Liberi Reader

This is the first time you've shown, since that young acolyte of yours glared at me last week.

It's not easy, managing Endymion Temple and the rebuilding of the First Temple at the same time.

Folia is just worried that I'm overworked. She knows we've been friends since our priest school days.

Which made it all the harder to accept that I brought you trouble as soon as I got back, I guess.

Pallas...

I knew we were both in trouble when you showed up at Endymion Temple to have your dream interpreted as an ordinary Minoan instead of using the priests' passage, six months ago.

In most cases, divine revelation can be classified into certain common categories, whether it came in the form of a dream or a sudden vision.

I know. We learned them by heart at school, so ordinary priests without special talents could guide those who received revelations.

But the vision that you brought was not found in any classic tale... I had no doubt that it was a powerful revelation, which made me very uneasy.

Don't worry. We'll find a way.

You shouldn't have quit the priesthood. You might have been able to find help...

And hide my condition, continuing to be the legendary 'Goddess of Victory' on the border?

I didn't want to complicate things, even if another has taken up the title. Besides, the heroes came a long way to call me back. I had to be honest with myself.

...Looks like Rhodes Island has treated you well.

Of course. Did I ever tell you that I founded a 'Minoan League' on Rhodes Island?

Are there so many Minoans who left home to seek treatment?

There are plenty, although Erato and Vulcan are the only true Minoans in the league. The others are in it because they have a spiritual fascination with our country.

I'll introduce them, when we have a chance. They're all full of heroic spirit, with great passion for poetry, art, and brewing.

So you founded a drinking league.

That's one way to put it. It's not quite the same as having you around, though. You may not hold your drink particularly well, but no one in our year brewed better than you.

I remember how you tied up your sleeves and pounded the grapes like a seasoned winemaker at the intercollegiate conference. You looked amazing.

...

I see you have a craving. What happened to the formula I gave you?

I lost it when I went to Akroti. I finally escaped my torment when my Sarkaz bodyguard gave me the recipe for the secret brew of Kazdel.

I never worried you would have trouble making friends. First the Sarkaz bodyguard, now the Sargonian ambassador.

...

You heard about the fruit farmers and the craftsmen. Titi can be trusted.

I don't doubt Kyría Mashayer's cleverness, or her friendly outlook towards our country, but her position remains sensitive.

If I didn't stop you, would you have put her in charge of the play that we already discussed, in addition to the venue of the exchange ceremony?

Is it that you trust her too much, or...?

You're frowning again, Kassandra. I just let myself get a little lazy, having been away from the priesthood for so long.

You would never have become a legend in the borderlands, if you were the type to shirk responsibility.

I don't mind taking charge of the rebuilding project on your behalf. I just think it's a shame. You're better at dealing with people, and the craftsmen trust you.

I thought you made the proposal to the people so they would return to heroic tradition and remember the heroic spirit.

I did.

And that's exactly why it doesn't matter who's in charge.

Our people venerate the heroes, but they've gradually forgotten that Minoan prosperity was not only built by a few heroes.

'The heroes came from the people, from all walks of life.'

You could always read my mind.

I know what you're trying to say... but with the rebuilding of the temple entering its final stage, it's even more important than ever to have a supervisor.

I think we'll have one soon.

What is it?

I saw Lydia headed to the temple square.

What do you think this Astynomos, who has quietly been at odds with us from the beginning and is trying to take the play out of the priests' hands, is going there for?

We meet at last, Your Excellency Ambassador Mashayer.

And who might you be?

I'm the Astynomos of Athenius, called Lydia. I am overseeing this relic exchange between our two nations.

Oh! I'm so sorry, Astynomos. I should have visited you first thing when I got to Athenius. I didn't think...

You came into Athenius by the ancient route to follow in Kereseira's footsteps, didn't you?

There is no need to apologize to a Minoan for your love of our epics, our culture.

If anything, I should be thanking you for resolving the dispute between the fruit farmers and craftsmen. The rebuilding of the First Temple could not have proceeded so smoothly without you.

I simply did my part.

I believe you've already met Behnui? I take it the venue and details of the exchange ceremony have not been confirmed.

Correct.

Rather than do it behind closed doors in a private room, what do you think of holding the ceremony beneath the statue of Kereseira, to be witnessed by her and all of Athenius?

You want to hold the exchange ceremony at the First Temple square?

Yes. You are aware that I brought the most precious treasure of the Varjavandabad Museum, to be exchanged for the technical data that the Sargonians left behind during the construction of the Three Poleis.

It's a part of many heroic Minoan stories, and closely linked to Kereseira herself.

Seeing the completed statue on the square was an awe-inspiring experience. Her brave visage and the relic that I carry complement each other.

I understand that the exchange ceremony is supposed to begin with a classical play, in accordance with Minoan tradition. What better place to do it than the First Temple's new amphitheater?

...

Would that be a problem?

Oh, Kassandra from Endymion Temple reminded me that any use of the First Temple should be discussed with her...

Kassandra...

It's the Astynomos' Office's responsibility to lighten the burden on the busy priests by handling trivial matters. I'll communicate with her.

I was concerned about the lack of proper supervision in the rebuilding process because of the emulation of ancient methods, which has resulted in significant delays. I thought it might not be the most dignified of venues.

I don't mind—

However, all our problems could be solved if you are officially made the supervisor of the rebuilding project.

Say what now?

The rebuilding of the temple is entering its final stages. We've reached the point where decisiveness and efficiency are more important than careful planning.

I'm sure you already have a fair idea of what is going on, having befriended the craftsmen and solved their issues.

Besides, I understand that you received an advanced education in museology in Columbia, including studies in architecture.

Putting the finishing touches on the temple and readying it for opening shouldn't present too much difficulty, should it?

I mean, it's true that I designed and supervised the expansion of my museum, but it's not nearly as big as this temple...

Besides, is it really appropriate for a Sargonian ambassador to supervise the rebuilding of the First Temple?

Your request that the exchange ceremony take place at the First Temple is ample proof of your understanding of the relic and Minoan culture.

I am in full support of your proposal, and I'm sure the ever-considerate Kassandra won't object.

But...

I didn't expect the ambassador to be such a polite and humble young lady.

Períandros?

Greetings from Corinia, land of trade and merchants, Your Excellency Ambassador Mashayer of Sargon.

I am here as Corinia's representative to the exchange ceremony, at the Astynomos' request. I happened to overhear your conversation and couldn't help but stop to listen.

May I ask you a question—would you participate in the rebuilding of the First Temple, if your status were not a concern?

Of course!

It would be a great honor to participate in the restoration of such a wonderful example of Minoan architecture, not to mention the knowledge that could be gained! I would be delighted just to hew one piece of marble for it!

In that case, why trouble yourself unnecessarily?

Trouble myself... what?

I have a little suggestion that might solve our present problem. As I see it, the two of you are in full agreement, but for this little issue of Ambassador Mashayer's status.

It's a sensitive issue, and Ambassador Mashayer's concerns are certainly well-founded. On the other hand, the Astynomos here is seeking a capable supervisor who has the support of the people, in order to keep the temple project on track.

What better way to resolve this than Minos's most ancient process?

You mean...?

A vote.

A referendum held on the First Temple square. Let the citizens of Athenius participating in the rebuilding decide whether to accept Ambassador Mashayer's supervision or not.

...She's really the Sargonian ambassador.

Travesty! The theater of Kereseira's First Temple was not built to host a diplomatic farce!

That Sargonian said she brought a relic in exchange for the technical data from the Three Poleis? I knew that cargo didn't feel like movie figurines.

The shape, the weight, and its relevance to Kereseira... could it be...?

The gall! To use stolen Minoan treasure to buy Minoan trust!

Not if I have anything to say about it...