Imperator: Resurrection of an Empire

After we bloodlessly took control over the first Arcadian city we stopped our advance, the reason being was that General Haddin was set to in theory arrive to reinforce us soon, and at the same time we can get better answers to how the nations of Macedonia and the rest of Arcadia, with Argosia thoroughly subjugated by their own admission after the falling of all their armed forces and eventual retreat of any who managed to escape running into Macedon and Arcadia where they could once again join up with the Alliance forces to stand against the incoming forces of Romanus.

And so for the first time in quite a while we settled down within the city whose name I came to learn was Ephyra, while not the nation's capital it did serve as one of the three great cities of Arcadia, and as the capital was in the center of the nation Ephyra served as a trade hub on the great southern road, one of two great roads that traversed the Peloponnese peninsula running from Republic Athenian in the West all the way round till those roads reached Sparta in the East.

These roads were created century ago by the reigning emperor as a way for news to quickly be able to travel back when Greecia was not separate nations but instead one whole province of the greater Roman Empire, Graecia.

The people of the city took falling under another control pretty well, probably because we had done so without harm to their own and even allowed those who wanted to escape both before and after capture to do so also without harm,

Standing on my inn's balcony as I surveyed out the city having yet to properly get a feel for what Greecian culture was like in this world.

Yuri meanwhile had positioned herself besides be on the terrace likewise looking out on the city, though she and her focus seemed to be more on the people walking the streets, watching as the locals mingled with our off duty legionaires or even chatted up those still on patrol.

As comfortable as the Arcadians had become at the 'visiting' soldiers they every now and again did glance up knowing full well an 'enemy' king was staying within this inn and seeing someone who looked as fair as Julius standing on the ledge made people want to stare up at a king, a sort of being that had been purged from their lands years ago now by the will of Athenia.

Yuri's interest in the people was more than just that she saw the looks of hesitation in their gazes, knowing they full well questions if Julius would keep his word, even if something were to happen.

Yuri had turned round to star at Julius who'd moved back inside now sitting at a table while staring at a map spread out before him.

Probably mentally rehearsing his troop arrangements.

"Commander."

She began, breaking his concentration away from the map to stare at her.

"Ephyra's people are starting to settle into our rule but, they are still worried about one thing, mainly yourself would it not be wise to go and walk about the street to put their minds at ease? Give then a chance to see the source of the rumors for themselves?"

Julius continued to look back at her, but cocking one eyebrow.

"Yuri, if you're suggesting a tour of the city, I can tell you that I've seen plenty from the city walls. And the people have more than seen enough of me when we first passed through the gates."

Yuri meanwhile stifled a smile.

"Come on, Julius, you sight is limited like all men's, and I'm suggesting you join me for a walk through Ephyra, see the people and your own men in person, show them something more than a solider or commander, this wont be a military inspection but as an informal outing."

Julius narrowed his eyes in slight suspicion.

"An informal outing... In other words you're asking me out on a date then?"

Yuri grinned, please her intent was grasped but now despair lingered as she awaited his answer, time and time again he stated he did not have the ability to take either herself or the Queen of Cathage as his lovers, but that didn't mean they couldn't do things together other than those that lovers did.

"If you want to call it that, then i'd be happy but if not them I'm still fine with just the chance to go out with you. And it'll do the people good they only know you as a distant figure now, but that would make you like any other conqueror in their minds, if you aim to be more than a conqueror then be different from one who conquers them."

She could only stand back and grin as she watched him mull over her words.

His disciplined mind weight her suggestion like a calculated maneuver.

Eventually his restiance disappeared and sighing he nodded his head.

"Very well, Yuri. Lead the way, but don't expect any flowers or serenades."

Said as his only other response.

She could only giggle.

"No promises, my lord."

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The couples first stop was the bustling marketplace that lay beneath a wide archway, it was a large collection of shops, and stalls selling spices, women goods, and handcrafted tools.

Julius found himself being captivated by the contrast between his still developing homeland, and the vibrant Arcadian markets.

People milled around, vendors calling out in an energetic hum, and the colorful goods added a lively warmth to the air.

Romanus presently was closer to that of a communist state with only visiting merchants actually making purchases as everyone else was just being given things in exchange for their labors and services, to better develop their own craft and wares rather than receive pay.

This system wouldn't stick around for long, and once the infrastructure was setup Romaus would use the coin they were so freely handing out to outsiders within the country itself but first we had to establish what our own goods were worth and establish the worth of our new currency before we could then have our own citizenry start building up savings after they've stopped building their new industries and have repaid their debts to the state.

Though wary of the pair, the local spread curious glances at the Romanus Commander and rumour King strolling side by side the knockout foreign beauty, the situation even caused Julius to blush a little knowing how much of a riaju he probably looked to all the people his own soldiers included.