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What a shame that my garden was only half-ruined. This was my opportunity to give it a makeover, but the remaining sculptures and plants got in the way.

Repairs are almost complete, though. Would you like to visit?

I appreciate the offer, but I'm afraid I must decline for the time being. My gem collection is in disarray, and I need to have each piece appraised individually to restore my centuries-old collection room.

So, about the damage to the museum...

I'll cover it up! If that doesn't work, I'll charm Father with reason and sweet talk! Either way... He will persuade the sponsors.

And the museum's special new collection?

Don't worry, I'll explain it in my letter.

I don't think Father will allow you to display the ancient architecture that the jewel constructs recreated, though.

I understand. The first duty of the museum is not to display history, but to preserve it... and that includes ensuring that what should remain unseen, remains unseen.

Thank you, Pepe. I can finally sleep well tonight.

I'm the one who should thank you. You and Titi helped me find the gem, we made a historical discovery, and...

Er... Narantuya?

Huh? Oh, it's nothing. All that museum talk's gotten me bored, that's all.

I apologize. I invited you here because we wanted to express our gratitude...

Regarding your request to include 'give Ajazi and Ajani special treatment' written into the museum rules, we are currently fulfilling it in a more... subtle manner.

What are those? Some kind of clay figurine?

No, two new members of the museum staff.

Two stooges who'll still go to work even if it's hot enough to melt roads.

I will instruct everyone to take good care of them before resigning my post as acting curator.

I still can't believe it, Anat. Are you really giving up your job?

I suppose Father won't be happy with my decision.

For as long as I can remember, I've watched this city through the window. If it were a book, I think I've finally finished it.

Its history, its past. Its deeply buried secrets, which would have remained hidden if not for adventurers like you charging headlong into them.

Amazing, isn't it? It's only been two days, but the city is already mostly restored to its former state.

There is still a lot of repair work to do on the houses, and the cracked roads will need to be paved again... but the water supply is clean again.

Of course. The river always flows.

Yes. The river always flows, no matter how many cities turn to sand, and how many more are built upon it.

The waters will carry away all. In the face of eternity, it's more of a certainty than a choice.

But eternity has no meaning.

...Well, like Titi said, it's not such a bad thing for the museum to have an outlandish exhibition once in a while.

Ha, that I agree.

You know, before coming here, I really did imagine going on a heart-racing adventure.

Of course, it's nothing like what we've been through, just a battle of wits and courage with someone who's after my gems.

Pity no one would actually do that to me. Such a shame.

...Haha.

Actually, there's one more thing I'd like to ask, Pepe.

You know I'm a huge fan of Dr. Erikson's.

Now that my research on Zubayr is scrapped... I want to see other places on Terra, just like Dr. Erikson did.

I want to compile what I see in letters... and send them to him.

I want to become pen pals with him!

Hey, that's a good reason to leave the museum.

But you faint from heatstroke just by standing too long in the city garden. Shouldn't you get some physical training if you want to do field work?

That's what I wanted to ask you, Pepe.

...Can I travel across Terra in an air-conditioned vehicle?

Sorry, Narantuya, we wanted to go further with you before saying goodbye.

But we can't be skipping work if we're aiming for employee of the month at the museum.

Plus, this camcorder is really fun—

Shut up, this video tape is a gift for Narantuya. It's something she'll always carry with her, so be serious.

Hey, Narantuya, we'll throw gold coins into the river if we really miss you.

I heard the river that flows through the city will reach the ends of the lands, so you can find our gold coins no matter where you go.

Ajani is right.

I must point out that this river does not flow to Minos, let alone the ends of the lands.

You didn't HAVE to say it out, you know.

Plus, I'm not planning to go all the way to the ends of the lands.

Speaking of which, why have you decided to abandon them and walk the Khaganquest alone?

I didn't abandon them. The two stooges have finally found where they belong.

I couldn't stick to any of the Khaganquest rules before. Now, I can at least travel around on my own and conveniently call it my Khaganquest.

Saves some effort, doesn't it?

I suspected you were Nightzmora on more than one occasion, but I thought it wasn't something you wanted to talk about.

Hm? I didn't talk about it because there was nothing to talk about. Besides, wouldn't it suck if people remembered me as a Nightzmora and not by my name, Narantuya?

Where does your Khaganquest end?

According to tradition, the Khaganquest ends at home. But I can't go home because of some things I did a long time ago...

Home?

Yeah. Most people consider the location of their chosen trial to be the destination, but a Khaganquest doesn't end until you complete your trial and return home alive.

That's the hardest part. A lot of people just keep going further and further away.

I don't like to make things difficult for me. Maybe... I'll call it a day once I find my next subordinate.

...I wish you a smooth journey.

What about you? Have you had your fill of the museum these few days?

Medjehtiqedti Hanim has kindly granted me access to the parts of the collection not open to public, but the more I see, the more acutely I become aware of the gaps in my knowledge, and in the history of Minos.

There is nothing more I can do here, after helping them with the writeups for the renovated Minoan exhibit.

I will bring photographs of the collections to Minos and share them with experts. Hopefully, they will be able to prove the existence of competitive philosophical debates in ancient Minos.

...After that, I might take the goblet back home.

Oh, speaking of which, I have a present for you.

The convoy will depart soon. Take this and flee... I mean, go back to Minos.

Farewell, friend.

Narantuya turns around and, with confident strides, walks away from the setting sun.

As anticipated, she hears Aspasia's exclamation a moment later.

That's the museum's goble—

Shh.

Just say 'thank you' and leave with the stuff as quickly as you can.

Don't ask questions.

...Thank you.

...You really won't ask?

I don't HAVE to, remember?

Thank you, Narantuya. It has been a most rewarding trip.

Cheers.

The convoy rings its bells, a signal for departure. Narantuya waves her hand without turning back.

With my golden blessing, you better win a gold medal.

Speaking of rewards...

A whole month of hard work, and all I had to show for was that goblet... I guess there was something else too? I don't remember.

...It's ok. It's my choice... I chose this.

It's just a cup made of gold. There must be so many more waiting for me.

Lazvar, won't you let me perform it for you just this once before you leave?

I promise I'll swallow your clockwork toy and spit it out whole again, without the slightest bite mark.

...It's not as if I could stop you if you really wanted to.

Go on.

I'm curious if it will grow some real feathers.

Mio just misses you, that's all. No need to let its antics delay you.

Everyone knows the rules of the trading post well now. The Grand Bazaar will select a new overseer, or create a new order. You can leave without worry.

Do you really feel reluctant to part even when your existence is practically eternal?

Of course! This is the gem trading post of the City of Radiance! I only ever pick the best place to live.

You could try keeping a real pet. Not Sovereigns of Beasts like Mio and I, or clockwork fowlbeasts.

Sure.

Successful merchants keep special pets. The minimum standard for you is an albino fowlbeast or a rainbow fin at least three meters long, understood?

Come, let me pet you.

Seemingly reluctant, Mio jumps onto the table in front of the human, lowers its head, and tucks its tail.

(Purrs)

Farewell, little human.

Farewell.

Sometime later, it opens its eyes again. Certain that no one is watching, its shadow grows to a size far exceeding that of regular cloudbeasts.

...Are you still staying here, then?

Zubayr has found his final rest. The descendant of the Shah has learned the truth of the trove, those whispers that echo through time.

And you took the Nightzmora to see the treasure, didn't you?

She had proven her courage by jumping into the waterway depths. Therefore, I fulfilled my promise to Zubayr.

Then I suppose all our promises have been fulfilled, now that Zubayr has passed on.

Those of the present, and those of a thousand years ago. This city no longer has anything to do with the promises we first made.

But I will stay, for this city is alive.

I promised to protect the dead, so that they may live again.

I thought you would miss the City of Gold.

The city that is now silent? It needs us no longer.

True. It's as if the entire city has its tongue cut out by the Shahanshah. I don't like it.

But unlike you, I'm going to see it for myself.

Alright, give me the list of sponsors to visit.

Take inventory of these collections. I'll arrange repairs later.

Hold on, don't send this to the natural exhibits. It's not amber. Didn't you see the fragment of a jewel construct inside?

Just set this aside. Consider it part of my personal collection...

—Hey, little cloudbeast. Lazvar's, right?

Let me touch your fur, see what comes out of your mouth this time...

Mm. Yeah. Ooh. Just what I wanted.

What?!

Yes, I'm talking.

I've designated you as my keeper. Understood?

From now on, I tell you where to go.

Six months later...

You've got a visitor, Pepe.

One moment... just writing the concluding remarks.

You've been getting an endless stream of visitors since our essay on Zubayr caught the attention of academia and media.

I can decline the requests, if they're bothering you.

No, it's okay, I can meet them.

I want this essay to reach more people. I want all of Sargon to know Zubayr better.

I'll bring her in, then.

Your steps are light, Hanimefendi. I heard the rattling of your accessories, but not a single footstep.

Ah... the honored house of historians... the heir not chosen...

Pardon me, but you're...?

I apologize for not introducing myself sooner. I am the herald of the Shahanshah...

I hereby convey to you His Majesty the Shahanshah's gratitude and appreciation for your invaluable contributions to the history of Sargon. I also bring forth the Shahanshah's decree.

Hatshepsut. His Majesty awaits your presence in the Shar-Agade, so that he may hear of your exploits in Menat-Ha'mait, in your own words.

Kindly make ready and depart without delay. His Majesty eagerly anticipates your arrival.