The Rise Of An Empire In Ancient Europe-Chapter 159: "If You Gain Wealth, Do Not Forget Your Friends"

Cristoia gestured to the wooden cup in Andrea’s hand, a gentle smile gracing her face. "Beer is made from barley. What you’re drinking now has been improved after several trials, and the taste is already quite good, though it still has a bit too much sediment. But Juleios says, ’It doesn’t matter; these things are good for the body.’"

Andrea swirled the golden liquid in her cup, the frothy foam glinting in the sunlight. After another sip, her face lit up. "This beer has a peculiar taste, but after drinking it, I feel like having more! Please, madam, may I have another cup?" She eagerly extended her cup toward Asuna.

Asuna, with a knowing grin, poured another serving. Andrea took a deep gulp, savoring the drink before saying, "Madam, I bring good news: most of the loans we provided to the citizens of Amendolara in April have already been repaid!"

"So soon?" Cristoia’s surprise was evident.

"This year’s wheat harvest was abundant, and wars in both Sicily and the Peloponnesian Peninsula have driven grain prices higher. Moreover, our restaurant has been actively purchasing cattle and sheep, including their offal, which earned the citizens additional income."

"That’s excellent!" Cristoia’s voice held warmth and pride. "They earn money, we recover our loans, and we even make more profit. Both sides benefit. As Juleios puts it, this is a ’win-win.’ Plus, we can now lend money to other citizens of Turii who need it more."

Andrea nodded eagerly, her enthusiasm contagious. "The interest from this round of loans amounted to 400 drachmas, and the restaurant in Amendolara, open for just over a month, has already earned around 500 drachmas. Together, our profits so far have reached nearly 1,000 drachmas!"

Cristoia’s laughter was light and genuine. "Who would have thought that the livestock offal others despised would turn out to be so delicious and beneficial to the body? If Juleios weren’t so focused on governing the Alliance, he’d undoubtedly become one of the greatest merchants in all of Greece!"

"Lord Juleios is a descendant of Hades, after all. What can’t he do?" Andrea quipped, her admiration evident. Then, as if remembering something, she added, "Madam, several prospective citizens have recently asked whether they can obtain loans for maritime trade."

Cristoia frowned slightly, the gleam in her eyes dimming momentarily. "Maritime trade is quite risky. A single misstep can result in shipwrecks and loss of lives, and recovering the loans might be impossible. Moreover, they are only prospective citizens. If they fail and flee, where would we find them to collect our money?"

As if fate conspired to emphasize her point, a thorn from the rosebush she was planting pricked her finger. Both Andrea and Asuna rushed to her side, tending to the wound with quick efficiency. Cristoia, unbothered by the minor injury, resumed the conversation.

"For loan applications from prospective citizens, we must exercise caution," she said firmly. "First, we need to investigate their character—are they honest and trustworthy? Next, evaluate their seafaring skills and whether they have equivalent collateral or reliable guarantors. Even if all these conditions are met, the agreement should restrict them from engaging in long-distance trade across the Eastern and Western Mediterranean for now."

"I understand, madam," Andrea replied, her tone thoughtful as she committed the guidance to memory.

Meanwhile, in the front hall of Juleios’s residence, two familiar faces sat opposite him.

"Hieronymus, Agasias, it’s been too long! Welcome to my home," Juleios greeted them warmly. Slaves served wine, figs, and dates, ensuring the guests felt at ease.

Agasias leaned forward, a mixture of urgency and hesitation in his demeanor. "Lord, we’ve come to request your help," he began.

"Oh? Speak freely," Juleios encouraged.

Agasias’s expression grew somber. "Back in Persia, when we were fighting to return to Greece, we relied on each other to survive. In Byzantium, Hieronymus, I, and a few others followed you to Magna Graecia, thinking our comrades who returned home would finally find peace. But recently, we received news that they’re being forced by the Spartans to fight in Asia Minor for meager pay. It’s heartbreaking."

Hieronymus, who had been quiet, added, "We live comfortably now, but our friends remain trapped in dangerous battles. It’s not right."

Agasias pressed on. "Lord, our Alliance has land and enemies aplenty. Why not invite them here? They’re seasoned warriors, familiar with us, and share similar habits. They would strengthen our forces immeasurably."

Juleios’s smile faded, replaced by a serious expression. "I understand your sentiment, but they’re currently mercenaries for Sparta. Bringing them here could provoke the Spartans, something we can’t afford."

"Lord, mercenaries are free agents. If they know they have a better option, I’m sure they’ll find their way here without directly involving us," Agasias reasoned earnestly.

Juleios tapped his fingers thoughtfully on the chair. He knew the value of experienced soldiers and the importance of bolstering the Alliance’s military strength. After a moment, he nodded. "Alright, we’ll send someone to spread the word discreetly. Agasias, do you wish to undertake this task?"

"Yes, Lord. I’ll go immediately," Agasias replied, his determination evident.

Turning to Hieronymus, Juleios asked, "How is the training progressing?"

"The new recruits, especially the Turians, are eager and hardworking. They’ve mastered basic skills but lack combat experience," Hieronymus reported.

"Good. Soon, we’ll have more recruits and expanded forces. Ensure their training remains rigorous; they’ll need it. Next year will bring ample opportunities for them to gain real experience on the battlefield."

The implication was clear. Hieronymus’s eyes gleamed with anticipation—Lucania would soon feel the might of the Tula Alliance.

After the two left, Juleios summoned Asistes. His tone was sharp. "I’ve heard there’s growing dissatisfaction among the Turians toward the Amendolarans. Investigate immediately and report back."

"Yes, Lord!" Asistes replied, leaving without delay.

October, traditionally a time for city-states to hold citizen assemblies, passed differently in the Tula Alliance. With the Chief Executive holding a lifetime position and senators appointed or promoted by merit, there were no elections for citizens to partake in. Public officials were elected by the Senate, further minimizing citizen involvement.

Yet, the people were not idle. Amendolaran citizens thrived in the bustling trade district outside their city, while Turians poured their energy into rebuilding homes. Prospective citizens, thrilled by the chance to lease land for the first time, worked tirelessly to prepare their plots for planting. Free people, drawn by opportunity, filled labor vacancies, contributing to the Alliance’s growth.

At the ports, foreign voices mingled with local ones as newcomers registered at the citizenship office. For many, the hope of becoming a full-fledged citizen of the Tula Alliance made every toil and sacrifice worthwhile.

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