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Besides, it's not as though the Minoan has done anything to her. He simply said he did not want to work with her. This is fine; no one can be loved by everyone, after all.

She wants to smile, that famous bright, carefree smile of Medjehtiqedti Nasutu Mashayer's, which has charmed so many visitors to her museum.

But she cannot find the words, or her smile.

The words of the Minoan who tossed the ostracon echo in her mind. She recalls the ferryman who questioned her the day she arrived in Athenius.

The time she spent with the temple craftsmen meant something. They still trust her.

But to the countless Minoan strangers out there, she is not Titi, the curious lover of Minoan legend. She is a Sargonian.

Everyone's gone, and the lights are out. How long are you planning to keep yourself curled up here? That Forte girl and the craftsmen were worried sick about you.

What are you gonna do, tell them to go on holiday while you fix the temple overnight with your hands and ribbons? That'll make things square, will it?

I've been circling your feet and winking at you for ages. It never occurred to you to look down? Never noticed that something wasn't quite right?

Did you notice that a-hole deputy excusing himself from the voting ceremony and distancing himself from the whole thing? Did you notice the words 'ulterior motives' written all over that Astynomos? No, you just couldn't resist jumping into the grave that's been dug just for you.

Now look where it's gotten you.

Really? You're crying over <i>that?</i> I can't even tell you how many times I've seen it in the City of Gold, where licking boots and stamping on faces is as much a part of everyday life as eating and shitting.

Besides, I doubt you're crying for the people who used you.

I told you when you got the padishah's assignment that it wasn't gonna be a pleasant vacation.

The scars of history that run deep, the Minoans who are still recovering from the pain, and your position as the ambassador of Sargon, all serve to remind you that it is not just an exchange of relics that you have to deal with.

The proud creature tries to catch a glimpse of the young Feline's face, in a rare show of concern, but her head is bowed too low for it to see.

Mio sighs and pokes Titi's hand with its head, cuddling around her and gestures for her to pet it.

Furry makes one happy. Your words.

I give you special permission to stroke my tail, fluff the hair on my back, or wipe your tears on either.

Actually, I take back the last one. I hate getting wet.

Why did I even pick a trouble-making little thing like you? Now I'm on consolation duty.

Heh...

If I am really so fragile, you wouldn't have picked me when you left the Grand Bazaar, would you?

Just this one time to lift your mood. Don't you dare get carried away.

Thanks, Mio.

Feeling better?

Yes. Some people voted for me. It means they trust me and have hopes for me.

Manos called me one of them.

People don't always get along, even in the same family. And I'm in a country that was deeply hurt by Sargon in the past.

I'm not a hero of legend. I can't miraculously solve everything with a song, a poem, or a speech.

What I can do is to get Kereseira's First Temple completed as soon as possible, and return to the Minoans, to Kereseira, the things that belong to Minos.

Moonlight shines upon Kereseira's complexion. Wearing a laurel wreath with her hand on her harp, she gazes into the infinite distance.

Titi stands beneath the marble statue, bathing in the same silent moonlight as Kereseira. She closes her eyes and makes a wish.