A Hard Decision

The one who arrived was no other than King Stijepan. Upon arrival, his horse was led to the stable. Ixander during that time was still with Simjen in the yard near the forge.

Ixander's shelter is actually a mansion significantly smaller than the palace of Nuem. It only has seven rooms. On the back is the workshop where Ixander is working. They were testing out the engine as Ixander made some small tracks to lead the engine and contain it while it is moving around.

King Stijepan was led by Ixander's guard to the back where he saw Ixander's creation, alongside him and his steward. Ixander was pleased but when he saw the King from the distance, his face turned sour. He took his working gloves off and his apron aside to the workshop.

Ixander did not genuflect before the king. His steward and the servants however did. Ixander looked at the king straight to the eye. Ixander knew that whatever the consequence be, he is ready to accept his fate.

Ixander's principle in letting people be free from bonds of slavery and making commoners find a better place for themselves is a forefront of his refusal to genuflect before the King.

King Stijepan however is still confused as to why Ixander is protecting those part of the society which almost has no use: He saw them as people who can actually work but they chose to sleep on the streets and not pursue a job. Although he knew the fact that the elderly, the defiled, the orphans and the homosexuals lay on the street as one of those people oppressed and set aside by those who has an upper social standing and income, the King is still confused. After all, the majority of those that lay on the streets are able men and women.

"Why would you be so protective of the poor who are mostly able, but refuse to work?" asked King Stijepan. "You know I need to be enlightened, but to lose face among my bellicose subjects…that is beyond overboard…as I have tolerate…"

Ixander cut his speech, saying "Those people on the streets have also been tolerating the way this kingdom works. I know you despise them for being able-bodied men but are unable to work. Why do you think so? Can a rational king not try to understand their situation?"

King Stijepan was speechless. Ixander however continued, not thinking that his head is being risked by his speech.

"A man named Rogier has been refused work because a baron apparently ordered every workplace in his land not to give that man a job because of a personal vendetta against his family. A woman named Samir was refused work simply because she went inside Livinia from North Lezen without any papers. A boy named Hofir grew on the streets to become a fine man, but was not able to find a job…because he does not know how…as he was orphaned as a child."

"I-I cannot work for each and every one of those peop…" King Stijepan was about to say something, but he was again cut by Ixander.

"Did you try? Did you even try a single bit? Have you went about the streets, looking for the real situation and not only sit on your throne, waiting for news from outside to be altered by the nobles and advisors who wish to extort money and privilege from the outside?!"

Simjen and Ixander's other servants were sweating as facing the King like this will result into the burden of his shoulders to be cut off: his head.

"And Slavery?" continued Ixander.

King Stijepan cannot answer Ixander properly. What Ixander said was true. As King, he cannot do the best he can. He only sits on his throne, and some time, sparring with his excellence in sword among his instructors, and dining as if life is a bliss…

"You…You're the Prime Minister, I told you…you can decide on these compelling matters…" said King Stijepan.

"Y-your nobles! Even if I did abolish a damned thing they will not listen! They will only heed the words of their majesty, which is no other than you!" said Ixander.

"How can I abolish or establish a law with which I have no control over with?" asked Ixander.

"T-They will be dealt with…" responded King Stijepan.

"How?" asked Ixander.

King Stijepan froze and did not answer. "It's either the nobles that work for themselves, or the nobles that are loyal to their homeland…"

Ixander walked away, shunning any respect for the King. The King, with a straight face, walked towards the stable and mounted his horse. He then led the horse to the front gate, where he can see Ixander's study through a bay window. From there, he saw Ixander writing among heaps of papers that are lining his room, on which some papers fill the bay window. The King then departed the premises of the mansion, after which during his way home, he rethought of what is to be done.

King Stijepan went to his own study and thought deeply. He looked outside his palace, and to the guards who are talking with their smiling faces. However, this is only the extent of view his study has. King Stijepan then went on the walls, sneaking out so as to avoid any attention.

Once he did, he went on top of one of the walls, looked through one of the battlements and saw a bustling town among the lamps that line the streets of Nuem. Commoners purchasing goods, grilling stalls which let out a nice, smoky and aromatic smell, and this is why a lot of people are coming at that stall.

The King put on a hood, as he tries to sneak out to the market. Along the streets, he saw Mazimier and Marmaligos, and they seem to be having fun as they are dining at one of the stalls.

"Yaaah see? I told you my questerdom has better roast pork than you have there!" said Marmaligos

"Hahaha! We can boast about our roast beef though…" said Mazimier.

"Man, I can't forget your roast beef, one of the best!" said Marmaligos as both of them let out a loud laugh.

As the king sneaked upon crowds to approach the two grandquesters, Stijepan then went onto the table of Mazimier and Marmaligos, sat on one of the benches. Mazimier and Marmaligos wondered as to who was the hooded figure who joined them.

��Uhm…yeah excuse me? T-this table is occupied…" said Mazimier.

"Shh! It's me!" said Stijepan whilst showing them his face slightly by opening his hood.

"Ah—Your Majest…"

"Tch…shhhh… tchhsshhshshshhhhhhh" said Stijepan whilst trying to hush both of them before they stand in attention.

"L-look, I am here to see the streets for myself…I've been wanting some time out since I'm too confined in the palace…" said Stijepan.

"A-as you wish you maj…"

"And don't address me like that…uhm…let's see… call me… ESTEVAN!" says Stijepan as he raises his index finger in a Eureka fashion.

"O-Okay…Estevan…" said both the grandquesters.

"Uhm…" the rest of the table have become quiet but suddenly, Mazimier ordered for another roast pork for 'Estevan'.

"U—Uhm…ONE ROAST PORK HERE!" said Mazimier.

"Yeah yeah! Will come soon!" said the stall owner.

The entire tent of the stall was filled with the sweet-smoky aroma of the roast pork. 'Estevan' sniffs the sweet-smoky aroma that he has never smelled in his palace.

Then he was served with one of the biggest slabs of pork he ever has seen. It was roasted, and glazed.

"Uhm… where's the cutlery?" asked 'Estevan'.

"Cutlery…pardon me…but you eat it with your hands…sir…" said Mazimier.

Marmaligos then spanked Mazimier lightly at his shoulder, saying "You gave His ma…uhm Estevan food without…uhm something to use for it to be sliced…pshhh"

'Estevan' however did as what Mazimier advised. He took a bite, and he was in delight…"MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!" reacted the king while taking a bite of the most savory roast pork he ever had.

The stall owner then noticed and said "Hahahaaaaaa you like that? That's one of the best around here!"

He then spanked 'Estevan' from the back in camaraderie. The Grandquesters' eyes were popping as they saw 'Estevan' being slapped at the back.

"HEY! ONE ORDER OF YOUR CHICKEN HERE!" said another customer.

"Alright, Alright!"

Marmaligos and Mazimier froze and said "W-we're sorry!"

'Estevan' reassured them, saying "It's fine! It's fine!"

After waiting for 'Estevan' to finish his meal, 'Estevan' demanded them to show to him the market.

"Hmm…Well, now that we're done here…let's check the other places, and you guys… will be my guide!" said 'Estevan'.

Marmaligos and Mazimier looked at each other then turned to 'Estevan'. They then said "W-well there's no problem about that…but are you sure though?" asked Marmaligos.

"Yes! I'm very, very sure!" said 'Estevan'.

"Very well then… let us go in…I have an idea!" said Marmaligos.

Marmaligos knows the place well. After all, it is his questerdom and it is his capital. He toured the king to some well-known spots where stalls are always popular and are seen.

"Uhm Estevan, this is a kabap. They line some meat along the stick and grill it. This comes from Lezen and is a Lezenese cuisine. If you want good Lezenese cuisine, just come here!" says Marmaligos as he leads 'Estevan' to the stall where Lezenese cuisine is a hit.

"This is Iroya. The food hails from the continent of Virgo. It is dough baked, braided and glazed in white sugar, then left to solidify…" said Mazimier. "Oh yes! I know this! My mother used to make me this…she's from Bendrig. Now, that country became bigger haha!" said 'Estevan'.

"This is Zuji…or suji…" Marmaligos was trying to pronounce it but Mazimier corrected him, saying "Naaah, it's sushi! This food is actually delicious, and it is actually introduced by Ixander…man I never knew the combination of fresh produce and fish can be so good. He recommends dipping it in something called 'shoyuu', this dark sauce" Mazimier said.

'Estevan' then took a bite from the sushi they bought at a sushi stall. "Hmm, but how is a sushi stall in here?" asked Mazimier while the king is enjoying his sushi.

"Hmm, oh yes! They are one of the retreaters from Axan. They consider this an Axanese cuisine" said Marmaligos.

Suddenly, Ixander's name was mentioned. 'Estevan' was almost distracted from his original goal as to why he sneaked out.

"Oh yes…before I forget, I've a favor from both of you…" said 'Estevan'.