Old Notes and New Friends

According to the stone slate, we've arrived at our destination!

It's just that... Paimon doesn't see any special devices, even though we're definitely inside the Mausoleum now. Have we gone the wrong way?

Should we have another look at the stone slate?

Huh? There's new writing on it... And three dots of light...

"The mortal plane is like a river between the underworld and Aaru. Mortals must not cross, must not probe, must not... Uh... Must not... Paimon doesn't know how to read that... or they shall descend into the underworld forever..."

"In order to ascend to Aaru, one must have a body like that of a vulture and soar above the underworld... Peck at three different organs in order to obtain the consent of Al-Ahmar, and fly across the river in the form of a falcon..."

That word is "covet."

Oh... "Must not covet." But what does that mean? This all sounds pretty important, but Paimon doesn't understand anything.

Which one do you think is more important, Traveler?

In order to ascend to Aaru... Does that mean Aaru Village? But Paimon doesn't think Aaru Village existed back then... Anyway, shouldn't the opposite of the underworld be a really wonderful place?

Hmm, if we sum it all up, we must do something to the "organs" to open a new path that leads to "Aaru." Um... It all sounds kinda mysterious...

But speaking of "organs"... Paimon thinks we've heard that one somewhere.

Tirzad mentioned it, yes?

Yeah! That guy was so stubborn then! He wouldn't listen to anyone and kept saying that King Deshret's legacy had to be in King Deshret's Mausoleum...

Then he went into a hall that he said was meant to store some "organs" and found a strange device. After that, the symbols on the stone slate just "clicked" and lit up.

Maybe "Peck at three different organs" refers to finding three devices just like before, and then we'll get to that place called "Aaru"!

Let's go! Let's see what secrets King Deshret has been hiding in "Aaru"!

Paimon has been thinking for a while now... This place feels really important... It's like Stormterror's Lair but in the desert!

Paimon wonders if bards sang about this place during King Deshret's reign... Let's get a closer look.

Hmm, is this... "Aaru"?

Well, according to the stone slate, we've obtained King Deshret's consent and reached "Aaru."

But this place doesn't seem very much like "Aaru." There's only this frighteningly huge device. Paimon feels that "Aaru" should be more... more...

Yeah, that's right! It should be a place with a ton of delicious food!

Hmm, at a time like this, another look at the stone slate couldn't hurt. ...Huh? There's a new line of words here!

"After flying across the river in falcon form, one must burn the embers of the sun at three places using feathers. Only through this may one obtain the mercy of Al-Ahmar and ascend to Aaru."

*sigh* There's more... Paimon's getting annoyed. Why can't King Deshret just finish explaining without stopping? This is getting exhausting.

Right. That's right! We're here to make that Soheil guy apologize!

Anyway, it isn't time to head back yet. Let's find out how to "burn the embers of the sun."

We're back at Aaru Village again. Whoa! This place is still burning hot, just like how it was on our first visit.

Paimon wonders how Jeht and Tirzad are doing... Paimon's kinda concerned.

Yes, that's what Paimon thinks too, even if we're just speculating here.

The last expedition should have helped with their composure, or... should we say that they're growing up?

I'm not sure if we can call what Tirzad did "growing up"...

But Jeht said that he was like a tantrum-throwing kid...

Tirzad... Adventure... Could it be...

Sorry for interrupting your conversation. I'm Kalantari, a student in the Akademiya. I seek traces of the past that remain on the earth.

Were you part of Tirzad Hindi's recent expedition in the desert?

Huh? How did you know?

It really is you! He mentioned both of you in the acknowledgments of his paper.

Paper? Oh yeah, he did say he would focus on writing his paper once he got back. So it's done already?

Yup, he locked himself in his room once he got back from the desert. The other researchers were worried that he was depressed from failing to obtain any results from his expedition.

After a few days, we started betting on whether he would eat or drink first when he finally came outside. But he suddenly charged out and submitted a paper to the Akademiya...

"The Golden Slumber: A Study on Governance in the Later Period of Al-Ahmar's Civilization and Stages of Survival."

It may sound a little rude, but I never expected Tirzad to be capable of writing such a groundbreaking paper.

"Groundbreaking"? That sounds very impressive...

It's like Paimon's slime dish...

Heehee! That means Paimon's also very impressive!

Anyway, how did he thank us in that groundbreaking paper of his?

Hmm, let me think... It was at the end of the paper, so I can still remember it very clearly.

"I'd like to dedicate this last paragraph to a Traveler and his companion. They are like the corollas that blossom in the nursery, the bread and salt during a long trip, as well as a gift to me from the desert.

Without them, I, in no way, could complete this paper."

Whoa! Traveler! Tirzad really flattered us there. "A gift from the desert," huh? Paimon's blushing!

I must agree.

No, you deserve the praise. Anyone who helps a researcher during the paper writing process is worthy of acknowledgement and gratitude.

In the world of researchers, there's nothing more painful than writing a paper. If there is, it'll be getting stuck writing a paper.

Tirzad was worrying about his paper when we first met. He'd probably suffered quite a bit before then...

To tell you the truth, lately, I've been trapped in that state of suffering as well. I decided to enter the desert, thinking that perhaps I could make some new discoveries based on Tirzad's thesis.

I didn't expect to meet the very person featured in his acknowledgments. It must be fate that brought us together. So... can you help me like how you helped him...?

No problem.

Awesome! I knew taking a day off and coming to Aaru Village would be the right choice!

Allow me to give you two a warm welcome. How does treating you to a meal sound? Of course, you'll be well compensated for your trouble. Whatever Tirzad paid, I'll... Uh, let's discuss that later!

Yay! Delicious food and Mora!

Ka-lan-ta-ri!

Huh? That voice sounds really familiar...

Kalantari, I didn't expect you to sneak all the way to Aaru Village. This old bag of bones is going to fall apart chasing after you, you know?

Oh, it's Mr. Soheil! Someone at your age should be reading through texts and records in the Akademiya. What are you doing all the way out here?

Hmph! What am I doing here? I'm here to stop you youngsters from running off into the desert, of course!

All of you have read quite a few papers, yet you can't keep your cool. Tirzad gains some success once, and you all go charging into the desert like mindless Fungi.

The sage is afraid you'll alert the matra and worried that you might damage the ruins, so I was sent to dissuade all of you.

All of us...? But I came alone, and I even specially applied for paid leave to keep it a secret from everyone else.

You did come here alone, but you're not the only one with the same idea. Do you know how many leave applications the sage received yesterday?

Forty-six! A total of forty-six applications! All of them from young students wanting to try their luck after reading that paper!

They gave all sorts of excuses. Helping a neighbor whose house caught on fire, a Fungi invasion turning their homes upside down, accidentally consuming spoiled curry... If only they used their creativity on writing papers!

Exactly! I mean, so many people supposedly applied for leave, but I didn't see a single one of them here in Aaru Village.

Of course you didn't! I have already convinced all forty-five of them to go back while on my way here. You're the last one.

Listen. Academic research never relies on luck. Tirzad may have produced a well-written paper, but we still haven't verified its credibility.

But... I've found a guide...

No buts! Having no prior experience is enough to get you lost in the desert. Even if you don't get lost, there's no guarantee you won't accidentally damage something within the ruins.

For the sake of your safety and the ruins', you must head back. If you refuse, I'll have to ask Hulwani from the Corps of Thirty to "escort" you back.

Please head back.

Uh... Alright...

That's how a researcher of the Akademiya should act. Alright, off you go.

Huh? Mr. Soheil, you're not going back?

Of course not. I'll be staying here for some time to stop other rash researchers like you from entering the desert.

I'm not rash... I—I'm just in need of inspiration for my paper. *sigh* I thought I finally had my chance.

Goodbye, Traveler, and may we meet again. Safe travels.

He looks really sad...

Being unable to write a paper really does seem like torture...

Sorry, I was so busy with Kalantari that I didn't get to greet you. I'm Soheil from the Usaibia family, and a researcher from Vahumana.

Did he plan to hire you as his guide? In that case, I'm sorry for ruining your business.

But it may not be a bad thing. Tirzad's paper isn't very credible, so you might have ended up going all the way for nothing.

No, I believe him.

Oh? Why are you so sure? Wait. Are you... the ones mentioned in his acknowledgments...?

Yes, that's us. We're the famed Traveler and Paimon, the travelers who went on an expedition with Tirzad!

Hmm, well. Being willing to support your employer is a good thing, I suppose. It shows that you value contracts just as the people of Liyue do. But you can't fool me.

I've been to the desert in my youth, but I have never once encountered places like the "Khemenu Temple" or "Khaj-Nisut" mentioned in that paper.

Besides that, the sandstorm at the top of the Mausoleum of King Deshret is still as I remember it from my youth. So, I suspect that Tirzad never entered the Mausoleum of King Deshret. He probably made it all up.

I'm fairly certain you took his Mora and got your stories straight so that when someone comes to check, his paper would seem more credible.

It might have been a good plan, but unfortunately, you ran into me.

That's not the kind of person he is.

You don't understand researchers. I've seen so many researchers who appear to be honorable yet are shameless in private. What do you think the matra are for?

Anyway, you're free to go. I won't pursue the matter. Just... don't help him write fake theses anymore.

Please leave.

Ugh, Paimon's so peeved! Paimon could sense him looking down on us beneath that polite tone!

He even said that about Tirzad! That was too much! He's saying we faked it just because he couldn't find a way into the ruins himself!

Ohh! Have you been taking good care of the stone slate Tirzad left with us?

It's right here.

Perfect! That's an important piece of evidence!

Huh? Wait a minute... The symbol at its center has lit up! And it's pointing somewhere...

It's probably because of Khaj-Nisut.

You're right... In that case, we might be able to enter the depths of the ruins now. Y'know, the place we couldn't enter before.

Let's go and take a look. If we find any solid evidence, that researcher will have no choice but apologize to Tirzad and us!

Huh? Why are you still in Aaru Village? Are you thinking about trying to get something from me?

Just give up on that. I'm not Tirzad, Kalantari, or any of those other youngsters. I never try to take the easy way out.

Allow me to guide you to the right path. Start gaining knowledge now. Who knows, you might even make it into the Akademiya once you reach my age.

Please leave. Don't do anything unnecessary.

According to the stone slate, we've arrived at our destination!

It's just that... Paimon doesn't see any special devices, even though we're definitely inside the Mausoleum now. Have we gone the wrong way?

Should we have another look at the stone slate?

Huh? There's new writing on it... And three dots of light...

"The mortal plane is like a river between the underworld and Aaru. Mortals must not cross, must not probe, must not... Uh... Must not... Paimon doesn't know how to read that... or they shall descend into the underworld forever..."

"In order to ascend to Aaru, one must have a body like that of a vulture and soar above the underworld... Peck at three different organs in order to obtain the consent of Al-Ahmar, and fly across the river in the form of a falcon..."

That word is "covet."

Oh... "Must not covet." But what does that mean? This all sounds pretty important, but Paimon doesn't understand anything.

Which one do you think is more important, Traveler?

In order to ascend to Aaru... Does that mean Aaru Village? But Paimon doesn't think Aaru Village existed back then... Anyway, shouldn't the opposite of the underworld be a really wonderful place?

Hmm, if we sum it all up, we must do something to the "organs" to open a new path that leads to "Aaru." Um... It all sounds kinda mysterious...

But speaking of "organs"... Paimon thinks we've heard that one somewhere.

Tirzad mentioned it, yes?

Yeah! That guy was so stubborn then! He wouldn't listen to anyone and kept saying that King Deshret's legacy had to be in King Deshret's Mausoleum...

Then he went into a hall that he said was meant to store some "organs" and found a strange device. After that, the symbols on the stone slate just "clicked" and lit up.

Maybe "Peck at three different organs" refers to finding three devices just like before, and then we'll get to that place called "Aaru"!

Let's go! Let's see what secrets King Deshret has been hiding in "Aaru"!

Still, Paimon thinks that those three dots of light on the stone slate include places we have been to. Their symbols have lit up too.

Great, just thinking about going to three separate places made Paimon tired, but it looks like we just have to find one more device. Paimon is so grateful to past Paimon.

Be grateful to me too.

Right, thank you, Traveler! Let's go look for the remaining devices!

No, I refuse to escort you into the desert.

But the Mausoleum of King Deshret, which has remained the same for centuries, has undergone an unprecedented change. You saw it too just now, didn't you? I need to make a record...

It's also my first time seeing this change... However, the sage has prohibited researchers from entering the desert without his permission.

...

I—I'm not like those rash young researchers. I've dedicated years to studying in the Akademiya...

The answer is still "no."

Hello, long time no see. Seems like you're having a nice time in Aaru Village!

Huh? What are the two of you doing here? I did say that I wouldn't pursue the matter, but you should stop going around deceiving people.

I'm getting old, so my time is way more precious than yours. Besides, I have more important business to attend to. So, if you would excuse me.

No! Not at all! I would never go against the sage's restrictions! I just want to...

Wait a minute, both of you are all covered in dirt, and you're holding a suspicious stone slate... Did you just return from the desert, by any chance?

Are the... changes in the Mausoleum of King Deshret... linked to you?

Yes.

How can that be? Generations of Vahumana researchers tried everything they could to open the mausoleum's entrance and discover the secrets within, yet none succeeded. But you two easily...

Can I take a look at the stone slate you brought back with you?

Sure.

Thank you. The forest will remember your generosity!

Due to various reasons, practically all the records of the later period of Al-Ahmar's civilization have been lost. Even those that are occasionally dug up are just fragments. I've never seen such a perfect stone slate!

No, it's not only me. Even the sage may have never witnessed such a... miracle.

Hmph! You were calling us frauds just a short while ago!

Did you really enter the Mausoleum of King Deshret as Tirzad's paper described?

Yep.

I—It really is true then...

In the name of Vahumana researcher Soheil and on behalf of my family, I sincerely apologize. I hope you'll be so kind as to forgive my greatest mistake — ignorance.

(Whoa, what a sudden change of attitude! It's like he's taken on a completely different character, just like the storytellers of Liyue do.)

Could you... allow me to carefully inspect that stone slate? I'll compensate both of you for it!

As for the amount... Hmm... Before that, let's go someplace quiet so I can take a closer look at that slate.

According to the stone slate, we've arrived at our destination!

It's just that... Paimon doesn't see any special devices, even though we're definitely inside the Mausoleum now. Have we gone the wrong way?

Should we have another look at the stone slate?

Huh? There's new writing on it... And three dots of light...

"The mortal plane is like a river between the underworld and Aaru. Mortals must not cross, must not probe, must not... Uh... Must not... Paimon doesn't know how to read that... or they shall descend into the underworld forever..."

"In order to ascend to Aaru, one must have a body like that of a vulture and soar above the underworld... Peck at three different organs in order to obtain the consent of Al-Ahmar, and fly across the river in the form of a falcon..."

That word is "covet."

Oh... "Must not covet." But what does that mean? This all sounds pretty important, but Paimon doesn't understand anything.

Which one do you think is more important, Traveler?

In order to ascend to Aaru... Does that mean Aaru Village? But Paimon doesn't think Aaru Village existed back then... Anyway, shouldn't the opposite of the underworld be a really wonderful place?

Hmm, if we sum it all up, we must do something to the "organs" to open a new path that leads to "Aaru." Um... It all sounds kinda mysterious...

But speaking of "organs"... Paimon thinks we've heard that one somewhere.

Tirzad mentioned it, yes?

Yeah! That guy was so stubborn then! He wouldn't listen to anyone and kept saying that King Deshret's legacy had to be in King Deshret's Mausoleum...

Then he went into a hall that he said was meant to store some "organs" and found a strange device. After that, the symbols on the stone slate just "clicked" and lit up.

Maybe "Peck at three different organs" refers to finding three devices just like before, and then we'll get to that place called "Aaru"!

Let's go! Let's see what secrets King Deshret has been hiding in "Aaru"!

Still, Paimon thinks that those three dots of light on the stone slate include places we have been to. Their symbols have lit up too.

Awesome! Just thinking about going to three separate places made Paimon tired, but it looks like we only have to find two more devices. Paimon is so grateful to Past-Paimon, hehe!

Be grateful to me too.

Right, thank you, Traveler! Let's go look for the remaining devices!

Phew, it's a lot cooler here. Mind letting me see the slate?

Hey, you're spending too much time on this! You're not trying to commit the text to memory and skimp on our pay, are you?

Sorry, I was just so fascinated. This is my first time seeing writing like this...

Any discoveries?

Hmm... Some of it looks like a construction log... It mentions "Aaru," but there's no way to know if it's in any way connected to Aaru Village. Too bad the records say little more...

But this discovery is certainly worth several pages of writing. Thank you very much. Here, as per our agreement.

My next step would be to find a bigger collection of primary materials, but that's going to be difficult without going into the desert...

Oh, I have an idea! If you have the time, please hear me out...

Mr. Soheil, are you thinking...

The sage prohibits any researcher from going into the desert.

Now, I wouldn't dare challenge the sage's authority, but I'm sure he never prohibited the giving of gifts, right?

Gifts? What are you going to give us?

Something very precious... My archaeology notes.

To be honest, I ventured into the desert more than a dozen years ago, but didn't find anything special other than noting the locations of several potential ruins.

I believe it's fate that brought me back here to make your acquaintance in these ruins, so I want you to have these notes!

Are you trying to... I get it. That isn't against the rules, but I'm afraid your actions would...

My actions? I am simply presenting a gift as a celebration of my friendship with Traveler the big hero and Paimon the little hero. Isn't that more than fair?

I suppose...

It's fair indeed.

The world of researchers is way too complicated! He could just have come right out and said he needed our help! Instead, we had to go through this whole charade...

If you ask Paimon, he's just afraid that the big guy over there would rat him out to the sage.

It's because your world is too simple, Paimon.

Is it? Paimon thinks her world's pretty complicated. Paimon has to remember what every dish tastes like, and all the ways to get different treasures...

Let's take a look at what's written in Soheil's gift!

Mm... Looks like he's been having a pretty hard time. He explored the area around the Mausoleum of King Deshret for a month without obtaining any results. He didn't want to give up, and found the Transparent Ruins.

And then he found something a lot smaller than the Mausoleum of King Deshret — the Tomb of Carouses. Finally, he was attacked by a group of mercenaries in a place called Lamb-Devourer Rock.

Whoa... Even though he went through all that, he still wrote that "compared to the mockery, having no improvement in knowledge is more painful to endure."

He sounded like a completely different person.

Yeah! Seems like he really was in it for the knowledge back then. Paimon's a little moved.

From that perspective, it wouldn't be an exaggeration for him to call this a precious gift.

Let's visit each location mentioned in his notes. If we find something decent, let's bring it back as a gift to him in return!

Not yet.

Alright. If you do find anything, please share them with me and quench my thirst for knowledge.

We explored the Tomb of Carouses.

So you went to the Tomb of Carouses... It's a miniature version of the Mausoleum of King Deshret, just like I said, right? So, any new discoveries?

It sounds like you didn't find anything special. I guess size isn't the only difference between the two locations.

And as for this slate...

What is it, what is it? It has so many words, so it's got to be valuable, right?

From what I can tell, it's an ordinary fable that features some animals.

Eh? How can this be?

But that's okay, I can still squeeze a paper out of this, albeit a short one...

"The Retreat of the Sheep: A Preliminary Study of Environmental Change in the Desert."

Phew, it's a lot cooler here. Mind letting me see the slate?

Hey, you're spending too much time on this! You're not trying to commit the text to memory and skimp on our pay, are you?

Sorry, I was just so fascinated. This is my first time seeing writing like this...

Any discoveries?

Hmm... Some of it looks like a construction log... It mentions "Aaru," but there's no way to know if it's in any way connected to Aaru Village. Too bad the records say little more...

But this discovery is certainly worth several pages of writing. Thank you very much. Here, as per our agreement.

My next step would be to find a bigger collection of primary materials, but that's going to be difficult without going into the desert...

Oh, I have an idea! If you have the time, please hear me out...

Mr. Soheil, are you thinking...

The sage prohibits any researcher from going into the desert.

Now, I wouldn't dare challenge the sage's authority, but I'm sure he never prohibited the giving of gifts, right?

Gifts? What are you going to give us?

Something very precious... My archaeology notes.

To be honest, I ventured into the desert more than a dozen years ago, but didn't find anything special other than noting the locations of several potential ruins.

I believe it's fate that brought me back here to make your acquaintance in these ruins, so I want you to have these notes!

Are you trying to... I get it. That isn't against the rules, but I'm afraid your actions would...

My actions? I am simply presenting a gift as a celebration of my friendship with Traveler the big hero and Paimon the little hero. Isn't that more than fair?

I suppose...

It's fair indeed.

The world of researchers is way too complicated! He could just have come right out and said he needed our help! Instead, we had to go through this whole charade...

If you ask Paimon, he's just afraid that the big guy over there would rat him out to the sage.

It's because your world is too simple, Paimon.

Is it? Paimon thinks her world's pretty complicated. Paimon has to remember what every dish tastes like, and all the ways to get different treasures...

Plus the names of all those Aranara too!

Let's take a look at what's written in Soheil's gift!

Mm... Looks like he's been having a pretty hard time. He explored the area around the Mausoleum of King Deshret for a month without obtaining any results. He didn't want to give up, and found the Transparent Ruins.

And then he found something a lot smaller than the Mausoleum of King Deshret — the Tomb of Carouses. Finally, he was attacked by a group of mercenaries in a place called Lamb-Devourer Rock.

Whoa... Even though he went through all that, he still wrote that "compared to the mockery, having no improvement in knowledge is more painful to endure."

He sounded like a completely different person.

Yeah! Seems like he really was in it for the knowledge back then. Paimon's a little moved.

From that perspective, it wouldn't be an exaggeration for him to call this a precious gift.

Let's visit each location mentioned in his notes. If we find something decent, let's bring it back as a gift to him in return!

You're back. Did you find anything special in the desert?

Since the sage didn't specifically ban travelers from entering the desert... Yes, you may go ahead...

Now that the three ruins have been fully explored, I can finally put my thoughts to rest.

Well then, to celebrate the strengthening of our friendship, I shall prepare more gifts of gratitude for our big hero and little hero.

It's nothing, really! Plus, we found lots of treasure based on your notes! So, how's your paper going?

The papers... Yeah, even though I've collected enough materials, I no longer depend on churning out volumes.

It's a breakthrough I'm after... I must still go into the Mausoleum of King Deshret myself.

But the sage said...

Yes, I get it, it's always about the sage with you... I'm just griping, that's all.

What do you need a breakthrough for?

To become a candidate for the next sage, of course.

To outsiders, the difference between a researcher and a sage is that of a small fruit and a larger fruit.

In reality, the gap is even greater than the difference between a hilichurl and slime.

Those are two completely different things.

That's exactly it. They are two different things altogether.

The sages, with the power they control, virtually have all of us researchers by our throats. They could make or break us with just one word.

So many people have labored and fought over papers, some even as old as me. We'd give up our dignity just for a chance to be deemed worthy by the sages.

Therefore, I must become a sage myself, or all the suffering I've endured would've been for nothing. I'm sure you'd understand if you were a researcher!

No, Paimon thinks Traveler would be more like the you in the notes.

Notes?

Yeah! Remember what you wrote in your notes? "Compared to the mockery, having no improvement in knowledge is more painful to endure."

What? I wrote that?

Hmm... The experiences I've had are indeed true. But if it weren't for your reminder, I would have never looked at things from that perspective again.

So you've forgotten all about it...

...Traveler, Paimon. This is a bit abrupt, but there's one more favor I'd like to ask.

Huh? Do you want us to look for more stone slates?

No no no, I have enough stone slates... I just... feel like reading my old notes again.

Please allow me to take back the archaeology notes I gave you. I'll prepare something else as a gift for you.

Sure.

Thank you for all your help, and may your travels be smooth.

Also, thanks for reminding me of a time when I was younger. It's a pretty good feeling.

We explored the Transparent Ruins.

You went to the Transparent Ruins? Did you find anything?

Of course. Be prepared to be thunderstruck!

Aha! So King Deshret did indeed withhold a secret behind that unknown force. I shall get to the bottom of it.

...

This is...

How could this be...?

Hey, you look pale... Did you discover something terrible?

Uh... No, sorry, they're not exactly "terrible"... The writings on the stone slates look complicated, but they're actually... Records of leave requests.

In addition, the recorded excuses are not any different from that of the young scholars today...

Phew, it's a good thing I failed to find a way to access the Transparent Ruins back in the day. I imagine that I would have been quite livid.

Anyway, I must thank you for bringing the slates back. Perhaps I should go ask around about the excuses people make in Mondstadt. That could be enough for me to write a paper...

"Time Out From a Busy Schedule: On the Evolution of the Perception of Off-Days in Different Societies."

We explored the Lamb-Devourer Rock.

You weren't in any danger, were you? Not that I doubt you could handle any situation, even if you did encounter Thutmose.

So there is a secret base after all... No wonder Thutmose still managed to rob me despite all the precautions I took.

What a bunch of ignorant fools! They claim to worship King Deshret, and yet they randomly throw such important relics around! Inexcusable!

I must thank you on behalf of the Akademiya for getting such a valuable... Uh...

Hmm? What's with the sudden frown? Did you run into something difficult to decipher?

Just the opposite, really. It's a love poem.

Perhaps this slate would be more valuable to those from Haravatat. I can already imagine what titles they'll come up with...

"On the Relationship Between the Development of Rhetoric and the Progress of Civilization."