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Shh, stay in the grass and don't come out. I had to be real careful to get you out during the day.

The grass is too short. It can't hide my ears.

Then get lower!

Uh...

Father, that girl is rummaging in the grass.

Shh, it's not polite to point. She must be drunk.

No! I can still see them!

She's about to fall into the grass. Should we help?

Shh, pretend not to see her. A little fall never hurt anyone. It's being seen falling that's really embarrassing.

This is where the events leading up to the Flood Festival are held, and all the competitors are here today to sign up. It would be very awkward to run into her during the competition.

It's a Menat-Ha'mait tradition to sink various items into the river as a sacrifice to the river god ahead of the Flood Festival, praying for good luck.

Guess where we can find the rarest gems in the city.

In the river.

Wait here while I go get one of the bush trimming carts. You can sit in the bin for collecting fallen leaves.

That way, we can get you to the river without anyone finding out!

Are you sure this is a good idea?

Come on, stop tugging at my shirt and act your age!

Stay hidden and stay put! I'll be back soon!

Meow... meooow...

A... creature?

(Lifts tail elegantly)

Ah, many statues here were carved in your likeness.

(Wags tail proudly)

Beautiful. No wonder the people here love you so much.

(Holds up backside with dignity)

Do you want me to pet you? But you're too far, and Pepe told me not to move from here.

(Makes a deliberate display)

Can you come closer?

(Shakes tail irritably)

Please don't be angry. Perhaps I can move forward a little.

Meow...

Meow!

Wait!

Hey, Zubayr, stop gawking at cloudbeasts. Look what I've found!

...Why do you look so dour?

I am not dour.

Then get in here. I've measured it, it should fit you with room to spare.

It's a little dirty...

Dirty? Just some fallen leaves and a piece of scrap paper. You were dug out of a hole filled with sand and dirt!

...I respectfully decline.

Alright, alright, I'll clean it. Fallen leaves... scrap paper... it's a leaflet. It's not even that dirty.

Pepe spreads open the rolled-up ball of paper.

She freezes on the spot.

Harvest Gathering? What is that?

Part of the local festivities... competitors display their most valued possessions, and the winners get prizes from the sponsors.

Many of the prizes are familiar. The second-place prize, in particular, brings back memories.

Of course it does, Zubayr.

Do I still have to go into the bin?

Of course. I cleaned it for you.

Mmh...

(Mumbles in sleep)

This way... the mummy won't...

...Whoa!

Is she finally awake?

—Damn. I'm glad that was just a dream.

I don't want to be haunted by the dead this young.

Please don't throw the vessel. Even if it is your own, you may not harm others while using it.

Sorry. I thought it was my knife I was throwing.

Apology accepted. Good morning.

Wait, morning?

In the silence, Narantuya sizes up the stranger before her, who gives off the aura of a seasoned warrior.

She slowly moves her hand to her belt, while carefully taking in her surroundings.

Her coin purse is still tied to her belt, but her weapons are gone.

Her knives are lying on the tea table, on the other side of this unfamiliar room.

The room itself seems unremarkable, but this is a city where even the manhole covers are laid with gems.

Narantuya knows that even the most unremarkable thing here can command a remarkable price.

Oh... it was you who saved my life?

Thank you so much, kind soul! Once I get out of here, I'll have all my subordinates remember your name!

So...

How much do you want?

I'm sorry?

If you mean the bread and fruit that I brought back from my morning jog, these were gift from others that should not be valued in terms of money.

I wasn't asking about that, or why I don't get good stuff like that when I walk the streets.

—Wait, you mean it's free?

Good. The sun is my witness, no taking back your word.

I appreciate the kindness.

How are you feeling?

Based on my medical knowledge, I do not believe you're injured, but you had been unconscious for a long time...

Oh, I'd forgotten to sleep for a while. Guess I was making up for it.

No worries. Consider it a... bad hereditary habit.

Hereditary?

As long as it's nothing serious. Feeling unwell anywhere?

She reaches for her neck instinctively.

The needle wound has healed, but the memories from before the long nightmare begin to float to the surface.

The pass that never arrived, the failed kidnapping, the terrifying mummy, the feeling of freefall, the faint sound of wind.

That was the tenth floor... I didn't think I would ever wake up from that.

Wow, is that what dying feels like? It's terrible! Thank you for saving my life.

They say that one can never truly die, if her name continues to be spoken after her death.

But if eternal life means an eternal nightmare of being chased by mummies to the ends of the sands... then I must reconsider whether it's worth it to have my name known all across Sargon.

You jumped from the window because you wanted to have your name known all across Sargon?

Hm? I suppose.

I fail to understand the Sargonian obsession with such tradition... I sympathize. Had things not been going well for you in life?

Racked up a debt. It's been a pretty big headache.

Say, I want to ask you...

You saved my life, and I ought to repay you.

Do you want to work for me? I'm planning something of a great endeavor.

What?

I remember now. I made a wish when I fell from the building.

I guess you're that 'competent subordinate' granted by fate.

Very well. I'm happy to be of help, if it alleviates your stress and gives you the will to live.