When people found out that the conditions of the new world were perfect for them, they began building houses in accordance with their homeland's traditions. Rectangular boxes made of glass and concrete served as their first shelter, and some of these structures still exist near the Tower today. However, colonists longed for familiar shapes and colors. The flora and fauna were too different from what they had left behind, but having a safe haven after a hard day's work comforted them. Not to mention that bringing back old traditions helped reduce the use of expensive materials like reinforced concrete.

The Anatolians went even further. While other nations focused most of their architectural efforts on floating capitals, the Anatolians built monasteries in every territory they resided on. After several centuries, every territory except for the central one had several monasteries. Some countries were irritated by this manner, accusing the monks of spying. Others, like Kushane and Aisiki, chose to ignore the existence of this nuisance and accept the "offering" as compensation. While in flatland territories, it became common practice to dismantle monasteries after the Anatolians left, it was much harder to do in mountains. The North-West was famous for its religious complex, built on hard-to-reach peaks. It was also one of the first, a magnificent and beautiful structure attracting pilgrims from all over. That's why, despite the annoyance, no other nation could remove it now.

In the dry hot air, the monastery's bell tower could be seen from far away. Neither Dame Brennan, the ambassador of Castro, nor the Anatolians lied about the weather in their territory this year. What confused Cornelia was that all the delegation's efforts were firmly denied. Even her presence as a royal family, the gifts and concessions they were willing to make, didn't sway the other side. It was frustrating enough that they had included the abbot in negotiations, and he never sat quietly, bringing heaven and God's will into every conversation. After several meetings, it became almost unbearable to keep a polite smile. 'If only there were at least some positive results,' thought the princess as she left the negotiation room, 'but it feels like we are wasting our time.'

It was a good thing that Dietrich came along. He was able to keep the conversation going even when others were at a loss for words. And his respect for the figures of power, whether secular or religious, kept diplomatic etiquette in check. Sieg, on the other hand, didn't take part in the negotiations. 'I'm not sure what Jack meant by him being useful, but at least Dietrich seems much calmer now. If this continues until the end, it will be a nice turn of events.' Cornelia stopped in the hallway. On the other side, there was a person she didn't expect to see at Theo Anatolia's Basilica. The knights who had followed her also stopped, though they didn't understand the reason.

Dietrich was quick enough to recognize the man. He lowered his head and whispered: "I’ll take everyone back, Your Highness. Please take your time and talk."

The abbot kindly offered his study, so that his guests could have a quiet conversation there. The room with icons in the corner smelled like incense. The books were neatly organized on the shelves, with only a few lying on the desk. The servant made tea and quietly left two guests alone.

It was almost two years ago when they first met in the Navigation Tower. The middle-aged man sitting across the coffee table looked quite well in terms of his physical appearance. His posture was good and full of dignity, and his white kurta was neat and tidy. But the dark brown eyes had lost their former sparkle. Knowing what he had gone through did not make the first step any easier, but Cornelia decided to start a conversation.

"I've heard about what happened in Vardana. Please accept my sincere condolences, Lord Cheda."

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"Thank you, Your Highness," the man took a sip from his cup, then placed it back on the table. "And for sharing your time with me, I know the water crisis is harsh in the West."

"The negotiations are difficult, but that doesn't mean I'm short on time. However, it was a surprise to meet you here. I heard there was an assassination attempt on your way back home."

Looking at the teacup, Dalim raised his gaze. He smiled weakly.

"Yes, my own guard, whom I had known for many years, stabbed me in the back. But I was lucky. You see, when we were at the Tower, I met an abbot. We had an interesting discussion about the dualism of faith and how our ancestors' beliefs intertwined with faith in the Saintess."

The princess nodded, encouraging the man to continue. She studied both concepts, though she wasn’t a believer herself.

"On our way back, the abbot remembered that he had a book with him and thought I might find it interesting. He was so eager to lend it to me that he returned with his guards and servants. That's how he interrupted the assassination attempt. He took me to Theo Anatolia and helped me heal my wounds."

"I see. The abbot is a good man," it was hard to believe that the person who had annoyed Cornelia in the last few meetings would turn out to be capable of such a remarkable deed.

"He is. He is a man of deep faith and can be really stubborn sometimes, but that's what brought him to my side at the most crucial moment." The smile faded from the man's face, as if he remembered something. "I just wish there was a similar person who could help my son."

It was hard to find the right words. Cornelia heard about Dalim's wife's death, as well as news of his son being thrown into a pit with wild animals. She remembered César referring to Virat as "a funny fellow" upon hearing about the execution. 'I just hope my brother's interests won't turn into something more if he becomes king. Castro has his own atrocities - no need to add "condemnation to be torn apart by wild beasts" to the list.'

"Have you received any news about him?"

"Only in general terms. One of my trusted friends bribed a guard to check on Ashwin. But there was a pirate attack, and, in the chaos, Ashwin disappeared."

"Maybe he went searching for you or reached out your vassals?"

"No. No one has heard or seen him since then." Dalim covered his face with his palms. He let out a deep sigh, but it couldn't cover the tremor in his voice. "I had to act faster, even if the chances were slim."

"But if he disappeared, it could also mean that he is well and alive," Cornelia tried to cheer up the man. Seeing the proud and wise vizier, full of despair and grief, was heartbreaking.

""I wish so too. Ashwin is a smart boy, but I'm afraid we raised him too sheltered. After his older sister died from pneumonia, we tried to give him all our love and care. It would not be an issue if he grew up as my heir while I remained as a vizier, but he was forced to face all the cruelties of the world, and he might not survive alone out there."

The way the boy was raised was not something unique. Many noble families preferred to protect their children from the harsh world. Suddenly, the man's shoulders became tense. The way he clenched his intertwined fingers gave away his worry. Even though they were acquaintances, it was too risky to share such personal feelings.

"You said he is smart, right? There's still hope, Lord Cheda," Cornelia said, smiling as their eyes met. "He has a father who loves and worries about him so much. I'm sure your son will return one day."

Dalim slightly shook his head.

"Thank you, Your Highness. There are few fathers who do not love their children."

His words sounded sincere, and the princess suddenly remembered the royal family of Fuego.

The two stood up and shook hands. Cornelia was relieved to see that the man's eyes looked less desperate and gloomy than they had at the start of their discussion.

"I wish I could offer you any help, but unfortunately, there is not much I can do."

"It's alright, Your Highness. I really appreciate your good intentions and I'm glad we talked. Good luck with the negotiations."