Chapter 639
Adoris thought for a moment and said regretfully, "Based on the usual practice, it should be the quarterfinals or semifinals now. I don't think it's worth it."
The soldier in front of Adoris turned around and interrupted, "Stop dreaming. Even if this war ends soon, it's impossible for us to return immediately. We'll definitely be stationed in the various Downey towns to ensure the safety of the kingdom's officials. Didn't we do the same in Mesapi and Puchetti before?"
"I heard that the Downey people aren't as fierce as the Mesapi and Puchetti people. They shouldn't be as violent as the Mesapi people. Maybe we don't have to stay here for so long," another soldier guessed.
"That's your childish thinking. Devers, His Majesty and the Senate won't think that way. Am I right, Adoris?" The soldier in front looked at Adoris.
Adoris shrugged, "I'm not sure about that. But I hope everyone can return home safely and enjoy the rewards from the kingdom."
"With our contributions in this war, do you think we can get one or two acres of land here? The land here is fertile, not any worse than the Sybari Plains."
"How would I know? You should ask the statistics officer in the supply camp."
…
The soldiers forgot about the hardships of marching as they talked and laughed. After three hours, they reached the lower reaches of the Cervaro River.
West Pentum City was on the north bank of the Cervaro River. It was the confluence of several rivers, forming a sizable lake.
In Alexis's opinion, West Pentum had a good port. If they took it, it would be convenient for the entire army to transport their supplies.
At this time, a messenger galloped from the front and shouted, "Enemy spotted on the other side, prepare for battle!"
The soldiers immediately became excited. After all, fighting the enemy outside the city was much easier than attacking the city. This was a victory that could be easily obtained.
Soon, the captain's order came: the column formation became horizontal.
Under the command of the officers, Adoris and the others faced the Candelaro River and formed a small phalanx.
At this time, a loud sigh came from the front.
"What happened?"
"Sigh … I heard that the people of West Pentum want to surrender the city!"
"Ah?!" The soldiers sighed in despair.
The team officers warned them not to let down their guard and to be wary of the enemy's tricks.
However, the people of Sipentum surrendered without hesitation.
The crushing defeat at the Orfanto River, the capture of Lucenia within a day, and the military power displayed by the Kingdom of Diónia had completely shocked the Doni tribes. Not only Sipentum, but Wester, Asculum, and other towns had also surrendered. The Doni War had finally come to an end …
… …
At the beginning of November, the weather in Turií began to turn cold. The fanatical atmosphere that had been stirred up by the rugby finals in early October had just subsided, and the triumphant tournament that was to be held soon would once again bring the whole city into a festive atmosphere.
Meanwhile, in the barracks west of the city of Turín, the soldiers of the First, Fourth, Fifth, Ninth and Tenth Legions were excitedly looking forward to their triumphant return.
In the commander's tent, Alexis was meeting with the people from the Ministry of Military Affairs.
"You're saying … we have to wait here for another two days?! Our brothers have been on the battlefield for more than two months, and we're eager to go home. But you're making us wait here for five days! "Alexis complained unhappily.
"This isn't my idea. This is the idea of His Majesty and the Senate. I'm only responsible for conveying it," Tormid said seriously.
Alexis didn't say anything after hearing that it was the order of the Devers, but she still looked a little unhappy.
Tormid explained patiently, "The Eighth Legion is on the way and will arrive tomorrow. His Majesty wants to combine these two victories and have a triumphant return, so that the people won't be annoyed and it won't be fair to the soldiers who fought in the bloody war. His Majesty is afraid that you might have other ideas, so he sent me to inform you. I hope you can understand! "
Alexis realized that she was a little too emotional, so she quickly said, "I don't mind. We can wait. We're very happy to participate in the triumphant return with the Eighth Legion led by Prososus!"
"The young officers of the Kingdom these days are amazing!" Tormid sighed. "Prososus isn't even forty yet, but he's already in charge of a battlefield and commanding a war!"
"Where is Prososus from?" Alexis asked curiously.
"He's from Argos. He came to Turií after the establishment of the Diónia Alliance. Because of his outstanding performance in the training camp, he was directly recruited by Martoris into his brigade …" Tormid worked in the General Staff Department, so he was more familiar with the information of the officers.
"It seems that Prososus's performance has always been outstanding. No wonder His Majesty dared to use him and put him in charge of the war against the Sikells. I thought he was a mercenary from our Persia expeditionary force …" Alexis exclaimed.
Tolmidt did not continue the conversation. Instead, he changed the topic and said, "There are many young officers in the legions that you are in charge of, and their performance is outstanding. Especially Patroclus. When we attacked Lucenia City, his brigade was the first to enter the city. His Majesty was very happy when he saw these battle reports, but he crossed out his name from the list of candidates you submitted to the Ministry of Military Affairs to be the flag bearer for this triumphant return. "
Hearing this, Alexis had some guesses, but she still asked, "Why?"
"He didn't want him to be too ostentatious, so that the people wouldn't misunderstand and think that he's being favored by His Majesty …" Tormid said vaguely.
Alexis's adopted daughter, Gydia, had a close relationship with Cynthia, so Alexis naturally knew about this. When she heard this, she smiled knowingly. "It seems that I have to congratulate His Majesty!"
"Alexis, I also want to congratulate you," Tormid said with a mysterious smile.
"Congratulate what?" Alexis was stunned.
"Amyntas' adopted son, Stefos, performed well in the battle against the Sikells, and was included in the list of candidates for the 8th Division's flag bearer for the triumphant return by Prososus," Tormid said with a smile.
Ever since Stefos beat up Paphocles, the fact that Stefos and Gydia were a pair of lovers had been known to the higher-ups of the military. If it wasn't for the fact that Amyntas had transferred his adopted son to Sicily to avoid trouble, the two might have already gotten married.
"Isn't Stefos an adjutant under Prososus? How did he do it? "Alexis asked in surprise.
"You still don't know, but Prososus made him a captain," Tormid replied.
Alexis didn't expect that the young legion commander, who seemed to have no dealings with anyone, would make such a move. Whether it was intentional or not, he had to accept this favor.
"Also, let me tell you a secret." Tormid pretended to be mysterious as he moved closer to Alexis. "His Majesty has informed the Ministry of Military Affairs to prepare to transfer Stefos back to Turín."
"Is that so!" Alexis was pleasantly surprised.
"Of course, His Majesty is more concerned about Gydia's marriage than you, her father. Tell me, when are you inviting us to the wedding? "Tormid said half-jokingly and half-seriously.
Alexis thought for a moment and said, "I'll have to discuss this with Amyntas, but it will definitely be after Cynthia's wedding."
… …
On the 5th of November, the main road from the northern part of Turín to Victory Square was sprinkled with fresh water, flowers, and colorful flags. Diónia citizens poured in from all directions, crowding both sides of the road. The biggest difference from the triumphant return this time was that there were quite a few citizens from Mesapi and Puchetti.
As the loud bugle sounded throughout the city, the triumphant return began.
The army that had already set off from the barracks and arrived at the suburbs began to march forward in four columns.
At the forefront was the flag bearer of the Kingdom of Diónia. Since the war between Italy and Italy, the new military law stipulates that the flag bearer in the triumphal procession must be the bravest and most distinguished soldier in the war, and that he is the model of the whole army, so that the honour of leader is not given to any officer (squad leaders are not considered officers).
Behind him were the flag bearers of the legions. They were the most outstanding among the legions that participated in the war, and this was not just limited to soldiers. The First Cavalry Legion, First Legion, Legio IV, Fifth Legion, Eighth Legion, Ninth Legion, and Tenth Legion, a total of seven legions were lined up in a row, looking very impressive.
They were followed by dozens of drummers, who played the "Victory March", adding joy and festivity to the whole celebration.
After that, the soldiers of the First Legion marched forward in neat steps, with their heads held high and chest out …
Before the troops entered the outer city, they were already welcomed by the people of Diónia. Cheers and screams pierced the eardrums of the soldiers: there were frolicking children imitating the way they marched, there were enthusiastic young girls chasing after them and throwing petals, there were excited relatives and friends shouting their names …
In such a lively atmosphere, these legions soldiers did not know where they were, and they kept a silly smile on their faces. Even Adoris, who had seen the triumphant return many times, could not contain his excitement at this moment. After all, this was the first time he was enjoying this glory as a participant in the war.
Among the enthusiastic audience, there was no lack of people asking questions, "Hey, why are there two flag bearers walking at the front this time?"
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