The more important matter Gilgamesh spoke of was naturally the city-state of Uruk.
His evil reputation still lingered across this land, but the people of Uruk could clearly feel the changes their king had undergone over the past few years.
He was still terrifying, still supreme, as though one could not even raise one's eyes to look at him—but some changes were things the common people could experience firsthand.
Crop yields had increased. There were more Demonic Beasts around the city, yet it remained safe. Other industries were flourishing as well, and even the number of people starving to death in winter had fallen greatly over the past two years.
These were changes the people could feel and see for themselves.
They were Gilgamesh's achievements—achievements he took great pride in.
But what the common people did not know was that the relationship between the king and the gods seemed to have changed somewhat.
And then there was Annanu and Enkidu, who bestowed courage upon warriors and wisdom upon the people. Gilgamesh had announced Annanu's return from the Underworld to the entire city-state, drawing cheers and celebrations from all the citizens. A grand banquet had even been held to praise such a magnificent accomplishment.
He had returned from the Underworld! Returned from the abyss of the land of death!
Yet while the people rejoiced, Uruk's goddess silently released Maanna. Beneath the radiance of her father, the moon god Nanna, she flew into the sky and headed for her homeland.
Toward the divine realm of the Anunnaki.
"Ishtar has left."
Two days passed without Ishtar returning. Gilgamesh summoned Annanu and Enkidu to the front hall and spoke with a grave expression.
"Is she not planning to come back?"
Annanu found it rather unbelievable.
Running away did not seem like something that goddess