The Rise Of An Empire In Ancient Europe-Chapter 162: Winning Over

Andrea shyly covered her mouth with her hand, savoring the delicious lamb as she sincerely praised, "It will definitely be very popular!" Her voice carried the enthusiasm of discovery. But ever the practical one, she quickly added, "Though making this dish requires someone to constantly add firewood and maintain the heat. That’s a bit troublesome."

Juleios, smiling at her observation, responded with an approving nod. "You are absolutely right, Andrea. Serving a table of steaming hot beef and lamb does require dedicated staff, which is why our charges will be slightly higher. But remember, this concept isn’t limited to just beef and lamb; we can also cook other delicacies."

As if on cue, the slaves brought out trays of sliced cow stomach, lamb blood vessels, and seaweed. The guests, intrigued, watched as these new ingredients were added to the boiling pot. Moments later, the savory aroma wafted through the air, and when everyone tasted the dishes, they agreed that the flavors were exceptional.

Juleios seized this moment, turning to Vespa and Bagul with a smile. "You see, after slaughtering a sheep, nearly every part has value. The fur can make warm clothing, the bones can be boiled into soup, the meat can be enjoyed, and the intestines turned into sausages. Even the other internal organs can be transformed into delicious meals. With a bit of ingenuity, nothing is wasted."

His tone shifted, becoming more deliberate, as he continued, "If we promote this properly, Greeks will gradually develop a taste for beef and lamb. The Lucanians, renowned across Magna Graecia for their skills in herding livestock, could thrive. If their cattle and sheep are welcomed by the citizens of the Tula Alliance, the lives of the Lucanians will naturally improve."

Vespa and Bagul were caught off guard. They hadn’t expected this meal to segue into a heartfelt discussion about improving the livelihoods of the Lucanians. A Greek governor showing such concern for their people was both surprising and deeply moving. Unsure of how to respond, they remained silent, their expressions a mixture of gratitude and reflection.

Breaking the solemnity, Juleios raised his wine glass high. "Come, let’s continue drinking!" he exclaimed.

A Banquet of Unity

The banquet unfolded with joviality. Between the novel dishes and the refreshing new beer, laughter and camaraderie filled the air. With the gentle encouragement of two beautiful women adding to the warmth, the evening proved to be one of comfort and connection.

As the banquet wound down, the living room became quieter. Only Juleios, Vespa, and Bagul remained. The mood, now subdued and intimate, seemed ripe for deeper conversation.

Taking advantage of the alcohol loosening tongues, Vespa leaned forward and asked directly, "Governor, earlier you mentioned that I could still lead my tribe. What did you mean?"

Juleios’s expression turned serious yet welcoming. "Once you complete your labor service and become a citizen of the Tula Alliance, I intend to invite you to join the Senate. There, you can represent the Lucanians, making suggestions and protecting their interests. Isn’t that essentially the same as leading your tribe?"

Vespa listened intently, his mind racing. He had come to understand, during his captivity in Amendolara, that Juleios genuinely wanted to integrate the Lucanians into the Alliance. The reduced labor service periods and improved treatment were proof enough. And yet, as a tribal leader, he wrestled with the responsibilities and traditions he carried. Now, Juleios was offering him a path forward—one that carried both honor and compromise.

Still, emboldened by the wine, Vespa voiced his concerns. "Governor, turning my people into citizens of the Tula Alliance under your laws would take four or five years. That’s too long!"

Juleios’s eyes twinkled with anticipation, as if Vespa had walked into a carefully laid trap. "According to the Immigration Law, that’s true. But there’s a special task I have in mind. If your tribe participates and succeeds, I will personally petition the Senate to immediately grant full citizenship to the men of your tribe. Not only will you join the Senate, but I’ll also recommend Bagul for membership."

Bagul’s eyes widened with excitement, while Vespa, though equally astonished, retained a cautious demeanor. "What task would require such a reward?" he asked carefully.

Juleios’s tone grew measured and deliberate. "Avinogis, the leader of Laos, has allied with the Tula Alliance. Together, we are preparing to reclaim Neutum."

A Difficult Choice

The room fell into a heavy silence. Vespa and Bagul exchanged glances, their faces reflecting the weight of the proposal. The idea of turning their weapons against fellow Lucanians, even under the banner of an alliance, was a difficult pill to swallow. Lucanian tribes had fought each other for centuries, but this felt different—a collaboration with outsiders against their own kind.

Juleios observed their struggle and pressed on, his voice steady but persuasive. "Lucanians under the Tula Alliance will not only enjoy the rights and responsibilities of citizens but will also retain their cultural traditions. The Alliance will protect, not suppress, your way of life."

Vespa’s gaze sharpened. "We can still worship our gods?" he asked urgently.

"Not only that," Juleios replied, his tone warm and reassuring. "You’ll have the freedom to build altars and temples. Take your Bull Festival, for example. After joining the Tula Alliance, you can continue to hold it, make it even grander, and invite Greeks to participate. Imagine the unity that could bring!"

"Governor, are you serious?" Vespa’s voice trembled with a mixture of hope and disbelief.

"I swear to Hades," Juleios said solemnly, raising his hands in a gesture of divine promise.

This pledge tipped the scales. The assurance that their culture, religion, and identity would not only survive but thrive under the Alliance’s protection resonated deeply with Vespa and Bagul. They began to see the Alliance not as an oppressor but as a stabilizing force that could bring peace and prosperity to their people.

After a brief, hushed conversation, Vespa turned back to Juleios. "We are willing to join the Tula Alliance army and assist in the campaign to capture Neutum."

A Senate Divided

The next morning, an emergency Senate meeting convened in Amendolara to maintain confidentiality. The agenda was twofold: announcing the treaty signed by Avinogis and debating the collective citizenship of the Vespa tribe.

The first matter passed smoothly, the Senate eagerly supporting the war against the Lucanians. But the second issue ignited a storm. Senators from Turii and Amendolara, still nursing wounds from past conflicts with the Lucanians, vehemently opposed the idea of granting citizenship to the Vespa tribe.

Poluxis, leading the opposition, thundered, "The Governor is turning our civilized Greek city into a barbaric Lucanian village! Have we already forgotten the suffering they brought us?"

Supporters of Juleios, including Antonios and Alexis, countered with equal passion. "The Lucanians have proven their loyalty and are willing to fight for the Alliance. Are we so short-sighted as to reject willing allies?"

As tempers flared and insults flew, Juleios rose to his feet, his voice cutting through the chaos like a blade. "Silence! Or leave this chamber!"

The room fell into a tense silence as Juleios fixed his piercing gaze on the assembly. "If we reject the Vespa tribe, how do you propose we govern Neutum after its capture? By slaughtering its people? By enslaving them and forcing Greeks to settle in a remote mountain city? Would that truly stabilize the region?"

The senators were silent, the weight of Juleios’s logic pressing upon them. Slowly but surely, his vision began to take root in their minds.

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