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Of course not. I always keep my word.

Really? *sniff* But...

Aw, don't cry, I'll—

Agh! It slipped away again!

Waaaaaahhh!

Ah, no, don't cry! I was just teasing you! I got it! See? It's right here in my hand!

You're a meanie...

*sigh* I'm too used to teasing my little brother back home.

I feel sorry for your poor little brother...

Save your pity, that kid gives me endless headaches. Alright, pass me the jar. I'll put the fin in it for you.

I thought I'd never see my goldfin again... Thanks, hanimefendi.

Tsk, tsk, tsk. I worked my butt off helping you get your finny friend back. Put a little more pep into that 'thanks'.

THANK YOU SO MUCH! YOU'RE THE BEST!

Now that's more like it.

Alright, you'd best hurry home already. No more fancy ideas about trying to take your pet for a walk.

See you, hanimefendi.

Taking a pet fin for a walk in the river? Reminds me of the crazy ideas I had as a kid.

*cough*

Well then. Seems our audience has finally had enough of me groping around in the water for finbeasts.

Glad you still know me so well, Pepe.

*sigh* I really don't want to head to the museum so soon. When Anat's in question-asking mode, I won't even get a moment's rest.

Where is she, anyway? She didn't come with you?

She's acting curator now. Got a lot of things to do. With the upcoming super-important exhibition, she's been busier than ever.

Nice. Never thought she'd get promoted right after she arrived. I remember back in school, nobody thought she'd go far with that meek personality, but I knew she was a hard worker. She'll go far.

She's always been one tough reed. She never yields.

Sure you aren't talking about yourself? You've been in this city for a while. No big changes?

Me? I'm not too busy, but I'm also not too free. I was just barely able to secure the title of vice curator.

Weren't you in charge of stuff at that Columbian museum?

I was in charge of their business operations. Things are different here, you know.

The Menat-Ha'mait museum doesn't need to profit. Annual support from the Lords Ameer and the Padishahs is enough. No use for me.

Which is great. I get to take it easy.

But you always kept yourself busy... back in the day.

How about you? You must have gotten a lot of good stuff out of your travels.

More than you can imagine.

Hmm. Sounds like your report's going to be a lot longer than you can imagine as well.

Oh no. It's so hot here. Feel like I've got sunstroke. I'm gonna stay here and cool down in the breeze.

Save it. Do you know how many times I used that excuse to help you ditch class?

You've been sitting there quite a while, hanim, and the sun is rather fierce. Would you like something to drink? We have our specialty liquorice juice, freshly made. Only five dinars.

Or how about an apple and roselle tea? Two dinars a cup.

No.

Perhaps a glass of apricot juice then? Only one dinar.

I said no.

Very well then...

Hold on, waiter, not so fast. A pot of your best coffee, if you will, and add some local cardamom and cloves.

And a glass of liquorice juice for the lady.

Right away.

Coming to Menat-Ha'mait for the Flood Festival, anyone should have filled their wallet. You won't get much out of your trip like this.

No offense, but I have always been of the belief that man should live within his means. If your funds are insufficient, there are plenty more other places to enjoy a holiday.

I've heard that Dossoles in Bolívar is rather pleasant. Cheap, with beautiful scenery, suitable for those of more... frugal means.

You speak wisdom. A truly educated man you must be.

You flatter me. And yourself? Broadening your horizons on the road?

On the road...? I suppose so. I seek my own road to follow.

Your coffee, effendi.

Here, please.

Your liquorice juice, hanim.

(Drinks it up in a single gulp)

I thank you for your hospitality.

(Quietly) Hmph.

Waiter, could you tell me of some particularly fun activities during your Flood Festival—

Why the look?

Forgive me, effendi. I am simply amazed that the hanim was so hesitant to part with her money for a drink, yet gave me a sizable tip...

Ah, it appears my fellow traveler was of small means but great pride.

No matter, I shall find some amusements by myself. The bill please, waiter.

Fifteen dinars in total, effendi.

Effendi?

Err... Wherever has my coin-purse gone?

May the river wash away these gilded scraps of metal. May those who need them find them as its waters rise.

Enough time wasted. I nearly lost sight of my target.

I've heard the City of Radiance is adorned in jewels, and that countless brave souls have sought out its treasures without success.

And so I walked the long road and arrived here, only to find miser after miser bickering over a few gold coins.

A dark cloud floats by, blocking the glaring rays of the sun. The red-maned woman pours coins out of her purse, tossing them into the river with an even hand. The ripples tear apart the sun's reflection.

Then she disappears into the crowd, whistling.

Ahh... The Grand Bazaar's apricot juice still hits the spot. Tastes pretty much the same as it did back when we were in school!

This is where I thought you'd be, but it took me some long, fruitless searching to remember that we would only ever come here the three of us.

When you were alone, you would always go to...

The river. I love strolling along the river by myself. Didn't think you'd run all over the place to find me.

You are an honored guest, Pepe.

We're friends, you don't need to be so particular about all this...

You didn't organize some toe-curlingly cringey performance to welcome me back, did you?

That would be the proper rites and ceremonies.

Save it! I can hear the cogs in your brain grinding away as you cook up your evil machinations.

So what big discovery got you coming back here?

A jewel.

A jewel?

Sapphire bracelets, necklaces and earrings, make a set of your choosing, only two thousand dinars a set! If you like it then buy it, no haggling, no bargaining. Only two thousand dinars and they're yours!

Dear customers, we are now offering a lovely selection of hand-selected emerald rings. Enjoy a discount if you buy an entire box!

Guaranteed quality and weight, while still economical. Every one fifteen carats! Buy some to send home to your family and friends, only four thousand five hundred dinars for the box!

Rubies, sapphires, chrysoberyl, amethysts, rose quartz, olivine! For gems, come to the Grand Bazaar, where we offer bulk trade and low prices, all day every day!

Menat-Ha'mait's drowning in all sorts of jewels. I don't think you're turning heads if it's any regular old gem.

Hey, this jewel's pretty extraordinary, okay?

Extraordinary?

I recently bought a piece of pink kyanite. They say it was once used for purifying water. The Originium circuit carved into it is incredibly delicate, a work of art in its own right.

Sounds rather valuable. I bought a similar tourmaline just last month. The power of my Arts improved substantially after laying it into my cane.

Both cannot compare with this treasure of mine. Look.

Isn't this a limited edition gemstone belt from last year? I remember the peddler said it could rejuvenate your skin and slow your aging.

Do you feel anything wearing it?

I <i>do</i> feel rather more refreshed...

Eh, compared to the ones going around the Grand Bazaar, the one I found can do something <i>really</i> special.

Special how? These Originium-etched jewels being sold here are already pretty special for anyone coming from outside the city.

Let's get walking first, Titi.