"I offer you the respect due from the King of Uruk, Enki, God of Water."
Gilgamesh no longer referred to himself as "this king" before the god standing before him. Instead, he solemnly bowed, his expression respectful.
There were always some people—or gods—in this world who deserved heartfelt respect. Enki was one such god.
Though he could sometimes be unreliable, though he liked slacking off on the job, though he was slow-witted enough to overlook details at times, he was the father of humanity, the god who had created humans. He loved every person, every life, equally.
He had even chosen to love a brat like Ishtar unconditionally. When Ishtar's biological father and the great gods had all remained silent, he had created Kurgarru and Galatur and sent them to the Underworld to rescue her.
How could such a true god fail to earn the respect of others?
"Gilgamesh, my child, I knew you would come."
A gentle smile rested on Enki's handsome face. He clearly looked young, yet he constantly radiated an aura that could only be called "kindly."
"And Annanu, Enkidu, have you been well?" He rose to his feet, walked over to Chains of Heaven and Key of Heaven, and gently embraced them both, making Annanu and Enkidu somewhat awkward.
"Y-Yes, Lord Enki."
Annanu, who usually loved stirring up trouble, was exceptionally well-behaved before Enki.
"It has been a long time, Lord Enki." Enkidu looked much the same as usual.
"This must be Siduri. I have heard of you. That child Ishtar likes you very much."
Enki then walked over to Siduri and rubbed her head.
"Lord Enki."
Siduri had returned to her polite and refined demeanor as she respectfully replied.
She knew how to conduct herself in public. She would never disgrace Uruk.
"And Ruslan, Siduri's