Chapter 681
The Devers said, "The Campanians are not in a hurry to urge Legio III to leave. They even hope that Legio III can stay for a while longer to prevent the Samonai's subsequent retaliation. So, we don't have to worry. Anyway, they will supply the military food. We will wait until the negotiations are over and our citizens have settled in the new territory before leaving."
"But this way, the defense of Lucania Municipality will be empty. If the Samonai risk an attack, even with the Abenilum blocking the front, I'm still worried about the safety of Kopsa and Potentia! Your Majesty, now that there is a shortage of food in the country, and it is impossible to mobilize the legions from other areas to garrison, can you send a senior team officer to Lucania Municipality to organize the reserve soldiers in the area and coastal towns and take precautions in advance? "Hilos continued to suggest.
In the military system of the Kingdom of Diónia, the Legio III's jurisdiction was the largest in terms of the number of soldiers and the range of training required for the legions. Not only did it include Lucania Municipality, but it also included a part of southern Campania and some coastal towns. The young citizens of Elia, Poseidonia, and Enona also had to receive training from Legio III and be conscripted during wartime.
The Devers agreed with Hilos's caution and said, "Yes, the Ministry of Military Affairs will decide on the candidate to be sent to Lucania."
"Your Majesty, I recommend Zantiparis to carry out the task of forming a new legion in Lucania." Hilos had already considered the candidate.
"Zantiparis?" The Devers looked at Hilos.
"Zantiparis has been in the legion and the Ministry of Military Affairs for many years. Not only is he rich in combat experience, but he is also familiar with military affairs. Now that he is idle at home, he is the best candidate to build and command the legion," Hilos said frankly.
It seemed that Hilos did not just recommend Zantiparis because of their past friendship! After listening to the explanation, the Devers also felt that this candidate was quite suitable. They breathed a sigh of relief and asked, "How is his health?"
"He works out every day, so he's quite healthy," Hilos replied.
As a matter of fact, with the daily reports from the intelligence department, Devers had a good understanding of Zantiparis's physical condition. He only asked this question to let the others in the room know, in case they objected.
"Then let's choose him." Devers immediately made a decision. Zantiparis's removal from his position as a prosecutor in the Ministry of Military Affairs could be considered a form of compensation.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"Next, let's talk about Rome." The Devers looked around and said in a serious tone, "The cunning Rome used the excuse of 'waiting for their two military officials to return before discussing our request', but in fact, they are stepping up their attack on the Volsci town of Saturnicum. At the same time, they also sent more troops to sneak attack the Volsci coastal town of Antium, attacking the Volsci hinterland. Our messengers protested to the Rome, but once again, they were perfunctorily ignored by the Rome Senate. The dignity of the Kingdom of Diónia will not allow the Rome to make a fool out of us, and the Volsci who are in danger will continue to receive our help! My lords, under such circumstances, what should the Diónia do?! "
"Of course we should fulfill our alliance with the Volsci, send reinforcements to repel the Rome, and take back the Volsci's lost territory!" Antares said loudly.
Cornelus and Lucius looked at each other, and Cornelus did not hesitate this time. "Your Majesty, we cannot let the Volsci be conquered by Rome. Otherwise, the reputation of the Diónia in Central Italy will be severely damaged. We must send troops! But can the Volsci guarantee the food supply for the troops we send? "
"I have asked the Volsci messenger, and he promised that he can guarantee at least two months of food supply for one of our legions. In addition, they can also seek food aid from their neighbors, the enemies of Rome, the Hernici. Therefore, we do not have to worry about food supply for the time being. "
The Devers's answer stopped Cornelus's doubts.
"Your Majesty, can we only send one legion?" Mercies asked. With foreign countries providing food for free, he could not wait to send all his legions to relieve the pressure on the food supply in the Empire.
"The Volsci is only a small force in the Latin region of Central Italy. They have already done their best to guarantee a few months of food supply for a legion of more than 9,000 people."
The Devers's answer disappointed Mercies slightly.
"Your Majesty, as far as I know, Rome is not like Kautini. This city-state is very powerful. I am afraid that it will be difficult to defeat the Rome's army with just one legion!" Hilos was a little worried. Due to the Devers's influence, he had a better understanding of the situation in Rome.
The Devers smiled. "Although the military strength of one legion is a little small, we have the powerful Volsci as our ally. In addition, the Volsci are also preparing to join forces with the Hernici, Marsi, and Acquis to fight against Rome. Therefore, although we only have one legion, we are not fighting alone. Moreover, we only need to defeat the Rome, not annihilate them. Therefore, I feel that one legion is enough for the time being. "
At this point, the Devers asked, "Hilos, which legion do you think is more suitable to send?"
Hilos thought about it seriously and said, "Your Majesty, the Second Legion, Legio IV, and Fifth Legion participated in the Downey War. The Eighth Legion also started a war against the Sikere in Sicily, and Legio III just finished fighting against the Kautini. Logically, this time, it should be the First Legion, Legio VI, and Seventh Legion. The Ninth and Tenth Legions have not been established for long and have not participated in any major battles. They lack combat experience and do not have the ability to fight on their own. I think it is best to send the First Legion. Legion Commander Amyntas is experienced, and the First Legion is the strongest. Sending him to the Latin region shows how much we value the Volsci. "
After listening to Hilos, the Devers were a little hesitant. After more than a decade, the senior generals were either promoted to the Ministry of Military Affairs, such as Hilos, Capus, Felicius, Hieronymus, etc., or they were promoted to higher ranking commanders, such as Alexis and the former Antonios. Some were transferred to local government affairs, such as Epitonis, Agathia, and Adrianx. There were also some who were too old or tired of fighting and did nothing at home, such as Zantiparis and Alpines. Only Amyntas insisted on being the Legion Commander and did not want to leave, just like Dracos in the past.
Dyvers believed that Drakos was indeed very experienced and brave in battle. The First Legion he led also had astonishing combat power and was an incomparably sharp knife. However, Amyntas was impatient and did things carelessly. He was worried about leading an army to fight alone, especially far away from Diónia and fighting against an excellent general like Camillus in Rome.
However, the Devers could not say this reason out loud. After all, Amyntas was a veteran general and a Senate Senator. He was quite famous, so he said, "I remember that the Legion Commander of Legio VI is Trotiras. During the decisive battle against the Maypu Alliance, the outstanding performance of the Legio VI under his command left a deep impression on me. This is the first time we are going to help the Volsci. There is no need to send our strongest legion. It is not good to be too enthusiastic … "
Hilos understood the meaning behind the Devers' words. He hesitated for a moment and said, "Your Majesty, if we send Legio VI, Lord Amyntas will probably have an opinion if he finds out."
The Devers comforted him, "If Amyntas has an opinion, you can ask him to come to me."
Hilos could not say anything else, so he decided to send Legio VI to fight against the Volsci.
At this time, Lucius reminded him with a little worry, "Your Majesty, if we go to war with Rome, I am afraid that Carthage will have an opinion!"
This was indeed a problem that needed to be considered! The Devers even knew through the intelligence department that the Carthage Senate had even discussed this matter for several days. However, he did not hesitate to say, "We are protecting our allies and helping them fight against a strong enemy. This is a legitimate action that cannot be criticized! If we have to consider what Carthage will think about everything, it will not only restrict our hands and feet, but also make the people think that we are too weak. This will damage the prestige of the Southern Overlord! "
"Your Majesty is right! The relationship between Carthage and us in the past two years is not very good. Through this action, we can test Carthage's attitude towards us, "Cydorum responded.
The Devers nodded and said to Hilos, "Inform the commander of the Eighth Legion, Prososus, to be vigilant, strengthen the defense, and always pay attention to the movement of Carthage in the west of Sicily."
At this time, the palace herald, Aristiras, hurried over and knocked on the door of the office.
After getting the permission of the Devers, he walked into the room and handed the papyrus scroll in his hand to the Devers.
After reading it, the Devers's face became a little ugly. Facing the curious eyes of the crowd, he said in a deep voice, "Carthage has responded. They killed our merchants and crew without our permission!"
… …
In the afternoon after the Devers received the news, the envoy of Carthage rushed to Turií.
This time, it was not the old acquaintance of Diónia, Okridon, who came, but Pretacuba. At the urgent meeting of the Diónia Senate at his request, the leader of the Magonid faction in the Senate of Carthage faced the angry and puzzled gazes of hundreds of Diónia senators and said loudly with a face full of indignation, "People of Diónia, since we, Carthage, signed a friendly agreement with you more than ten years ago, we have always been very friendly to you. When you were struggling to resist the army of Syracuse, Carthage selflessly provided you with a lot of resources! When you occupied the territory of Syracuse in Sicily, the situation was very turbulent. It was Carthage who took the initiative to divide the areas under their jurisdiction with you, helping you to stabilize the situation in Sicily! These years, the prosperity of trade in Diónia should be attributed to the merchants of Carthage! But you — "
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