Ren explored the partially built Jedi Temple, in awe at how the architecture looked almost similar to the one in Coruscant where he had spent as a Padawan. Perhaps the only difference is that this was a smaller version of it, and that this was only one-third of its size. If Ren were to estimate, the temple was around fifty percent in completion despite the Bleisan's displease with it.

Ren also learned that Astra was the Jedi Knight in charge of ensuring the security of the temple. Although he did not directly ask, he could tell she was just around her late twenties, but the fact that the turmoil with the Bleisians have been increasingly tense obviously weighed her features down and made her look tired and anxious at all times.

"Ren," Vernestra's voice rang through the hallway in the middle of his exploration. She had just left one of the rooms where she had just finished reporting to the High Council via a holoprojector.

"Yes master?" He answered as soon as he was close to her.

"I need you to explore Bleise and observe the situation from their side. Hopefully, there could be some information we could use that may help us convince the Bleisian's views about the temple." Her expression was emotionless and stoic as usual, but since Ren has known her for almost all his life, he could tell that she was frustrated by the unsuccessful meeting earlier. He understood that his master was ambitious and an achiever, and she did not bode well with failures.

"Change into more discreet clothes before you leave."

"Yes master," he nodded curtly. As Vernestra left for another appointment, he felt a smile tug at his lips. He was more than happy to explore the city for a change.

****

Unlike what Ren expected, the city was not as crowded and populated. There were several people here and there, but it was not bustling like the other cities in other planets he had been to. However, Bleise didn't feel barren or lonely. It felt more like a peaceful, picturesque haven.

Perhaps, the only negative feeling he got from the place was from the posters with large letters stating "Jedi are not welcome here" posted on almost every stone building he could see. Thankfully, Ren was well disguised in his brown hooded cloak, which blended well with the common clothing of the Bleisians. It definitely saved him from a lot of hostile stares and allowed him to move freely through the city without grabbing unwanted attention.

Well, except for the admiring stares of some of the women he crossed paths with.

Ren was actually quite a good looking young man, and he was only aware of it because there had been a handful of fellow padawans that had openly expressed their attraction to him back then. The only thing that held them back was the constant reminder that Jedis weren't supposed to feel attraction, because it often led to unhealthy attachments. Either way, Jedi or non-Jedi, Ren has had his fair share of admirers all of whom, of course, he respectfully turned down due to his commitment as a Jedi.

He eventually came across a street food vendor and decided to buy one cream-filled bread for just one credit. He didn't know if it was due to the fact that he hadn't eaten since they left Coruscant, but the bread tasted wonderful. It was a stark contrast to the bland food they usually had in the temples.

"You a merchant?" the old man suddenly striked up a conversation, but the way his eyes were narrowed told Ren that he was trying to catch if he was, in fact, a Jedi.

"Traveller," he smoothly lied with a smile. He looked at the Jedi Temple under construction at a distance and pretended that it was the first time he'd seen it.

"What's that strange building over there?"

"Lehil seppállio," he spat out in disgust, and Ren didn't need to know the language to understand that he just cursed. "A building being illegally built by those Jedi scum."

The insult pierced through Ren's being like a dagger, but he kept up is facade. "Illegally? How is that even possible?"

"They claim to have a permit by some Galactic Senate. I don't even know who that is; it just sounds bullshit to me."

"But the building seems almost done. Isn't it going to be torn down?"

"We will," the old man chuckled ominously, his hateful eyes darting towards the temple. "If those Jedi still refuse to leave, we will tear down that wretched place stone by stone. All the council needs to do is say the word."

A shiver ran through Ren's spine at the man's words. For some reason, he knew that it was not just a mere bluff by an angry citizen; his confidence surely came from a common sentiment shared by multiple people. And if it is indeed true that they are just waiting for the Bleisian council's approval to attack the temple, then these angry citizens could be even more dangerous.

It felt even more crucial to get the Bleisian council's favor as soon as possible.

Ren excused himself and continued exploring the streets of Bleise, now with a stronger sense of duty to obtain critical information. All of a sudden the signages against the Jedi scattered all over the streets felt more sinister, as if those were signs of a larger plan brewing among the Bleisians against the Jedi. All of a sudden, he didn't feel safe.

As he reached the outskirts of the city, he eventually came across a small shop emmitting a foreign yet enticing smell, and it seemed to be the only establishment that didn't have an anti-Jedi sign. Out of curiosity, he entered the small building, and was immediately drowned by the smell of herbs and flowers. An apothecary shop, apparently.

"Failtè," a friendly female voice greeted from the counter. As soon as Ren's eyes landed on her, he froze in shock.

It was the young Bleisian councillor, Elysia.

Although this time, she no longer wore the white and gold robes and was instead wearing ordinary clothing, making her look more within reach instead of the seemingly untouchable ethereal woman back at the Bleise tower.

Nevertheless, she still looked just as beautiful.

She seemed to recognize him as well because her bright smile immediately fell and was replaced with a scowl. Ren was both fascinated and intimidated at how fast her demeanor changed from a friendly shopkeeper, to her cold and distant persona as a Bleisian councillor.

"Jedi's are not welcome here," she stated bluntly, her voice low and threatening in contrast to her bright tone earlier.

"I didn't see a sign outside," Ren shrugged, refusing to be intimidated by her.

"Thank you for the reminder, I'll make sure to hang it next time." She responded sarcastically.

"What if I'm a customer? I'm sure it's common courtesy among the galaxy not to turn away a customer."

"I don't need your credits here, Jedi." her tone was cold, her piercing brown eyes unwavering.

"My name is Ren," he casually introduced as he started walking around the shop nonchalantly. He wanted to get onto her nerves in hopes that any substantial information would slip out of her. "And I remember you are Elysia? Or should I call you Councillor Elysia?"

"You haven't earned the right to speak of my name." She said with a humorless smile. "And I couldn't care less whatever your name is, Jedi."

'Wow, what an unbelievably cold woman.' Ren thought in wonder. However, this only piqued his interest more and even encouraged him to step closer to the counter where she was standing. She remained unmoving but her eyes were sharp, calculating his every move.

"You know, I'm starting to think being a shopkeeper doesn't suit you." He tilted his head, his tone teasing despite knowing she was not in a joking mood. "Shouldn't you be at your tower, Miss Councillor?"

"Did you think I lived in a tower, being fed by servants while wasting away the day waiting for the next meeting with your kind?" She retorted sarcastically. "Did you think we are so out of reach from the people, like your councillors are?"

Ren's ears perked up at her words. His eyes narrowed in suspicion as he leaned on the counter right in front of her.

"How do you know about the Jedi High Council?"

For the first time, she broke eye contact, her stoic facade momentarily breaking. A small smile tugged at Ren's lips at this. She knew she accidentally said more information than she intended. Ren was able to pick up on this because he knew Bleise had not been contacted by the High Council directly, so there was no way for Elysia to know about them, let alone how they functioned.

"You seem to know more about the Jedi that I thought," She didn't respond and busied herself by gathering some vials behind her. Despite the lack of response, Ren continued. "And you seem to hold more hate towards us beyond just about the temple."

"I'm done speaking to you." She snarled as she aggressively stuffed the vials into a satchel. "I suggest you leave my shop immediately, before I make you."

There was a threatening glint in her eyes, and Ren finally stepped back while holding up his hands in surrender. He didn't want to push her too far. Well, not yet.

Elysia huffed as she walked past him, her satchel swinging over her shoulders. Ren suddenly grabbed her arm, making her stop in her tracks.

She stared at his hand intently, as if wondering where he had the audacity to touch her.

"I'll see you around then?"

She aggressively yanked her arm out of his grip, her eyes glaring daggers as she looked up at him.

"I hope not."

*****