Bourkos hesitated briefly. Though reluctant, he chose to reveal the truth. After all, it was no secret, and he didn't want to risk damaging the trust he and Juleios had begun to build. "When Thurii was established, Athens and Croton made an agreement: 'Croton and Thurii shall maintain peace, Thurii shall not be built on the ruins of Sybaris, and Sybaris itself must remain as it is.'"
"Arrogant Croton!" Juleios said, raising an eyebrow. "Was it their way of displaying their strength to everyone passing through by showcasing this desolate ruin?"
"Perhaps." Bourkos shrugged, forcing a sense of calm. "But it also serves as a constant warning to the people of Thurii—never repeat the mistakes of Sybaris."
"Thurii must have incredible patience," Juleios said with a smirk. His lighthearted tone was meant to diffuse the tension, but Bourkos's expression darkened. Yet Juleios couldn't resist asking, "By setting up camp here, aren't we violating that agreement?"
