"Why did you accept them?"
Before Gilgamesh had left, Ishtar's expression darkened slightly as she asked him.
Gilgamesh did not answer. He merely turned his face to look at Ishtar, a trace of puzzlement in his eyes.
That goddess had always only cared about her own convenience and pleasure, flying around in the sky every day. Why had she recently started staying in Uruk, and even asking questions like this?
Had Humbaba digested her brain?
Though he found it somewhat strange, Gilgamesh still answered Ishtar's question.
"My pursuit is different from yours, Ishtar." The corner of his lips lifted slightly, his tone carrying a hint of mockery. "Even though this king carries divine blood, I still call myself the King of Humans rather than styling myself a demigod. Does that not explain enough?"
"And you are the purest, most typical kind of god."
"Even if we are both creatures driven by desire, our natures are vastly different."
"You have probably misunderstood something, which is why your behavior has been so unusual. But there is at least one thing this king can tell you with absolute certainty."
His hand settled on Ishtar's shoulder, making her slightly trembling body jolt.
"Annanu and Enkidu are not merely the Chains of Heaven and the Key of Heaven."
"This king is willing to acknowledge the truth—they are this king's friends."
This was the first time Gilgamesh had acknowledged that fact.
Like his friend Annanu, once he had spoken those words, Gilgamesh did not linger for even another second before leaving.
Only Ishtar remained in the corridor, standing there with a rather lost expression.
Annanu returned to his room and flopped directly onto his bed.
"Annanu, did you have an argument with Ishtar?"
Enkidu had returned long ago. He sat beside Annanu, naturally taking his hand