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After all, the padishah only told me to bring back 'blueprints'.

Then I thought, it wasn't enough—it's just a half-hearted compromise, an excuse to run away from my responsibilities and lessen the feeling of guilt.

I should bring them back and display them in my museum, so that the Sargonians can see it and know that their history books are lying.

Your padishah won't be happy about it.

Who cares? My family wasn't ever particularly good at making the padishahs happy.

Besides, I met with your Astynomos, that shrewd Vulpo, yesterday. I learned that she had already made preparations in advance.

She had scholars compile and photocopy all the documents and even wrote a paper on it, to be published in a Columbian journal once the exchange was complete and I brought the documents back.

She asked me to write a foreword, from the perspective of a Sargonian, providing endorsement for the paper.

And she wanted to leverage the connections I built while studying in Columbia to invite experts to study these invaluable historical records.

She said she would name me an honorary Minoan for this!

...I admire your courage.

Just doing what my father couldn't.

Besides, I enjoyed my time in Athenius. I went to see the priestess of Endymion Temple yesterday, and she said the vision I saw on stage was a divine revelation!

It was a surprise, because the books said Minoan divine revelations only happened in dreams.

Divine revelations can occur in the form of dreams, visions or voices, but dreams are the most frequent form they take, because they are an important way for us to interact with the spirits of the heroes and the departed.

That's what the priestess said. I told her about the vision I had on the stage, and the dream I had at the burdenbeast ranch. She gave me a very detailed analysis.

Finally she told me, in that solemn and mysterious tone, 'You may not believe it now, Kyría Mashayer, but I believe your revelation is a sign that you will one day become a padishah.'

How did she get that? She wasn't messing with me, was she?

I'm an honorary Minoan now. I'll actually believe what the priestess of Endymion tells me!

...You're free to believe. Divine revelations are simply a form of guidance. Believe in it, and it will bring you strength.

Perhaps a lot of tragedies could have been avoided if a padishah like you ruled over the Sargonian border.

Hm, I think I understand now.

Then I'll take it as a sign of the responsibility I may have to bear in the future—I'll do my best.

This public announcement... is it a referendum?

Yes.

I'm going back to Athenius after I take you across the river.

The citizens of Athenius will vote on whether to banish me from the city for my recent actions.

But you did it for Minos—

Regardless of the reason, I must face judgment for my actions. It is the responsibility I must bear.

It's time. Let's go, Kyría Mashayer.

I saw Ithakos again in the vision, as well as the river of my homeland.

Was it still red with blood, as it was in your dreams?

No, it was quiet and gentle, as I remembered it; not pristine, but carrying the sand and mud that nourishes the soil and life.

A beautiful revelation. You'll be able to take up poems again, no matter where you go.

...Yes.

Whatever the result of the referendum, whether he stays in or leaves Athenius, Xanthos will accept it with grace.

He walks towards the square.

Three months later...

Look at this letter from a Lateran scholar—'A most stunning revelation. The study of history is a continuous process of seeking the truth by eliminating misconceptions. I am impressed by the courage that your nation has demonstrated.'

And this editorial in a Columbian newspaper—'Sargon shows integrity through proper recognition of history.'

I've been calling in favors every single day to repair the damage you've done, ever since that special exhibit that you held after getting back from Minos!

I hope you understand that such maverick methods only work once.

If anything like this happens again, you'd better think about what you'll do once you're removed as curator of the Varjavandabad Museum.

Is this your will, or the padishah's?

Is there a difference? My will is the padishah's will.

I thought we had a consensus before we left Minos—

The success of the exchange ceremony and the mission of friendship with Minos is all thanks to your leadership. In turn, it will be your responsibility to explain things to the padishah.

However much or little you say is entirely up to you, as long as the padishah's happy.

The exchange ceremony was completed under my leadership to begin with! Besides, how was I to know that you would be so audacious as to...!

Don't think you're in the clear just because I smoothed things over for you this time. There won't be a next time.

Besides, and don't you dare say I didn't warn you—this matter has had a significant impact far and wide. My connections have told me that the City of Gold has sent a herald to Menat-Ha'mait.

You WILL watch your words and behavior from now on.

I see that news of my mission precedes me.

S-Such noble elegance and dignity! You must be the herald of the Shahanshah!

Your presence honors this humble museum. Have you come to see the exhibits?

If you want to see the new special Minoan exhibit, I can...

You stay put! I will guide the exalted herald.

The exhibit can wait. I came to communicate the Shahanshah's will.

His Majesty has heard of the mission from Menat-Ha'mait to Minos, and he is most interested.

Y-You came to escort me? I-It's my greatest honor!

My family is one of the most honored houses in this land. It was always my greatest dream to serve the Shahanshah in the City of Gold. I knew that one day I would...

It's not you I seek, effendi. Kindly close your mouth, for it is making too much noise.

Medjehtiqedti Nasutu Mashayer. His Majesty awaits your presence in the City of Gold, that the King of Kings might hear of your time in Minos, in your own words.

You should make your preparations quickly. The Shahanshah is eager to hear from you. Do not keep him waiting.

Of course!