Chapter 14: The Pharaoh's Visit (Part 2)
Smart people all have one flaw—they tend to overthink. Moses was also a smart person, even more than that. His name would be sung for thousands of years, and so, naturally, he overthought.
Because after Hachiman Hikigaya just casually asked him a few questions and then stopped talking, Moses felt relieved.
He thought to himself that he was really making a fuss over nothing. If he truly was a god, surely he wouldn't trouble him over such trivial matters.
There were countless gods in the world—just among one people, there were more gods than one could count.
If gods cared about every little thing, they would have no time for anything but constantly punishing humans.
While Moses was relaxing, Hachiman had already resumed chatting with Ramesses II.
The topic first turned to Ramesses's rescued daughter, who was brought out by the queen today.
From Hachiman's point of view, this little one looked extremely healthy now, which gave him a bit of pride—maybe one day he could truly become a divine healer.
"You already gave me a house; no need to be so polite with your thanks again," Hachiman said as Ramesses and his wife expressed their gratitude once more.
"How could once be enough? My daughter's life was almost taken by sorcery, and..." Ramesses's face, which had been calm since entering, darkened with a hint of sorrow, "The enemy succeeded partially—they managed to harm my wife."
At this, Hachiman looked carefully at the queen and quickly discovered the issue.
In his eyes, the queen's body showed the image of reproductive incapacity.
In this era, this was a major problem.
Unless in ancient Egypt, where women could also be rulers and the queen shared power equally with the Pharaoh, her position would definitely be unstable.
This wasn't something a good husband alone could fix.
If this had happened in medieval time, a queen who couldn't bear a male heir would either kidnap someone else's child or become a mere bystander, and if luck were worse, she'd be kicked out.
Ramesses II's harem was large—otherwise, it wouldn't have produced over a hundred children.
Fertility was undeniable, but the quality of the harem also mattered.
But judging by Ramesses's close and intimate relationship with his official wife, it seemed impossible for a third person to insert themselves.
So Hachiman felt his healer instincts kick in again.
"This really isn't a big problem. Believe me, I can help you fix this," he said truthfully.
"Really?" Ramesses, who had only intended to vent a little, was first stunned, then excited.
Because in his worldview, he had never thought this could be cured.
"Of course. Only vile, shameless scoundrels would plot against women and children. But do you know why? This grudge is quite big, isn't it?" Hachiman asked again.
"I think it's because my construction of the new city offended many people. But it's necessary—it will grant me the power to resist all sorcery," Ramesses said unwaveringly.
At that moment, he displayed the attitude of the most powerful Pharaoh in history—even if the heavens fell and the earth cracked, he would follow through to the end, kicking aside coffins if needed.
And indeed, that was how his future life would be.
"Are you planning to build your city with temples?" Hachiman asked with interest.
He recalled a documentary he once saw, remembering Ramesses's city was considered the most beautiful city in ancient Egypt at the time.
Not only was it called the Venice of Egypt, but this grand city balanced military, economic, and political needs. Towering statues, obelisks, and various temples dotted the city.
In ancient Egypt, temples were not only places to worship gods; they also warded off evil and protected the land.
"Yes. I will pay workers more than usual, and my friend Moses manages them and oversees all construction," Ramesses said excitedly about his new city.
He continued, "I once did not understand why my father took the name of Set, but now I somewhat understand."
This new topic sparked Hachiman's interest—he wanted to know how Set was regarded by ancient Egyptians in this era.
From his previously supplemented knowledge, between the 18th and early 19th Dynasties, Set was increasingly seen positively, which was tied to Egypt's frequent foreign wars.
So he did not interrupt Ramesses's enthusiasm and listened on.
"Set sometimes unleashes terrible storms," Ramesses said loudly, clearly absorbed in his world.
"The sky becomes cloudy and golden lightning flashes, thunder roars, floods submerge dry valleys, rushing waters carry sand into inhabited places.
Fear fills the hearts of people, and the entire country could be destroyed at any time. But my father is protected by Set's blessing—His lightning not only guards the crown but also grants dominion over this power, allowing him to use it to maintain order."
Hachiman silently stared at Ramesses, who was spitting out words with great passion.
Being a Pharaoh, imagination is really extraordinary—he spoke as if reciting an opera.
Hachiman recalled the disobedient Set he had seen before; he simply could not link that muscular, wild dog-headed god with Ramesses's poetic description.
But from Ramesses's words, Hachiman realized Set was not entirely dark in this era.
The storm and flood represented Set's wind aspect, still resembling a typhoon, not fully a symbol of dryness and burning.
Protecting the crown showed Set's evil was still limited.
"But I have heard many people say that Set is a god of evil and darkness?" Hachiman asked again.
"Hmm, Set did murder Osiris, but to extinguish light and obscure the sun is also a remarkable power, isn't it? This is the power we need now," Ramesses said with no hint of dislike.
"So you plan to build a temple for Set?"
"Of course. But not only for Him. My city is extraordinary, Moses can testify."
"Then what do you want from me today?"
Hachiman chuckled a bit. Now the meaning was clear—Ramesses wanted him to help plan the temple.
Ramesses's next words confirmed Hachiman's guess.
The young Pharaoh smiled happily and pulled Moses before Hachiman. Hachiman noticed Moses held a large scroll of parchment.
Ramesses clapped his hands, and a few guards entered the pavilion, clearing away the items from the table. Moses then stepped forward and unrolled the parchment.
"Your Excellency," the tall royal architect looked a little shy as he pointed at the drawings full of lines and squares on the low table. "Please allow me to introduce the Pharaoh's new city."