Ella soon awoke. Her entire body ached as if she had been beaten all over.

  As she steadied herself and looked around, the war was already over. She saw Elaton and Azael approaching the corpses of the fallen generals. They had been brave enemy commanders, but war was war. The two searched the bodies and claimed the spoils.

  Neragalsu had left behind a sphere radiating an intense poisonous aura. Azael wrapped it in layers of cloth and leather before placing it into his pouch. Marbala had left behind Ginsu’s healing staff. It belonged to Liana, and Elaton took it with him.

  Once the spoils were gathered, Namur Bel led them toward the palace.

  Though the city walls lay in ruins, the people filled the streets, cheering and celebrating. The defense, fought even by common folk, had blossomed into a source of pride for all. Recognizing the five siblings, the citizens showered them with flowers from rooftops and windows alike. Petals rained down, carrying fragrance and a gentle touch.

  “Heroes! Guardians of Kish! The Five Heroes!”

  Deafening cheers erupted wherever they went. Some citizens knelt, others prostrated themselves in reverence.

  Amid the fervent welcome, Ella suddenly felt a bitterness rise within her. She vaguely remembered what had happened while her consciousness was asleep. Liana’s overwhelming feats— all Ella herself had done was lend her body.

  She clenched her meteoric iron dagger tightly and resolved to grow stronger.

  When they arrived at the palace, guards and ministers lined the entrance, bowing deeply in respect. Their eyes were filled with awe, as if gazing upon living gods. The five siblings pressed on through those heavy stares and entered the audience chamber.

  There, unexpectedly, stood more than a dozen boys and girls lined up behind the King of Kish. The king cleared his throat and addressed them with praise.

  “Heroes. Guardians of Kish who drove back Uruk. You saved the lives of my people and punished injustice. Could it be that the chief god Enlil himself sent you? No praise is sufficient to honor your divine deeds.”

  At the king’s gesture, the court secretary stepped forward. He introduced the youths behind the king—royal grandchildren, heirs of the princes. As each was announced, they stepped forward one by one, bowing politely in thanks. The young royals, appearing to be fourteen to seventeen years old, blushed deeply and could barely lift their heads.

  When the introductions ended, the king waved his hand.

  “Royal heirs and ministers, you may withdraw.”

  The King of Kish studied each of the five siblings carefully before speaking again.

  “Forgive their shyness. They are children who have only just come of age.”

  He stroked his white beard and continued.

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  “Heroes. You saved this kingdom from the brink of destruction. I would not begrudge even handing the nation over to you. Each of those heirs is fully qualified to inherit the throne.”

  As the king subtly revealed his intent, the expressions of the five siblings stiffened. He was proposing a marriage alliance.

  Azael stepped forward and replied with composure.

  “We are grateful for Your Majesty’s generosity and praise. All the royal heirs appear to be outstanding individuals.”

  The king smiled in satisfaction and clapped his hands.

  “Our weary heroes must be waiting. Is the banquet ready?”

  A servant rushed in to announce that the preparations were complete. The secretary guided the five siblings to the banquet hall.

  “Please forgive the modesty of the feast, given the recent war.”

  The moment they entered, his words rang hollow. It was clear the king had spared no expense.

  Golden and silver tableware of the finest quality adorned the tables, while rare dishes unlike anything they had ever seen were brought out by servants. The pungent, appetizing scent of costly eastern spices filled the air, and the dishes themselves were crafted with exquisite care, as if the chefs had poured in their very souls.

  Seated already were the four kings of the allied forces and their generals. With little choice, the five siblings took seats among them.

  From the high seat, the King of Kish and his prince once again praised the achievements of the siblings and the alliance. As the meal began, conversations sprang up everywhere. The attention of the four kings quickly centered on the five siblings.

  The King of Lagash leaned toward Elaton beside him and spoke eagerly.

  “It was truly an honor to stand on the battlefield with heroes such as you. Yet before the battle, I found myself thinking of my two daughters, and my heart grew heavy. My eldest, blooming like a rose, and my second, as fair as a lily… neither has yet found a spouse, and that troubles me all the more.”

  Elaton scratched his forehead awkwardly.

  “Ah… I see.”

  “I carry their portraits in my pendant. Would you care to see? Both are princesses whose beauty none could deny.”

  The young King of Nippur addressed Tamar in a gentle tone.

  “I witnessed your astonishing valor—fighting with vines and flowers. It was like watching a goddess from myth at war. Do you enjoy plants, Lady Tamar?”

  Tamar replied absentmindedly while sampling various delicacies.

  “I guess so.”

  “The gardens of Nippur are said to be the most beautiful in the world. I have ensured that flowers and trees bloom year-round, so that one day they may be offered to my future spouse.”

  Despite the handsome king’s subtle advances, Tamar continued eating with little interest.

  The old King of Ur boasted to Azael about his granddaughter, while the King of Lursag clung to Eshiel, extolling the beauty of his sister.

  Ella ate quietly, but even she—the youngest—was soon approached by generals from every nation.

  Before long, the kings began praising their own realms. Lagash emphasized its immense wealth. Nippur spoke of its vast granaries and magnificent palaces. Ur boasted the tallest temples and the strongest army. Lursag highlighted its balanced national power and large population.

  This is exhausting…

  They sound less like kings and more like matchmakers…

  I just want to sleep…

  As shadows crept over the faces of the five siblings, the King of Kish intervened.

  “The heroes appear weary after their fierce battle. Servants, guide them to their quarters. Kings, if you still have the energy, shall we continue with food and drink?”

  As the five siblings departed for their chambers, the kings began to reveal their true intentions.

  “One hero per kingdom!”

  “You’re fishing in empty waters. After seeing our Lagash princesses, two of them are as good as ours.”

  “The real thing doesn’t compare to the portraits—stop boasting.”

  “What did you say?”

  The King of Kish laughed and smoothed things over.

  “Is it not the heroes who must choose? Let us leave the rest for tomorrow. Kings… I thank you sincerely for your expedition. There will be no shortage of food or drink tonight, so please enjoy yourselves.”

  Sensing the king’s genuine gratitude, the kings’ tempers softened. Soon, the banquet hall filled with laughter blooming among kings and generals alike.