Chapter 1164
At this point, Leotychides sneered, "Perhaps in the eyes of the Arcadians, no matter how vicious the Sparta people are, they are still one of their own. No matter what we, the Diónia, say or do, we are still outsiders. They will be wary of Sparta, but they will be more worried about the real intention of the Diónia people to invade Peloponnesus … "
Cloto Catax pondered for a while and asked with uncertainty, "General, do you think that if Sparta takes the initiative to ask for peace, the Arcadians will join forces with the Sparta people to fight against us?"
"This is my speculation. Otherwise, the Arcadians would not have sent an emissary after so many days … However, the situation in Peloponnesus is complicated, and I have been away from this place for a few decades. I don't know much about the current Arcadia Region, so my speculation may not be accurate. It is also possible that the Arcadians are willing to cooperate with us, hoping that we can help them get rid of Sparta completely," said Leotychides cautiously.
Cloto Catax began to worry, "What if the Arcadians really reconcile with Sparta and do not allow our army to pass through their territory?"
"It's very simple. Just ignore them and lead the army to force our way through. With such a powerful army, they would not dare to stop us at all."
Leotychides's answer was firm, but Cloto Catax frowned, "But this will incite the dissatisfaction of the Arcadians."
"As outsiders, we have already caused suspicion and dissatisfaction among the conservative people of Peloponnesus by invading the Peloponnesus Peninsula. However, as long as we completely defeat Sparta, the other cities of the Peloponnesus will be intimidated by our strength. Even if they are dissatisfied, they will submit to us, "Leoticides said calmly with a hint of disdain.
Crotocatax didn't quite agree with what Leotychides said, but he didn't say anything against it. Instead, he continued to listen carefully.
"Even though Sparta might receive reinforcements from Persia, it's still relatively easy for us to defeat them head-on with our current forces. Not to mention that Your Highness has brought an entire legion with you —" Leotychides asked straightforwardly, "Are you going to use so many soldiers just to deal with a weakened Sparta?"
Cloto Catax hesitated for a moment and secretly glanced at Printos. Printos nodded slightly.
So, Cloto Catax said frankly, "Defeating Sparta is only our initial goal. His Majesty hopes that we can use this victory to unite the Greek city-states and dominate the political situation of the entire Greek. He wants to push the Persia out of Greece and make Greece a truly powerful barrier for the Kingdom!"
Cloto Catax's words were within Leotychides's expectations. He said with a serious expression, "It's not that easy for the Kingdom to replace Sparta as the leader of Greece. These powerful Greek city-states will not easily yield, especially Athens. The people of Athens, like the people of Sparta, see Greece as their own and will not allow any external forces to compete for it. Therefore, if we want to complete the task given by His Majesty, we must first make Athens yield.
Also, be careful of the people of Athens. Although they are our allies, they may not necessarily support us in taking control of Greece. In short, Athens, Thebes, Argus, Corinth, etc., including Ellis, don't trust them too much. Your Highness, the only thing you can trust is the powerful army you lead. As long as you win a few more battles, you will eventually achieve your goal. "
Cloto Catax fell into deep thought for a while before nodding solemnly. "Thank you for your reminder, General. I will keep it in mind!"
"Before I leave, I hope that you can agree to a request of mine, Your Highness."
"Go ahead."
"My eldest son, Tertotis, is 17 years old this year and is still underage. This time, he came to Mersenia as my bodyguard. Originally, I wanted to bring him to Sparta's territory for a walk. But now, I can't do that." There was a rare hint of regret on Leotychides's face. "But after he found out about his identity, he is now unwilling to leave with me. He insists on seeing his so-called motherland with his own eyes. So, I hope that Your Highness can keep him and satisfy his —"
"That's not a problem. He can stay as my bodyguard and follow me to Sparta in the future," Cloto Catax agreed readily.
After sending off Leotychides, Cloto Catax looked at the chief of staff. "Lord Printos, what do you think of General Prososus's words?"
"Your Highness." Printos said seriously, "General Prosoeus not only has a strong commanding ability, but he is also excellent at political affairs. Whether it was the pacification of the Sikells or the series of arrangements made after the conquest of Mountain Gaul, he not only quickly stabilized the situation, but he was also in line with the laws of the kingdom … In addition, he grew up here, and he has a deeper understanding of the Greek mainland than we do. What he said should attract our attention! Just like he said, since we have no foundation in Greece, if we want to control the situation in Greece, I'm afraid that we will have to rely more on the military. "
Cloto Catax fell into deep thought.
… …
In the evening, Adoris arrived at the camp's main tent.
Cloto Catax personally came out to greet him.
However, when Adoris saw him, he immediately saluted. "First Legion's Third Brigade, Adoris, greets the commander!"
Cloto Catax quickly said, "Brother, it's just the two of us. Don't tease me!"
"The kingdom's army is very particular about discipline. If I casually see a commander, I will be ridiculed by my colleagues and soldiers tomorrow. I might even be impeached by the military judge!" Arris said seriously. "As a commander, you must have the dignity of a commander!"
Cloto Catax blushed and quickly returned the salute solemnly.
It was not until they walked into the main tent that Adoris relaxed a little. He looked around the empty tent and saw the banquet in the middle. "Clotho, did you ask me to come to the banquet?"
"I've been in Rome for the past few years. We haven't seen each other for a long time! Let's have a good gathering today! "Cloto Catax said excitedly.
"A gathering is fine, but no alcohol," Adoris reminded.
"Don't worry, as a commander, I won't be the first to make mistakes." Cloto Catax smiled and invited Adoris to sit at the table.
"I really didn't expect you, Clotho, to be the new commander! I've been in the army for so many years, and I haven't even become a legion commander yet! "Adoris sat down and let out a sigh.
"I also didn't expect to be a commander!" Cloto Catax replied a little awkwardly. "Maybe father has his own considerations … Anyway, the ones who really make the plans and give the orders are Chief of Staff Printos and the legion commanders, so you don't have to worry …"
"Clotho!" Adoris looked at him and said angrily. "Since you are already a commander, you must bear the responsibility of a commander. The lives of thousands of soldiers are in your hands, and this is not child's play. You must be alert, seriously consider their suggestions, and carefully give the correct orders. Only then will you live up to father's expectations!"
"Brother, you're right!" Cloto Catax hurriedly admitted his mistake. "I will do my best to be a good military commander, but I hope to get your support!"
"Of course, I will support you!" Adoris replied without hesitation. "As long as you don't mess around, I will mobilize all the soldiers of the First Legion to support you!"
"Thank you, Brother!" Cloto Catax scooped a bowl of chicken soup for Adoris, and then asked, "How is General Ctessus becoming the commander of the First Legion?"
"The Ministry of Military Affairs has made the right choice in appointing this person!" Adoris drank a mouthful of soup and said with a slight excitement. "Two hours ago, Ctessus came to the First Legion's encampment and called for a meeting of the officers above the company captain level and above. It turned out to be a lively scene! Do you know, more than half of the eight company captains and 40 company captains used to be under his command, and all of them surrounded him and called him old sir … It was only the first time they met, and the First Legion was already under Ctessus's control. "
Seeing the envious look on his face, Cloto Catax thought for a while and asked, "How is the morale of the soldiers now?"
"Very good … but also not very good." Adoris gave this contradictory answer, and then explained, "The soldiers of the First Legion are very eager to fight with the Sparta, to prove that the First Legion is the most powerful warrior in the Mediterranean Sea. But when they landed in Messenia, the Sparta retreated, which disappointed the soldiers. They longed to invade Sparta's territory and conquer the city-state that has dominated Greece for decades, but now they have been staying in Messenia, helping the Mercenians build cities and houses … Although the Mercenians are grateful, the soldiers still have a lot of complaints … "
"I believe that it won't be long before their wish comes true." As Cloto Catax said this, he thought of something and took out a few letters from his pocket. "These are letters from my sister-in-law and sister (Cynthia). They have been praying at the main temple of Hades every day, hoping that Hades will bless your safe return."
Adoris took the letter and didn't even look at it. He stuffed it into his pocket and said with a serious expression, "Kloto, there's something I have to remind you. You can't not give me an important military mission just because I'm your brother. You can't even stop me from leading the company to the battlefield … If you do that, I won't recognize you as my brother!"
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