"Father, what do you think I should do?"
Inside the residence of Nanna, the Moon God, Ishtar asked her father this question with a face full of worry.
Nanna wore the appearance of a kindly old man, yet his face showed a considerable degree of impatience.
"My daughter, you shouldn't be asking me that question."
Nanna lifted the potted plant he had grown with moonlight, not looking at his daughter as his voice remained indifferent.
"The answer lies among the stars—that is to say..."
"Within your own heart."
"Just do as you always have."
There was no special meaning behind Nanna's words. He merely wanted his daughter to get lost sooner and leave his home so that he could go back to enjoying everything in peace by himself.
He had only phrased it more pleasantly.
"Father."
Ishtar revealed an unhappy expression.
She was not stupid. Though she could not understand the specifics, she could still hear the evasion in Nanna's tone.
Besides, her usual way of doing things? Go die in the Underworld again?
It was impossible for her and Ereshkigal to live in harmony. Not in this lifetime.
If this matter could be resolved according to her previous way of thinking, she would not have broken precedent and returned to the Anunnaki.
Nanna remained unmoved and continued minding his own business.
After watching for a while, Ishtar could only sigh helplessly, give her father a slight bow, and leave.
Nanna's face immediately took on a victorious smile. He could once again enjoy a quiet life alone.
As for Ishtar, she stopped in midair, looking somewhat dazed. After hesitating for a while, she finally flew toward Eridu.
Since her biological father was unreliable, she would go seek out Enki instead.
Unlike her own father Nanna, Enki truly regarded her as