Chapter 6: The Unfortunate Child
Ramses strode toward the delivery room.
He had already ordered everyone not to question the foreigner who appeared by his side for the time being; he didn't have time for that now.
Although this guy called something like "Hikigaya" was of unknown origin and no one knew why he dared to appear before him like this, Ramses was willing to trust his words.
When Ramses ascended the throne, the great Horus transformed into a golden eagle that appeared on his shoulder—this happened openly in front of everyone.
From that moment on, no one could seriously challenge his position. His power was protected and recognized by Horus and Set; their strength was with him.
So he believed his own eyes and instincts.
With this confidence, he rushed into the delivery room—but the queen was no longer there. Servants were cleaning the room.
"Where are my wife and daughter?" he asked.
"In the bedroom, my lord," the servant replied nervously, kneeling on the ground.
Without a word, Ramses dashed out of the delivery room and headed straight for his wife's bedroom.
Behind him were the eager Hikigaya and the Pharaoh's guards watching him warily.
Hikigaya was the second person after Ramses to enter the queen's bedroom.
The captain of the Pharaoh's guards tried to stop him but was shoved aside with a single shoulder shove. If not for the Pharaoh's orders, this loyal old pirate would have drawn his sword and cut Hikigaya into pieces.
But Hikigaya ignored him and immediately began to look around upon entering the room.
The bedroom was not as spacious as he had imagined. Although relatively large, it was still small enough to be surveyed in a glance.
He saw six women wearing long, tight dresses and turquoise necklaces gathered around the large bed in the center of the room, along with a doctor.
Hikigaya had seen this doctor before when passing by the delivery room. Being over fifty was already considered elderly in this era.
Because these people blocked his view, Hikigaya could not clearly see the person on the bed, but he could still tell it was the queen.
By the bedside was a cradle, and inside was a child.
Hikigaya stepped forward—but Ramses was faster; he had already picked the child up.
"She is truly beautiful," said the Pharaoh, who was historically known as a master of flattery in ancient Egypt, with an extremely doting expression. "So much like me."
Hikigaya immediately curled his lips in disdain.
You're just a horse-faced guy on a big screen away from total disaster, okay? If a girl looks like you, wouldn't that be awful?
After silently mocking him in his mind, Hikigaya glanced at the child.
Eek! Found a prodigy!
The baby's chubby little face was fair and clean, innocent and extremely cute.
Her eyes were already open, staring at her horse-faced dad with a surprised yet curious expression.
Lucky—her face definitely came from her mother.
"How is it?" Hikigaya suddenly heard Ramses ask.
"How what?"
"My daughter is so cute. Do you see anything to worry about?"
Oh, so that's the question. But should he tell his honest feelings…
However, Hikigaya was not the first to answer Ramses.
"My lord, the amulet we just placed on the princess has broken. This is a bad omen."
One of the six women in the room stepped forward and raised her hand. Both Hikigaya and Ramses saw the amulet on her hand had a broken string.
"Is this serious?"
"We are waiting for the High Priestess. Perhaps she can provide answers."
"Then wait you shall." Ramses nodded, then walked toward the bed holding the child. "Nefertari, are you feeling better?"
Nefertari was quite beautiful; this woman whom Ramses loved most in history now looked exhausted.
But when she saw the infant in Ramses' arms, her face immediately brightened.
"I'm fine," Nefertari's voice was gentle. She looked at her husband and daughter with clear, bright eyes filled with love. "Poor child—was she not well protected?"
"It's all right. I will protect her."
"She should have a name. Have you decided on one?"
"That task should fall to the mother."
"Then let's call her 'Meritamun.' Our daughter will be 'Beloved of Amun,' and she will one day see your million-year temple…"
Million-year temple? What the heck is that?
Hikigaya perked up his ears.
"Ramses, when I gave birth, the voice of Amun god was constantly in my ear, telling you to build it quickly… That temple will be your fortress against the forces of darkness. There, we will unite as one and fight the enemies together."
Eek! Showing off love with fancy words now?
Calling the birthing room a million-year temple! Can you two tone it down!?
Hikigaya had to admit, his imagination ran wild…
"But before that, Ramses, we must protect our child. The dark forces have already taken our first child from us."
Nefertari suddenly became emotional. She grabbed the Pharaoh's arm; her beautiful eyes shimmered faintly with tears.
"I know."
Ramses' voice was full of fury toward the enemy and tenderness for his wife. He held the child tightly to his chest, comforting Nefertari until she fainted from exhaustion.
"Speak your conclusion, doctor." The Pharaoh stood up, his gaze flickering between wife and child, voice cold enough to frighten.
"The queen is very weak. We can save her, but she probably will never be able to bear children again."
"Why hasn't the High Priestess of the Temple of Life arrived yet? Do I need to receive her?"
"No, my lord, I have already arrived." The voice came from the doorway, replacing the old royal physician.
Hikigaya looked back and saw a middle-aged woman, dressed no differently from the six women in the room.
"Begin immediately. I want to know my child's future."
"As you command. Please place the child back first."
The High Priestess said.
Ramses snorted and reluctantly put his daughter back into the cradle.
The High Priestess and the six women formed a circle around the cradle.
They meditated silently for a long time, while Ramses and Hikigaya watched.
After a few seconds, Hikigaya was shocked inside.
Those seven women were actually radiating divine power!