The Rise Of An Empire In Ancient Europe

"Milon, the people of Crimissa are now citizens of the Dionysian Alliance!" Lysias sighed softly.

Mylon's roar stopped abruptly. He panted, kicked over the wooden chair by the window, and strode out of the room.

Milon's anger soon reached Antaoris's ears, but he didn't care at all. Previously, when the people they sent to contact Dionysia brought back Davos' request, the generals of Crimissa were hesitant about whether to join the Dionysian Alliance. The decisive Antaoris insisted and finally persuaded everyone to agree to Davos' request.

"Eurips, take a hundred citizen soldiers and guard the temple to prevent the Crotone soldiers from plundering our treasury during their retreat!"

"Pleiades, you too, take a hundred citizen soldiers and guard the granary!"

"I and the others will go to Lysias and see if we can reclaim some of the supplies the Crotoneans have stored at the harbor. They've been living in Crimea for so long, the Crotones have to pay for their accommodation!" Antaoris snapped.

"What about the people? Crotone soldiers might come and harass their homes!" someone asked urgently.

"Didn't Davos declare Crimea annexed to Dionysia? Have every household carve 'I am now a Dionysian citizen' on their wooden doors. Let's see which Crotone dares to risk another war and rob Dionysians!"

After Antaoris finished speaking, the people around him looked embarrassed and fell silent. After decades of independence, Crimea was to be incorporated into the Dionysian League. Dionysian would administer Crimea directly, meaning that most of the original members of the Crimean Council would lose their power. They would not have been willing to do so were it not for the pressure of the situation.

In fact, some Crimeans had already responded to Lysias' call and were willing to retreat with the army to Crotone. However, the promises made by Davos and the rapid rise of Thurii and Amendolara after their decline convinced the majority of Crimeans—citizens of the smaller state who had recently endured the oppression of the larger powers—to no longer live in such a situation and chose the victor of the war: the Dionysian League.

"Everyone, please cheer up and work hard to accomplish these things!" Seeing this, Antaoris shouted in encouragement. "We're not doing this for others, but for ourselves. If we can successfully hand over an intact, well-stocked city of Crimea to the Dionysian Alliance, and let them fully recognize our sincerity and ability, more of us might be selected to serve in the Dionysian Senate, and fight for greater benefits for Crimea in the future!"

In the afternoon, the first ships loaded with Crotone soldiers began to depart Crimea's harbor.

Compared to the soldiers' excitement, Myron's expression was gloomy. As Crimea disappeared from his sight, he turned to Lysias and said, "The alliance you signed personally handed the position of hegemony over Magna Graecia to Dionysia! From now on, Crotone will act according to Dionysia's will!"

Lysias was silent for a moment, then said, "Who is responsible for all this?"

Myron's mouth twitched, a bitter expression on his face.

"You should think carefully about how to respond to the Council's questions when you return," Lysias sighed.

As the Crotone army sailed away from Crimea, Davos led his army into the city. Originally, he had intended to bring only a token number of men, but his generals objected. For safety reasons, they instead allowed him to bring half a legion. Antaeus, Eurips, Pleiades, and others who remained from the Crimean council arrived outside the city to greet him.

A brisk melody, played by trumpets and drums, filled the Dionysian camp. As the Crimeans were captivated by this unprecedented music, the Dionysian soldiers, neatly dressed in uniform, marched to the rhythm of the melody in a steady, four-column formation, steadily advancing towards Crimea.

At the head of the column stood Martius, captain of Davos's guard. He held high the banner representing the supreme commander of the Dionysian army, with a dazzling golden statue of Hades. Next came a band composed of buglers and drummers from across the army.

Following the band came a procession of several thousand men, drawn from the First, Second, and Third Legions, distinguished soldiers. Regimental, battalion, and company flags were hoisted high in the air at intervals, creating a long, glittering procession. The soldiers, each smiling and imposing, gave the Crimeans the impression that the Dionysians were not here to flaunt their power or assert their sovereignty, but to marry. Otherwise, the music wouldn't be so cheerful, the colors wouldn't be so vibrant.

The Crimeans even noticed that the Dionysian soldiers didn't carry shields or spears, which surprised them but also touched them, as it was a testament to the Dionysian people's trust in Crimea.

Davos, the other legion commanders, and Avinogenis were unmounted. They marched in the center of the procession, surrounded by guards with red cloaks tied around their shoulders, making them stand out.

The procession halted at the gates of Crimea.

Antaoris and his men came forward to greet them, while Davos and his men emerged from the ranks, escorted by soldiers.

Antaoris walked straight towards Davos, remembering the young consul he had met in the Dionysian Senate, who had spoken harshly and angrily. Though he wore a smile, Antaoris and his men felt a surge of nervousness. It was the immense prestige of two decisive victories over Crotone that created an invisible sense of oppression.

"Lord Davos, former Chief General Antaoris of Crimisa and former members of the Crimisa Council welcome you!" He saluted respectfully, and some followed suit, while others stood in silence.

Davos immediately returned the salute earnestly, saying, "Thank you for your trust and support for the Dionysian Alliance! The facts will prove your choice absolutely correct!"

"Oh, really?! Then what benefits will we gain from fully supporting Crimisa's joining Dionysian?!" someone interrupted.

"Of course!" Davos ignored the strange tone of his voice and said loudly and seriously:

"Become a citizen of Dionia. No matter which city-state you go to in Magna Graecia, you will be respected! Anyone who dares to infringe on your rights, the alliance will seek justice for you, whether you are a noble or a commoner!

You are brave and good at fighting, and you can continue to gain land with your military exploits! You have outstanding abilities and can be evaluated to serve in public office. Eventually, you can become a senator of the Senate and be highly respected for your achievements!

Even if you are an ordinary citizen, you will enjoy the convenience provided by the Dionysian Alliance for your life: cheap and convenient medical care, our highly skilled hospitals guaranteeing the health of our citizens. Our smooth roads and bridges facilitate travel and commerce. Our agricultural officers provide technical assistance for our farming, and our commercial officers can assist you in obtaining low-interest loans for your business ventures.

We also have a battle-hardened, rigorously trained citizen soldiery to ensure the security of our territory...

So, once you become familiar with Dionysia's life and understand its institutions and laws, you'll realize how different it is from other city-states, and you'll be proud to be a Dionysian citizen!"

At this moment, Davos was clearly boastful and complacent.

Antaeus, Euripus, and the others' eyes flickered, seemingly intrigued, while others seemed lost in thought.

"Oh... since Dionysia is so good, do we have a chance to become consuls in the future?!" someone asked.

At these words, Capus, Draco, Hieronymus, and even Avinogenes all stared with wide eyes, sensing the speaker's ill intentions, clearly targeting Davos with criticism.

Most of the Crimean people also paled, fearing that angering Davos would harm Crimea.

Davos, however, remained calm. This was undoubtedly the point for which Dionysia was most criticized by the other Greek city-states. He knew that Crimea was different from Amendolara and Thurii. Both cities had been saved by Davos from the brink of destruction, and the people were deeply grateful, yet also needed strong protection. Therefore, they had no major objections to Davos becoming the Alliance's lifelong consul.

Furthermore, Davos had always been law-abiding, consulting with the Senate on all matters and rarely acting arbitrarily. The only time he had acted arbitrarily was when he had recently, against all odds, advocated for the Battle of Crotone, ultimately achieving victory. Consequently, over time, the people had come to accept Davos's appointment as the Alliance's lifelong consul.

Not to mention Nieutum. The Lucanians, who always believed in power, had no objections.

Only when Crimea, once an enemy, was conquered by Dionysia's might did some people harbor resentment and find fault with Dionysia. So, of course, Davos wasn't shy:

"Dionysia was able to rapidly develop into a powerful state in Magna Graecia, even defeating Crotone, because we have a political system that differs from other Magna Graecia city-states. I've heard that some Crimeans have already left with the Crotonites. Those who dislike Dionysia are free to leave now. Those who remain and become Dionysian citizens should quickly adapt to the Dionysian system and abide by its laws!"

The sharpness in Davos' words silenced some Crimeans who were still about to raise objections.

"Look, this is Dionysia's—hmm." The man who had spoken earlier was about to criticize Dionysia again, but was silenced by two guards sent by Antaeonis.

"Lord Davos, it's our fault for keeping the Dionysian soldiers waiting here. Please go into the city together!" Antaoris said apologetically.

"Okay!" Davos gave him a meaningful smile.