Miracle Summoner

"Here is the place prepared for your lodging,"

In a corner of Uruk's city streets not far from the Divine Tower, Siduri lifted the curtain used in place of a door and invited Rozen and his companions inside.

What greeted them was a space neither too large nor too small. It looked somewhat aged and was furnished like a tavern bar. To the side, a staircase extended upward; judging from the exterior, the building was likely at least three stories tall.

"This was originally a tavern that specialized in selling barley beer. The first floor is a public area, but the second and third floors are residential. There are quite a few rooms, enough to accommodate ten people without issue. You may use them freely."

Siduri explained this to Rozen and Mash.

But the first to react wasn't Rozen or Mash—it was someone else entirely.

"Oho? It can house ten people? And it used to be a tavern that sold barley beer? Not bad, not bad at all. It's far better than my room in the Divine Tower."

Merlin, staff in hand, nodded repeatedly in mock seriousness while evaluating the place.

"A human dwelling…"

Anna also looked around cautiously, her demeanor suggesting some discomfort. Yet her tone didn't carry much disgust, implying she wasn't too opposed to the place.

Compared to Merlin and Anna, however, someone else had a very different attitude.

"This place is basically a sheep pen compared to my divine palace! If you let me go now, I might help you find a better place. That would be an unprecedented bargain, a myth-level premium deal! I've gone this far—shouldn't you let me go already?!"

Still slung over Mash's shoulder, Ishtar continued to complain incessantly, clearly not having given up her struggle.

"Well… how do I put it…"

Mash said with a conflicted expression. "I didn't expect a Mesopotamian goddess to know such modern vocabulary. She actually said 'premium deal'…"

Indeed, Ishtar's tone and haughty demeanor were undeniably divine, yet somehow her vocabulary was unexpectedly similar to that of a modern girl.

Even Siduri commented:

"Lady Ishtar's speech used to be far more ancient and lofty, but just as the king said, the current manifestation of Lady Ishtar seems quite different from before."

Siduri's manner of speaking, on the other hand, was both polite and humble—very likable.

As Rozen surveyed the room, he turned to Siduri.

"Thank you for giving us a place to stay," Rozen said. "You're called Miss Siduri, correct?"

At his words, Siduri offered a gentle smile.

"Just Siduri is fine, Lord Rozen," she replied with a bow. "Apologies for the late introduction. I am not only the high priestess of but also a deputy official serving under His Majesty. Since the King ordered me to arrange a residence for you all, I will do my utmost."

That said, one must understand the situation in Uruk.

Though Gilgamesh was the official ruler and lord of Uruk, divine authority still held sway alongside royal authority.

Even as the Age of Gods neared its end, this era remained the closest point in human history to the divine. People's reverence and faith in the gods were still strong.

As such, the people obeyed both the king's rule and divine guidance, governed simultaneously by royal and divine mandates.

In practice, Uruk was ruled by a triad of powers: the royal palace, the temple of ritual, and the priestesses—what one might call a three-pillar system.

As the high priestess of the ritual temple, Siduri held a prestigious position, second only to King Gilgamesh himself. She currently served as the king's trusted aide.

This close relationship also meant Siduri had a strong understanding of Gilgamesh's character.

"To be honest, this is the first time I've seen His Majesty show such concern toward foreign visitors—especially toward you, Lord Rozen. I could tell: the King holds you in very high regard."

Siduri smiled and added, "That's an exceedingly rare occurrence. I'm still in shock. But considering you managed to subdue Goddess Ishtar and even appear to have the blessing of two divine beings, I imagine you're a hero not inferior to the King or to Enkidu, are you not?"

It was high praise from Siduri.

"No, you're overestimating me," Rozen replied, shaking his head with deliberate modesty.

But Siduri's tone remained surprisingly serious.

"Why would I? His Majesty's attitude and even that of Goddess Ishtar both show us that, while you may be human, you are by no means ordinary. For Uruk, facing a life-or-death crisis, your arrival might be the turning point we need."

As both a high priestess and the king's aide, Siduri was skilled at reading people.

And so…

"If there is anything you need, please don't hesitate to tell me. As long as it's within my power, I will do everything I can."

Once again, Siduri bowed to Rozen—but this time, with a formal gesture and earnest plea.

"Please lend your strength to us, the people of Uruk. Be the hope this nation needs."

At that moment, Siduri's tone was akin to a prayer to the divine—sincere and solemn.

"P-Please raise your head, Miss Siduri!" Mash rushed forward to support her. "We'll do our best! You can count on us!"

Not only Mash—Merlin also spoke up.

"Don't worry. They're very reliable, after all."

Merlin offered Siduri a bright, cheerful smile.

"..."

Anna's eyes flickered slightly as she fell silent.

Ishtar, however, was still ranting.

"If you're going to plead with someone, plead with me, Siduri! If you convince them to let me go now, and get that golden idiot to come here and kneel in apology, I might help out! This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!"

The goddess was still saying completely unrealistic things.

"The King would never kneel and apologize, Lady Ishtar. Please don't say such impossible things," Siduri sighed.

"If it were up to me, I'd gladly release you. But since His Majesty gave the order, and it was Lord Rozen and the others who brought you here, I have no authority. Just think of this as a temporary rest and stay here for a while."

With those words, Siduri turned to the group and nodded.

"Well then, I'm sure the King still has many matters to handle, so I shall take my leave."

And with that, Siduri left.

"Wait! Wait, Siduri—!" Ishtar cried out.

Her voice faded into the background like farewell music, sending off Siduri, who didn't look back once.

Then, the whole group turned toward her—gazes filled with mischief and ill intent.

"W-What are you all planning...?"

Ishtar gulped audibly.

Rozen, surrounded by the group's support, smiled gently—sending shivers down the goddess's spine.