Liberi Reader

What are we waiting for?

A phone call. Might be a novel thing for someone as old as you.

How much longer must we wait here?

No more questions, just wait and see.

Can I take the call? Someone explained how it works to me a while back...

Nuh-uh-uh. No can do. They'll think we're a scam call the moment they hear your robotic voice.

Alright.

Right. As you mentioned earlier, us working together is an imitation of the greatest alliance in history.

Indeed.

Sooo... can I ask what's in store for me, if I help you find your gem?

Oh wait, I did get something already. I got a golden slipper thrown in my face after you scared me last night.

Do you have any suggestions?

——No, no, I wouldn't dare ask for more. Letting me live is already more than enough. You're one of Sargon's forefathers, I should be escorting you on your quest. So please, don't be hasty.

Though, the artifact that won first place at the Harvest Gathering seemed to resemble this very gold slipper, inlaid with sapphires...

Yes, the two of them complete the pair.

So...

Is making a ruckus in the dead of night also a way to make a fortune?

They originally came in a pair, but one was lost forever in the depths of the river, so this other one naturally has its value halved.

Oh.

Please entertain my curiosity. Are all modern Nightzmora... like you?

Beats me.

I've looked into the customs and beliefs of many tribes for my plunders, fences, and abductions, but I never looked into my own birthplace.

I never went back after that one sunrise.

I don't suppose... you are presently on your Khaganquest?

Khaganquest?

(Ancient language) Khaganquest.

——Nuh-uh, that's the last word I ever want to hear.

I'm not doing it, not even if my ancestors compel me to.

You mean you never performed your coming-of-age ritual?!

Yeah? It's not that important.

I might have a few drops of Nightzmoran blood in me, but they didn't turn me into a tyrant or a conqueror, and I have no intention of letting them influence my life either.

No, it is very important.

How will your forebears recognize your blood, if you don't embark on your Khaganquest?

It's fine, most of them pretty much disappeared off the ends of the earth. Unlike someone I know who suddenly sprang to life at the museum just to lecture me.

So yeah, what about you?

I've heard that in the Shah's time, people would shave their heads bald when they came of age, that they applied perfumed ointment to their scalps. But some say the scent smelled more like a stench... so I'm pretty curious if that's true.

...

I also...

Oh, there we go.

Huh, I didn't expect to get news so soon.

Yes, hanim. It just so happens the gem trading post's overseer sent word that he has a gem to trade, and it fits your description in all aspects.

Good, I'll go to him right away.

But... it will be difficult negotiating a deal, even with my introduction.

What? I heard from my subordinates they could simply sell their gems at the reception.

Selling is easy, but not the other way round. The trading post does not operate like a regular store. You need to offer something heavy enough to balance the scales.

Something heavy? In value?

...I have an idea.

...

Ahem, yes. This is the deal I wanted to discuss.

The ancient mummy from the recent museum exhibition... The Nameless General of the Shah's Very Court.

This box looks familiar.

It is a sarcophagus taken from the museum in its original condition... a replica of it, I mean.

...(Lightly taps Zubayr's body)

...

(Examines his chest with a flashlight)

...

Um, this isn't a regular artifact you can find anywhere. So if you could be more gentle and professional with it...

...I hear it came back to life, and can move on its own.

About that... I'm sure we all know the dead don't come back to life. Just Arts at play is all.

I mean, wouldn't you be afraid, if it really could move?

Afraid it might run off after, I buy it?

Well, uh...

Oh, is that black one your pet? Haha, what a beauty!

Of course the gem trading post's overseer, who controls the flow of money throughout the entire city, would have such a unique pet.

(Whisper) Is that him, Woof?

(Sniffs)

(Sits besides the sarcophagus)

Hey, look. It sniffed out the millennia-old stench you can never fake.

It's as real as my sincerity in making this deal with you.

Of course, I know how precious this artifact is, and it'll be quite troublesome for you to handle it—I'm basically offloading my troubles to you, so I'm not exactly hoping for a windfall.

But I guarantee the museum has no way of tracking me down...

No, this is an extremely heavy offer you've made.

Though it's still within the measuring limits of my scale.

Uh, okay.

What do you want in exchange? I hear you came for a gemstone.

Well, that was the original plan, but I thought of something else on the way over. I don't need that gem anymore.

I'm an outsider, so ingots will do.

You wish to be paid in Pure Gold? I'll go fetch the appropriate scales.

Please bring this inside to keep others from seeing it.

So... we got a deal?

Yes.

Ha, I love a man who does easy business!

...

I don't like the feeling of sleeping in here one bit. You didn't have to get your subordinates to bring it here in the first place.

Ssh, don't speak... Just hold on a bit longer, I'll come retrieve you soon.

Seize the chance and find the gem you're after before the day ends.

Alright, please do come back. I still need you for something.

This is the price I'm offering. Any objection?

Phew... ♪Remember the crescent moon on the blade, the youth's sincerity washed into gold♪

I'll be back for sure... no objections at all! Nope!

Well, I'll be going now.

By all means.

(Blinks at Zubayr)

(Blinks at Narantuya)

I look forward to any future cooperation!

...

I never said we'd have any future cooperation.

Hah, me neither—in the near future, at least.

That old thing wants me to run errands for him? Sorry, but see ya!

...She should have understood my signal? Narantuya, if you're truly a descendant of the Nightzmora...

A treasury awaits you.

He finally followed the notices I sent around and came here...

Mio, Woof.

...

Well done, Lazvar.

You have earned our praise.