The Rise Of An Empire In Ancient Europe-Chapter 176: Juleios’ Visit (Part 4)

"Hehe, that’s because even he hasn’t had enough of playing yet!" Juleios quipped, his voice carrying across the field. Then, with a mischievous glint in his eye, he called out to the Lucanian youths gathered nearby, "Do you all want to play?"

"Of course we do!" the young men shouted in unison, their enthusiasm electrifying the air.

"Alright then!" Juleios declared, his energy infectious. "I’ll play as the quarterback. Who wants to join my team and challenge the winners of the current game?"

Kxima was the first to step forward. "I will!" he exclaimed, his voice brimming with eagerness. Urazza quickly followed, and within moments, a full team of 55 players had assembled. Besides Juleios and the captain of the guards, Martius—both Greeks—the team consisted entirely of young Lucanians from the surrounding tribes.

Juleios led the spirited group toward the playing field, their excitement palpable. The guards, well aware of their Archon’s intentions, formed a protective perimeter around the team but made no effort to deter the growing crowd of onlookers. Sesta, ever mindful of order, hurried to find Kapus, instructing him to deploy the First Battalion soldiers to maintain discipline around the field. Meanwhile, the families of the Fourth Battalion soldiers were ushered into the city, and the Thurii elders, less enthused by the prospect of a rugby match, ambled toward the field at a more leisurely pace.

As the elders walked, Hermon turned to Vespa, his eyes filled with awe. "Vespa, is it true what your son said—that you’ve become an elder in the Dionian League’s Senate?"

Vespa, clad in the robes of a senator with their distinctive purple trim, basked in the moment. The admiration in Hermon’s voice, coupled with the glances of respect—and perhaps a touch of fear—from old acquaintances, filled him with pride. The shame of aligning with the Greeks had long since been replaced by the satisfaction of his elevated status.

"Of course it’s true!" Vespa replied, shaking his sleeves in an exaggerated display. "Didn’t the Archon himself say, ’The League belongs to both Greeks and Lucanians’? It’s only natural for Lucanians to join the Senate and serve as elders."

Hermon nodded in agreement but gestured discreetly toward the Thurii elders ahead. "Lord Juleios may treat us Lucanians well, but their attitudes seem less welcoming."

"That’s to be expected," Vespa said with a knowing sigh. "The people of Thurii and Amendolara have suffered greatly at the hands of Lucanians. It’s not something they can forget overnight. Even Lord Juleios acknowledges that changing these attitudes will take time."

"What exactly do you do as a Senate elder?" Hermon asked, his curiosity piqued.

Vespa’s chest swelled with pride. "We propose laws, discuss major issues, and help the Archon solve problems. Sometimes, we’re tasked with specific responsibilities. For example, I oversee Lucanian affairs in the League. Anything related to the Lucanians must first pass through me. I can propose policies that benefit us, like the 5% tax rate for Neutum’s Lucanian citizens."

Hermon’s admiration grew. "You’ve done great things for us, Vespa!"

Vespa smiled but quickly tempered his pride with a sigh. "But there are only two Lucanian elders in the Senate—Bagule and myself. Bagule will likely remain in Neutum, which leaves me alone in Thurii. I’m too few in number to argue effectively against the Greek elders. If more Lucanians could join the Senate, we would have a stronger voice."

Hermon’s eyes gleamed with ambition. "Can other Lucanians also become Senate elders?"

"Of course," Vespa replied smoothly. "As long as they make significant contributions to the League—whether by bringing more tribes into the fold, earning the support of their people, or successfully completing challenging tasks. The Senate values capable leaders."

Hermon nodded thoughtfully, clearly imagining himself in such a role.

That evening, Juleios convened with the elders at Neutum’s administrative office. Reports from Sesta, Bagule, and Asistes outlined the progress made in stabilizing the city.

"As of today, 2,503 reserve citizens are registered in Neutum—2,201 Lucanians and 302 Greeks," Sesta began. "Additionally, there have been 627 mixed marriages between Greeks and Lucanians over the past few days."

Bagule immediately expressed his gratitude for the League’s support, while Asistes added, "With the Fourth Battalion settling here, Neutum will have a total of 3,455 citizens, including reserve citizens."

Juleios interrupted, his voice decisive. "I can assure you that the Fourth Battalion will indeed settle here. They will serve as the cornerstone for Neutum’s stability and defense."

Bagule stood and declared solemnly, "As citizens of the League, we will ensure that Neutum remains firmly under its control!"

The elders nodded approvingly, their faith in the Fourth Battalion reinforced.

"Sesta, Bagule, and Asistes, you’ve achieved remarkable results in such a short time," Juleios said, his voice warm with praise. "On behalf of the Senate, I extend our deepest gratitude."

The three men were visibly moved. Sesta felt vindicated, his leadership proven. Bagule’s pride swelled as the efforts of his Lucanian tribes were acknowledged. Asistes, eager for greater responsibilities, silently vowed to continue proving his worth.

The conversation turned to the influx of people into Neutum. Bagule noted, "Hermon, Kxima, and other small tribal leaders are planning to persuade the remaining tribes in the mountains to join the League. Even people from Laos have started arriving, seeking to become citizens."

"What of resources?" Scombras asked. "Our livestock has already been distributed."

"We have enough land to allocate to them," Bagule replied. "If needed, we can use the vacant lands near Thurii."

The elders debated the matter, but Juleios interjected firmly. "We’ll address the situation with the people of Laos when Avinoges arrives. If he doesn’t come, we’ll need to reassess Laos’ commitment to the alliance."

His words resonated with the elders, their agreement evident.

Finally, Juleios outlined the next steps. "Sesta, Bagule, once Neutum’s people are settled, focus on military training. I’ll send instructors to ensure the troops are well-prepared. Mix the youth of the tribes with Greek citizens wherever possible. And organize more rugby games—the Lucanians seem to love the sport."

Bagule smiled. "Kxima and the others have already told me they find rugby far more exciting than bullfighting. It’s become a favorite."

"Good," Juleios said with satisfaction. "Let them play, but ensure the teams include both Greeks and Lucanians. It will help foster unity—and perhaps teach the Lucanians some Greek as well."

Bagule nodded. "I’ll do my best, my lord."

As the meeting concluded, the room buzzed with a shared sense of purpose. Under Juleios’ leadership, Neutum was becoming more than a city; it was a symbol of unity, resilience, and the boundless potential of the Dionian League.

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