act35side

Of course! This is the gem trading post of the City of Radiance! I only ever pick the best place to live.

You could try keeping a real pet. Not Sovereigns of Beasts like Mio and I, or clockwork fowlbeasts.

Sure.

Successful merchants keep special pets. The minimum standard for you is an albino fowlbeast or a rainbow fin at least three meters long, understood?

Come, let me pet you.

Seemingly reluctant, Mio jumps onto the table in front of the human, lowers its head, and tucks its tail.

(Purrs)

Farewell, little human.

Farewell.

Sometime later, it opens its eyes again. Certain that no one is watching, its shadow grows to a size far exceeding that of regular cloudbeasts.

...Are you still staying here, then?

Zubayr has found his final rest. The descendant of the Shah has learned the truth of the trove, those whispers that echo through time.

And you took the Nightzmora to see the treasure, didn't you?

She had proven her courage by jumping into the waterway depths. Therefore, I fulfilled my promise to Zubayr.

Then I suppose all our promises have been fulfilled, now that Zubayr has passed on.

Those of the present, and those of a thousand years ago. This city no longer has anything to do with the promises we first made.

But I will stay, for this city is alive.

I promised to protect the dead, so that they may live again.

I thought you would miss the City of Gold.

The city that is now silent? It needs us no longer.

True. It's as if the entire city has its tongue cut out by the Shahanshah. I don't like it.

But unlike you, I'm going to see it for myself.

Alright, give me the list of sponsors to visit.

Take inventory of these collections. I'll arrange repairs later.

Hold on, don't send this to the natural exhibits. It's not amber. Didn't you see the fragment of a jewel construct inside?

Just set this aside. Consider it part of my personal collection...

—Hey, little cloudbeast. Lazvar's, right?

Let me touch your fur, see what comes out of your mouth this time...

Mm. Yeah. Ooh. Just what I wanted.

What?!

Yes, I'm talking.

I've designated you as my keeper. Understood?

From now on, I tell you where to go.

Six months later...

You've got a visitor, Pepe.

One moment... just writing the concluding remarks.

You've been getting an endless stream of visitors since our essay on Zubayr caught the attention of academia and media.

I can decline the requests, if they're bothering you.

No, it's okay, I can meet them.

I want this essay to reach more people. I want all of Sargon to know Zubayr better.

I'll bring her in, then.

Your steps are light, Hanimefendi. I heard the rattling of your accessories, but not a single footstep.

Ah... the honored house of historians... the heir not chosen...

Pardon me, but you're...?

I apologize for not introducing myself sooner. I am the herald of the Shahanshah...

I hereby convey to you His Majesty the Shahanshah's gratitude and appreciation for your invaluable contributions to the history of Sargon. I also bring forth the Shahanshah's decree.

Hatshepsut. His Majesty awaits your presence in the Shar-Agade, so that he may hear of your exploits in Menat-Ha'mait, in your own words.

Kindly make ready and depart without delay. His Majesty eagerly anticipates your arrival.