CHAPTER 184: CHAPTER 184: STORM AND RAIN

Agassias exhaled deeply, a wave of gratitude washing over him. Juleios had delivered on every promise, offering his former comrades a path to stability and prosperity within the alliance.

Timasion and his companions listened intently, though Cleon, his expression still tinged with discontent, remarked, "Juleios, you’re a lifelong consul and, from what I’ve heard, you control the Senate. Isn’t this similar to... what’s-his-name... that Pisistratus from Athens?"

"Cleon, that’s outrageous!" Philesius burst out, his voice sharp with indignation.

Juleios raised a hand, signaling calm, and replied evenly, "What you mean to say is that I resemble a tyrant, isn’t it?"

Cleon froze, realizing too late that his blunt words had crossed a line. He lowered his head, avoiding Juleios’s steady gaze.

Juleios continued, his voice firm yet measured. "I won’t deny that it’s a fair question, so I’ll answer with a single fact: When I brought over a thousand mercenaries into this alliance, we foreigners were a minority. Today, the alliance boasts over five thousand soldiers and twenty thousand reserve citizens, most of whom are native Magna Graecians. Yet we mercenaries occupy half the seats in the Senate. Do you think the locals have no objections? Of course, they do. But why haven’t they risen against us?"

He paused, scanning the room. "It’s because of fairness and justice. The laws of the alliance apply equally to everyone—Amendolarans, Thurians, Lucanians, foreigners, and freedmen alike. If there were any unjust treatment, I would have been impeached long ago by the ten thousand citizens of this alliance."

The room fell silent, Juleios’s words cutting through any lingering doubt.

Hieronymus, visibly moved, lowered his head. "Lord Juleios, I never considered these complexities. I deeply regret any trouble I’ve caused in maintaining our place here."

Philesius, too, spoke up, his tone reflective. "I always assumed this life was something I earned, never realizing the delicate balance you’ve worked so hard to uphold."

"That’s how it should be," Juleios said warmly. "Don’t overthink it. Live naturally—tend to your fields, fight when needed. You’ve supported me every step of the way, and I’m grateful for it. A toast to all of you!"

He raised his cup, and the others followed suit, clinking glasses in a rare moment of unity.

After a brief exchange of glances, Timasion broke the silence. "Juleios, with three thousand of our brothers soon arriving, what should we do? What do you suggest?"

Juleios leaned back, pondering for a moment. "First, they should visit Thurii’s registry office to apply for citizenship in the alliance. Next, they’ll need a place to stay. Amendolara has affordable inns, but once the soldiers return from Neutum, Philesius can arrange for them to temporarily board with local families. That should solve the immediate housing problem."

He continued, "As for work, the docks and markets are booming and urgently need labor. Additionally, the alliance is preparing to construct a road from Thurii to Neutum, which will require a significant workforce. Jobs won’t be hard to find. More importantly, they must work diligently—not only to earn money but to demonstrate their value to the registry office. This will ease their path to full citizenship."

The mercenary leaders nodded, finding Juleios’s suggestions practical.

"And during training periods," Juleios added, "Philesius will arrange for them to participate in military drills. The alliance’s combat methods are precise and require discipline. Familiarizing themselves with these techniques will be crucial for their success in future battles. If they distinguish themselves in the upcoming campaign in Lucania, their path to citizenship could be significantly shortened."

Zantiparis raised a concern. "I’ve heard that any legal violation during the assessment period can jeopardize their chances. We’re mercenaries—accustomed to a life of freedom. What if one of us inadvertently breaks the law?"

Juleios nodded gravely. "First offenses are often forgivable, but I urge you to caution your men. The alliance’s laws are strict for a reason: to ensure peace and order. A single mistake could set them back years."

He paused, then added, "One more suggestion. I know your men will arrive armed, but I recommend handing over their weapons to Philesius for safekeeping in the armory. This isn’t confiscation; the alliance has more weapons than it could ever need. However, until your men settle in and adapt, it’s best to avoid potential conflicts that could escalate into violence. Consider it a precaution."

Timasion frowned but remained silent, weighing the proposal.

"Think it over," Juleios said. "It’s for everyone’s safety."

Later that night, Juleios returned home, exhausted. Cristoia stood by the window, gazing out at the quiet city.

"How was the banquet?" she asked softly, sitting beside him as he collapsed onto the bed.

Juleios sighed, his voice tinged with weariness. "After all these months apart, they’re still the same, but I’ve changed. What do you think that means?"

Cristoia furrowed her brows thoughtfully. "Did they make unreasonable demands?"

"They want immediate citizenship, even Senate seats," Juleios admitted.

Cristoia pressed a finger to his lips, her expression playful. "Let me guess... Cleon?"

Juleios chuckled. "Who else? Zantiparis is gentle, Timasion is proud, but Cleon has always been bitter. He even held grudges against me and Xenophon back in the day."

Cristoia’s hand caressed his face. "Who could blame him? In just six months, you’ve built all of this. Anyone would envy you."

"Even you?" Juleios teased.

"I’m madly in love with you," she whispered, her voice full of warmth.

Elsewhere, Cleon was pacing angrily. "Did you hear that? Juleios expects us to farm and build roads! I’ve been a mercenary for over a decade—build roads? Ridiculous! And he wants us to hand over our weapons? What are we, sheep waiting to be slaughtered?"

Zantiparis attempted to calm him. "Juleios’s concerns are valid. Managing such a large alliance isn’t easy. He can’t risk giving us special treatment."

"He’s weak!" Cleon spat. "This is our chance to take over!" But even as he spoke, his voice faltered. After a pause, he muttered, "I just... don’t understand why he has everything, and we have nothing."

The storm brewing within Cleon mirrored the uncertainty of their futures, but in Juleios’s hands lay the promise of a new beginning—for those willing to seize it.