Chapter 350
The openness and boldness of Diónia women often amazed foreigners who had just arrived in Diónia, and the conservative people would secretly ridicule them as "barbaric".
But in fact, the formation of this open atmosphere was partly due to the influence of the "barbaric style" of the Lucanians and Bruti in the Alliance's population. On the other hand, it was also the result of the deliberate indulgence of the higher-ups of the Alliance, mainly the Devers. Just think about it, even the chief priest of the Temple of Hera allowed newlyweds to kiss in public and regarded it as sacred, so it was not a big deal for women to show their bodies in public. The people of Diónia were used to it, and this open atmosphere had also attracted the young men and women of the nearby cities of the Alliance of Diónia. Not to mention Castellón, even unmarried men and women from Heraclea and Metapontum came to participate in the Marriage Festival. The Devers were happy to see this, as it was a sign that these "customs" of the new Alliance of Diónia were leading the fashion, and were deepening their influence on Great Greece.
At this time, the people were in a carnival of splashing water, and the patrol soldiers became an awkward existence. A patrol soldier avoided the splashing water and suggested to Rodom, "Captain, no one will cause trouble here at all. Why don't we also join the splashing party?!"
Rodom was no longer the Bruti youth who knew nothing about Diónia a few years ago. A few years of tempering had made him different from before. Of course, he knew that once a citizen of Diónia committed a crime and evaded taxes, it would be extremely difficult to enter the army or hold a public office. Unless the people of Diónia were crazy, they would generally not let themselves make such a mistake.
But he still reprimanded, "Let's not take any chances. If something really happens, and you and I are not on duty, we will not be able to escape the blame!"
The patrol soldier did not speak, and Rodom comforted him again, "The Marriage Festival is held every year. If you really want to participate, marry a Greek woman next year, I will give you a holiday!"
"Greek women are not that easy to marry." The patrol soldier muttered.
According to the laws of Diónia, there were many policies to encourage foreigners to marry Greek women. It was only after the Bruti region and part of the Lucaria region (Picossis) were incorporated into the Alliance of Diónia that a large number of foreigners became citizens or prospective citizens of Diónia, making Greek women extremely popular. Due to Dionia's development over the past few years, the distribution of land was close to saturation. Seeing that there was no hope of getting more land in the short term, the number of free citizens staying in Dionia's territory began to decrease, causing many foreign citizens to turn their attention to the women of neighboring countries. However, most Greek women and families of Dinia could not accept the proposal of foreigners who were originally regarded as "barbarians", even if they were Diónia.
"Don't be discouraged. If it really doesn't work, you can ask Lord Bagylipi to come forward." Rodom's suggestion made the patrol soldier's eyes brighten.
Leader Bagylipi was now a member of the Senate of Diónia. As the national power of Diónia grew stronger, the attitude of Greece's city-states towards it became more and more respectful. The elders of the Senate of Diónia were naturally respected by these city-states. With the endorsement of Bagylipi, the chances of a successful marriage proposal naturally increased.
… …
While the people of Diónia were wantonly celebrating, foreigners also participated in the ceremony, but most of them had the mentality of watching the fun and did not participate. Among them was Hermes of Syracuse.
He looked at the scene in surprise. Although the absurdity of the marriage ceremony was not as ridiculous as the carnival of Dionysus, it was more joyful and lively than it.
According to his observation during his stay in Turií, the people of Diónia were strict, rigid, and even a little cautious. When they went out to do things, they would be a little timid when they encountered patrols. They were far less free and unrestrained than the Greek citizens of other city-states.
But what he saw in front of him, combined with the intense and fiery rugby games he had watched before, he had to admit that the people of Diónia were also very crazy. Even compared to the people of Syracuse now, the people of Diónia were also a tyrant city-state (Hermes believed that the Devers were tyrants), but the people of Diónia were happier and less depressed.
In Syracuse, perhaps because Dionysius was almost ousted by the people before (when the Carthage Army led by Cimilco approached the city of Syracuse), he implemented a high-handed rule in the city of Syracuse. He hunted down democrats, increased the number of patrols, patrolled the city all day long, and searched for suspicious people … These were all carried out by mercenaries. He built a few barracks not far from the city, guarded by nearly 5,000 mercenaries. He also granted citizenship to a large number of mercenaries (mainly Campanians), gave them land near Syracuse, and allowed them to build villages and towns to consolidate their rule.
At the same time, for his own safety, Dionysius forcibly moved out the people living on Ogygia Island, leaving only himself, his family, and the courtiers who were loyal to him. He also continuously strengthened the walls around Ogygia Island, built fortresses, and guarded by 2,000 mercenaries that he trusted. He completely treated the people of Syracuse as enemies …
Hermes shook his head, suppressing these dangerous thoughts in his mind. In any case, he was now appreciated by Dionysius. Not only was he paid well, but he was also promoted quickly. He did not want to be suspected by this tyrant because of an inappropriate word one day.
Seeing that the sky was getting dark, Hermes judged that it was about time for Polyxis to return. He threw the laughter behind him without any hesitation …
According to Polyxis's situation in the Senate these few days, the situation was gradually becoming favorable for Polyxis. The Devers' seemingly firm power was beginning to waver … It was funny to say that Dionysius's autocratic and oppressive rule made his throne as stable as a mountain. The people trembled in fear, and no one dared to oppose him! On the other hand, the young Consul of Diónia was friendly with the people, and his methods were gentle, which made him feel constrained in doing things. Thus, Hermes, Polyxis and the others took advantage of this weakness and acted freely … Of course, Hermes would not feel sorry for the Devers. In fact, if this matter was successful, he would be greatly promoted by Dionysius, and it would not be impossible for him to sit side by side with the important minister Felistos!
Thinking of this, his heart was burning with passion, and he strode towards Polyxis's mansion …
… …
As Aegnis walked along the corridors of the mansion, the slaves all bowed to greet her.
The slaves' attitude towards the two beautiful matriarchs was different: Christoya was shrewd and capable, and was in charge of the household, so everyone was more in awe of her. Aegnis, on the other hand, was the priestess of Artenis and then Hera. Although her personality was colder, her temper was gentle, and everyone respected her.
When she came to the wooden door of the backyard, she gently pushed it open, and heard a shout: "Happy Marriage Day!"
Then, a vast expanse of white flew towards her. She could not help but scream, and water was splashed on her, soaking her whole body.
"The sneak attack was successful, yay!" The Devers celebrated with the excited Adoris like children, while Cynthia snickered at the side.
Seeing this scene, Aegnis also laughed. As the priestess, she stood high up on the platform, and no one would splash water on her. Looking at the people in the square having such a good time, she would sometimes think enviously: If only I could splash water on them too!
Now, her wish had come true.
"Mother Aegnis, hug me! Mother Aegnis, hug me! " Little Krow shouted as he ran over. She did not know why, but ever since Aegnis had married him, this child had taken a liking to his new mother.
Aegnis bent down, wanting to pick him up, but suddenly remembered that her clothes were wet and hurriedly stopped him.
Little Krow shouted in dissatisfaction.
"Stop fooling around, child!" Christoya's words caused little Krow to immediately calm down, "Sister, go take a bath and change your clothes. Asuna has already prepared everything for you."
"Thank you, sister!" Aegnis replied with a smile.
She went upstairs. There was a large wooden barrel in the bedroom, and it was filled with water vapor. She reached out to touch it, and the water temperature was just right. She hurriedly took off her priestess' white robe and undershirt, and stepped into the barrel.
It was impossible not to feel tired after standing in front of the church for a day. The temperature of the water was just right, and her skin was moisturized, giving her a drowsy feeling.
At this moment, a pair of strong arms wrapped around her from behind.
She was startled at first, but then relaxed. Who else could it be other than her husband!
"Aegnis, you've worked hard!" The Devers spoke gently, his hot breath lightly blowing on her earlobes, making her feel a little numb.
"Come, let me see!" The Devers's gentle voice carried a sense of urgency. He held her arms with both hands, and easily pulled her up.
Aegnis subconsciously placed her left hand in front of her chest, and her right hand below.
The Devers gently pushed her hands away, his eyes gradually burning with flames that burned every inch of her skin, causing her to tremble uncontrollably.
"Aegnis, my wife, you're as beautiful as Hera!" The Devers excitedly exclaimed.
Aegnis suddenly smiled craftily, and poured the water in the barrel on the Devers, "Happy Marriage Day!"
Seeing the Devers pretend to be in a sorry state, she couldn't help but laugh, and her trembling body made her even more alluring.
"Alright, I'll punish you well!" The Devers' fiercely 'said, and picked her up, gently placing her on the bed.
Under Aegnis's nervous and expectant gaze, the Devers tore off Bolton from his body, and bent down towards her.
"My Hera!" He whispered, and kissed her tender lips …
... …
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