Xerxez then proceeded to the Bellatrix District, which was the focus of trade, commerce, and business industries, with markets and guilds of merchants, but it had been influenced by Moonatorian mercenaries. This was where the people of Thallerion met for trade and buying, and it was often crowded, so there were many entertaining activities. Often, when Xerxez wanted to be entertained, he would tour this area to stroll and observe the people.
"The beauty of Bellatrix plaza never fades." Xerxez said to a man named Echerg, who was in charge of order in the plaza. Xerxez saw the vendors with long skirts and colorful smiles, just like their clothes, during his visit to the plaza.
"Your Majesty, it's good that you toured this district. I'm pleased by your personal visit here. Please sit down and have some tea." His brows were gentle like a calm ocean, but in an instant, they became wavy. "It's perfect, I can express the sentiments of the vendors. There's a shortage of supplies here in the market because the farmers' production isn't abundant. According to my investigation, I found out that the farmers are fighting over the land of Wendlock." Echerg said with a very serious face. Xerxez nodded and slightly looked at his personal reporter.
"Wendlock." said one of Xerxez's reporters. "Your Majesty... that's true, some of our farmers rely on Wendlock land, because that's the only fertile land that can be cultivated... The problem is—" said the reporter Aghero, holding a large parchment; the record of events in Thallerion. Aghero first took a porcelain cup and brought the warm tea to his lips, inhaling its aroma.
Xerxez remained silent, listening and understanding what was happening in Wendlock, his gaze wandering to the blue water and his eyes playing with the flowing fountain. Meanwhile, the scent of tea brushed his nose. Xerxez also heard the peaceful noises of the people below the building, just like the pure blue sky Xerxez saw above.
"There are Ossibians living there who are seizing land from our farmers, and some of the Thallerion residents there say the land dispute is worsening." Aghero narrated, and the tea immediately eased his tension about the problem in Wendlock.
"For now, all I can say is—Wendlock is ours, the Ossibians should know that." Xerxez tasted the tea he hadn't tried in a long time. Even after what he heard, the taste of the tea did not sympathize with the vendors' problem. Xerxez's chest swelled, and he decided that a solution was needed. "Send representatives for tomorrow's meeting; I want you there too, Echerg." Echerg nodded and listened to Xerxez. "The Ossibians have stirred up trouble!"
Xerxez still remembered the times he was pulled away from Thallerion to escape King Hedromus's conquest. Wendlock became the home of the disenfranchised Thallerion. When Xerxez's parents were slain, their relatives fled to the Wendlock forest. That land offered time to Xerxez, with Matheros assisting and teaching him how to fight. They dreamed together for Thallerion's future then.
Matheros's good example was why Xerxez faced the fierce Bear of Moonatoria. And without Wendlock, there would be no Xerxez reigning in Thallerion today. Thallerion would not have triumphed without the people willing to assist Xerxez, which is why Xerxez did not write Matheros's kindness in the sand—whoever was the true hero in Xerxez's eyes was none other than Matheros.
Xerxez also thought of visiting the church in the last district, the Mintaka District, which serves as the kingdom's cultural and educational center. The Thallerion church is a symbol of the Crux religion; Thallerion has its own priest who studied in the country of Cypriox for the Thallerion church a long time ago. So long ago, in fact, that no one has yet replaced the priest, worn by time, who has countless wrinkles on his skin.
"Your Majesty, do you not intend to send new students to Cypriox to become official priests of our Thallerion?" Aghero asked. "As far as I know, the priests in Cypriox have been replaced due to a new system, and their convent is now open to those who intend to study for the priesthood." The Thallerion church was before them, and a priest was approaching, wearing a long, sacred-colored garment.
"Father Gomenzer is indeed old." Xerxez gazed at the priest, who walked rather slowly, using his staff as a third leg. "But if we send new students to Cypriox, with a new system proposed... the students we send will only struggle, unlike before in Father Gomenzer's time."
"May the holy Crux bless you, Your Majesty, Xerxez." Father Gomenzer greeted. His eyes were weary but smiling; he was the bishop of Thallerion. Two young assistants, dressed in black with cross necklaces, accompanied the priest.
"I am glad, Father Gomenzer, that even though the country's ties with Cypriox have ceased, you continue to teach the Crux religion in Thallerion." Xerxez kissed the bishop's hand, a calm smile gracing his face.
"It seems it's also time for Thallerion to return to Cypriox," Father Gomenzer said, taking a deep breath that made his staff tremble slightly due to his understanding of the truth. "I am old. I hope, before I retire, our country and Cypriox can reconcile. May the holy Crux hear me." said the priest.
"Don't worry, Father Gomenzer, I will fix Thallerion's relationship with Cypriox. However, I am grateful that you did not lose hope in teaching the Crux religion here in Thallerion." Xerxez replied. Xerxez saw that the church had turned moon-colored, and the angelic sound of convent music could be heard outside. The large bell, silently observing their conversation, was also covered in moss.
"Please protect the youth from being tempted by the Shadow of the Crux," Father Gomenzer said, his shoulders heavily slumping as he spoke. Xerxez had also heard that an organization against the Cypriox religion had spread, and worse, they were secretly recruiting people to strengthen their forces. After their conversation, Xerxez and his companions toured other parts of the Mintaka district. Xerxez was also amused by the skill and prowess of the wrestlers and the use of weapons in the grand Arena, a magnificent amphitheater. Gladiator battles, tournaments, and other public events were staged here. This showcased the focus on honor, bravery, and fighting excellence of people with unique talent and skill. Thɪs chapter is updated by novel✶fire.net