The Rise Of An Empire In Ancient Europe-Chapter 151: Pregnancy

Third, Croton would not interfere with Castellon joining the Tula Alliance. However, Crimea must remain neutral. (Because Crimea is very close to Croton, its inclusion in the Tula Alliance would be akin to pressing a dagger against Croton’s stomach. Lysias naturally could not agree to this, and Marigi did not insist, as the Tula Alliance lacked the strength to defend Crimea against potential attacks. Nonetheless, Juleios decided to release the Crimean prisoners after six months in accordance with the agreed ransom terms. The Crimean envoy expressed deep gratitude and promised, "We will no longer oppose the Tula Alliance!")

Fourth, the Tula Alliance would not form an alliance with Locri or sign any agreements targeting Croton. (This was a strong demand from Lysias. Marigi pretended to hesitate, but Juleios had privately instructed him, "At present, we have no intention of allying with Locri. This is to avoid provoking Croton and jeopardizing the negotiations." Marigi used this as leverage to pressure Lysias into making concessions in other areas.)

The Crotonian delegation returned to their city-state with the preliminary agreement for council approval. Once confirmed, they re-entered Thurii. Lysias, ever meticulous, noticed that the walls of Thurii no longer bore the marks of smoke and fire. The collapsed sections had been rebuilt with fresh stone bricks, neatly mortared, giving the city walls a brand-new appearance. He was astonished by the Thurians’ efficiency and enthusiasm. Deep down, he wished for no further conflict with the Tula Alliance. However, before leaving Croton, Milon had reminded him repeatedly that any ceasefire agreement should not exceed two years.

Lysias understood this clearly: Milon and the majority of Croton’s generals and council members, led by him, were dissatisfied with their defeat and were already planning future revenge. Croton, famous for its athletic prowess throughout Greece, had citizens whose personalities carried the indomitable spirit of athletes. In this way, they resembled the people of Amendolara in the Tula Alliance, whom Lysias had interacted with over the past two days. With a sigh, Lysias and his entourage entered the Thurii camp once more.

Other than revising the ceasefire term to two years, the content of the agreement remained largely unchanged. Both sides sacrificed livestock to Apollo, recited the names of the gods, and made solemn oaths that "neither Croton nor the Tula Alliance would violate the ceasefire agreement." Finally, they signed their names and those of their city-states. (Why Apollo? Both Croton and Thurii traditionally worshipped Apollo as their patron deity, adding solemnity to the agreement.)

With the agreement reached, Lysias was eager to return. Juleios and his delegation did not try to detain him. Before Lysias boarded the ship, Juleios said sincerely, "I hope Croton and the Tula Alliance will never fight again."

Juleios’s piercing gaze gave Lysias the impression that Milon’s schemes had already been discerned by the young governor. Lysias responded, "By Apollo, that is my wish as well!" Standing at the bow of the ship, Lysias watched the bustling construction site of Thurii and the harbor filled with merchant ships. He departed with a heart full of worry.

Juleios and his party stood on the dock, watching the Crotonian ships sail away. Cornelus let out a long sigh of relief. "We are safe now!"

"Yes, for now," Kunogorata replied calmly. "But I fear that two years from now, Croton will attack us again."

"Exactly. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have insisted on shortening the ceasefire duration. We must fully utilize these two years to strengthen the Tula Alliance, ensuring that no force dares to invade us!" Juleios encouraged the group.

"Well said!" The others were filled with determination.

"Governor, about the compensation funds in the agreement—" Marigi began eagerly.

Juleios interrupted him. "All reparations will go into the treasury, managed by Melsis."

Melsis’s face lit up with joy. "The funds will be overseen, planned, and spent by the Reconstruction Committee. As with the resources we recovered earlier, these funds will be allocated entirely for public expenses, city reconstruction, and infrastructure. Any department requiring funds must submit an application, gain approval, and have its expenses monitored by the financial officer!"

When Juleios finished, Melsis winked at Marigi, who turned away in frustration.

"Additionally, on the first day of every month, Melsis, you must present a detailed report on the treasury’s income and expenditures to the Senate. Any errors will be your sole responsibility," Juleios added sternly.

"Yes," Melsis replied feebly. ƒree𝑤ebnσvel-com

"Alexis, inform the prisoners of the agreement. Since Croton prohibited them from mining, we’ll have them build roads connecting Heraclea, Amendolara, Thurii, and Castellon. Let Heracleides’s son, Little Heracleides, oversee the entire project using the existing blueprints and a team of craftsmen to supervise the work."

"Understood, Governor," Alexis said.

"But why include Castellon?" someone asked. "If Croton attacks, won’t the highway make it easier for the enemy to advance?"

Juleios explained, "By building a highway to Castellon, we foster trade and connections, drawing Castellon closer to us. Castellon is now our ally. It’s our responsibility to ensure its safety. In the future, Castellon will serve as our frontline defense against southern enemies. Even if the enemy advances, we’ll ensure they cannot exploit our roads."

Ansitanos and Kunogorata seemed thoughtful. Others appeared inspired, while a few remained skeptical.

After a busy day, Juleios finally returned to his tent late at night, only to find someone waiting for him.

"Andrea, what are you doing here? Did something happen to Cristoia?" Juleios asked anxiously.

Andrea bowed and said, "Honorable Governor, the Lady has noticed how busy you’ve been and didn’t want to disturb you. But I felt this matter was important enough to inform you."

"What matter?!" Juleios asked eagerly.

"Over the past few days, the Lady has experienced nausea and loss of appetite. I suspected she might be pregnant. I asked Lord Helpus to examine her, and it was confirmed."

Juleios’s face lit up with joy. "Cristoia is really pregnant?!"

"Yes, my lord," Andrea confirmed.

"That’s wonderful! Absolutely wonderful!" Juleios exclaimed, hugging Andrea and spinning her around in excitement.

He shouted, "Martius! Bring me a horse. I’m going back to Amendolara!"

"My lord, it’s too late to travel safely. Let’s wait until morning," Martius advised.

"I can’t wait! Cristoia is pregnant! I must see her immediately!" Juleios insisted.

Late that night, cheers of celebration echoed through the camp as Juleios and his escort departed for Amendolara.

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