>>22922323
Answer: About my Servant
...this is a good opportunity. He can tell me about Gilgamesh. Who is this arrogant Servant, and how can I control him, I'm begging you, please tell me.
Andersen :: Your Servant? Well then, bring him out. I'll give you an expert opinion on every nook and cranny, down to the asshole.
[Wait I'm rethinking this plan --]
Gilgamesh :: A smart-mouthed man, aren't you. You should be skewered without opportunity to vindicate yourself for such insolence toward the king, however — if you were going to make reckless comments at the risk of your own life, you wouldn't have come forward beforehand. That's right, you have narrowly escaped death, mongrel.
Er...? Why were sword points being turned on me just now...?
Andersen :: Good grief. Flagged for death at the speed of light, and backing off just as quickly. As I would expect of, let's say, an orthodox young lady unabashedly declaring her harmlessness. You should thank me.
This is ridiculous! Isn't it Andersen who was impolite!?
Gilgamesh :: Of course not, the insolence was on your part, mongrel! An insolence that turns the evening sour, to have another judge the value of a king, and furthermore to ask right in front of me! If this peddler of letters did not offer his life, your head would roll for this!
So, that's it — !? But didn't tell me that I was free to research him, before...
Andersen :: To study history from others and to learn others' opinions are two different things. This man, while set in his own ideas, is disgusted by the narrow views that permeate society. "If you wish to know me, make your inquiries alone, struggling forward by your own power" — is that the aesthetic you demand, King of Heroes?
Gilgamesh :: Your speech is dull, but your eye for people is first-rate. I thought perhaps you were a mad dog begging for death, but your character is that of an adventurer who challenges despair. You put your life on the line to speak the truth. You put your soul in every reckless utterance. To you, to give up your words would mean the death of your soul. Compared to that, actual death is nothing to be feared.
Andersen :: Quite right. Therefore I will fulfill myself, King of Heroes.
Gilgamesh :: Oh?
Andersen :: Though my tongue may be cut out where I stand, as I have been asked, I will speak my estimation of you without reservation! To start at the conclusion, you don't qualify as a Servant! I can't give you a single point! And as a Heroic Spirit? That doesn't bear discussion! No matter what records you consult, Gilgamesh was a ruffian that brought suffering to his country and his people. Calling you a king of men would make me laugh. A fool who united heaven and earth, ruling over men without governing his country. A King of Heroes is just that, and not to be called a king of men even by accident. That principle of kingship is simply to reign. You establish yourself as a king, but that state is nothing but a storm with will. First you destroy. And after that you cannot even promise a good harvest. And in that sad state you gather the riches your subjects produce. Greed. Cruelty. And conceit. Those three things raised to their ultimate form and then made into one — that's what you are.
So, so close, I can't listen to this...! Gilgamesh holds his imposing stance just as it is, not so much as twitching, looking on as Andersen slings abuse at him. I wouldn't be surprised if he killed him right now, with that –
Gilgamesh :: —–.
— refreshed, expression...?
Anderson :: Serfs raise their crops, kings raise their countries. But you didn't even raise a country. You did at all nothing but kill and pursue your self-satisfaction. Your nation, your followers, your legend, none of it continues after you. The only thing remaining to you is yourself. Is this contract, too, nothing but an amusement to distract you from your boredom? An adjudicator who enjoys human emotions without understanding them. That is your true nature, Gilgamesh. Hakuno Kishinami. Don't think you'll come to understand this man. You should act as his Master and nothing else. All right! Feel free to take my life now! I have said what I wanted to say!
Gilgamesh :: Heh. I have no need for your life. It is utterly insignificant. That was not an estimation of value, in any case. It is a story you have written. If your tale portrays the king, it will find room in some corner of my library.
Andersen :: Well, that's good, I didn't fancy dying here right — wait. You recognize its worth? Then pay the fee! Will the famous golden king really just listen and be done with it!?
Gilgamesh :: There's nothing for it. When offset by such vilification, this is the assessed value of your work. If you want payment, reassess next time, mongrel. Though you a literary master with a twisted nature, after all...
A malicious grin crosses Gilgamesh's face. ...these two may actually get along better than expected...