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*sigh* If only I could just rub her ears to give her the courage to persevere in other things.

Medjehtiqedti cups the cloudbeast's face in her hands and rubs it vigorously as she vents her feelings, without the slightest bit of interest in why the cloudbeast is purring so loudly.

Suddenly, she feels a warmth in the palm of her hand.

Whoa! Was that a hairball?! Don't spit it on my sleeve!

—Eh?

A jewel?

Maybe I could go to the meet-up spot alone, but with a monitoring device hidden on me. We could get some private security to lie in ambush nearby.

It's far too last-minute for that, Pepe. Security companies won't have the manpower on the eve of the Flood Festival, not to mention you can't negotiate with them in the middle of the night.

Well... How about renting an aircraft to support me if needed?

Such a flying object would be rather suspicious.

I could smash the door in with my hammer, give them a good fright?

That <i>does</i> seem like it could work...

...But would that not be damaging a historical building?

*cough* I guess that would be a debatable too. Though I'm not sure any building is anywhere near as historical as you...

I am rather fond of what the people who came after me have left behind—

Good! Evening! Everyoneeeeeee!

Oh? You're here too, Pepe? Perfect.

Can you all guess what I just ran into on the road earlier?

Good timing, Titi! We've been discussing something really important, and I need your support here—

Quick, help me make Pepe see sense.

If this was an opportunity to excavate an important historical site, would you just give up because you were in a bit of danger?

You of all should know that an excavation requires patience! You're just eager to prove yourself against your brother right now! This is all just...

Wow, you're <i>really</i> not pulling any punches this time around, Anat...

*sigh* Nobody going to take a guess?

Your clothes are covered in fur.

Thank you for indulging me, Zubayr Effendi. Correct, I ran into a little cloudbeast.

In my age, the people believed that cloudbeasts were bringers of good fortune.

It turns out that in this age, I'm a believer too.

It spit out a gemstone full of luck for me.

...A what?!

Let me see, please!

Hold it.

Anat says you agreed to invest in a new exhibition hall in return for her lending you a gem out of the museum collection.

Alright, I hear you, I'll make an investment in your name.

No, Pepe.

I hope you... No, all of you will agree with me on something else.

Pepe, Anat and... Zubayr Effendi.

I think this jewel can grant our wishes.