Chapter 480
"That's not the same." Henipolis shook his head stubbornly. "What you've told me will carry some of your own opinions, and it will only interfere with my judgment of the entire historical events and the course of the battle. Teacher Ancientanos once said, 'The eyes are the best pen for a historian, and they will record everything accurately.' That's why I've decided that I won't leave your side for the time being!"
Henepolis looked at the Devers with stubbornness and slyness in his eyes.
The Devers sighed in his heart and said slowly, "Some things can't be done as you wish. It's often out of our control. Henny, I called you here because I've just received news about Laos … "
"What news?!" Henepolis asked instinctively. The serious expression on the Devers's face made him feel uneasy.
The Devers said in a deep voice, "Your uncle Arobuma started a rebellion. He forcibly appointed himself as the Consul of Laos and announced that Laos had left the Diónia Alliance. He even sent troops to attack the Laa River Fortress."
"What?!" Henepolis could not believe his ears. "Uncle Arobuma rebelled?! That's impossible! That's impossible! … "
Seeing that Henepolis kept shaking his head and shouting, the Devers silently took out the information they had received yesterday and handed it to him.
Henepolis grabbed it and read it several times. Suddenly, he became quiet …
After a while, he choked and said, "Why? Why would he do that?! He's my only uncle. I trusted him so much! I've trusted him since I was young! … "
The Devers looked at the tearful Henepolis and said softly, "People change, especially when your uncle holds great power and is in charge of all the affairs in the city of Laos. It's inevitable that he will have other ideas. If there are other forces that tempt him, such as Syracuse …"
Henepolis's eyes were red as he listened to the Devers. Suddenly, he remembered something and stood up abruptly. He exclaimed, "Mother! My mother is in danger! … "
"Your mother is fine. According to reliable sources, she's only being guarded by Arobuma's men. Your uncle didn't hurt your mother at all. After all, your mother used to take good care of your father's brother. " Devers saw Henepolis's doubtful expression and emphasized, "It was Aristiras who told me."
After living in the mansion of the Devers for so many years, Henepolis certainly knew that Aristiras was specialized in collecting information for the Devers, so he felt a little relieved. But then he said with hatred, "I must go back immediately, take back Laos, and punish that ungrateful traitor!" Obviously, Arobuma's betrayal had broken his heart, and he was so disgusted that he didn't even want to mention his name.
"Sure." The Devers agreed and reminded him, "The governor of Neutum, Hemont, and the governor of Vigor City, Sarroux, are gathering their troops. You should lead your troops to join them and fight against Arbutus together. Arbutus won't be able to stop you. But — "
Devers changed the topic and said, "Laos was your father's independence from the Lucania Tribal Alliance, and he's worked hard to manage it for so many years. You can't bear to let the people of Laos suffer heavy casualties and the city be seriously damaged, right?"
Henepolis nodded repeatedly.
"Heni." Devers looked at him and said in a low voice, "Back then, some of the laws you wanted to implement in Laos were not implemented because of the obstruction of Arobuma and the others. However, granting more rights to the commoners of Laos and allowing them to enjoy the same land as the citizens of Dionysia was what the majority of the commoners of Laos wished for. Before, because Arbutus and the others blocked the news, the people of Laos didn't know much about the truth. Now, we only need to publicize the truth, and the people of Laos will know who's really good to them! Who should they support? So, you can do this … "
Listening to the Devers' plan, Henepolis's eyes gradually brightened. He immediately nodded and said, "Your Majesty, I will do as you say! I will let that person know that I was right back then! "
As Hennepolis was leaving, Dyvers gave him a strong hug and loudly encouraged him, "Hennepolis, I wish you success in recapturing Laos as soon as possible. My clerk is still waiting for you to take up the post!"
Henepolis nodded confidently, "Your Majesty, wait for my good news!"
… …
The next morning, the Seventh Legion of Diónia and the army of Heraclea marched north. When they arrived at Metapontum, the city gate was wide open. The remaining soldiers of Tarantum and the people of Metapontum, including Isarochas, had already fled to Tarantum the night before.
The allied forces easily occupied the city of Metapontum. Matonis, the commander of the Seventh Legion, who was eager to return to Turií, did not covet the power of the temporary supreme governor of the occupied territory. He directly handed over the defense of Metapontum to Heraclea's governor, Trifias, and then led the legion back.
Soon, the changes in Metapontum were detected by the spies sent by Tudepres. After getting in touch with Trifias, Tudepres bade farewell to the Galagusso people who had taken them in, and promised that from now on, Metapontum would strengthen trade with Galagusso, especially in terms of food.
After returning to Metapontum, Tudepres relied on the support of Diónia and Heraclea to regain power. The first thing he did was to lead the few remaining people of Diónia to avenge their murdered relatives and friends. They completely wiped out the pro-Tarantum citizens in the city. They were expelled, arrested, and executed. For a time, the city of Metapontum was filled with blood, and everyone was in danger. After these few torments, the population of Metapontum decreased sharply, and its strength was greatly damaged.
… …
Just as the Seventh Legion returned to Turií, the Tarantum emissaries had already set foot on the land of Turií.
Yesterday, the news of the Dionysian fleet defeating the Syracuse Navy and almost annihilating the Tarantum Army and Navy was transmitted back to Tarantum. Not only did it shock the Senate, but it also made the people of Tarantum worried about the safety of their loved ones. They were also very anxious. So much so that when there was a rumor that the Diónia army was marching towards Tarantum, it caused a huge panic. Many people rushed home, packed their luggage, and prepared to rush to the port to escape this city that was already defenseless.
In such a critical and terrible situation, the Senate of Tarantum only had one way to go – and that was to sue for peace with Diónia.
For this reason, the Senate didn't even hold a citizens' meeting. Instead, they urgently elected two temporary governors, Disytimus and Archita's father, Cestiavis, and sent Cestiavis to Turií the next day, in an attempt to make the Devers remember their old friendship with Archita and open up to Tarantum.
The Devers knew the purpose of the Tarantum people, so they didn't meet Cestiavis at all. Instead, they sent Cunogorata and Ancitanos to negotiate with Cestiavis.
Earlier, when Ancitanos visited Tarantum, he was treated rudely. But now, when he saw the humble and anxious Heastiavis, he felt a little pleased even though he was usually gentle.
Cunogorata and Ancitanos only sneered at Cestiavis' suggestion that "Tarantum is willing to make a peaceful truce with Diónia and make a certain amount of war compensation in exchange for the release of the Tarantum prisoners of war."
Cunogorata even mocked, "Diónia had an alliance with Tarantum before, but you ignored the sacred oath and betrayed us when we needed your help the most! You made us sign an agreement with you so that you could ambush us when we were dealing with Syracuse?! Do you think we're that stupid?! To be honest, we don't know if Poseidon will be angry at you for tarnishing his name, but we don't dare to trust you Tarantum people anymore! "
Cestiavis was ashamed when he heard that. He shouted in grief and indignation, "Then what do you Dionysians want us to do?!"
"Before this war ends, Diónia will not sign any agreement with Tarantum, but these 12000 Tarantum citizens and nearly 2000 sailors … Hmm … Diónia is at war and doesn't have that much food to support them. Whether they can survive until the end of the war depends on whether Tarantum can provide them with enough food," Cunogorata replied coldly.
"I understand. Diónia wants our food. With food, they can guarantee the safety of the Tarantum prisoners of war, right? "Cestiavis' voice was filled with a hint of mockery.
"That's right. Mining requires a lot of physical strength, or else it's hard to ensure their health, "Cunogorata said threateningly.
"When will they be released?" Cestiavis asked again.
"Before the end of the war, Diónia will not release them. Otherwise, who knows if they will pick up their spears and shield and invade our territory again!" Cunogorata said seriously, "Before that, Diónia will not sign any agreement with Tarantum. As long as Tarantum remains peaceful during this period, Diónia will not invade Tarantum's territory. This is a promise from His Majesty the Devers himself!"
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