Chapter 77: Cypriox guild
A thick air of wisdom emanated from the old woman, but Xerxez sensed a bias in her words. Cypriox had three churches, yet she so strongly encouraged them to go to Sanctimum Oprys. Xerxez reasoned this was due to the influence of a certain Hyushen over the people of the town.
"Is he a new priest?" Xerxez asked.
"No, not yet a priest. He is only studying for the priesthood, but he serves as King Wendzar’s representative."
"Then I suppose he is the one to follow in King Wendzar’s footsteps."
"Without a doubt... After all, who else would inherit the position but their own, blood to blood, clan to clan!" The old woman said, a weary tone in her voice born of her age. She nodded emphatically. "Wait, this place seems familiar to you. Have you offered a sacrifice at a church here before?"
"Ah—" Xerxez paused, swallowing his food before speaking again. "Yes, ma’am..."
"If so, why have I only seen you pass by now? I’ve never seen anyone as handsome as you," the old woman said.
"Oh, ma’am, it has been a long time since we’ve been to Cypriox, right, companions?" Xerxez’s attendants played along as his friends and agreed. Xerxez’s eyes twinkled, playing into the old woman’s teasing. He smiled warmly at the vendor.
"You handsome men really do love to play with women’s hearts," the old woman said, giggling despite her age.
"Well, ma’am, we’re off now... Your food was delicious."
"You’re welcome. Come back if you’re hungry again."
"We will, ma’am!" Xerxez replied.
They immediately headed to the place the old woman had mentioned and found it without fail. They entered the church; it was empty, likely because the mass had begun yesterday. They stood at the doorway. Someone immediately noticed their presence.
"Honorable guests, have you come to make an offering?" a tall, fair-skinned man asked.
"You must be the Hyushen they speak of," said Xerxez.
"I am not he. He is not here. He has been gone for several days after the king sent him on a mission to Elanthro."
"In that case, may I ask when he will return?" Xerxez thought it would be easier and safer to reveal his identity as the King of Thallerion directly to Hyushen, given his close connection to King Wendzar.
"I am afraid I do not know his exact return date." Xerxez’s shoulders sank.
"Do you know where this Hyushen lives?"
"Hyushen’s family is wealthy, so no one can say where he lives, no matter who you ask." Xerxez was taken aback by this and lost in deep thought.
"My friends, what brings you here? I hear you were looking for me." Hyushen arrived unexpectedly. Xerxez and his companions were captivated, for the true Hyushen was even more striking than described, with prominent green eyes and a fair, truly rich complexion. He was clean and decent. He seemed to be the perfect man on the face of the earth.
"Gerion, I will handle them." Hyushen’s demeanor toward his church companions was not haughty. His ethical character was truly evident.
"King Xerxez," Hyushen greeted, a title that surprised Xerxez. "How are you? I know Thallerion is in turmoil now."
"How can you be so sure I am the King of Thallerion?" Xerxez asked.
"You wear no mask, so it was not difficult for me to recognize you," Hyushen said, his tone turning serious. "If you are here to ask for aid, Cypriox’s doors are open. That is the true purpose of this church."
"Hyushen, I know what you are thinking—that Thallerion was once a believer in the Crux church. But that does not mean we need military or financial assistance now... I am here for..."
"I thought you came here to make a sacrifice to the church and pray because of the current conflict flaring up again?"
"You are mistaken," Xerxez said. "I thought your understanding of people was sharp."
"My apologies if I did not notice immediately. In that case, let us go." Hyushen was genuinely apologetic for his shallow and literal understanding of Xerxez’s purpose.
"You are a representative, so I know that more than anyone here, you are closest to the King of Sanctimum Oprys."
"King Wendzar and the other kings of Cypriox are currently facing problems with rebellious priests."
"I recall those rebellious priests were against the government system?" Xerxez asked.
"You are mistaken on that point," Hyushen said. "There has been a change in religion in recent months. Have you not heard about it?"
"It is unlikely that I would have heard of such events, even if they had a large impact on all Crux believers. We were too focused on the political aspects," Xerxez replied. They had entered a door. "And to answer what is happening in my country, nothing has changed, except... Ossibus is causing us trouble."
"What prompted Moonatoria to interfere?" Hyushen asked.
"Believe it or not, I know this is a scheme by Matar, the King of Ossibus," Xerxez said.
"King Wendzar also told me about the heroic deeds of Thallerion, and I know a lot about you as well... You know... your name is the talk of the town, especially after you slew the vicious bear of Moonatoria."
"That was a long time ago. It is only a part of the history between Moonatoria and Thallerion," Xerxez said.
"So then, Matar is using that past to manipulate the current King, Harthur?"
"You know a lot about politics, young man. Is that part of the training King Wendzar puts you through?" Xerxez asked.
"My apologies, I lost control on that matter," Hyushen said. He understood that Xerxez’s question was whether his curiosity was personal or a guideline given by King Wendzar.
"I think you have passed such a test..." Xerxez said. "You truly do not think ordinarily. You also know how to deal with those who are above you. You are indeed worthy of succeeding King Wendzar."
"It is too early to say such a thing," Hyushen said.
Hyushen led them to King Wendzar’s private chambers instead of the main palace. As Hyushen expected, the king was there, preoccupied with studying the current events in Cypriox. But before they arrived, Wendzar had a visitor.
"Is that you, Hyushen?" Wendzar asked upon hearing someone approaching.
"No! I am Marguel."
"Who? Why have you entered my room?"
"I am the son of the former priest of Cypriox."
"The priests of Cypriox have no right to have children. That is a transgression! Then you must be the one they call the fruit of the betrayal of the priest..."
"And you are also the king who is greedy for money... are you not?"
"What are you saying?"
"The King of Thallerion will be arriving today. If you help him, everything I know about you will leak out, and you will not be able to stop it." Marguel immediately left after threatening Wendzar and exited through another door.
"What does he know about my whole being?"
The door opened again, and Wendzar was surprised, fearing the stranger Marguel would return, but it was a man he did not know, with a somewhat pale and cold gaze.
"Hyushen!" King Wendzar called out, forcing his voice to sound normal. "You’ve returned from the mission I gave you. It seems you were delayed there."
"My king, is something wrong?" Hyushen noticed the strange tension in Wendzar’s voice.
"Nothing at all. It seems you have companions with you?" Wendzar pretended that Hyushen’s companions were a surprise. "Why don’t you bring them into my room?"
Xerxez entered immediately, removed his hood, and formally greeted the King of Cypriox. Wendzar’s desk was in disarray, a testament to the myriad battles in his mind before they arrived. Ink had stained parts of the papers. The parchments smelled old.
"King Wendzar!" Xerxez greeted, looking at him with a gentle expression.
"Xerxez!" A political greeting. "Thallerion has finally visited my country!" Wendzar said. "It is you!"
"My king, I believe King Xerxez has an important matter to discuss with you. It is an honor for all of Sanctimum Oprys that King Xerxez has chosen to speak with you," Hyushen said.
"Let’s sit over there in my small space for guests." King Wendzar pointed and straightened the scattered papers as best he could. "Forgive the mess on my desk. This is when I am busiest, and with Hyushen gone, I have no one to assist me in this difficult situation." Dust had settled on some papers, a sign they had been scattered on the king’s desk for several days.
"King Xerxez, would you like something to drink?" Hyushen asked. Xerxez only nodded, indicating he was not thirsty, but he asked his companions if they were.
"This must be Thallerion’s first visit," King Wendzar said and sat in a soft chair that complemented the dim surroundings, though the room had sufficient light. The room was cool and free from outside noise.
"Please be seated, King Xerxez," Hyushen said, offering him the chair closest to King Wendzar.