RioRaRyu
patreon
Chapter 62: Gilgamesh's Inner Thoughts
🕑 Added 2025-05-21 09:55:10 +0000 UTCSeeing that beautiful light, Gilgamesh in the high sky revealed a satisfied expression.
"Iskandar, did you see that? That is the power of my dearest friend!"
On the other side, Iskandar also quietly watched everything from his chariot, a series of waves spreading outward. The sheer force of those waves indicated just how terrifying that single strike had been.
"That's his power. Can you fight against him?"
Iskandar snorted coldly but didn't answer Gilgamesh's question. Instead, she looked at Arthur.
"Bearing the expectations of so many, bringing Britain to its peak—such power is both admirable and lamentable."
On the shore, Arthur and Artoria lowered their swords, gazing at each other. At this moment, Artoria seemed to understand something—why the man before her possessed a strength she did not.
"You are the dignified King of Heroes! Aren't you his match?"
"If I were in my wise king state, perhaps I could. But I despise that state."
Gilgamesh seemed to recall her wise king form and shook her head helplessly.
"Moreover, haven't you noticed? He is different from us. He hasn't died yet. He has more time to grow stronger. What would happen if the full power of that sword were unleashed?"
"Indeed. However, I am the King of Conquerors! How could I fear a single enemy?"
Iskandar looked at Gilgamesh fearlessly.
"Oh right, and you too, Gilgamesh. I have long awaited your treasury as well."
"Very well, then come."
Gilgamesh finished speaking and turned her thoughts to the distant past, no longer paying attention to Iskandar.
The scene of Arthur and Artoria had suddenly reminded Gilgamesh of something long ago.
---
Once, there was a person—unknown whether man or woman.
Made of clay, yet a demigod whose power rivaled her own.
She sought to surpass the gods, but she had not fully grasped her own strength. In the end, the gods struck her down.
Before she faded, she looked at Gilgamesh with tear-filled eyes. The King of Heroes had been puzzled.
"Why are you crying?" she had asked. "Could it be that only now do you regret standing by my side?"
No, I do not regret being with you.
She gazed at her earnestly, as if memorizing her face.
"After I die, who else will understand your heart? Who else will stand by your side in battle? Gil… promise me, do not remain lonely forever. Find someone you cherish…"
As she watched her take her last breath, the self-proclaimed supreme king understood—this person, human yet striving to surpass humanity, had lived a life more precious and radiant than all the treasures she had collected.
"Enkidu, did you see that? Now, I have finally found someone worth being with," Gilgamesh whispered to the sky.
---
At that moment, a cloud of dust rose in the distance. A majestic troop of riders charged forth—the Knights of the Round Table!
Having witnessed such radiance, the entire Round Table had been awestruck and rushed to the scene. Yet upon seeing the figures before them, they immediately understood.
"Hail, our King! Welcome back to Britain!"
The knights knelt in unison. For them, seeing Arthur again was their greatest honor.
"Rise."
Arthur raised his hand, and the knights stood.
Taking Artoria's hand, Arthur led her toward them and addressed the gathered Heroic Spirits and Masters:
"Since we've come this far, how can we not offer hospitality?" Mounting his horse, he pulled Artoria up behind him. "I wonder if you would grant your king this opportunity?"
"How can one refuse a friend's invitation?" Gilgamesh agreed at once.
"Hahaha! Excellent! Let me see the might of this great king's kingdom!" Iskandar accepted eagerly.
"It is my honor to accept King Arthur's invitation," Diarmuid said, eager to witness this land.
"Diarmuid, will it be safe here?" Sola asked nervously, reaching for his hand—only for him to subtly evade her.
"Rest assured, Lady Sola. King Arthur is a wise and benevolent ruler. He would never ambush us."
"Very well. With you here, I am not afraid."
Diarmuid remained impassive at Sola's near-confession.
Waver was whisked away by Iskandar, while Jeanne readily agreed. Tokiomi Tōsaka and Kariya Matō had already left the battlefield earlier, leaving only the immobile Jeanne Alter in Fuyuki. (Angra Mainyu remained unknown to Arthur.)
"Then let us welcome our guests!"
At Arthur's command, the Knights of the Round Table parted, forming a path for the group.
As they proceeded, cheers and applause from the people lined the streets. The procession soon arrived at Arthur's palace, where a young man bearing a striking resemblance to him approached eagerly.
"Father King!"
"Mordred, son it seems you've managed the country well."
"This is all thanks to everyone's efforts."
Arthur nodded. Mordred's leadership was more than sufficient to govern kingdom in his stead.
Mordred then turned to Jeanne and Artoria, bowing respectfully.
"Greetings to both mothers."
What?!
Both Artoria and Jeanne flushed crimson. Jeanne, at least, had some prior interaction with Arthur, but Artoria had only just agreed to their union—and now she had a son! And he was indeed hers! The awkwardness was palpable.
"You've done well. I'll have your sister learn from you another time," Artoria said, though she sighed inwardly at the thought of her own world's troublesome Mordred.
"Sister?" Mordred blinked in confusion.
Lancelot gestured between Artoria and herself, and understanding dawned.
Ah. Her Mordred is a daughter.
"My greatest honor," Mordred replied with a wry smile, silently vowing to avoid that version of himself lest he be corrupted.
"Now then, everyone, let us proceed inside."
Arthur led the group into the palace, where a grand feast awaited—fine wine, sumptuous dishes, and warm welcomes. (The details need not be elaborated.)
After the feast, maids escorted the guests to explore the kingdom. Diarmuid took Sola to the training grounds; Artoria toured the land Arthur ruled; Iskandar marched straight to the barracks. Gilgamesh retired to her chambers, and Jeanne, still grieving Gilles' demise, withdrew to rest.
Left alone in the vast palace, Arthur faced a mountain of documents—and promptly fled.
Silence reclaimed the halls.
---
