Imperator: Resurrection of an Empire

The Princess's unknown fate was a tragedy, but it was also a distraction, as much as he wanted to save her now, Julius couldn't just focus solely on her especially since he didn't even know which direction to head in to do so.

The empire's strength would falter possibly, the Vassal State of Roserun would raise a stink about it, and our neighbors trying to probe and test the countries resovle.

He had seen what happened when nations turned their focus inward.

Civil war.

Revolts.

Weakness.

No—his vision was clear.

The Kingdom needed to look beyond its borders.

Expansion.

Diplomacy.

Strength.

Revenge.

The northern frontier remained secure behind The Great Wall for now against The Visigoth Empire, but Julius knew it would not last.

He had been away for months now and that gave plenty of time for the world map he knew and could see to have shifted redrawing national borders.

The warring forces of the world were still very much volatile, each making grabs and plays for power, only the southern continent seemed to be peaceful as the One major power and three minor ones were working closely with Romanus and were almost entirely allied with us.

And just as one war would end bring about an end to hostilities, but they (battles) were like the Hydra—cut off one head, and another would rise, only deadlier.

To the east, trade routes with the desert kingdoms remained tenuous at best, at least that was the news he'd last heard before leaving for the war.

The remaining riches of the southern penninsula remained untapped as the Ramie continued to secure their hold over the fallen Carthaginian lands.

He had grown complacent, rather than heading off to war, Julius should have remained behind to grown his nation as their leader, but even thinking this he knew his presence was required on the battlefield lest his legions fall and with them the Spartan kingship and a valuable ally.

Julius's victories abroad had reminded the world of his power, but maintaining that power required more than brute force since a true allied continental force could wipe his fledgling nation from the face of the earth.

He would need to act decisively upon his return.

First, to unleash a new wave of technological prowess thanks to the built up Tech Points.

Second, with the new technology in place upgrading the Kingdom facilities to allow for greater growth of our economic, and militaristic power.

Trade alliances, naval dominance, and perhaps even new conquests in aggressive lands.

And yet, one question lingered.

What had truly happened to Princess Yurasia?

The reports were contradictory at best.

Some of the men claimed she had been slain by a traitor among her ranks except no body could be found.

Others in the region whispered of an ambush orchestrated by foreign agents but still without proof of her death.

A few, more wildly, suggested she had been taken captive and spirited away to parts unknown.

If she were alive, her return could unify the Kingdom since if she was safely returned I don't think I could stop by beating heart from spitting out the words I held back for so long.

If she were dead, her absence would need to be answered by swift justice against those who caused it.

Julius exhaled, his breath heavy with purpose.

He would need to investigate Yurasia's fate, discreetly but thoroughly.

Answers had to be found, not just for the stability of the Kingdom, but for his own peace of mind.

- -

The distant coastline grew sharper as the fleet drew closer.

Julius could now make out the faint outline of the Capital Port— Nova Carthago, one of three beating hearts of the empire, a source of it's naval dominance, and growing naval trade.

Its towering marble spires lining the grand port glinted in the waning light, and the great collossus, a monument to Rome's strength, loomed large above the sprawling streets, as the great figure of the Sea God looked out into the endless borders of the sea.

As the flagship approached the harbour, the sounds of celebration grew louder.

Crowds had gathered along the docks to welcome the returning fleet.

Soldiers stood ready to form ranks, and banners bearing the Royal family crest fluttered in the sea breeze.

Julius's expression remained impassive as he observed the scene.

His men deserved their moment of glory, but his thoughts remained on the days ahead.

Romanus was a land of opportunity, and Julius would need to tread carefully in the days ahead lest his simmer rage be let loose.

His every move would be scrutinized on an international level, every word weighed for hidden meanings by the visiting ambassadors, he had proven a point to them once before, but now things were different this time they would fear his growing power.

Julius had only started his journey, bringing about the reclaimation of the Empire was his endgame, Romanus was currently a player on the world stage, but if you were to pull up a leaderboard and view the national ranking, even amonst the Great Powers, at best they would place maybe seventh out of the eight Major powers, but on the scale of all the nations of the world, the kingdom would land somewhere in the middle of the thirty-six starting nations Julius new at least three had fallen for good, while depending on how the following days in Greecia went another three to four might follow, then whatever other moves had been happening worldwide.

So of the thirty surviving nations Romanus could land probably around tenth at best.

They needed to climb the ranks to secure their place in this world

And perhaps, somewhere out there in the shadows, the truth of Yurasia Roserun's fate awaited him.

As the fleet docked, Julius stepped forward, his boots heavy on the deck, as he strode out and down the gangplank back onto solid ground.

The cheers of the crowd of people rose to a deafening crescendo as word that their King had returned.

He played the part waving to the crowd and being led in a grand procession alongside Serena through Nova Carthago and all the way to the gates of the Eternal city where thanks to a fast horse an impromptu welcome celebration was also hosted by the Romans who were ready to thank their King for the bounty they had been receiving thanks to his efforts abroad.