Chapter 156
Devers gently stroked Kristoya's smooth belly and said, "Until our child is born, do you hear me?"
Despite Devers's domineering tone, Kristoya enjoyed his strict attitude. She rested her head on Devers's chest and replied softly, "Got it …"
… …
Devers gently moved the sleeping Kristoya away and carefully got out of bed. He tiptoed to the side room and lit the oil lamp in the alcove beside the window. The flickering light illuminated a smiling bronze statue of Hera.
Devers knelt down and prayed sincerely for the first time. His eyes were filled with tears of excitement, but what came out of his mouth was not Hera's hymn. "Dear father and mother, do you know? Your son has a child in this world. I hope you can bless him to come to this world smoothly, grow up healthily, continue my bloodline, and pass on my career … "
… …
In the palace on Ortygia, Dionysius was discussing important matters with Philistos and Leptinis. At this time, his chief of intelligence, Hipparinus, walked up to him and handed him a piece of information.
Dionysius read it and could not believe it. "Is this true?!"
"I've confirmed it before. When has there ever been a mistake?!" Hipparinus said coldly.
Dionysius did not care about Hipparinus' attitude. After all, Hipparinus was his father-in-law and was one of his colleagues who firmly supported him in the process of obtaining power in Syracuse. Dionysius exclaimed loudly, "Unbelievable, that young leader of the mercenaries won again! And this time, he even defeated Crotone, the troublemaker of Rockley! "
"It was just a sneak attack." After reading the information from his brother, Leptinis clearly did not appreciate the way Devers won.
"My brother, you must understand, whether it's a sneak attack or a head-on battle, as long as he can win, it's praiseworthy! And he was able to win twice in a row despite being outnumbered. It seems that this person is indeed a powerful general! " Dionysius said seriously. He suddenly sighed, "Devers … Devers … What a pity … What a pity …"
"My lord, do you still want to recruit him?" Philistos asked.
Dionysius shook his head. "He's obviously not satisfied with being a mercenary leader. He succeeded in becoming Amendolara's Life Consul. Now that he's defeated Crotone, I'm afraid he's thinking about how to bring Turín under his rule. This young man is not simple. I've underestimated him. Looks like I'll have to pay more attention to him in the future!"
"Got it," Hipparinus replied.
Dionysius sighed to himself when he saw Leptinius's nonchalant look. This brother of his was loyal and diligent, but he was a little lacking in scheming. But it was precisely because of this that Dionysius had entrusted the heavy responsibility to him, and not to those with ulterior motives. The lesson of his father-in-law, Hermocrates, must be kept in mind! (Hermocrates was Dionysius's former father-in-law, the leader of Syracuse, and the hero who defeated the invasion of Athens. The democrats of Syracuse were worried that he would be a dictator, so they instigated the people to expel him. He even led the people of Sicily to resist Carthage's attack. In the end, the democrats of Syracuse were so terrified by his brilliance that they tricked him back to Syracuse and killed him.)
"By the way, how's Harolis now?" Dionysius remembered the man he had neglected.
"He's been quiet for the past few months," Hipparinus said.
So, Dionysius said to Philistos, "Harolis has rested long enough. Fili, call him back to help you prepare for the war this time. "
"Yes!" Philistos's face was full of joy.
Dionysius looked at Philistos, then at Hipparinus, and thought of Harolis far away in Egypt. It was these people who firmly supported him in his most difficult times that he was where he was today! Harolis should still be loyal to him. This time, it was just a small warning to him, so that he would not speak carelessly in the future.
After instructing Philistos to do this, Dionysius felt a lot more relaxed. He turned his attention to the matter he was most concerned about. "How's the migration of the Leontini to Syracuse going?"
"It's all settled. They're busy adapting to the new environment, so their performance is considered stable," Philistos replied.
"That's good." Dionysius turned to look at Leptinus. "How's the progress of the craftsmen making that thing?"
"It's a success!" Leptinus was waiting for his brother to ask about it. He said excitedly, "It's too powerful! It's a weapon of the god of war! It can shoot a stone weighing ten pounds a hundred meters away. A normal city wall would definitely collapse if it was hit by a dozen stones! "
"Very good! Reward the craftsmen for me and get them to make more of these things, but keep it a secret. If anyone leaks it, I'll kill their entire family! "Dionysius said viciously," Next year, I'll give the Carthage a shock! "
"Why don't we attack now?" Leptinus asked, puzzled. "We've already conquered the Greek city-states in Eastern Sicily, outside of Messina. We have a large army and powerful siege weapons. The cities of Carthage in Western Sicily cannot withstand our attack. "
"We have to be careful when dealing with Carthage, because they can transport thousands of soldiers from Afrika at any time. We have to be 100% confident before we go to war!" Dionysius said in an unquestionable tone.
… …
During this period, Cunogorata had been busy with the reconstruction of Turií. He stayed at the camp every night, and it was rare for him to find the time to go back to Amendolara.
After dinner, his eldest son, Sostatus, rushed back when he heard the news. He shouted with a smile on his face, "Father, you're finally back!"
"Yeah." Cunogorata snorted. "I heard that you've been wandering around and didn't participate in the reconstruction of Turií. Are you still a citizen of the Tua Alliance?!"
"I should be thankful that I didn't applaud when the city of Turií was destroyed. It's impossible for me to work with those murderers who killed my brother and bullied my sister!" Sostatus looked indignant. At the same time, he explained, "But I haven't been wandering around either. I've participated in the military training organized by Amendolara four times. To be honest, the military training in Amendolara is quite complicated and arduous. I almost died of exhaustion after each training session! No wonder, Amen … No, our public militia is so strong. Also, the football game invented by the consul is quite interesting … "
When Sostatus mentioned his dead brother and sister, it was as if the scar in Cunogorata's heart had been reopened, causing him to look dejected.
When Sostatus noticed this, he immediately changed the topic. He pretended to be excited and said, "Other than military training, I've been helping the commercial officer, Sir Marigi, the rest of the time. Father, you don't know this, but ever since we spread the news that Turií needs a large amount of resources for reconstruction, a large number of merchant ships have come from all directions. Our market tax rate is low, our service is good, and our management is strict. The merchants from all the cities are full of praises for us. Now, the merchants who have settled in have filled up our port. The market that was just built isn't enough anymore. We have to expand it, but all the manpower is with you now. I think Sir Marigi will come to you the day after tomorrow at the latest. "
"Is that true?!" Cunogorata had been staying in Turií all this time, so he had no time to inspect the port. He did not expect that Marigi and his men had roughly built a port and market at the estuary and Sebaris two months ago. It had become so prosperous in such a short time.
"Of course it's true! I helped Sir Marigi keep the books, so I remember it very clearly. We spend about ten Talient every day to buy the materials we need for reconstruction. At the same time, we earn eight Talient from the taxes we collect and the goods we sell. Where else do you think you get the resources other than wood and stone to build the city?! "Sostatus said confidently.
"Devers are good at using people! I didn't expect Marigi, a Persia, to be so good at business! "Cunogorata exclaimed.
He glanced at his son and said calmly, "Tell me, what do you want from me?" Cunogorata knew his son very well.
"Hmm … Hmm … The warehouses and hotels at the foot of Mount Amendolara were burned down by the Crotone people. Now, the Crotone captives are about to rebuild them. I heard from Sir Marigi that he wants to auction off these new warehouses and hotels and rent them to the people of the Tua Alliance to earn money … Hmm … I want to join, but I don't have enough money. I want to borrow some from you, Father. "
"How much do you want?"
"Hmm … Five … Five Talient," Sostatus said after mustering his courage. That was almost half of Cunogorata's wealth.
"Are you going to rent them all?"
"Yes, Father. The merchant ships of Turií are gathering, but our port hasn't been built yet. A lot of merchants and sailors can't find a place to stay or store their goods. On the other hand, there are warehouses and hotels in Amendolara. Moreover, the road between the two cities is under construction. I think we can earn a lot of money by taking these warehouses and hotels! "Sostatus said confidently.
Comments