"Eh!?" Her hand was slapped away, and Ishtar Rin's body stiffened slightly in an instant. It was not only because her little thoughts had been exposed, but also because she really was afraid.
Had she... been rejected?
"It's all right." Contrary to her expectations, Rovi did not leave as she had imagined. Instead, he bent down slightly, his outstretched hand slowly stroking the goddess's head. Her smooth black hair brushed across his fingertips as he said, "No matter who or what it is, nothing can cross the barrier I create."
"Don't forget—I am the 'key' capable of opening the chaotic heavens and earth."
Leaving those words behind, Rovi stood up and turned toward Goddess Tiamat.
The tide continued to rise and fall, pale waves churning.
Gilgamesh's rampant laughter and Enkidu's cool expression framed the figure walking forward.
Ishtar Rin... remained where she was.
Just now, had that guy touched her head?
"Mm..." The black-haired goddess raised her hands with a faint blush, covering her head. Yet the warmth of her palms against her hair reminded her of that fleeting touch.
It had been warm, yet somehow incredibly reassuring...
"Is this how Ereshkigal fell for him?" Ishtar Rin let out a low wail, but she could not stop the fluttering in her heart.
Then again...
"Why does it feel like I'm a daughter being watched over by her father?"
No, was it really just an illusion?
Ishtar Rin sensed that something was off.
That's right—
Rovi's attitude just now had clearly been saying... Kid, why are you making me worry so much?
Ishtar Rin: "..."
Give my heart back already!
"Have you finally calmed down?" Rovi paused atop the ground that was gradually turning into streams of black and red flames. He glanced back at Ishtar Rin, saw the goddess's lovestruck