On the second day, 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.
'Hmm, despite the influence of Moonatoria, Bellatrix guild still magnificent, especially the blue crystalline pond with lustrous fountains, each a testament of unyielding charisma of this place. We cross in the middle of the blue pond, and there, I saw a man with a group of vendors, standing, expecting our visit.'
"Your Majesty, it's good that you toured this district. We are pleased by your personal visit here. Please sit down and have some tea."
"The beauty of Bellatrix plaza...was never fades."
'The man in front of me was Echerg, he is in charge of order in the plaza. I also saw the vendors with long skirts and colorful smiles, just like their clothes.'
'I feel the calming bustling sound in our surroundings, the echo of negotiations, the collective rhythm of fountains, fill within me...I am happy because the people now were no longer a slave, nor oppressed. Me, as a new king...I will protect the peace of Thallerion.'
"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—"
Aghero was holding a large parchment— the record of events in Thallerion— as he answered. He first took a porcelain cup and brought the warm tea to his lips, inhaling its aroma.
'I remained silent, listening and trying to understand, what was happening in Wendlock, my gaze wandering to the blue water, playing with the flowing fountain. Meanwhile, the scent of tea brushed my nose. The surroundings was calm like a blue sky as I saw above. After he sip on the tea, he inhaled and said.'
"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."
'Ossibian?? Why are they seizing our farmland?'
The tea immediately eased Aghero tension about the problem in Wendlock. 'Look like his face was hinted with fear.'
"For now, all I can say is—Wendlock is ours, the Ossibians should know that."
'I heard long time ago... Ossibians were protected by a giant black bird... I have to keep my mouth shut, when talk about Ossibian.'
The king tasted the tea, he hadn't tried in a long time. 'All I can say... 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!"
'I still remembered the times, when I was pulled away from Thallerion to escape King Hedromus's conquest. Wendlock became the home of the disenfranchised Thallerion. when my parents were slain, my relatives fled to the Wendlock forest. That land offered time to me, with Matheros assisting and teaching me how to fight. We both 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.
'The only way to avoid conflicts...maybe, a deal of alliance. But...I am not so sure, if it works. Hmm, did Elder Devein...just ignore the Ossibian to seize, the farm land for the Thallerion?'
***
Xerxez also thought of visiting the church in the last district, the Mintaka District, which serves as the kingdom's cultural and educational center.
'We continued to tour in the Mintaka District. I know...this place have been transformed into the gladiatorial amphitheater because of the Moonatorians. But, the church still stood.'
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 stared at me as he asked. We stood in front of the Church. I saw the door open, then a face of an old man appeared.'
"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. 'Well, if there is a new system in Cypriox...then, it would be mean...new challenge for all students.'
"Father Gomenzer is indeed old."
The king 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."
'Hmm, Father Gomenzer age ... somewhat at 85 years old...not so sure. But, he can still walk continuously, though by the help of his cane.'
"May the holy Crux bless you...Your Majesty, Xerxez."
Father Gomenzer eyes were weary but smiling as he greeted the king. '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." He immediately kissed the bishop's hand, a calm smile gracing his face.
'His hand though shaking but, I feel the gentle, a testament of his religiousness.
"It seems it's also time for Thallerion to return to Cypriox." Father Gomenzer 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."
"Don't worry, Father Gomenzer, I will fix Thallerion's relationship with Cypriox. However, we have elders had returned in our land to train people with spirit energy, I hope you will understand— we are abandoned people— we must rely on our own efforts... but am grateful that you did not lose hope in teaching the Crux religion here in Thallerion."
'Father Gomenzer just zipped his lips...he know that Cypriox is against about elders practice and training activities. But, being an abandoned people... Maybe, he respected my decision to build a temple for the spirit energy training.'
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," The Bishop's shoulders heavily slumping as he spoke.
'Maybe, the existence of Shadow of Crux is the reason of having a new system in the Cypriox? Even though, he wasn't reacted about my decision...he still hoping the essence of Crux religion against the existence of Shadows.'
"Don't worry, Father Gomenzer... I will assure you that our land will be protected against invaders."
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.