Chapter 188
Agathia heaved a sigh of relief. He was grateful to the Devers for fulfilling their promise.
Timason and the others listened attentively. Still not satisfied, Creano said, "Devers, you're a Life Consul, and I heard you control the Senate. Isn't that just like that … um … Pisitratu from Athens? You just have to say the word. Why do you have to go through so much trouble? Why don't you just make us citizens? "
"Creano, that's too much!" Felicius yelled.
The Devers waved his hand, signaling that it was fine. He continued patiently, "You're trying to say I'm a tyrant, aren't you?"
Creano realized that his words were too harsh. After all, the Devers were no longer the Devers he used to discuss matters with. He lowered his head and did not dare to respond.
"I won't say anything else. I'll just tell you the truth. The mercenaries I brought with me are only a thousand from the Alliance. Now, the Alliance has five thousand soldiers and twenty thousand citizens. Most of them are from Greece. We're foreigners, and we have half of the senators in the Senate. Do you think the locals won't object? I'm sure they will. Why didn't anyone oppose us? " The Devers paused to give everyone some time to think. He then said, "Because we've tried our best to be fair and just. We've treated the Amendolans, the Turií, the Lucanians, the foreigners, and the freedmen strictly according to the Alliance's laws. If I introduce a bill granting you citizenship to-day, to-morrow more than twenty thousand probationers will come to the Chamber of Deputies, and the Senate will impeach me. Do you think the thousand foreigners and you can defeat tens of thousands of Alliance citizens? Even if we win, will the Alliance still exist? So, as your friend, I'll try my best to help you! But as the Consul of the Alliance, I can't be selfish. I hope you can understand! " Devers's earnest and heartfelt words silenced the living room.
At this moment, Hieronymus said apologetically, "Lord Devers, I've never thought about this issue after being in Turín for so long. I'm really sorry for making you worry about protecting us!"
"I've never thought about that, either. I always felt that enjoying such a life was a given!" Felicius said with a sigh.
"That's how it should be. Don't think too much, live your life naturally. Farm the land and fight the war. You've never caused me any trouble. Instead, you've always supported me and helped me maintain the current situation. I want to propose a toast to you!" After that, Devers raised his glass and toasted with Felicius, Agathia, and Hieronymus.
Timason and Zantiparis looked at each other and nodded. Timason said, "Devers, I'd like to know what arrangements and suggestions you have for our three thousand brothers after they arrive."
Devers thought for a moment and said, "I suggest that when they arrive, they first go to Turín and apply, 'I'm willing to become a citizen of the Alliance.' After that, they can look for a place to stay. They can go to the hotel area in Amendola, where the rent is cheaper. They can also rent land for the citizens. That way, they won't even have to pay rent, and they can stay in someone else's house. Of course, they can also find people they're familiar with and stay in their houses. Capus, Antonios … Most of the soldiers in the First Brigade are mercenaries from the expedition to Persia. I'm sure you're familiar with them. They'll be back from Neutum soon. When that time comes, Felicius will make arrangements. Wouldn't it solve the problem of accommodation for one or two people per family?
Then, go and find a job. The docks and markets are booming, and a large number of workers are urgently needed. Also, the road from Turín to Neutum is about to be built, and a large number of workers will be needed. There's no need to worry about finding a job. After you find a job, work hard, not only to earn money, but also to show the people in charge of the census that you're hardworking and not idlers. Only then will it be easier to become an official citizen in the future. In addition, when the training day comes, Felicius will arrange for you to participate in military training. The Alliance's fighting style is more complicated, and you need to familiarize yourselves with it to avoid accidents due to poor teamwork in future battles. It's estimated that by next year, the Alliance will launch a war against Lucania Municipality. As long as you perform well in battle, I think it won't be a problem to shorten the period of becoming an Alliance citizen! … "
Devers had obviously thought about it carefully, and his suggestion made sense to Timason and the others.
At this moment, Zantiparis expressed his concern. "I heard that if you break the law during the inspection, it'll be very difficult to become a citizen. Devers, you know that we mercenaries fight wars without anyone to control us. We're used to being free, and it's inevitable that we'll break the Alliance's laws. When that time comes — "
"I understand!" Devers nodded cautiously and comforted him. "As long as it's the first time, it won't be a problem. However, I hope that you can remind every comrade who comes to the Alliance in time and keep them in check. Also … Hmm, I have a suggestion. I know that all of you have brought armor, shields, and spears with you when you came to Greece. I hope that all of you can temporarily hand over your shields, spears, and sabers to Felicius and let him keep them in the armory for safekeeping. After some time, when all of you have adapted to life here, Felicius will return your weapons to you. "
As soon as Devers finished speaking, Timason was about to speak, but Devers immediately said, "Don't worry, the Alliance will not embezzle your weapons! Just the weapons and equipment of the soldiers of Crotone and Neutum in the armory are innumerable. I'm worried that if your people come here, it's inevitable for them to clash with others. But if you use your weapons, injure or even kill someone, then it'll be troublesome! Of course, this is just my suggestion. You can go back and think about it … "
… …
After sending off the guests, Devers went up to the second floor.
Kristoya was standing by the window and gazing. When she heard footsteps, she asked softly, "How did the banquet go tonight?"
Devers sat on the bed and let out a long sigh. "I haven't seen them for more than half a year. They're still them, but we're not who we used to be. What do you think will happen?"
Kristoya frowned slightly and slowly walked to Devers and sat down. "They made some outrageous requests?!"
Devers nodded. "They want to become Alliance citizens immediately, and even want to become a senator of the Senate!"
"Who made the request?" Kristoya pressed her slender fingers against Devers's mouth and said mischievously, "Let me guess … Hmm, it's Cleano, isn't it?"
Devers smiled. "Among these people, Zantiparis is modest, Tormid is slick, Timason is proud, and only Cleano is mean. He used to hate me and Xenophon. Who else could it be but him! But I think every one of them has the same intention. "
"Who told you to be so outstanding, to become like this in only half a year …" Kristoya caressed Devers's face with her white hands and gazed at him lovingly. She murmured, "Anyone who sees you will go crazy with jealousy …"
"Does that include you?" Devers squeezed her hand and said with a smile.
"I love you, I love you so much that I'm going crazy!" Kristoya said affectionately. She tilted her head and gave her husband a kiss.
The kiss ignited the desire that Davos had been suppressing because of his wife's pregnancy. He decided to put this annoying thing behind him for the time being. He carefully held Kristoya's waist with one hand and stroked her slightly round belly with the other. He said softly, "Let me see my son. Is he happy today?"
"Who said it's a son? I haven't gone to the Temple of Hera yet!" Kristoya glared at him coquettishly.
"It's a daughter. It's good to be as beautiful as you." Devers said as his hand began to move down slowly. His hot palm entered Kristoya's sensitive area, causing her whole body to tremble slightly.
"I … I'm pregnant … No … I can't … How about you … you go find Asuna …" Kristoya said while panting.
"Who said you can't do it when you're pregnant? As long as the fetus is stable, it's fine. I'm Herps' teacher, I have the final say … "Dyvers said softly from behind her. His hot breath touched Kristoa's slender white neck. His strong breath filled Kristoa's nose. Listening to his flirtatious words, Kristoa felt her whole body heat up. She glanced at him with her seductive eyes. Finally, she couldn't help but place her arms on the bed table lightly …
Devers immediately took off her clothes for her. Perhaps it was because of her pregnancy, Kristoya's body was obviously more plump than before …
Devers's breathing also became rapid, but he gently licked Kristoya's smooth skin …
… …
"Did you all hear that?! Devers asked us to farm! To repair the road! I've done nothing but killing people for the past ten years! Repair the road my ass! He also wants us to hand over our weapons. Aren't we being bullied by them?! " On the way back to the hotel, Crisano loudly vented his dissatisfaction.
"What Devers said makes sense. It's not easy to govern such a large alliance. Besides, they are also outsiders. Of course, they have to be cautious when doing things. It's impossible for them to specifically exercise their privileges for us …" Zantiparis comforted.
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