The air in Camelot was unusually thick that evening.
Rumors of Gilgamesh's invitation had already begun to swirl among the guards, and by the time Ha Joon stood before the grand doors of the castle's throne room, he felt the curiosity weighing heavily on everyone.
His eyes settled on the messenger—a young man dressed in a brilliant, flowing robe.
The insignia of Uruk, an intricate design that glimmered with gold thread, was emblazoned on his chest.
Despite the journey, he appeared untouched by travel, as though he carried some of his queen's divine protection. His eyes held a calm fierceness, a sense of loyalty and dedication.
The messenger bowed before Ha Joon, his head low, but his voice steady.
"My lord, I am a humble servant of Gilgamesh, Queen of Heroes, Ruler of Uruk. She invites you, Queen Artoria, and any worthy companions to a feast in her honor, a celebration befitting heroes of your stature."
The silence lingered. Ha Joon could feel Artoria's curious glance beside him, though her expression remained unreadable.
"And what exactly does the Queen of Heroes celebrate?" Ha Joon asked, his tone light but with a glint of caution. "The downfall of an enemy or a new conquest?"
The messenger did not flinch. "Neither, my lord. She celebrates what she calls the rising of an era—a time for the greatest of legends to stand side by side."
A faint smile crossed Ha Joon's face, though he remained wary.
Gilgamesh's reputation as a ruthless ruler wasn't unknown to him, but the full weight of her character eluded him. Nevertheless, he offered a nod.
"You may stay at the castle tonight," Ha Joon said. "Tristan will see to it that you are comfortable."
The messenger bowed again in thanks, his features softening ever so slightly. Ha Joon turned to Tristan, who was standing in the shadow of the archway, watching the exchange with sharp eyes.
The knight stepped forward, his sword glinting as he gave the messenger a stiff nod, signaling he'd keep a watchful eye on him.
As the hall emptied, Merlin approached, her robe trailing softly behind her as she made her way over to Ha Joon. She stood beside him in silence for a moment, her gaze tracing the lines of the empty hall.
"So, Gilgamesh calls for you," she murmured, her tone contemplative.
Ha Joon turned his attention to her, watching her expression as she carefully chose her next words. "What is it that you know of her, Merlin?"
Merlin's gaze became distant, as if recalling memories from long ago. "Gilgamesh is a figure both revered and feared, even by the gods. She's the daughter of a god, yet holds a mortal's fire. Her ambition has always set her apart from her divine peers, as well as her love for conquest and knowledge." Her voice softened, almost to a whisper. "Some call her merciless. She rules with an iron fist in Uruk, where strength is the only language that matters. Her subjects live in a kind of peace, but it is one that holds fear and reverence in equal parts."
"Does she see mortals as mere tools?" Ha Joon asked, his gaze thoughtful.
Merlin shook her head, her expression unreadable. "She respects strength, whether it comes from gods or mortals. If you stand before her as an equal, she will respect you. But never let your guard down, your majesty. She could be as quick to sever a friendship as she is to extend a hand."
Ha Joon absorbed Merlin's words in silence. Gilgamesh's invitation was beginning to feel more like a challenge than a friendly gathering.
Nevertheless, his resolve was undeterred. If anything, the prospect of meeting this queen with such a formidable reputation only intrigued him more.
---
The morning of their departure was bright and crisp, the sun casting golden rays across Camelot's cobbled streets.
As the silence stretched, Gilgamesh rose from her throne, her movements graceful and deliberate. She extended a hand, her smile widening.
"Welcome to Uruk," she said, her voice echoing through the hall with a tone that brooked no dissent. "I have awaited this meeting."
Ha Joon felt a flicker of respect for the woman before him.
There was no doubt in his mind that this would be an encounter to remember.
He took a step forward, inclining his head in a show of respect, but never taking his eyes off hers.
"And I have awaited to see the beautiful Queen of Heroes firsthand," he replied, his voice carrying the calm confidence he was known for.
Gilgamesh's golden eyes gleamed with approval. "Oh? And you must be the famous God Tamer I have been hearing about. The king of camelot."
"One and only.."
"I am not surprised. You look exactly how I had pictured you."
Gilgamesh smiled.
"Why thank you, it's nice to know the queen of Uruk holds on in such high regards."
"Is that so...?"
Gilgamesh stood up from where she was seated and began to move closer to Ha Joon.
Sinex and the rest stood there, ready to attack if anything out of the ordinary was going to take place.
They were already suspicious of the queen already, any sudden movement she does wouldn't do anything but fuel their need to act.
Of course, Ha Joon acted oblivious to this fact.
"Tell me, King of Camelot, are these women who accompanied you, your servants?"
Gilgamesh asked as she walked.
The question made Artoria frowned. She was just disrespected in front of her subject...and husband?
Her lips parted, ready to responded accordingly when Ha Joon suddenly spoke,
"Oh no, This beautiful woman beside me is my darling Wife, Artoria Pendragon." Ha Joon smiled, gesturing at Artoria, "Perhaps you were confused because you didn't see her face due to the lighting".
Gilgamesh stoped in front of Ha Joon, looking at Artoria for a while -
"Oh? So she is the famous queen that carries the holy blade? Interesting."
...
[A\\N: Thank you for reading.]n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om