Chapter 10
In Another Study
"Grandfather?" After knocking on the door, Seto entered the study.
"Seto? What is it?" Meti asked, not lifting his head as he continued to read some document in front of him. He added, "Is Betuké with you?"
'Betuké?' Seto thought. 'Who is that?' He saw Atem point to himself with a finger.
'That's my female name.' He mouthed.
"Is that so?" He thought silently, 'What a strange name.' 1
Seto moved to his grandfather's side and quietly whispered something in his ear.
"Stop playing, Seto." Meti did not believe a word he said.
' ... This was expected ...' Seto thought. He moved to stand next to Atem, asking him in a low voice, "Do you have something that can prove your identity?"
"... I do have something ... but ..." Atem appeared to hesitate slightly. He took out an object wrapped in cloth. "This was made by my father ... but I haven't completed it yet ..."
"What is it?" Seto asked. 'A linen bag?'
Atem opened the bag and inside was pieces of a gold colored puzzle-like object. Seto picked up one of the pieces to get a closer look.
"Not many people know that this was created by my father ... other than my father himself, I think only my mother, the six priests, you and I know about it." Atem said.
Seto asked, "Did you say that the six priests know about this?"
"They should know ..." Atem was not entirely certain of it.
"Hmm ... maybe my grandfather was one of those six priests ..." He thought, 'might as well see if this works.'
"Let me borrow this." Seto took the bag and tied it. He then placed it on Meti's desk.
"Seto ..." Meti spoke while thinking to himself, 'What is wrong with this child today? Why is his conduct so unusual?' He felt it was very odd.
"Grandfather, you know the item inside ..." Seto commented.
Meti loosened the knot on the bag in confusion, and opened the bag. He looked inside and gasped.
'This is ...?'
"Seto ... where did you get this?" Meti turned around and asked.
"... Grandfather, do you know what this is?" Seto purposely avoided the question.
"This is the current Pharaoh's - Akunamukanon's millenium item, created by him to preserve justice in Egypt! This is one of the seven millenium items, the millenium puzzle! Where did you get it?! Seto?!"
Meti appeared to be very agitated, as well as nervous. Seto, seeing his grandfather's response to the object, was surprised.
What power did that object have that could cause the normally calm and collected Meti to be so worried?
" ... I borrowed it from him ..." Seto pointed towards Atem, who was standing next to him.
"Betuké? What?" Meti looked to Atem, confused. The reason was Atem was currently wearing male clothing. (borrowed from Seto)
"Uh ... Actually ... I am a boy ..." Atem explained.
"In addition, he's the Crown Prince who had secretly snuck out of the palace." Seto added.
'The Crown Prince?!' Meti was shocked.
"Seto!" Atem yelled. 'Why the heck did you say that?!'
"What?" Seto answered, not caring. 'He'll find out sooner or later.'
"It's too early! He's not even prepared to hear this!" Atem shouted at him.
"So what?! How long do you want this old man to prepare?!" Seto pointed at Meti. "If we keep delaying, he'll just think I'm talking nonsense!" Seto accused.
"Even so, it's still too soon!" Atem screamed. 'How dare you call him an old man! No respect for your elders!'
"Then how long were you planning to wait?!" Seto roared back. 'Why do you care about what I call him?!'
The two continued to argue as Meti found himself unable to stop them for the moment.
'What is going on here?!' Priest Meti wondered, his mind full of questions.
Translator's Note:
1 I changed this sentence. It originally stated, "Did you pronounce your name backwards?" but since that doesn't make sense with the names I chose for this story, I had to change it.
Author's Corner:
Youlan: That was some fierce arguing at the end ...
Pharaoh: It's his (Seto's) fault! It was too early!
Seto: You're blaming me?! How long would it have been delayed if we were to do things your way?! You're the one who's wrong!
Pharaoh: Damn! Where am I wrong?! It's obvious that you're wrong! What a guy, he won't even admit his mistakes!
Seto: Damn!! I won't admit my mistakes?! You're the one with a backward way of thinking!
The two start arguing again ...
Youlan: (takes out ear plugs and ignores the two)
Posted on September 11, 2004.