The Rise Of An Empire In Ancient Europe-Chapter 152: Syracuse’s War Preparations and Tula Alliance’s Trade Recovery

Chapter 152: Chapter 152: Syracuse’s War Preparations and Tula Alliance’s Trade Recovery

Juleios gently caressed Cristoia’s smooth and as-yet-flat belly. "Until our child is born safely, you must take care of yourself. Do you hear me?"

Though Juleios’s tone was commanding, Cristoia enjoyed his strict concern. Resting her head on Juleios’s chest, she softly replied, "I understand..."

Juleios carefully moved the sleeping Cristoia, got out of bed quietly, and tiptoed to the side room. Feeling his way, he lit an oil lamp next to a niche in the wall, and the flickering light illuminated a bronze statue of Hera, smiling gracefully in her draped robes.

For the first time, Juleios knelt devoutly to pray, his eyes brimming with emotional tears. However, what he uttered was not a hymn to Hera:

"Dear Father and Mother, did you know? Your son is about to have his own child in this world. Please, bless them to arrive safely, grow up healthy, carry on my bloodline, and inherit my legacy..."

In the palace on the island of Ortygia, Dionysius was discussing important matters with Philesius and Leptines. At that moment, his intelligence chief, Hipparinus, approached and handed him a report.

Dionysius glanced at it and exclaimed in disbelief, "Is this true?!"

"When have my verified reports ever been wrong?" Hipparinus replied coldly.

Dionysius didn’t mind Hipparinus’s tone, given that Hipparinus was his father-in-law and had been one of his staunchest allies in securing power in Syracuse.

"This is incredible! That young mercenary leader won again? And this time, he defeated Croton, which has been such a headache for Locri!" Dionysius exclaimed.

"He merely used a surprise attack," Leptines remarked, unimpressed after reading the report his brother handed him.

"My dear brother, you need to understand that whether it’s through a surprise attack or direct confrontation, a victory deserves praise. Furthermore, being able to win twice in a row against larger forces suggests that this man is indeed a formidable general!" Dionysius said seriously.

He sighed deeply. "Juleios... Juleios... What a pity... What a pity..."

"Lord Dionysius, do you still wish to recruit him?" Philesius asked.

Dionysius shook his head. "It’s obvious he isn’t content to remain a mercenary leader. First, he became the lifetime governor of Amendolara. Now, after defeating Croton, he’s likely considering how to bring Thurii under his control as well. This young man is no ordinary figure. I underestimated him before. From now on, we must pay close attention to him!"

"Understood," Hipparinus replied.

Dionysius glanced at Leptines, whose unconcerned expression made him sigh inwardly. His brother was loyal and diligent but lacked cunning. It was precisely for this reason that Dionysius entrusted him with significant responsibilities rather than those who harbored ulterior motives. His former father-in-law, Hermocrates, had paid a bloody price, and Dionysius would never forget that lesson.

(Hermocrates, Dionysius’s previous father-in-law, was a Syracusan leader and a hero in defeating the Athenian invasion. However, fearing his potential dictatorship, Syracusan democrats incited the people to exile him. Later, Hermocrates led the Sicilian people against Carthage, but his success made the democrats even more fearful of his influence. They lured him back to Syracuse and assassinated him.)

"What about Herolis? What’s he up to now?" Dionysius asked, recalling the sidelined man.

"He’s been quiet for months," Hipparinus replied.

"Good," Dionysius said to Philesius. "Herolis has had enough rest. Call him back to assist you in preparing for the upcoming war."

"Yes!" Philesius replied with obvious satisfaction.

Dionysius looked at Philesius, then at Hipparinus, and thought of Herolis, who was far away in Egypt. It was these men who had steadfastly supported him during his most challenging times, enabling his rise to power. Herolis was likely still loyal, and this was a minor warning to ensure he wouldn’t speak carelessly again.

After assigning Philesius his task, Dionysius turned his attention to his top priority.

"How is the relocation of the Leontinians to Syracuse progressing?"

"They’ve all been settled. They’re busy adapting to their new environment and have been stable so far," Philesius replied.

"Good." Dionysius turned to Leptines. "How is the progress on the craftsmen’s project?"

"It’s been a success!" Leptines eagerly awaited this question. "Its power is incredible! It’s truly a weapon of Ares! It can hurl ten-pound stones a hundred meters away.

A typical city wall struck by a dozen stones will surely collapse!"

"Excellent! Reward the craftsmen for me and have them produce more of these, but maintain absolute secrecy. If anyone leaks information, I will execute their entire family!" Dionysius said grimly. "Next year, I’ll make sure Carthage is caught completely off guard!"

"Why not attack them now?" Leptines asked, puzzled. "We’ve already conquered the Greek city-states in eastern Sicily, except for Messina.

We also have a massive army and these powerful siege weapons. The Carthaginian cities in western Sicily can’t withstand our assault."

"When dealing with Carthage, we must proceed cautiously. They can easily bring tens of thousands of soldiers from Africa.

We must be fully prepared before going to war!" Dionysius said firmly, leaving no room for debate.

During this period, Kunogorata had been tirelessly overseeing the rebuilding of Thurii, spending his nights at the camp.

Rarely did he find time to return to Amendolara.

After finishing dinner, his eldest son, Sostatus, hurriedly returned home. Beaming with joy, he exclaimed, "Father, you’re finally back!"

"Hmm," Kunogorata grunted. "I’ve heard that you’ve been wandering aimlessly these days, not participating in the rebuilding of Thurii. Are you even a citizen of the Tula Alliance?"

"I didn’t cheer when Thurii was sacked—that’s already a sign of restraint," Sostatus replied indignantly. "There’s no way I’d work alongside those who killed my brother and humiliated my sister!" His tone was filled with resentment, but then he explained further, "Still, I haven’t been idling around.

I’ve attended four rounds of military training organized by Amendolara. Honestly, their training is incredibly complex and exhausting—almost killing me each time!"

When Sostatus mentioned his deceased siblings, it reopened a wound in Kunogorata’s heart, darkening his expression.

Noticing this, Sostatus quickly shifted the topic. Feigning excitement, he said, "Besides the training, I’ve been helping Lord Marigi, the trade officer.

Father, you wouldn’t believe it—since we spread the word that ’Thurii’s reconstruction requires a large amount of supplies,’ merchant ships have been pouring in from all directions.

Add to that our lower market tax rates, excellent services, and strict management, and merchants from various city-states are full of praise. But now we’re short of manpower. I estimate that by the day after tomorrow, Lord Marigi will be coming to you for workers!"

"Is that true?" Kunogorata asked.

He had been so preoccupied with the reconstruction of Thurii that he hadn’t had time to inspect the port.

Two months ago, Marigi and his team had hastily established a port and market in the area near the river mouth and the old site of Sybaris.

He had no idea it had become so prosperous in such a short time.

"Of course, it’s true! I’ve been helping Lord Marigi with bookkeeping, so I know it clearly. Every day, about ten talents are spent on purchasing materials for the city’s reconstruction.

At the same time, the customs duties and profits from goods sold are bringing in about eight talents daily. Otherwise, where do you think all the non-wood and non-stone materials for rebuilding Thurii are coming from?" Sostatus said proudly.

"Juleios certainly knows how to choose capable people! I never expected Marigi, that Persian, to be so talented in commerce!" Kunogorata exclaimed.

Then, looking at his son with a calm expression, he said, "Speak. What is it you want from me?" Kunogorata understood his son too well.

"Well... well... Father, you remember how the warehouses and inns near the foothills of Amendolara were burned down by the Crotonians? Now those same Crotonian prisoners are nearly done rebuilding them.

I heard from Lord Marigi that these new warehouses and inns will soon be auctioned off to citizens of the Tula Alliance to lease and operate for profit. I... I want to participate, but I don’t have enough money.

I was hoping... to borrow some from you."

"How much do you need?"

"Uh... five... five talents," Sostatus said hesitantly, mustering his courage. This was almost half of Kunogorata’s wealth.

"You’re planning to lease all of them?"

"Yes, Father. Right now, merchant ships are gathering at Thurii, but our port isn’t fully operational yet. Many merchants and sailors can’t find places to eat or stay, and their goods have nowhere to be stored.

Amendolara, on the other hand, already has these rebuilt warehouses and inns. Plus, with the road between the two cities being expedited, I believe leasing these properties will make our family a fortune!" Sostatus declared confidently.

Kunogorata thought deeply for a moment before fixing his gaze on his son.

In a serious tone, he said, "My child, since being exiled from Thurii, I’ve reflected on my past actions. I realized that I was too extreme, often failing to consider others’ feelings. When adversity struck, no one was willing to help us..."

Kunogorata paused, his voice heavy with regret.

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