Underworld.
Ereshkigal curled up in her throne, hugging her legs with her chin resting on her knees, utterly at a loss.
Anannu had still left.
He had left so decisively, so quickly.
There was nothing to be done about it. Unlike me, he has his own brother and his own dear friend. Of course he would leave me and return to them.
Ereshkigal lowered her chin, hiding even her nose behind her knees, leaving only a pair of watery red eyes exposed.
Those beautiful eyes were filled with loneliness.
Although she knew Anannu had no reason to stay here and countless reasons to return, Ereshkigal was still very sad.
She wanted Anannu to stay, even if only to talk with her—to tell her about the world above, to tell her stories she had never heard before, but—
Ereshkigal pursed her lips.
"Mmghhh—!"
Smack—!
She slapped both hands against her cheeks, doing her utmost to improve her mood.
Forget it. I endured all these years by myself. Am I really going to waver just because Anannu told me about the world on the surface?
Pull yourself together, Ereshkigal. You are the mistress of the Underworld. The Underworld is your home!
After soothing her emotions, Ereshkigal felt much better.
"Hmm?"
The sensation of divine power was drawing closer. Ereshkigal opened her eyes again, understanding dawning on her.
Her Underworld hound had returned.
"Hmm, let me see who that Anannu fellow sent to replace himself..."
She was still a little doubtful about this, and somewhat expectant as well.
After all, if Anannu had truly sent someone close to him in his place, then it would mean that Anannu was merely someone who looked good on the outside but was rotten within. She could then dismiss everything he had said without a care and