Escape from an Ancient Civilization Ch 139

Chapter 139

Nataek’s heart dropped.

What does he know about Medeus?

He shot a quick glance at Medeus, but the man showed no disturbance.

If there were anything to expose them, Medeus would not be this calm. Is this Sibieira fellow connected in Delam? Does he have contacts in the Delam damgar guild?

Turning possibilities over swiftly, Nataek rejected that line of thought. He stepped forward, placing himself ahead of Medeus.

“He is my companion. You saw him at the gate earlier.”

At present, Delam’s trade overall was managed by the princess. If Sibieira did have any ties in Delam, she surely would have signaled it. He also didn’t seem to recognize Medeus’s face. If he had, he would have reacted at the gate the first time.

“Ah. The one who stood with you then?”

At once, Sibieira’s suspicion eased, and Nataek breathed out in relief.

“I didn’t notice then because of the Guti around us, but he’s quite tall.”

Medeus’s exceptional build had clearly piqued his curiosity. Nataek promptly redirected that interest to himself.

“He’s worked with me for a long time. He’s strong—I take him everywhere. He’s practically family.”

Prosperous damgar often brought assistants along; it wasn’t unusual. Nataek used the chance to cement his relationship with Medeus.

“Indeed… ideal to use as a porter. Well, never mind that. Show me what you brought.”

At Sibieira’s demand, Nataek signaled Medeus.

Sorry, but from now on, you’re my porter.

He felt a twinge of guilt at reducing Medeus to that, but this was no time to be precious. At the cue, Medeus set the bundles on the table. Nataek slowly untied the knots and spread them open. Inside were the many ornaments the princess had provided.

“Will these suit your taste?”

“Hmm. Not bad. Open the others too.”

Stroking his chin with one hand, Sibieira jerked his jaw toward another bundle.

How rare does he want? These are costly gems as is.

Nataek took another bundle from Medeus and hoisted it onto the table. As he untied it, his long cloak hem kept dragging over and nudging the displayed pieces. He sighed and slipped the cloak off—

“Oh ho…”

At the small exclamation, Nataek lifted a brow and stared at Sibieira. The man was staring right through him at his smooth, hairless arms and legs. Then, slowly, he scanned Nataek from head to toe.

“This… would greatly please the one I serve…”

“Pardon?”

At the muttered words, Nataek asked back, but Sibieira quickly dropped his gaze to the table and pointed to a ring.

“This one. I think it will please him.”

“You mean the lapis lazuli ring?”

Nataek picked up the blue‑set ring and handed it over. Sibieira took it and made a feigned sound of admiration. Watching him fiddle with it, Nataek waited, then asked carefully,

“And who, exactly, will be purchasing these?”

“You’ll know soon enough. Open the other bundles.”

He dodged the question cleanly.

“‘Who?’

‘The one I serve. Very keen on gold and silver, and dignified. Doesn’t toy with payment—no need to worry.’”

His smirking words came back to Nataek. A Guti henchman, a traitor to Ur—if that sort of man “served” someone, only one name came to mind.

Lagab, second among the Guti.

Don’t tell me… are we meeting Lagab today?

The pace defied expectations. Cold sweat pricked as the story rushed forward. Medeus stood coolly, eyes cold on Sibieira fondling the jewels.

What to do? We never even aligned on a plan for Lagab.

Sibieira, who had seemed fussy, pointed out a few gems and ornaments, then strode out, saying he would “fetch the one” and to wait. The instant he left, an emergency conference sparked between Nataek and Medeus.

“If the one he serves is who we think, it has to be Lagab, right?”

“The odds it isn’t are lower.”

“Ha…”

Arms folded, Nataek paced beside the table. After a long, grim silence, he asked,

“Medeus. By any chance—”

“Teresi. It seems—”

They spoke at once. Medeus gestured for him to go first.

“Have you ever faced Lagab directly?”

“Once. Two years ago.”

Nataek froze, lifting his eyes to Medeus.

“If it really is Lagab, won’t he recognize you?”

“We only crossed blades once. I wore a helmet, and it was near sundown. He won’t recognize me easily. More importantly, Teresi.”

“Yes.”

“If the one coming now truly is Lagab, you stand back.”

“What? Why? I just told Sibieira you’re my assistant—if I suddenly step back, that’s strange. And if it is Lagab, you must not step forward.”

“No. It’s better I handle him.”

“Anyone can see it’s safer for me.”

“Says who?”

“Says common sense. I’ve never met Lagab, which makes it safer that I do it. I’ll take him. You tighten your hood and veil and stay behind me.”

“No. Absolutely not.”

Unlike usual, Medeus was obstinate. Nataek blinked in surprise.

“It’s actually more dangerous if you face him.”

“I’ve never met him.”

“That’s not the issue.”

“Then what is?”

“You…”

Medeus bit his lower lip hard.

You—what?

Nataek waited for him to continue, but his mouth only worked without sound. At last, Nataek closed the distance.

“This is no time for this. I’ll handle Lagab. Whoever comes—if not Lagab—I handle it.”

“No, I’ll go. With the veil tight, it’ll be fine.”

The conversation looped back.

“Medeus. I just told Sibieira you’re my assistant. So I have to be the one to act. Risk of being recognized aside, if you step forward, the story doesn’t add up.”

“Haa…”

Medeus rubbed his brow with a sigh. Such agitation was rare on him; it made Nataek’s heart hitch too.

“Is there something else you’re worried about—besides being exposed?”

“Lagab is… that man is…!”

Knock‑knock.

Of course—now.

No more time to argue. Nataek clasped Medeus’s hand and spoke sharply,

“Whatever the reason, now it’s right that I step up. Fall back. Understood?”

“Teresi.”

Creak—

Before they could finish, the door opened. Nataek quickly shifted to put Medeus behind him. Sibieira sauntered in—alone. He wore a dissatisfied look.

“This is… inconvenient.”

Masking his expression, Nataek stepped forward.

“Weren’t you going to fetch the gentleman?”

“I was. But wouldn’t you know it—he’s gone hunting today. Honestly.”

Whether it was Lagab or not was unknown—but the fact he wasn’t coming let the tension drain from Nataek’s shoulders.

First things first: leave this place.

“Shame. In that case, we should try another time.”

At that, Sibieira hurried toward him.

“You’re not going to Mari today, are you? Are these all your goods? When will you bring new treasures? He must see more. How about delaying Mari a few days?”

“Hmm…”

He had to tilt this chance in his favor. After a beat of thought, Nataek answered slowly,

“Then let’s do this. It will take about seven to ten days to bring in new treasure. Until then, I’ll hold off going to Mari.”

It was the realistic time needed—and the maximum he could buy.

“Good. That’s welcome news. Then I’ll send a servant again in seven days. You must show here first. And—”

Pointing precisely at Nataek with his forefinger, he spoke in a threatening tone.

“You must come yourself. Understood?”

“Yes, of course. Who else would I entrust with this?”

Satisfied, Sibieira smiled. Whether they would meet Lagab at Ur’s mansion in seven days was uncertain. But they had to prepare for that possibility within a week—and find the Hidden Ally.

It seemed the speed at which Nataek advanced the quest and the speed the system demanded were diverging; risk would rise with that gap. He clenched his fist.

A week… Within that, the quest must be cleared and the next step taken.

They had dodged the first crisis, but a greater mountain loomed. On the way back to their quarters, Nataek sank into thought.

Normally, he would discover Lagab’s weakness first, then defeat him by exploiting it. But they had arrived too recently in Ur, and with the first quest in progress, he had nothing on Lagab’s weaknesses. If there was any chance the man they’d meet in a week was Lagab, they needed whatever intel they could get.

Should I ask the market again? Or will finishing Hidden Ally yield something useful?

The deeper the dilemma, the darker his face grew. He finally spoke.

“Medeus. Do you know Lagab’s weakness?”

“…Even if I do, I won’t tell you.”

“What?”

Nataek stopped, incredulous. Medeus, who had been watching him with concern, took his wrist.

“Come with me.”

Then he drew him into a narrow alley.

Footnotes:

1. Sibieira – the Ur native who betrayed his city’s ruler and people to collaborate with the occupying Guti; portrayed as the chief exploiter channeling wealth to Lagab. 
2. Lagab – the Guti chieftain and primary antagonist in Ur’s arc; meeting him typically requires groundwork or a “Hidden Ally” to mitigate risk. 
3. Damgar – Mesopotamian merchant/trader; here a cover identity allowing circulation among Guti‑controlled spaces.