บท 461: Treatment
Early the next morning, Arkhan arrived at the central ziggurat.
Last night, Siduri had managed to persuade Gilgamesh to reluctantly agree to undergo treatment, but he insisted that it be kept a secret. This decision wasn't just about his king's pride; it was also to maintain his image as the 'pillar' in the hearts of Uruk's populace.
Uruk itself was like a small boat teetering in a storm, but with Gilgamesh as its captain, everyone pulled together, holding their breath, sailing through the rough seas, and overcoming obstacles.
However, if Gilgamesh were to fall one day, the ship would fall apart instantly.
Perhaps it was because of this heavy pressure that Gilgamesh almost desperately worked to maintain the normal operation of Uruk.
"Take this tablet to the head of the guards and have them deploy according to my design for the defense line. It's harvest season, and enemies may quietly arrange some demonic beasts to harass us. We can't let those beasts disrupt the order of the farms."
"There's a report from the front line that a supply line was attacked by demonic beasts. This means this month's supplies are one unit less than last month's. My soldiers can't fight on empty stomachs, so have the royal guards lead thirty excellent soldiers to eradicate all their dens along the way, not sparing even a cub."
"When the shepherds suffered an attack from demonic beasts, Goddess Ishtar appeared and dealt with the beasts, but in the process, she also wiped out a tenth of the livestock and took all of their savings. In the end, their losses were twenty percent higher than before. Tell the temple to reduce next month's offerings by another twenty percent and use that money to compensate the shepherds."
As soon as Arkhan stepped into the throne room, he heard Gilgamesh's booming voice.
Gilgamesh sat on the throne, distributing tablets and issuing orders to the waiting courtiers without even sparing a glance at Arkhan.
Meanwhile, the courtiers hastily acknowledged Gilgamesh's orders and quickly left the throne room without even glancing at Arkhan from beginning to end.
"Good morning, Lord Arkhan." Siduri approached slowly, gracefully bowing to Arkhan. "Did you sleep well last night? Do you need to change to a different place?"
"No need, that house suits me just fine." Arkhan chuckled and waved his hand.
He didn't mention that the inside had already been transformed into a magical workshop by Morgan, so no one else could move in except for them.
"Alright then, I'll take your word for it." Siduri smiled faintly.
Knowing that Arkhan was the only hope to treat Gilgamesh's fatigue, she couldn't afford any negligence as Gilgamesh's most trusted aide and chief priestess.
"Did Gilgamesh stay up late again last night?" Arkhan glanced at the thick stack of clay tablets piled next to the throne and almost immediately guessed what had happened.
"I advised him to rest last night, but he said, 'Since there's already a method of treatment, there's no need for me to rest anymore'..." Siduri sighed with a hint of bitterness. "Anyway, we're all counting on you, Lord Arkhan."
"Yeah, since I proposed this idea, I'll do everything I can." Arkhan smiled, comforting the somewhat anxious priestess.
Gilgamesh had been aware of Arkhan's presence from the beginning, but he only cast a fleeting glance before retracting his gaze, his distribution of tablets and commands toward the courtiers remained unaffected.
Arkhan also knew it wasn't the time to disturb Gilgamesh, so he quietly leaned against a stone pillar, waiting for the morning assembly to conclude.
As the last courtier departed, the throne room finally became quiet.
Gilgamesh lowered his head slightly, concealing the faint traces of exhaustion between his brows.
"You can all leave now." Siduri ordered the guards in the throne room.
Hearing the order, the guards exchanged hesitant glances before looking at Gilgamesh. Seeing no objection from their king, they nodded and murmured affirmations before filing out of the throne room.
With only three people left in the throne room, besides the occasional sound of the wind, there was almost no other noise, a stark contrast to the bustling atmosphere just moments ago.
"After working continuously for seven days and nights at high intensity, even a demigod's body can't bear it. Do you really plan to work yourself to death on this throne?"
With crisp footsteps, Arkhan remarked as he approached Gilgamesh step by step along the stairs.
"A king leads his people and carries the weight of the world. Since I've taken this position, there are some responsibilities I can't shirk."
Gilgamesh lifted his head, his expression returning to its usual calm demeanor.
"Enough meaningless chatter. Start your treatment, we still have a heap of official business to deal with later."
Arkhan shook his head and summoned Abyss Flower.
Seeing what appeared to be a massive white lance with a black handle, Siduri's face flashed with a hint of panic, but out of trust in Arkhan, she forcefully halted her steps.
"Hou? Is this your weapon?" Gilgamesh's face lit up with interest. "Quite intriguing, something even a king like me hasn't seen before."
"There are always greater things beyond what one knows. No one can claim to truly know everything."
Arkhan responded lightly, punctuating his words by pressing the lance tip of Abyss Flower into Gilgamesh's shoulder before he could retort.
Siduri widened her eyes, covering her mouth to stifle a scream.
It was not without reason, as the scene before her was indeed too shocking and surreal. If people of Uruk were to witness it, they'd likely faint on the spot.
The lily patterns on Abyss Flower lit up one by one, continuously channeling life energy into Gilgamesh's body. It was like a refreshing rain nourishing a parched land, revitalizing his body on the brink of exhaustion.
Gilgamesh leaned back on his throne, eyes half-closed as if soaking in a hot spring in the dead of winter, his face filled with unmistakable pleasure.
Watching this scene, Siduri's heart gradually settled, her hand patting her chest as she breathed a long sigh of relief.
Ten minutes later, Arkhan withdrew Abyss Flower, and Gilgamesh opened his half-closed eyes.
A fleeting nostalgia flashed in Gilgamesh's crimson eyes before returning to his usual calm demeanor.
He stood up, stretching a bit, feeling the restored vitality in his body.
Satisfied, Gilgamesh nodded and firmly patted Arkhan's shoulder, just like a boss praising his employee.
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