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"This is the heart of the castle."
Semiramis took a few graceful steps back, facing Shen He. Then, with deliberate ease, she sank into the lush comfort of the bed, letting her body melt into the softness. As she stretched languidly, her flawless figure seemed to bloom, catching the eye of even the usually composed Shen He.
She truly was the legendary enchantress—one who had once bewitched kings with a glance.
Even if one knew her beauty concealed deadly poison, the allure she wielded was enough to draw anyone close.
Shen He bit down gently on the tip of his tongue, using the sting to center his thoughts.
If he lacked even that much self-control, he would have long ago succumbed to the temptations that power brought.
"Thank you for your kindness," he said, surveying the lavish chamber. "But Joan and I prefer simpler lodgings. A bed too large only creates more distance between those who share a pillow. Modesty suits us better."
"Hmm? Too big?"
Semiramis feigned innocence, still lying comfortably on the bed. She turned over playfully, fixing her gaze on Shen He.
"The lone may not like an overly vast room, but Gu cherishes the indulgence of wealth."
"That's certainly one way to live," Shen He replied, recalling the extravagance of Tony Stark. He chuckled quietly, then shook his head. "But such indulgence often leaves behind a hollow emptiness. I came here to speak—about serious matters."
"Mm-hmm." Semiramis made a nonchalant sound and patted the space beside her. "It's still perfectly fine to talk here on the bed. Gu is listening attentively."
After a moment's hesitation, Shen He removed his shoes and joined her—not to lie down, but to sit cross-legged, facing her squarely.
"I've given it deep thought," he began. "I want to develop the Sky Garden into a central hub of culture, economy, technology, and the preservation of human legacy."
"Of course it will become a center," Semiramis replied, idly twirling a lock of her dark hair. "But Gu prefers a more divine description—a 'dwelling place of the gods.' Master, in this world, Chaldea is capable of becoming myth. Only such a mythic status is worthy of you."
"..."
It was the first time Shen He glimpsed the true scale of Semiramis's ambition.
But if he asked her directly, she would likely just say it was about her enjoyment of divine supremacy.
"At that time, Master will be the king of gods."
Semiramis shifted again, resting her head gently on Shen He's lap. Her jeweled fingers traced soft lines across his waist, and her sweet, sultry voice echoed beside his ear.
"The Chaldean followers will become your divine court. Mortals will serve you. You will bless them in return. Your light will stretch across the universe. None will dare defy your will. You... will stand upon an unmatched peak."
"...So that's it." Shen He looked down at her eyes—glittering like rare jewels. "That's your wish?"
"It is also Master's wish."
Semiramis's hand glided up his arm and rested against his cheek, her face flush as if from wine.
"Gu remembers it well—when you said you wished to grow, to progress, to see what an extraordinary life might achieve. Gu promised then—your wish would be fulfilled by Gu."
"..."
A strange emotion stirred in Shen He's chest.
He realized now how wrong he had been.
The empress, who had possessed everything in her lifetime—power, luxury, status—had no real yearning for any of it. Her only desire was to bestow that pinnacle, that divine identity she once held, upon Shen He. All because of the wish he made when he first summoned her.
Who could have imagined? Beneath the guise of the "poisonous woman" lay not conspiracy, but a girl's innocent hope.
Only...
"You're mistaken..."
His voice was low, tinged with tenderness and regret.
"Huh?" Semiramis looked up at him, confused.
"You misunderstood, Semiramis."
Shen He took her hand in his own, enveloping her delicate fingers in his firm grasp. He met her gaze gently, earnestly.
"I was born in the modern world. Our times are different. To us, supreme authority, absolute obedience, and divine status... These aren't the ultimate goals. They're not my wish."
In the modern era—saturated with information and contradictions—people no longer chased singular ideals.
Yes, many still admired the emperor's wealth and his palace.
But they also knew the emperor's suffering: loneliness, paranoia, and fear.
Not everyone desired a throne from which no one could speak equally. Shen He, in fact, found such a position suffocating—void of joy.
"But... but..." Semiramis stammered, blinking in confusion, panic creeping into her voice. "That's the highest summit life can reach, isn't it?"
She had always believed that Shen He's dream of ascending, of exploring new heights, meant becoming greater than all others.
But now—he said it wasn't so.
"This is a difference in values and worldviews," Shen He replied, rubbing his temple.
But this had to be said, or the empress might continue down a path built on misunderstanding.
"Think of it this way. In your time, weren't there heroes who gave everything to protect the innocent? They weren't selfless—they found purpose in their actions. For me, the philosophy of life is different from my values."
He paused to ensure she was following. She nodded slowly, her expression thoughtful.
"My ideal life is simple. I treasure the people close to me—Joan, Violet, Ryougi Shiki, Saiki Kusuo... I want to hold onto those bonds forever. That is my life. As for values—my mission—I want to use my strength to reshape the world."
If Shen He had a purpose, it was this: to enact meaningful change.
As the saying goes, "When poor, cultivate oneself. When able, aid the world."
That's where he drew his motivation.
He continued talking, even pulling up examples on his tablet to explain modern city planning and cultural philosophy.
Semiramis listened in silence. Her face grew redder as her understanding deepened.
"Semiramis?" Shen He called out gently, concerned by her long silence.
"L-lone..."
Her voice was muffled. She tried to keep up her proud composure, but when she saw Shen He's amused smile, she broke.
She buried her face under the blanket like a flustered child, clutching it tightly as if to bury her shame along with her.
"Hahaha."
Shen He couldn't help laughing—genuinely.
And when the empress's silk-stocking-clad feet kicked him lightly, he didn't even mind.
In fact, it made him happy.
This meeting had taken a turn he didn't expect.
He had come to assert his resolve—like when he studied Amakusa Shirou. He thought he'd have to confront the empress, override her will, and force his goals through.
But in truth, it had all been a misunderstanding—born from the gulf between their eras.
Semiramis stayed in her quilt cocoon for a while.
Eventually, realizing Shen He wasn't leaving, she peeked out. The blush was still there, but now she looked more resigned.
"In that case... did Gu do wrong?" she asked, biting her lip. "Gu thought she should seize power from your subordinates... even pushed out your allies... The announcement has already gone public."
She had believed that Chaldea needed unquestioned authority—that gods could not tolerate mortal equals. But in this era, cooperation was the true path forward.
"It's my fault too," Shen He replied with a warm smile. "I should've explained earlier. It's still early—the impact is minimal. I've already handled it with Tony. As for Coulson... he's not fit to manage everything anymore. I'll find a better role for him. What matters is—I still need your help, Semiramis."
"...Truly?"
She was silent for a moment, then sighed. The Empress returned—elegant and commanding.
"Gu is used to being served, not serving others... but what can one do? You are the master, after all."
Though her tone was reluctant, the small smile on her lips betrayed her sincerity.
The empress... was experiencing something new. Something she had never felt in life.
"You'll need to study more about modern city development," Shen He said, standing up and putting on his shoes. "The Sky Garden has the potential to embody everything a great city should be. It may not be a 'divine dwelling'—but it will be a place the world looks to with hope."
"You're leaving already?" a soft voice asked from behind.
Shen He froze.
He could feel the silk-clad touch of her foot slipping under his shirt, brushing his waist and spine.
"Master..." The touch drifted forward—
And Shen He fled.
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