Seven Days and Seven Nights

Now that things had come to this, no matter how shocked Rovi was, he could not change the situation.

Even he did not quite understand how things had developed into something so strange.

Yet the fact was that the "Saint Maiden" spoken of in later epics had not appeared. Instead, because of Rovi, Enkidu had become what she was now.

If records and epics about Gilgamesh appeared in later generations... would he probably become that "saint maiden"?

Rovi looked at Enkidu before him, whose feminine traits outweighed her masculine ones, and suddenly felt... that this did not seem so bad?

No, what was he thinking?

He swiftly put a stop to his inexplicable fantasies.

Enkidu was still softly babbling as she learned to speak. The trees stood lush and green, but as time passed, the forest shadows slanted. The blazing sunlight gradually softened, and a faint orange-red sunset draped itself over her slender figure, as though cloaking her in crimson wings.

After thinking for a moment, Rovi stepped forward—amid the swaying chains hanging from the Gate of Babylon, he pulled himself toward Enkidu.

Then he slowly took off his linen robe, revealing the black clothes beneath, and draped the robe over Enkidu.

"Ah, ah, ah—!?" A crisp voice escaped Enkidu's crimson lips. She struggled a little, then poked her head out through the robe's collar.

"Wear it properly." Rovi looked at the robe, which was slightly too large for Enkidu, bent down a little, and gestured at her height.

She only came up to his shoulder... well, she really did have the build of a young girl. And this was his doing again.

But upon hearing him, Enkidu stopped struggling.

Because she could clearly feel that there was no rejection of her in Rovi's words.

The newly born Divine Construct felt somewhat reassured.

Then she heard Rovi continue, "They all obey your orders—right?"

Enkidu tilted her head, then slightly opened her mouth and responded in a soft, singing voice.

She was clearly affirming Rovi's words.

"Then make them kill me?" Rovi asked hopefully.

"Ah, ah, ah!" Enkidu shook her head like a rattle-drum.

As expected, that would not work.

Rovi was not discouraged. So many attempts had already failed; one more did not matter.

He considered himself quite patient.

"Then make them leave!" Rovi reached out and stroked Enkidu's head. "And for the next few days, I'll take care of you."

He would follow the legend passed down through later generations.

He would accompany Enkidu in this forest for seven days.

Of course, not to do anything indescribable.

Rather, he would teach her human knowledge.

He would teach her combat techniques and instincts.

If Rovi remembered correctly... Gilgamesh would soon come here after sensing the existence of the Lock of Heaven.

He would clash with Enkidu in battle.

The battle between the Keystone of Heaven and the Lock of Heaven was bound to be earth-shattering. By then, as a "direct retainer" under Gilgamesh, and with deep feelings for Enkidu—

It would be perfectly reasonable for him to try to stop their battle.

And even more reasonable for him to charge into their fight for that purpose.

In terms of raw strength, he was no match for the Demigod Hero Gilgamesh or the Divine Construct Enkidu.

It would be even more reasonable for him to die in the aftermath of their battle—anyway, after "dying," he could immediately return from the Throne of Heroes, so he did not need to worry about severe consequences caused by any major deviation.

It was a plan that served both purposes.

Rovi felt the soft touch of Enkidu's long, silky hair passing through his palm. As he gazed at her exquisite face and flawless figure, the curve of his smile became increasingly obvious.

As he stroked her like this, Enkidu also wore an inexplicably comfortable expression.

"From now on, your name will be... Enkidu!"

He said, "How about I call you Little En?"

"En... ki... du..." Enkidu opened her mouth. Though her pronunciation was somewhat unclear, she accurately uttered the three syllables.

She was, after all, a Divine Construct.

Given even a little guidance, she would grow quickly.

"Let's go!" Rovi withdrew his hand and straightened up.

"Mmm..." Enkidu stared at Rovi's hand, clearly reluctant to part with it, but she did not show it too much.

She tugged at the robe around her and quickly adapted to it.

Then—

Under the gaze of those emerald-green eyes, the monsters below swiftly dispersed.

Within moments, only countless towering trees and forest shade remained. Tender leaves swayed, glimmering beneath the distant sunset.

"From now on, I'll teach you some common sense about humans, as well as habits necessary for survival and daily life."

"Of course, I'll teach you how to fight as well."

"..."

As Rovi tugged on the iron chain and slid down from the tree, he spoke, regardless of whether Enkidu could understand him.

He knew that even if Enkidu could not understand his words now, she would definitely remember every one of them precisely.

She would remember them, then gradually come to understand.

That was how learning worked.

Enkidu followed closely behind him. Listening to his words, her exquisite face looked focused and serious.

Newly born, she was curious about everything in the world.

Not to mention that she liked Rovi's voice, liked his scent, and liked even more the way she followed closely behind him.

A gentle breeze drifted through the forest, lifting Little En's thick, silky hair.

Her eyes, hidden beneath swaying strands of hair, watched the figure before her. It was as though she saw what lay ahead and heard a breeze blowing from the future—

The sage lifted the Spring of Wisdom,

Teaching knowledge to her, who was like a wild beast.

Just as the primordial haze of heaven and earth was cleaved apart,

Light was brought into darkness.

Those seven days were the beginning of life for Enkidu, the King of Heroes' friend; they were the meeting of the King's friend and her friend, and also a beautiful turning point.

—"Epic of Gilgamesh"

"Your Majesty." In Uruk's royal palace hall, Siduri had been intently reciting the various reports concerning the state that had been passed up from the lower levels when she was interrupted by the sudden sound.

The young and beautiful female officer looked at the king, who had suddenly sat upright, with some hesitation.

"Have you... sensed something?"

She saw the snake-like pupils in Gilgamesh's crimson eyes narrow slightly, and her heart grew solemn.

"Ah... I 'saw' a very interesting piece of trash, trespassing upon my territory without my permission!" Gilgamesh grinned, seeming to hold anger in his eyes.

"That fellow... still has not returned. Correct?"

"Yes." Siduri lowered her eyes, as though hiding something. Her hand trembled slightly... she was a little weary, but did not say so.

Siduri knew that Gilgamesh was referring to Rovi. "The unrest in the Monster Forest was completely quelled seven days ago, but since that day, Officer Rovi has vanished."

"Hmph. He is someone this king acknowledges. Without my permission... whoever dares lay a hand on him shall face the judgment of the noble king!"

Gilgamesh abruptly rose to his feet. "I leave this place to you."

"This king shall go meet that... piece of trash sent down by the gods!"