As they discussed the gods, Matonis, a member of Juleios' guard, couldn't resist a jibe. "So, your Persian sun god Mithra is stronger than our Apollo? Who's better?"
Marrici scoffed. "Mithra is the master of nature itself, ensuring the fertility of the land and the prosperity of all who worship him. Apollo? A mere minor deity in comparison."
The comment struck a nerve. Matonis lunged at Marrici, fury in his eyes, but Xilos intervened just in time, pulling him back. Marrici retreated behind Juleios, his face pale. Juleios glared at him and spoke firmly: "Matonis asked a simple question, and you chose to insult a god we Greeks hold dear. If you don't apologize immediately, I will not stop them from taking their revenge."