this much for me? I'm nothing but a petty opportunist taking advantage of the chaos."
"Because I promised you." Higashino Kanade spoke calmly. "Since I decided to marry you, even if I didn't like you, I would try to love you. And tonight is your first time. As your husband, I want tonight to have no regrets."
"Husband..."
Hearing Higashino Kanade personally acknowledge their relationship, Ereshkigal could no longer suppress the love in her heart. She cupped Higashino Kanade's face in both hands and kissed him deeply.
Tonight was destined to be sleepless.
Even the underworld had spring.
Meanwhile, in the grand hall of Uruk's Royal Palace, Gilgamesh was stuffing himself with meat and drinking to his heart's content.
"Hahahahaha—delicious! I've only been gone for a few months, yet the palace chefs' skills have improved tremendously! Siduri, distribute this fine wine. Tonight, I shall celebrate with my people."
Gilgamesh took wine brewed by the god of wine from the Gate of Babylon and handed it to Siduri.
Siduri accepted it with a headache and gently tried to dissuade him.
"King, Lord Hokage has left on business, and Uruk is currently under attack by Tiamat. Isn't it a little inappropriate for you to be this relaxed?"
"Do not be so tense, Siduri. The future has already changed. The fact that over a hundred thousand people still survive in Uruk is enough to prove my friend's strength. That arrogant goddess Tiamat will ultimately meet defeat!"
Gilgamesh waved his hand indifferently, looking utterly confident.
Four months earlier, after Gilgamesh had dumped the throne onto Higashino Kanade, he had planned to first visit the underworld to see whether Enkidu's corpse was still there,