act48side

We have an accord with the Astynomos. This will be a massive occasion. She informs me that priests from Lachedamon and Corinia will be in attendance as well.

This is unprecedented publicity for you and your temple. You should focus your full efforts on the preparations.

You do not need to worry about anything else.

You're right. I look forward to the event in the afternoon.

That Sargonian sure has his nose in the air, doesn't he? I'm surprised you didn't punch him.

Or are your plans in motion, and you're just watching the clown make a fool of himself?

Clown? Are you talking about yourself?

You've been in Athenius a little too long, Corinian.

The apples that the Athenian orchards are exporting to Corinia have already been packaged into boxes. Why are you still here?

I'm a priest of Corinia. It's my job to attend certain important occasions, in addition to business dealings. I'm here at your Astynomos' invitation.

Besides, to a Corinian, a transaction that has already been settled belongs in the past. The important thing is to seek opportunity for the future.

Is that why you keep sniffing around like a musbeast in a ditch? What favors did Lydia promise you?

Is there anything you won't sell for the right price? Your dignity, your conscience, even your soul?

Everything is for sale. If you can afford it.

Rather than pay so much attention to me, I suggest you spend it on the people who are not here.

You mean the Astynomos? It's true that she and her Grammateús should be here, but neither are.

Perhaps they've been sidetracked by private matters.

It's someone else whom I'm talking about. As the Sargonian said, the Astynomos has invited priests from the other poleis.

The guest from Corinia is standing in front of you. But where is the priestess from Lachedamon?

Think about it. A Lachedamonian, stubborn, obstinate, serious barbarian, for whom violence is the only answer to any problem.

As far as I know, this particular Lachedamonian was born in Athenius, but she was taken to Lachedamon from a young age, for reasons unknown, and grew up in a temple there.

She wears certain elements of Athenius, perhaps as a kind of memento, but she was brought up with an orthodox Lachedamonian temple education.

The three-time reigning champion of the Lachedamon Pankration, and the youngest priest in the city's history, having graduated top of her class.

I'm curious... how would such a remarkable figure react, if she saw an unexpected scene of chaos?

This is the real reason why I stayed.

Good timing. Take over for me for a moment. We need someone here who can be in charge.

I'd better find Titi. I coaxed a little bit of information out of the Sargonian deputy. Apparently, her plan to steal the harp was unsuccessful. I'm worried for her.

If she failed, I'll spill the beans at the ceremony... we have to discuss how to proceed after that.

The problem is that I don't know where she is. She wasn't at the hotel...

She's at the burdenbeast ranch on the outskirts.

Ranch? Why?

Go and find her. Maybe you'll witness a miracle, and find that all those things you were worrying about are not a problem anymore.

Don't forget what I said to you last night.

I think someone's coming, master.

Did we take a wrong turn?

I don't think so.

Just one person, I think.

We've come too far to give up now.

Go hide in that corner. When they pass, knock them out and throw them into an empty cell.

Okay.

Cover their mouth and don't let them make a sound.

Hm... how should I talk to him when I see him?

Hm...

Whoa?!

Mmph—mm—ouch—who are you—ugh—huh?

What are you doing here?

Phew, finally got out. Let's hide here for now.

Thank you.

Don't mention it! Just glad to get you safely out of there.

The next part is the hard part... I have to take you to the ancient route. Kassandra has your documents and luggage waiting there.

We'll need to be careful and avoid drawing attention to ourselves. Let's hope it takes a while for the jailers to notice...

Kassandra...

She was very worried about you. Did you want to say goodbye to her before leaving? I can understand.

But she's at the First Temple right now, where all eyes are on. It will be difficult.

Let me think...

Movement over there.

The jailers found out so quickly?!

I don't think so... sounds like the crying of a beast.

Burdenbeast!

What are burdenbeasts doing in the city?!

Moo—!

The burdenbeasts are coming straight at us!

Master!

Titi said the harp that the Sargonians brought was fake.

You're not surprised?

I'll talk to her about it later. It's you whom I'm looking for.

You've been relying on her to handle the First Temple's matters for you these past few days.

I thought we already talked about this. Who's in charge is not important.

But she can't replace a priest.

Only the priests have full knowledge of the heroes that a temple venerates, the ceremony to invite them, and the ceremonial plays.

Only a priest can gather the spirit of the heroes during a performance.

You're the only one who can do it for Kereseira's First Temple. No one can do it in your stead, not even me.

Stop running, Pallas.

I know. I wasn't going to run from my responsibility, the day I made the decision to return to Minos.

She does worry, doesn't she? I should buy her a round of drinks after everything's done.

What did she discuss with Titi last night, anyway? I forgot to ask...

And what's this 'miracle' that she was talking about?

I finally understand the meaning of the idiom, 'suffering is the price of wisdom.'

I didn't feel that way when I was a priest, but now I fully understand how irritating their habit of speaking in riddles is.

What exactly is Titi doing at the burdenbeast ranch, anyway?

Pallas! Look out!

It began as a distant growl, as Pallas rides at a steady pace on the street.

Then she sees the distant movement close in rapidly, becoming a herd of rampaging burdenbeasts.

Dozens of burdenbeasts charge through the streets with unstoppable momentum, leaving peace officers and herders in the dust, sending pedestrians and stalls flying.

They wear the scarf of the burdenbeast ranch on the outskirts—

Where Kassandra said Titi was at?

Something seems to have frightened these normally docile creatures, as they form a tidal wave that rushes in the opposite direction from the ranch.

The burdenbeast at the rear of the stampede... there's something on its horn—

Is that... a harp?! Could it be... Kereseira's...?

Is this the 'miracle' that Kassandra was talking about?

Does a Leithanian thin-tailed grass have single leaves or compound leaves?

No idea.

There are several methods for extracting red velvet mallow essence. Which one is most effective at retaining its soothing properties?

No idea.

This boronia that you planted...

All I did was help you shovel the soil. I have no idea why you plant it, or how.

You'll be tested on all of these things, Lydia.

The Athopoulou family has venerated Flora the Hero for generations, conducting plant-related work such as those associated with perfumes, medicinal herbs, and plant breeding.

The elders are very serious about this legacy. You'll have to participate in the traditional heir selection ceremony in a few years. You need to remember these things.

Everyone knows you're the heir to the Athopoulou family.