act35side

Being a Padishah's heir not good enough for you, Pepe?

The wealth and authority is just superficial prosperity. The true honor that runs through our family is the role of court historian, passed down from generation to generation.

But... Hasn't your father always wanted your brother to be the court historian?

Well, we both have the same basic qualities. But I'm not losing to him on ability either.

Pepe, the City of Gold's envoy is taking your brother there in two months.

I'll make it in time, Titi! I just need you to help me! Anat's only willing to lend me that mummy to study come autumn.

But this summer is my <i>last</i> opportunity. I can't wait that long.

You and your brother... You were always fighting as kids, and now you're at loggerheads over the same court appointment.

...Here. My pass. Take it.

You can sneak into the exhibition hall at night and study it, quietly.

Titi...

I'm just sick of seeing you two bicker and quarrel these past few years.

This is the last time I'll help you. If in the end, you come up empty-handed, then please don't keep stubbornly trudging on.

I won't. I won't come up empty-handed.

Ignoring Pepe's murmuring, Medjehtiqedti stands up to look at the grand edifice, witness to centuries of history.

The sun shines upon all the gardens and buildings, and under the boundless blue sky, the great trapezoid looms over them.

The leaves of tall palm trees besides them rustle in the wind.

I might see it every day, but I'm still stunned by its grandeur.

For so long has it quietly guarded the city, fending off time itself in silence.

Yep. A human lifespan is nothing compared to it, no matter how long it may be.

Over in the blink of an eye.

If only we could stop time for a moment.

Yeah. That would be great.

See you at the exhibition tomorrow. If you get caught, just say you stole the pass.

The exhibition... tomorrow...

Good. The guest's itinerary has been confirmed. I'll welcome her properly.

A descendant of a glorious clan of historians, the one who spreads ballads of kings and heroes, explorer of all Sargon, purveyor of knowledge, a respected Padishah's daughter—

Djerwnapekhaper Saciut Hatshepsut.

Any other would worry they would forget all these appellations, but the one who stands here is Narantuya, and her only regret is that these titles are all held by one person.

Fine. I guess the ransom ought to settle my debts even if it's just one girl.

The money left in this purse should be enough to buy a ticket for tomorrow...

Never mind.

The line would be too long, and the sun too hot.

And in this city, gold coins are too common to be worth anything.

Do you swear by your golden sun, your splendid gems and the great museum behind you?

That you will answer prudently on account of your respect for history and civilization alike?

Look within, at your own conscience, and tell me once more. How much is a ticket to the museum?

I already told you, hanim. The hall for non-Sargonian artifacts is free of charge. Only the Sargonian exhibition hall needs tickets.

If you don't understand, we have the prices for our tour services here on the window. You can hire one of our translators too, if needed.

So the Minoan exhibition hall is free to enter?!

I'll say it once more, hanim. There is <i>no</i> 'Minoan exhibition hall'.

But at times there will be a few Minoan artifacts on display in the Northeastern Tributary exhibit.

...'Northeastern Tributary'?

The foreign traveler takes a deep breath, the muscles of her bare arm bulging as she clenches her fist.

A part of the ticketer's mind is telling her to pull the booth's shutter closed, but the traveler's other hand is firmly holding it open.

History is a grand river beside which all who live upon this great land trek. The Originium workshops of the Ancient Town of Tal'sas were unearthed by Gaulish explorers. The scrolls detailing the legends of old Agamem were restored by Minoan artisans.

But Minos's own history has gone against the current, and has found itself scattered across the golden sands. I have traced its path just to catch a glimpse of its fragments.

Whether or not you agree, a historian's mission is to find the past that people have forgotten.

For the sake of this duty, should we not prevent arrogant discrimination by history's tyrannical plunderers?

In other words, if you believe that Sargonian history is worth a hundred dinars to see, then should Minoan history not stand equal?

Do you want a ticket or not, hanim?

—Even more importantly, Sargonians, as it so happens, are the plunderers, in this case.

With all that said, are you willing to hold fast to your conscience and confront the true value of Minos's artifacts?

Next!

Wait.

My name is Aspasia ho Herias. Please, use the Minoan spelling, not a Sargonian transliteration.

A ticket, if you would so please.