Chapter 112
The Devers ignored him and continued, "The new citizens who have defeated the Lucania Alliance, recaptured the city of Amendolara, and joined Amendolara today will be exempted from taxes on their land! At the same time, we will also forge a batch of 'Amendolar Newcomer Silver Buttons'. Every new citizen will have one and will keep it forever. They can also wear it on Bolton in grand public occasions so that future generations will know of their contributions! "
"That's more like it!" Matonis sat down in satisfaction.
Now, the new citizens also straightened their chests.
The Devers gave both sides honor, and both sides accepted it with satisfaction. The meeting returned to peace. Cornelis saw this and had to admit that the Devers were good at politics.
"If everyone doesn't pay taxes, why would we mention this bill? What's the use of this law?!" Merses was unhappy.
"Don't you understand, Treasurer?" Cornelis smiled. "All current citizens don't have to pay land taxes, but after becoming citizens of Amendolara and owning land, they have to pay taxes."
"Please note that it's not the land you have now that you don't have to pay taxes, but you still have to pay taxes on the land you own in the future!" the Devers reminded.
"If that's the case, I can accept it." Antonios stood up and said, "Amendolara was founded by Cornelis and his ancestors, and they have suffered too much for it. We should respect them. We have sacrificed our blood and sweat for Amendolara, so we should get something in return. The new citizens will enjoy everything we have done for the city, so of course they have to pay something for Amendolara. I think it's a good idea to pay taxes! "
"Antonios, you're right! We agree with this idea! "The new citizens all expressed their agreement.
"Yes, we are the founders of this new Amendolara! We must let future generations know what we have done today. These untaxed lands and silver buttons are the best proof and honor! "Protesilaus shouted excitedly. The other old citizens did not object.
… …
After the meeting, the new citizens walked to the square while the old citizens walked on the rugged mountain road.
"Cornelis, you've been too lenient with that young man tonight! You didn't refute any of his proposals and watched as he easily convinced those ignorant mercenaries! "Strompoli complained loudly.
"Hey, Strompori, don't listen to the yelling of the youngsters. The Devers are our Archons. We should respect them!" Raphael looked behind him and reminded the new citizens, who were not too far away.
"Archon? I think it should be the king. When has he ever asked for our permission before proposing anything? Was there a single proposal that had not been discussed with the Senate Senators in advance? He even let so many brainless mercenaries who only knew how to obey him participate in this meeting. It was obvious that he wanted to let him have the final say! Then what is the use of us? Be a puppet?! Strompoli kept on talking, somewhat angrily.
Scombras couldn't help but interrupt him, "Since you have a problem with the archons, why didn't you say it at the meeting?"
Strompoli was speechless for a moment. He rolled his eyes and said, "None of you object. Why should I object alone? I'm not stupid! Oh … I know. Cornelis was now the chief executive, and Rafias was now the census officer. They were both big shots! This is a gift from the Consul. You're too embarrassed to oppose him, right? "
Scombras rushed up to him, stared at him and said, "Shut up, Strompoli! Cornelus did his best to protect this mountain city. You can't say that about him! Also … although those soldiers were very rude and even hit me. But to be honest, the bills proposed by this young consul are very interesting, especially the tax bill. I'm a little surprised, but Amendola hasn't changed for hundreds of years … "
"Uncle Scomb is right! We, Amendolas, have suffered so much, and can no longer live as we did before! Whether it's the appointment of the Devers as lifetime archons or his proposals, as long as Amendolas can become stronger and no longer be bullied, I'll accept it even if Amendolas' traditions have to be changed! "Tritodmos said solemnly. A few of them nodded in agreement.
"Not only will we not be bullied, but we will also attack Lucania, defeat them, and avenge us!" Protesilaus, the youngest of the six, said excitedly.
"Lucania has a large population and a vast territory, and most of it is mountainous. It's not easy to attack them. That young consul is just bluffing," Strompoli said doubtfully.
"The Devers led a small group of mercenaries to annihilate the Lucanian Alliance, which had a large number of people. That's a fact! Recapturing Amendolas in one night, that's also a fact! There are so many generals and citizens in Greece. Who can do these two things? Tell me! "Protesilaus retorted.
Strompoli snorted and did not answer.
"Did you notice the way the new citizens look at the Devers? It's like they're staring at a god! "Protesilaus said exaggeratedly.
"I heard that they call the Devers Favored. Maybe he can really create miracles," Tritodmos said with anticipation. Tritodemus said expectantly, "I've long heard that there's a beautiful lake in the northwest of Amendola, upstream of the Sini River. The Lucanians call it Dokkala (today's Senese Lake). It seems that not only will I be able to visit it, but I might even be able to get a piece of land there."
Strompoli snorted again, but this time he looked less angry.
"People will eventually die in war. It's better not to fight if we can avoid it." Cornelus sighed.
"We don't have to fight, anyway. I think the mercenaries are very enthusiastic about it," Raphael said indifferently.
"They are still citizens of Amendolas," Cornelus reminded them. He paused for a moment and sighed. "However, we've all underestimated the Devers. He may be young, but he's very familiar with the politics of the city. Is he really 'given wisdom by Hades', as the new citizens say? "
His sigh was not refuted by the other five. Obviously, they were all surprised.
"However, we still need to observe the Devers' actual ability to govern. We don't know how much impact and change the laws he proposed will have on Amendolas. All we can do is try our best to ensure the stability of Amendolas. If we discover any problems, we'll warn the Devers in time. At least for now, the Devers are different from Dionysius in Syracuse, "Cornelus reminded them solemnly.
The other four nodded. Strompoli asked in a low voice, "What if the Devers make a mess of Amendolas and don't listen to our advice?"
"If that's the case …" Cornelus did not know how to answer.
"Then we'll chase them away!" Scombras said decisively. "For Amendolas, even if we have to work with Turií again!"
The others looked at each other and nodded silently.
… …
By the time the Devers returned to the square, it was already very late.
He returned to his tent, which was still brightly lit with candles. Cristoya, who had been waiting for his return, was already asleep on the mattress.
The Devers walked to the mattress and squatted in front of Cristoya. The flickering candlelight illuminated her beautiful and sexy face. Her breathing was light and long, and there was a smile on her lips …
She must be dreaming! The Devers stared at her quietly and could not help but feel a little dazed. He came to this strange world alone and lived desperately in order to survive. Although he had a group of comrades whom he could entrust his life to, his lonely wandering soul had a harbor to anchor because of her.
He couldn't help but stretch out his hand and gently stroke Christoya's long, silky hair. Unexpectedly, she woke up immediately. She rubbed her misty eyes and said lazily, "You're back."
The Devers held her hands, put them together, and said gently, "Cristoya of Miletus, will you be the wife of my Devers?"
Cristoya's eyes suddenly lit up, and her beautiful face glowed in the candlelight. Running around with the Devers, the thing that she had been most worried about was no longer there. She hugged the Devers tightly and whispered the vow of entrusting her life to him, "I will!"
… …
After the passionate entanglement, Cristoya lay on the Devers's body and listened to him talk about what happened at the meeting that night. She gradually felt sleepy …
At this moment, the Devers said, "Cristoya, I'm hesitating if I should ask you to do something."
"What is it?" Cristoya asked curiously.
"Have you heard of a bank?"
"Yes, it's just lending money. My father also ran this business in Miletus. I heard him say that he admired the Athens banker, Pasion, the most because he not only became the richest man in Athens through lending money, but also won the respect of the citizens of Athens … "Cristoya thought of the past and felt a little sad.
"That's great! I want you to open a bank in Amendola that specializes in lending money to the citizens of Amendola, "the Devers said immediately.
"Open a bank?! Me?! "Cristoya was stunned.
"Yes, it's you!" The Devers raised his head and looked at her, his eyes full of trust. "You can manage the medical camp so well, I believe you can also run this bank well!"
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