Miracle Summoner

"From the future?"

Rozen's words left Ishtar stunned for a moment.

But in the next second, she calmly accepted it.

If it were an ordinary person hearing such a self-introduction, they'd probably think the speaker was out of their mind, or at the very least respond with shock, doubt, or suspicion.

Unfortunately—or rather, fortunately—Ishtar was no ordinary person, but a bona fide goddess. No additives, no imitations, one hundred percent divine.

And as a goddess, there was very little she couldn't accept—even the most inconceivable matters could still fall within the bounds of her understanding.

At the very least, to a goddess like Ishtar, time travel might be astounding, but it wasn't surprising.

Especially since Rozen's attire and appearance were drastically different from those of Sumerians or any human of this era—so Ishtar found his claim believable.

However...

"A human from the future, blessed not just by one… but two divine beings. That's certainly unusual."

With a single glance, Ishtar saw through the presence of Kinu and Gyokuto within Rozen.

Of course, that wasn't the only extraordinary thing she sensed from him.

To Ishtar, this human radiated a unique aura—clearly no ordinary person.

Still...

"No matter how unusual you are, if you dared be rude to me, don't think I'll forgive you so easily." Ishtar warned him coldly. "You'd best release me while you still can. If you do that, I might consider forgiving you—provided you hand over everything you own as compensation, of course."

Even as a prisoner, this goddess of Venus had zero awareness of her position.

Gilgamesh let out a sharp "Ho."

"Your temper really has improved," he said with a mocking smile. "The old you would've slaughtered every human present for witnessing your disgrace. Have you finally grown a conscience?"

Ishtar nearly exploded again from the sarcasm, her mouth twitching violently.

Still, even she had to admit—her reaction this time was uncharacteristically merciful.

(Hmph, what can I say? I'm just that benevolent.)

She thought, utterly full of herself.

Neither Gilgamesh nor Rozen paid any attention to her self-absorption.

Rozen simply looked deeply at her.

"I'm sorry, Lady Goddess. This isn't a matter of whether I want to let you go—it's a matter of whether I should."

Rozen smiled faintly.

"You should already know what kind of desperate situation humanity faces now. To the people of this era, goddesses have become enemies. And I didn't come here without reason—I need to cooperate with King Gilgamesh. So, I'm afraid I'll have to present you to him as a token of goodwill."

"W–What?" Ishtar's eyes widened in disbelief.

"A gift?"

Gilgamesh burst out laughing.

"I see, so this is a tribute to me! The great goddess of Venus reduced to a mere gift—then it's only fitting I tie a ribbon around you and wrap you up, isn't it? Hahahaha!"

"Are you kidding me?!" Ishtar shouted. "If you know what's good for you, then let me go! Now!"

She continued shouting and struggling against her restraints.

"I really suggest you give up," Rozen said, shrugging. "You're a goddess, yes, but you also have a history with King Gilgamesh. As you yourself said, you'd best be smart about this. Otherwise, knowing the King's personality, he might just humiliate you to the point you'll never live it down."

"He wouldn't dare!" Ishtar turned a death glare on Gilgamesh.

"Why wouldn't I?" Gilgamesh snorted coldly after a final laugh. "Sure, it's a bit tasteless, and I don't have time to waste on a useless goddess. But if it's for a bit of fun, I don't mind playing around for a while."

"You... You…" Ishtar's face twitched with fury.

Had her hands not been bound, she'd probably be pointing at him in trembling outrage.

At last, Siduri couldn't stand by any longer.

"Please stop with the jokes, my king," she said with a sigh. "The goddess Ishtar is the tutelary deity of our Uruk. If you don't want the city cursed in the future, you'd best show some restraint."

Clearly, as high priestess of the temple, she couldn't bear to watch her goddess being humiliated.

To Ishtar, Siduri now looked like a savior. Her tearful expression lit up with hope.

"At least you're sensible, Siduri! Hurry and free me! If you do, once that golden idiot drops dead, I'll return to Uruk and make sure no other goddess dares to lay a finger on you."

Apparently, she'd pinned her hopes for freedom on Siduri.

But Gilgamesh wasn't about to let that slide.

"Don't go getting soft, Siduri," he said, waving his hand casually. "Even if she's the city's guardian deity, this fool trampled over Uruk's land before. The one thing you must not feel toward an evil god is reverence. All you need to do is enjoy watching her flail in disgrace."

"Who are you calling an evil god?!" Ishtar's tearful eyes instantly turned into a furious glare.

These two really were archenemies. It was impossible for them to be in the same room without bickering.

In fact, with their history, it wouldn't be strange at all if they suddenly started trying to kill each other.

Fortunately, Gilgamesh was no longer the rage-filled King of Heroes from the past. Having achieved enlightenment, he now viewed their past grudges with indifference.

Ishtar, too—though still arrogant—was far gentler than the myths described. Her relationship with Gilgamesh had changed from bitter love-hate to simply deeply annoyed.

In truth, they just couldn't stand each other.

That was why, despite the sniping, there was no real tension of an impending clash.

Gilgamesh, having had his fill of amusement, finally turned away.

"Regardless, capturing this goddess who never learns her lesson is a victory. What you do with her is your own business—I'm far too busy to waste time on such trivialities. Do as you please."

With that, he issued his orders.

"Siduri, find them lodging. Give them passage permits. Grant them free access in and out of Uruk. I have matters of state to attend to—dismissed."

Leaving those words behind, Gilgamesh returned to his throne.

Seeing this, Siduri turned to the others with a resigned expression.

"Well then, everyone—please come with me. And don't forget to bring Lady Ishtar."

At her words, Rozen and the others nodded.

"Wait! Let me go! I said, let me go right now! Or I'll really get mad, you hear!?"

Ishtar was still yelling.

But no one paid her any mind.

And so, Mash hoisted Ishtar back over her shoulder. Ignoring the goddess's shrieking protests, she followed Rozen, along with Merlin and Fou, trailing behind Siduri as they exited the royal chamber.

Gilgamesh, seated once more upon his throne, glanced at the group—no, more precisely, he glanced at Rozen—before turning back to his paperwork(stone tablet work?) .

Thus ended the audience with Gilgamesh.

What would happen next—only the heavens could know.