Special Thanks to Ekaterina016 for their immense help in Beta-reading and editing this chapter as well as helping with the brainstorming of the plot.
This story would not be possible without you.
I don't own Magi or Type-Moon content.
Kou Empire:
Over the past few weeks, many servants and members of the Royal Family observed a disconcerting shift in the empress regent's mood. Her typically warm and friendly demeanor now seemed to hang by a precarious thread, as her temper grew shorter and her skin appeared more sensitive. Speculations about the cause of this change abounded, but the most reasonable conclusion pointed to motherly concern over the crown prince during his abrupt diplomatic visit to Uruk. The weight of such worry seemed to have taken its toll on her, leaving an unmistakable impact on her demeanor and emotions.
The conclusion was further strengthened by her priests' timely and precise intervention, though whether she truly cared for such matters remains uncertain.
Arba, indeed, was a woman scorned. Repeatedly.
The intensity of her fury knew no bounds when she lost contact with the subordinates she had dispatched with Kouen, followed by an ominous silence. The slightest aberration seemed enough to ignite her into an explosion of rage.
Unfortunately for one Prince Hakuryuu, he inadvertently confronted her at this moment of her heightened agitation. The young man lay unconscious on the ground, his body bearing multiple severe injuries as the livid Arba struggled to keep from killing him.
"Heal him. It would be troublesome if he died," she instructed her priests, taking deep breaths in an effort to regain composure. She rubbed her forehead to ease the growing headache, somewhat less pent up after beating Hakuryuu.
Not like her day could get any worse now.
"Goodness, you could have killed him," an unknown voice interjected, and Arba's response was instantaneous. Two beams of light shot forth, directed at the figure seated on the roof of the building just behind her. Yet, to her bewilderment, the intruder appeared unaffected by her attack.
"You could at least spare a glance before attempting to take my life. Who would want to die while staring at the back of a beautiful woman?" The stranger taunted, his voice an infuriating blend of nonchalance and teasing.
Turning around, Arba's face twisted back into a look of pure hatred and fury when her eyes landed on the recognizable figure of Merlin. His chest was pierced all the way through, although no blood spilled from the hole as the edges shone with a purple light before the 'injury' disappeared.
'A mere projection,' Arba's brows furrowed, as she swiftly comprehended the futility of her attacks. "You must have quite the audacity to reveal yourself before me, magician of Uruk."
"Indeed, I must, your imperial ladyship. I am more than willing to make such an effort for a flower as exquisite as yourself," Merlin replied, offering a charming smile, though his playful wink failed to soften the fuming woman's demeanor.
"Why are you here, cur?" Arba spat, her fists clenching as she shot the incubus a withering death stare.
"I've come to offer you one last opportunity to reconsider your stance on Magnostatt," Merlin responded succinctly, a black iris held delicately in his hand as he playfully watched for the lady's reaction.
Arba chuckled, but her laughter quickly morphed into something unsettling, almost maniacal. "I can't believe you've come all this way with such an idiotic proposal. How preposterous!" Her mockery was evident as she sighed contently, covering her face with her delicate fingers, her feral eyes peeking through. "Not a chance. I will not rest until every remnant of Solomon and his arrogance is utterly eradicated from this world, including you and your ilk." A predatory smile, tinged with hateful mania, spread across her face.
Merlin observed the scene in silence, his expression serene until a knowing smile gradually spread across his face as he blew the iris towards Arba. However, the lady paid no attention to the flower as it fell before her, dampened by the rain. She couldn't help but tense when the magus of flowers crossed his arms, and to her surprise, he let out a sigh.
Why would he sigh at a time like this?
"As expected, your pent-up sexual frustration towards Solomon runs deep," he spoke, his words breaking the tense silence much like a hammer shattering glass. Even the ancient Magi blinked in shock at the blunt impact of his statement, as the weight of his words slowly began to sink in.
"What?" Arba all but growled, the ground near her cracking under the sheer pressure of her power.
"I can understand. As his teacher, you must have shared many intense and exhilarating training sessions together," Merlin shamelessly continued, pacing back and forth with an air of false wisdom that hardly suited him. "The constant sweaty contact, the feeling of his hot breath against your skin, and the unwavering gaze fixed upon you. It's only natural for such interactions to build up desire over time, one which was never addressed properly as your needs were blatantly ignored in favor of another."
His pacing came to a halt, and he turned to face her once more, letting out a seemingly sorrowful sigh as he regarded the furious woman with feigned pity. "A most definite shame on his part, if you ask me. To leave such a fair flower to wither so selfishly... Of course, I would be more than willing to assist you with your predicament, for the sake of both your well-being and our cause." The Magus of Flowers dared to wink, summoning all his charm in an attempt to reach the vengeful lady's heart.
Can't blame a man for shooting his shot, right? Why resort to violence and bloodshed when love could be the answer?
Regrettably, Arba's response came in the form of another beam of light, instantly evaporating the projection's head. In quick succession, she unleashed a series of spells that reduced the entire building to rubble.
"It is indeed regrettable to see you in such a state, but we shall conclude our encounter for today," Merlin's voice echoed through the courtyard, his figure elusive as the wind. "I have received your answer, and it is evident that you are deeply distressed. Nevertheless, should you ever reconsider my offer, do not hesitate to reach out," he playfully added before the area fell into silence.
Incredulous, Arba could only suppress her anger, gritting her teeth as her nails dug into her palms until she released a screeching scream of frustration.
Uruk:
Alexios had always found Uruk to be exceptionally dazzling during the sunrise, the morning breeze draping one's shoulders as the people started their day. Stealthily walking to the Kitchen, the young man wasn't surprised to find his mother already waiting for him with a meal on the table.
"Good morning, Alexios. Breakfast's ready." She gestured to his meal with an affectionate smile, her dish already done. Dressed in her beige robes, the brown-haired lady hummed gently as she cleaned the dishes.
"Morning, Mother." Planting a gentle kiss against her forehead, the young scholar sat down at the table and began to eat. Noticing his father's absence, he questioned, "Did Father leave already?"
His mother chuckled and nodded. "Yes, he did. He's overseeing some important maintenance work in the walls, so he had to leave early." The perceptive lady didn't miss the competitive glint shining in her child's eyes. Keeping her amusement to herself, she chose to ignore her son's newfound haste in finishing his meal.
Her son was so easily swayed sometimes. Such moments of childish impatience made her relieved he wasn't too engrossed in his studies and losing out on his youth.
Quickly devouring his food, the young man bid his mother goodbye and left. Walking through the streets, Alexios enjoyed the calming atmosphere as he made his way to the tower. The city has been lively since the King's essential guests arrived, and the possible outcomes of these visits are the subject of many discussions among the citizens.
Approaching the Tower, Alexios quickly entered the institute and headed to the library. Uruk's magical institute was split into three major departments: The department of "Life" which encompassed all academic endeavors centered on improving the health of the citizens, as well as the agricultural production of the Kingdom. Then there was the "Urbanomancy" department, fully devoted to the arrangement and advancement of Uruk's infrastructure and urban development. Finally, there was the "Vanguard" department which led projects and innovation related to the military. Each of these departments had a further plethora of specialized branches.
There was still some time before their first lessons for the day, but he couldn't afford to waste time oversleeping. While most students would decide to join one department after their first two years of introductory lessons, Alexios was a member of both the Urbanomancy and the Vanguard departments. Although his workload was considerably more than most of his peers, it was necessary in order to achieve his dream of becoming the head of both divisions.
It's certainly easier said than done to surpass his seniors, and especially the current heads enough to earn the positions, but his efforts won't fail him. His parents' smiles and their faith fueled his passion as he collected his books and sat down to begin his revision. Shifting between his notes and the books, Alexios thought back to the envoys. It's been a few days since Lady Scheherazade left, and the others are likely to leave in the next few days if all goes well.
Hopefully, nothing bad happens. Alexios frowned and shook his head. Rather than hoping for nothing to happen, it's better to do his best to prepare for the worst. He can't allow himself to fall behind, should the time come for their strength to be needed.
The taverns of Uruk were more rowdy than most of the ones Jafar visited throughout his life, the merry songs and the joyful cheers intoxicating in their own right. He overheard talks about a feast tonight in celebration of Uruk's anniversary, many of them excited for the competitions to be held.
While Sin and Artemina were busy with their talks with King Gilgamesh, the assassin decided to make better use of his time by gathering more information. His patient search yielded some results; he managed to eavesdrop on a particularly enthusiastic discussion concerning the coming of an important general from the nearby city of Ninpur. Jafar took note of the reverence in their eyes and decided to keep his eyes peeled for the newcomer should their paths cross.
Taking a quick gulp of his beverage, Jafar was reminded of the most pressing matter at hand. It's been a few days since he lost his Household Vessel to Uruk's mystery guards. Their proficiency in subterfuge, their teamwork, and most certainly their combat prowess quickly denoted them as experienced assassins. However, what Jafar kept wondering about was the unnatural feeling of paranoia he was subjected to before he was surrounded. As a fellow killer, the general of Sindria could recognize terror tactics like the back of his hand, but what he experienced was more tangible than psychological warfare as it was more physical and foreign.
He considered many possibilities, such as magic, hallucinogenics, or even a mixture of both, given the neverending hallway. However, he didn't sense any impairment of his senses throughout the ensuing confrontation. In any case, he was nowhere close to obtaining clues as to what Uruk's higher-ups were hiding in the fortress.
"Having a hard time?" A voice snapped Jafar out of his musing as an unfamiliar figure unceremoniously sat at the table, the Sindrian general's blood running cold. "You look terrible." The cloaked redhead gave a playful smirk, leisurely taking small sips of his drink.
'I didn't sense him at all.' Jafar hid his apprehension, his eyes narrowed as he observed his surroundings. He frowned when he spotted his subordinates scattered around the tavern, all prime and ready to strike at their leader's command. "Stalking a foreign diplomat like this is a serious issue." Crossing his arms under his sleeves as he leaned back against his chair, Jafar the fellow assassin a scathing glare. "Taking into account past deeds, it appears Uruk is overestimating its capabilities. It is unwise for a small nation to provoke Sindria."
A certain tension spiked in the pub when Kotarou slammed his mug on the table, his laid-back attitude vanishing to reveal the unmistakable aura of a killer. "Perhaps it's Sindria who is pretentious, drunk off their power." The ninja gave Jafar a challenging smirk, an unwavering assurance in his every word. "I don't think you should bite more than you can chew. You and your allies all."
Jafar's arms trembled with a palpable fury, his discipline keeping him from attacking the man outright. Discounting the fact he was missing his Household Vessel, he was completely surrounded and with no idea what these people are capable of.
An assassin never confronts an unknown enemy. Especially one who has all the advantages.
Kotarou's grim aura receded in the blink of an eye, his nonchalance coming back with ease. "Good choice." Kotarou stood up and moved past Jafar, his hand patting the latter's shoulder. "You'll find your weapons in your ship tomorrow when you depart. Until then, I advise you to behave." With his warning given, Kotaro disappeared amidst the crowd before Jafar could respond.
Going back into one of their safe houses, the assassin sat down with his men. Noticing their curiosity, he decided to humor them. "What do you want to ask?"
One of the ninjas perked up and raised her hand, getting everyone's attention. "We've been talking about the negotiations His Majesty has been going through, and we were wondering who he would take for a wife should a proposal is made." Her comrades nodded as they awaited their leader's thoughts.
"Is that so?" Kotaro hadn't given the matter much thought, considering their king's passion for overwork and his pride. However, the possibility of Gilgamesh taking a queen was fairly decent when taking into account their circumstances. Marriage was the best and quickest way to acquire the influence needed for what is to come. "I would say it could be Lady Scheherazade or Queen Artemina." He offered his input, amused by the number of nods he received.
"I don't think it'll be Queen Artemina. His Majesty wasn't pleased with the Seven Seas Alliance." One of the men spoke, a rather large man behind the counter. "Lady Scheherazade, on the other hand, offers a much more beneficial deal built on the basis of an alliance. A marriage with the Queen of Artemyra will place Uruk under Sindria." Taking a deep breath of his shisha, he blew out a large puff of smoke with a satisfied sigh. "But, well… her body will be a PR issue."
"There's always the chance His Majesty could bring Artemyra out of the alliance in favor of Uruk." A masked kunoichi interceded from the corner of the room, her comrades' attention shifting to her immediately. "His Majesty's history with Queen Artemina precedes King Sindbad's, and her favor to our King has been proven through this visit. Our King can easily win her over." Her words received nods of agreement, the group of operatives unbothered by how farfetched the proposition is.
Kotaro snorted, as the discussion escalated into debates on potential friends and foes they would have to deal with for either of the two paths considered. Watching his men, the ninja was proud of how far they came since the founding of Uruk. Where once was a band of teens and young adults, untempered and lacking guidance, now stood a formidable and disciplined force, honed by grueling training and profound experience. It made him recall the days he spent in his clan, nostalgia tugging at his heartstrings.
His time had come and gone, and as the leader, he needed to keep his focus on their duties. "That's enough theorizing for the day. His Majesty will…" His voice immediately silenced all talks in the room, his men straightening themselves and awaited his orders. "Today is the harvest festival, so we have to make sure everything goes smoothly. I want all the envoys monitored and the security spotless." His eyes observed every one of them, his seriousness giving way to a confident smirk. "Get going."
"Yes, sir!" His men scattered instantly, leaving him to watch the streets in silence. He caught sight of Tomoe heading to the gates, the subtle spring in her steps making him smile. 'She couldn't wait, after all.' It was only natural for a parent to be impatient when reuniting with their child. Watching the walls in the distance, Kotaro decided to invite the rascal to a drink later.
If his mother even allowed him out of her sight, that was.
Tomoe Gozen was feeling increasingly irritable. Actually, she was downright restless. It's already been half an hour since she arrived at the gates, pacing back and forth like a madwoman while waiting for Eridu's ambassador to arrive. Her eyes narrowed as she observed the travelers entering the city with great focus, unintentionally intimidating a number of innocent passersby.
Every minute felt like hours, chipping away at her patience and composure. Her shoulders slumped as time went on with no sight of her child, worry grasping her heart and fueling her restlessness further. Taking a deep breath, the oni decided to get her steed and go search for him.
But it proved to be unneeded when a hand gently grabbed her shoulder just as she turned around. "I'm here, Mother." A soft voice froze Tomoe in her steps, the handsome face and familiar black hair entering her peripherals washed away her fears. The tall and striking young man, with a light complexion, was dressed in resplendent oriental attire. His clothing consisted of an elegant, oriental-styled blouse, artfully modified with platings for added flair and protection. Adorning his right arm, a mantle proudly displaying several tomoes.
His waist armor was secured with multiple belts, highlighting his warrior status. Leather vambraces adorned his forearms, their craftsmanship, and immaculate condition revealing their recent acquisition. Clad in bold red trousers, accentuated with thigh harnesses, both stylish and functional. His tall boots completed the ensemble, conveying a sense of strength and confidence in every step.
With a decorated and imposing sword sheathed at his hip, he exuded an aura of authority and skill. As he was pulled into a bear hug, his gentle smile and composed demeanor spoke of a man who could command both respect and admiration.
"I missed you, Isamu." His mother's joy made the man smile all the more, his arms returning the hug with enthusiasm while he carefully avoided her horns.
The two embraced each other tightly, as though trying to bridge the gap of their long separation in that instant, seemingly oblivious to the curious glances from those around them. Reluctantly, Tomoe loosened her grip on her son, taking in his figure with a keen eye, examining every detail with care. However, her observation was abruptly interrupted when a friendly brown horse playfully nudged its way between them, affectionately nuzzling against her cheek.
Tomoe chuckled affectionately and tenderly scratched the steed's neck. "I missed you too, Raiden," she whispered, a warm smile spreading across her face. The horse responded with a contented neigh, basking in the love and attention it stole from its master.
"You spoil it too much, Mother," Isamu remarked with a playful grin, as he deftly took hold of the reins and skillfully guided his mount to walk alongside him, their departure from the gates now underway.
"Where are your men?" Tomoe inquired with a concerned furrow in her brow, keenly observing the absence of her son's entourage. As confident as she was in her child's strength, the lack of preparation troubled her, and she couldn't help but disapprove of the oversight.
As his mother's concern became evident, Isamu let out a light-hearted chuckle. "My men are obeying their orders diligently," he reassured her, his disarming smile accompanying a gesture of scratching his cheek. "We arrived ahead of schedule, so they should already be at the Ziggurat by now," he added with a hint of playfulness in his voice.
Tomoe's eyes narrowed in contemplation, responding with a thoughtful hum as they acknowledged the greetings from the people around them. She sensed Isamu carried weighty concerns, even though he didn't reveal them explicitly. "Let's discuss this in the Ziggurat," she suggested firmly, recognizing the need for a more private and secure setting for their conversation.
"I've been informed of our esteemed guests." Isamu's voice remained dry, contrasting with his seemingly relaxed smile. Beside them, Raiden let out a huff, playfully tugging at her reins as she trailed along. "I hope their presence didn't trouble His Majesty." He added with a calm demeanor, though his gaze sharpened with discernment.
"Rest assured, His Majesty has everything under control," Tomoe assured Isamu with a serene smile. "The Reim envoys departed a couple of days ago," she explained, her curious gaze briefly flitting over the colorful wares surrounding them as they strolled along. Although eager to find a perfect gift for her son, nothing seemed to capture her attention. "As for the Sindrian and Kou envoys, they are scheduled to leave tomorrow. Negotiations concluded some time ago, and preparations for the harvest celebration are now underway at é-dub-ba" she continued, gently stroking Raiden's head while providing more details to Isamu, her disappointment artfully hidden beneath her composed exterior.
The duo reached the Ziggurat after a short while. Isamu came to a halt and reached into Raiden's satchel, retrieving something with a smile. "I almost forgot. I brought you something," he said, presenting an exquisitely-crafted kimono along with a beautiful jade bracelet. Tomoe's eyes widened in surprise as she accepted the thoughtful gifts, feeling her heart swell with pride.
As he coughed awkwardly, Isamu reassured her, "Please let me know if there are any issues with the measurements. I had the kimono-shi make it in other sizes just in case." He explained, mistaking her silence for concern about the fit.
Tomoe chuckled warmly and shook her head, amused by Isamu's concern. "It should be fine, so don't worry." She reassured him, her voice tender and comforting. Her hand gently patted his head, a heartfelt gesture of motherly love, despite the awkward height difference between them.
"Your presence here with me is the greatest gift." She added with a soft smile, her eyes glowing with affection. Tomoe's maternal warmth effortlessly dispelled Isamu's concerns, making him feel at ease in her embrace, cherishing the moment spent together.
Handing the reins of his steed to an approaching stable hand, Isamu let out a soft sigh. "Let us not delay, then. I must greet His Majesty and prepare for the feast." He said, eagerness evident in his voice. His pace quickened as he strode in the direction of the throne room, and though she couldn't see it, Tomoe could sense the overflowing happiness enveloping him. The anticipation of the upcoming feast and the joy of being in the presence of everyone filled him with energy palpable to those around him.
Although she wasn't one to delay matters, Tomoe wanted to enjoy the day with her son without reservation. His duties could wait for tomorrow.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, signaling the start of the harvest celebration, the é-dub-ba buzzed with excitement. Eager attendees from all corners of the city gathered to partake in the festivities, be it the thrilling martial competitions or the various engaging games awaiting them.
The air was filled with jubilant cheers and laughter, heightened by Gilgamesh's momentous announcement. His proclamation of establishing embassies for Kou and the Seven Seas Alliance through the kingdom of Artemyra forged a bond of partnership between Uruk and these mighty powers. The news was met with a surge of joyous energy, further fueling the festive spirit of the evening.
In the backdrop of the grand celebration, the promise of strengthened alliances and the prospects of newfound prosperity painted the night with an air of optimism and unity, as the people reveled in the joyous occasion with hearts full of hope and anticipation.
The monumental scale of this collaboration was not lost on anyone, and the ensuing enthusiasm was beyond measure. The entire space was teeming with people, fully immersed in the joyous night, as a harmonious chorus of cheers merged with the delightful melodies of the instruments playing all around.
Gilgamesh nonchalantly observed the festivities with a calm gaze, idly pondering on the workload awaiting him tomorrow whilst the others around him enjoyed the celebration. Sindbad found himself at home with the courtesans, his cheerful laughs and charismatic smile standing out amidst the rowdy crowd. His retainers remained close, their deadpanned faces pointedly avoiding their king as he indulged to his heart's content.
Kouen was much more tempered than his Sindrian rival, his silent and dignified nature making him a star in his own right. While all three major players of the feast seemed idle, their attention converged on the large square platform reserved for the martial contests. Many warriors, be they Fanalis or otherwise, fought valiantly in a commendable show of skill to be crowned champion.
While many young fighters showed admirable grit and strength, the contest eventually came down to a young and talented Fanalis going against Leonidas, the reigning champion. The battle began ferociously and only grew more intense as the young fighter used everything he had to defeat the King of Sparta.
"Leonidas's martial arts are as spotless as I remember." Artemina nodded in approval, as the Fanalis struggled under Leonidas's fluid onslaught of grapples and blows. "That Fanalis is going to lose." The certainty in her voice was matched only by the nods the others gave, as they watched the youngster's body slamming against the ground once more.
"I haven't witnessed many martial arts displaying such a degree of brutality," Kouen observed, his keen eyes intently tracking the fighters' every move. As he analyzed their techniques, a determined expression crossed his face, making a mental note to discreetly record this form and assimilate it into his army. "It's an art tailor-made for war," he concluded with a sense of admiration and strategic intent.
Leonidas's victory came as no surprise, eliciting thunderous cheers which injected even more vibrancy into the festivities. Warriors raised their drinks high in a grand toast, celebrating the triumph with unbridled joy. As the martial matches concluded, the arena was swiftly cleaned and transformed to prepare for the enchanting dancers who soon graced the center stage.
Flowing silks and dazzling jewelry adorned the performers, shimmering resplendently under the moonlit night. With a mesmerizing presence, the troupe commenced their graceful performance, gracefully moving in sync with the melodious tunes skillfully played by the talented musicians. The air was alive with an aura of enchantment, captivating all who beheld the spectacle, and filling the night with a wondrous feeling.
The captivating scene transcended into an even greater enchantment as delicate petals gracefully framed the stage, and like magic, they gracefully trailed the performers' every movement, dancing in harmony with the music alongside them. The petals were masterfully guided by the skilled hands of Merlin and Dias, their delicate coordination making the stage an unforgettable memory. The audience was entranced by this seamless fusion of beauty and mystique, wholly immersed in the spellbinding spectacle before them.
Enchanted by the mesmerizing display, the crowd was inspired to join in the celebration, and joyously, they started selecting partners to dance with. The allure of the performance had ignited a spark of merriment within everyone, and the dance floor quickly filled with laughter, twirling figures, and the infectious spirit of revelry.
A glint of amusement danced in Gilgamesh's eyes the moment he spotted the princess practically fidgeting beside Kingu, the latter wearing a slight frown as he sensed the king's gaze upon him. Kingu's caution heightened when Gilgamesh openly smirked at him, and his eyes widened with realization as he understood the King of Heroes' intent.
'Don't you dare…'
Gilgamesh did, in fact, dare.
"Should you desire to partake in the dance, do not hold back, princess of Kou," The king's commanding voice cut through Kougyoku's hesitation, his unwavering gaze fixed upon Kingu. "To abstain from indulging in my garden's festivity would be a grave misstep on your part," He added with a hint of haughty allure, challenging her to join in the celebration.
"I concur," Kouen swiftly interjected, offering his sister an encouraging nod. His marriage proposal between Kougyoku and Kingu didn't come as a surprise to the King of Heroes, who surprisingly welcomed it without much resistance. For the prince, it was only natural to provide additional encouragement on such an opportune occasion, especially considering the setback Judar caused.
It's already bad enough the High Priest was currently being closely-monitored by the man named Benkei, with the explicit duty to end his life on the smallest offense. Luckily for everyone, Judar clearly understood the king's warning.
Kougyoku couldn't help but feel flustered under the numerous gazes directed at her and Kingu, her eyes shyly stealing glances in his direction. Sensing his unease through the subtle furrow on his brow, she felt her heart sink, realizing his discomfort with the idea of dancing with her. Summoning her inner grace, she mustered the courage to address the king, her voice composed yet polite, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for the kind offer. However, I am already content." Swiftly clasping her hands, she gracefully bowed, conveying her gratitude while also respecting Kingu's feelings and not wanting to impose on him.
As Kingu turned to the princess, he couldn't help but notice the subtle change in her voice. Silently, he stared at her as she settled back down and observed the ongoing dance, her earlier glee now dimmed. Having been by her side since they first met in Sindria, he knew Kougyoku well enough to sense her unfulfilled desire to dance.
She glanced back at him, attempting a smile which felt somewhat forced and insincere. A far cry from the annoying bundle of energy he was forced to deal with in the last few days.
It was unpleasant to behold and it grated on his nerves. So he decided to do something about it.
Rising to his feet, Kingu extended his hand to the surprised princess, silently inviting her to join him. The frown on his face transformed into a composed expression, resembling a man deeply focused on resolving an issue.
Taken aback by the unexpected gesture, Kougyoku made an effort to steady her rapidly-beating heart as she found herself locking eyes with his unwavering purple gaze. Conflicting thoughts raced through her mind, not wanting to deny him, yet reluctant to impose on him either. Perhaps, just this once, she could allow herself to be a little selfish?
After a brief internal struggle, she swallowed her hesitation and mustered the resolve to take his hand. Her delight was palpable, and she could hardly contain her excitement as the green-haired man swept her up in his arms, causing her cheeks to flush a deep shade of crimson. With a graceful leap, they landed gracefully on the stage, and he gently placed her back on her feet, taking her hands in his with a serious gaze.
Gilgamesh grinned as he watched the two fumble together as they realized their lacking skills in the field, his laughter barely contained as he offered a silent toast to the glaring Kingu. Exchanging a knowing glance with Ningal, they both chuckled nonchalantly.
His amusement came to an abrupt halt as Artemina rose from her seat and approached him with a determined expression, causing his smile to fade, and a furrow appeared on his brow.
The imposing queen stood confidently before the King of Heroes, a challenging smile gracing her lips as she extended her hand. "Would you care to join me in a dance, King Gilgamesh?" Her voice carried a hint of allure, beckoning him warmly, while her unwavering gaze fearlessly met his. "It wouldn't be fitting for you to stay aloof from the festivities," she added, her words laced with a subtle challenge.
Gilgamesh let out a dismissive snort, setting his glass down with a flair of extravagance. "Rejoice, woman. I shall grant you the privilege of basking in my brilliance," he boldly proclaimed, taking the queen's hand in a confident grip as he led her to the center of the stage with an air of regal confidence.
Sindbad observed the captivating performance with a disarming smile, feeling a sense of relief as he noticed the potential bond forming between Uruk and Artemina. The budding relationship between Princess Kougyoku and Kingu had caught his attention for some time, but now, witnessing Gilgamesh's acceptance of their ally, his concerns about falling behind Kouen began to ease.
Was he perhaps being overly optimistic?
The High King of the Seven Seas harbored no illusions about the fact someone as formidable as Gilgamesh undoubtedly had his own agenda for these visits and was fully prepared for any diplomatic or militaristic challenges which might arise. The enigmatic king exhibited complete mastery over the situation, remaining composed and unfazed despite the extraordinary circumstances they faced –an assessment he was confident both Scheherazade and Kouen would concur with. While all three of them saw the immense potential in forming an alliance with Uruk, they couldn't ignore the looming danger of this mysterious king overturning any strategic moves they deployed through his uncanny and unpredictable methods.
Even Sindbad found himself uncertain whether he could face a man who seemed impenetrable, devoid of any weaknesses. As he smiled, a passing thought crossed his mind, wondering if this was how his rivals viewed him when he appeared indomitable. Pushing aside such vanity, he chose to set aside his planning for when he returned home. The profound encounter with Uruk had undoubtedly influenced all three players, causing them to hold off on making any significant moves for the time being. The experience offered by Uruk was too impactful to rush into immediate action.
'King of Uruk, I wonder what you see with those eyes.' Keeping his thoughts hidden behind a charming smile and cheerful chuckle, Sindbad enjoyed himself in earnest. He couldn't miss such a chance to let loose before the inevitable return to the frightful paperwork.
Reim Empire:
A full week had passed since Scheherazade's return from Uruk, yet she still found herself in a state of disbelief and shock as she stared at her reflection in the mirror. Behind her lay the artificial body she had used for so long, now rendered unnecessary.
The potion had worked wonders, and her true body had been completely rejuvenated. Where once there was a half-dead corpse clinging to life by the thinnest of threads, now stood a figure brimming with the energy and strength of youth. Her skin, muscles, and organs pulsated with vitality in a way which felt almost foreign to the priestess after so many years. She could hardly recognize herself, her husk of a vessel now transformed into a full and curvaceous form. After carefully surveying the room, she mustered the courage to touch her own body, delicately exploring its various parts with gentle squeezes and cautious caresses.
It should have been an impossibility, a mere pipe dream... yet her senses did not deceive her. The King of Uruk had accomplished the impossible with a casual indifference, as if it were an everyday chore.
His feat only strengthened her determination to do whatever it took to bring him to her side.
Donning her dress, Scheherazade exuded confidence as she gracefully made her way to find Mu. After such a long time, she relished the refreshing sensation in her lungs and the newfound power in her steps, her mesmerizing smile leaving all who crossed her path stunned in its wake. Surprise washed over her as she saw Myron running toward her, her panicked expression causing Scheherazade's smile to shift into a serious demeanor, her eyes narrowing in concern.
"What brings you here with such urgency, Myron?" She asked, a foreboding sensation settling in her heart.
"News from Uruk, my Lady," she spoke, her breaths labored and panting, yet she managed to steady herself. "Uruk is going to war with Magnostatt."
Scheherazade's eyes widened, her mind swirling with questions as she pondered the suddenness of this conflict. King Gilgamesh wasn't one to take such measures lightly, and she doubted his motives were simple. However, she recognized the invaluable opportunity this situation presented, and she was determined to make the most of it.
It's not 'sudden'. Uruk had been preparing for this for some time, only waiting for that golden king's order to come down.
"Time is of the essence. Summon Mu and the council immediately. We have preparations to make," she ordered, her sense of urgency palpable. With purpose in her steps, she made her way to the war room, a glint in her eyes as the contours of a plan slowly began to take shape in her mind.
A great storm loomed over the horizon.
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Next Update : King of Fantasy.