Chapter 125
In the afternoon, at the Senate meeting, the Devers' proposal to contact the Turís and improve diplomatic relations was strongly opposed by Strompoli and other old senators.
The Devers did not immediately implement the vote, but said earnestly, "My lords, I implore you to consider this proposal calmly and seriously. Don't let hatred blind your wisdom! You are the elites of the city. You have to create a better life for the people of the city and point the right direction for the prosperity of the city! Will befriending the Turís improve the security of the city?! Will befriending the Turís improve the trade of the city?! Will befriending the Turís benefit the city in the war against Lucania?! The pros and cons of befriending the Turís are clearly laid out in front of you. As long as you are sincere about the city and our descendants, I believe you will make the right choice! Please remember, individuals can have grievances, but there is only eternal interest between the city! "
The Devers' words had obviously touched Cornelos and the others. Most of them bowed their heads in contemplation and did not speak.
At this time, Scombras stood up and said angrily, "Are we going to forget all that the Turís have done to us and welcome them with a smile?! Devers, you are not us. You have not tasted the tragic experience of losing your wife and children. Of course you can talk about befriending the Turís here! … "
"I only said to improve the relationship with the Turís, I did not say to forget the hatred. There is a saying in the East that goes, 'ten years is not too late for a citizen to take revenge.' We use the Turís to strengthen ourselves until one day we are strong enough to make the Turís swallow the bitter fruit of our hatred! "The Devers argued.
"Who knows how long we have to wait …" Scombras muttered, the dissatisfaction on his face dissipating a little.
In the end, except for Strompoli who opposed the Devers, Scombras and Rafael abstained, the rest of the senators voted in favor, and the Devers' proposal passed smoothly.
The Devers immediately took action. He asked Asistes to send someone to the port of Turís to bring a message to Burkes: Amendolara was willing to mend the relationship with the Turís.
The Turís generals, who were at a loss due to the diplomatic impasse, were overjoyed. To show their sincerity, they sent an emissary delegation led by Generals Cunogorata, Neonesse, and Ancitanos.
Out of diplomatic etiquette, Amendolara also sent an emissary delegation led by the Consul Devers, the City Governor Cornelus, the Censor Antonios, the Commercial Officer Marigi, and the Senate Senator Strompoli (who strongly requested to participate). At the same time, they made a special request: the Turís emissary delegation could not cross the Saraceno River, and the two sides could meet on the south bank of the river.
The Turís emissary delegation had just left the city gate when they received the news from the north. It was like a blow to their heads, and their joy was reduced by half. They had no choice but to agree to the proposal.
In the morning, the two sides met on the bank of the Saraceno River.
Except for Cunogorata, it was the first time for the other Turís to meet the Devers. As the hero who annihilated the allied forces of the Lucania tribe, the benefactor who saved the Turís, and now the Life Consul of Amendolara, no one dared to look down on the Devers even though he was still young. On the contrary, apart from respect, they were also a little afraid of him.
However, Cunogorata felt even more deeply. After all, when they first met, he patted the Devers' shoulders like an elder meeting a junior, and said some words of concern and encouragement. At that time, the Devers seemed gentle and even a little shy. Of course, Cunogorata did not take him seriously, and he even suspected that the expeditionary army was exaggerating. At this time, the Devers were as gentle and friendly as when they first met, but Cunogorata's heart palpitated. A young man who annihilated nearly ten thousand Lucarians with a wave of his hand, and at the same time, made the people of Amendolara willingly elect him as the Life Consul, completely controlling the power of Amendolara, and still maintained such a seemingly humble attitude. How could this not be terrifying?
Ancitanos did not think too much about it. He only wanted to ask the Devers to talk about their experience in Persia after the meeting.
Under a large cowhide tent built by the soldiers, the main representatives of both sides sat on both sides.
"Before the meeting, please allow me to say a few words first." Cunogorata stood up and said emotionally, "This time, the invasion of the Lucanians caused a great disaster to both Turí and Amendolara! The city of Amendolara was occupied, the people were captured, and most of them died in mistreatment. Nearly thirteen thousand Turí citizens died in the war, and all the families in the city are in mourning. Every day, the whole city of Turí is surrounded by cries … Here, on behalf of the Turí generals and the council, I express my deep condolences to the people who died in the two cities … "As he finished, tears flowed from the corner of his eyes. The Turí emissaries also looked sad and bowed their heads.
The Devers did not expect the Turí to do this, and they could not help but be stunned. They hesitated if they should also put on a sad expression. A sneer came from behind, "If it weren't for the unreasonable demands of the Turí, the people of Amendolara would not have suffered like this! Stop acting here, hurry up and get to the point! "
Strompoli's voice broke the sad atmosphere created by Cunogorata, and it made the Turí in the meeting a little embarrassed. However, Cunogorata did not seem to hear it. He continued to look at the Devers and said gratefully, "Fortunately, Master Devers, you led the heroic mercenaries to defeat the powerful Lucanians, and saved Turí and Amendolara! You are the hero in the hearts of the Turí people! We were not able to invite you to the Turí to participate in the victory celebration and receive the sincere gratitude of the Turí people. The other generals and the council were all protested and criticized by the people! "When he said this, Neonesse and Anchitanos nodded in agreement.
"I hope that after the meeting, we can invite you to visit Turí! This is the hope of the Turí people! "Cunogorata extended the invitation with a sincere expression.
Faced with such a warm invitation, the Devers could not refuse immediately. Fortunately, Strompoli behind him sneered again. "Master Devers is now the life consul of Amendolara. His visit to other cities is no longer his personal matter. It needs to be discussed and decided by the Senate!"
"Alright, we will wait for the decision of Amendolara's Senate, but the Turí people will blame us again." Kunogorata looked disappointed. Then, he said, "Now, Tuliyi and Amendarra are actively rebuilding after the war. As long as Amendarra needs anything, Tuliyi is willing to do its best to help!"
As soon as Cunogorata's voice trailed off, Strompoli stood up and said loudly, "Amendolara does not need any help from Turí, because if it accepts, it may pay a greater price for Turí next time!"
Cunogorata's expression did not change. Without even looking at Strompoli, he said to the Devers, "Who is in charge of Amendolara?"
The Devers smiled and said, "Let's start the meeting."
The Amendolara emissaries heard this and immediately sat up straight.
Cunogorata saw this and his heart skipped a beat.
Anchitanos was the first to speak. "Everyone, we all know that Turí and Amendolara have been allies for 41 years. The previous alliance agreement has not expired yet. Of course, Turí and Amendolara should continue our previous alliance."
Strompoli wanted to speak again, but Cornelus immediately stopped him and shook his head at him sternly.
Strompoli held his breath and spat on the ground.
"Amendolara also agrees to renew the alliance with Turí." As soon as Antonios said this, the Turí all looked happy. "But there is a condition. That is, it must not harm the interests of Tarantum. In other words, if Tarantum and Turí go to war, Amendolara will stand on Tarantum's side. "
As soon as Antonios finished speaking, the Turí emissaries were in an uproar.
"You are violating the oath you made to the gods! Please remember, the alliance agreement between Turí and Amendolara has not expired. Therefore, you have already violated the agreement by privately contacting Tarantum and signing an agreement. Considering the many years of friendship with Amendolara, we do not intend to bring this up in this meeting for the time being. You think we are weak and can be bullied. How dare you make such a shameless request! "Neonsius stood up and shouted angrily.
"Please also remember, Turí. When Turí violated the oath and did not send reinforcements to save the fallen Amendolara, the former Amendolara died the day it was occupied by the Lucanians! The newly born Amendolara in front of you, if there is anything that they owe the Turí, I believe that the people of Amendolara have already repaid after being imprisoned for more than half a year. But what the Turí owe Amendolara, have they repaid it? In Amendolara's most difficult time, Tarantum gave Amendolara the greatest help! Therefore, Amendolara has no way to repay it. We can only offer our greatest sincerity! What did Turí give Amendolara? Other than letting Amendolara's city fall and the people be imprisoned! "The Devers' words were like sharp daggers that made Neonsius speechless.
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