"Be careful. There's more than one of those things in the sandstorm." Artoria did not summon Llamrei; in a situation like this, a mount would only be a burden in battle.
"Pharaoh, is this really all right?" Nitocris wore a slightly worried expression. "Their target is your possession. These irreverent people ought to—"
"O incarnation of Horus, tell me: should the Pharaoh's will be the only will?" Ozymandias interrupted Nitocris's suggestion. There was a trace of coldness in his voice, though he still held one hand over his neck.
He seemed to have maintained that posture for quite some time.
"It should be the only will." Nitocris hesitated before answering with complete certainty. As she spoke, she bowed to Ozymandias. "You are the lord of all gods, the greatest Pharaoh. On this land, only your will should exist."
"Then why are you interfering with a decision I have already made?"
Ozymandias opened his eyes. That gaze alone made Nitocris tremble as she dropped to her knees in worship.
"This is a trial, not a punishment. I believe I have said as much?"
"If they pass this trial, they naturally possess the qualifications to stand before the throne. If they fail, then they shall become nourishment for my Egypt, feed for the divine beasts beneath my seat. Nothing more."
Ozymandias did not mention Nitocris's offense against him. He merely kept his eyes open and looked at her.
"Pharaoh, I-I'm sorry..." Nitocris lay prostrate on the ground, trembling all over. "I acted on my own—"
Ozymandias removed the hand covering his neck and straightened his posture. He blinked, seemingly still a little drowsy, but his gaze remained fixed on Nitocris as he spoke solemnly.
"I shall forgive you, Nitocris. Not merely because I am merciful by nature, but because you and I