Volume 6: The Meeting of Two Heroes, Chapter 128: Preparations for the Great Battle (Part 3)

“Sedorum is truly the most suitable candidate!” This time, Kynogoratas and Cornelius’s answer was far more sincere than before.

Since arriving in Thurii, Sedorum had been kept idle, rarely speaking during Senate meetings, so the Greek senators knew little about him. But Davos, through the Intelligence Department’s gathered information, understood him deeply—he knew that Sedorum had once allied with the Lucanian tribal alliance to invade Thurii, then later turned against the Lucanians who had been defeated by Davos, burning their camp. He was also the man most feared by Piallen, the Great Chief of Cosentia, yet it was Sedorum who had first advocated for the establishment of the Bruttian tribal alliance… That was why Davos had initially kept him idle, planning to give him an important role only after the Bruttian region was completely stabilized—he never expected this war to break out.

Bagiripi stared at Sedorum in astonishment, almost wanting to say: Isn’t some of the methods you plan to enact through your decrees a bit too harsh toward our own people?

Sedorum noticed his expression but paid it no mind. A few years ago, these tribes in the Bruttian region were still fighting among themselves; it was only the harshness of their surroundings that forced them to unite. In truth, beyond his own tribe, he didn’t care much for the others. His only thought now was how to quickly quell the Bruttian rebellion and demonstrate his administrative ability to King Davos and the Senate.

Just then, Rodom reentered the command tent, a trace of alarm on his face. “Your Majesty, from the west… a messenger has arrived from the west, saying—” Rodom glanced at the others inside, then instinctively moved forward to whisper in Davos’s ear.

“The west? Could it be?!” Davos felt a slight shock and immediately said, “These gentlemen are right here. No need to hide it; speak up directly. I suppose it’s another piece of bad news?”

“Yes!” Facing the probing gazes of Kynogoratas and the others, Rodom swallowed his saliva. “The messenger says that two days ago, the army from Laüs attempted to assault the Lao River Fortress but was repelled. After confirmation by Hemon, Achradamas of Laüs has declared withdrawal from the Daonia Alliance and declared war on Daonia!”

“What?! Laüs has rebelled too?!” Cornelius exclaimed, while the other three also showed signs of panic. Truly, it was one calamity after another these days—bad news coming in an endless stream.

“Pay attention—it is Achradamas who has betrayed us. Henipolis will never betray us!” Davos said with absolute certainty, a cold glint flashing in his eyes. “These people who are not loyal to Daonia, when Daonia faces difficulties, they jump out one by one to take advantage of us, wasting all the care we’ve given them over the years! Perfect! This war will allow us to wipe them all out!” The murderous intent and confidence in Davos’s words lifted the spirits of the four men.

Kynogoratas steadied himself and suggested, “Your Majesty, although Magistrate Henipolis will not betray us, the thousand-plus Laüs soldiers under his command may still be influenced. Should we temporarily keep this news sealed, and only make it public after the situation stabilizes? That would also benefit the people, who have been troubled these past days.”

Davos nodded. He understood Kynogoratas’s unspoken meaning: the people had just responded to the oracle and elected him king, and now in the blink of an eye, Laüs had rebelled—what would the expectant citizens think?

“You speak truly. Rodom, go keep the messenger under guard and have him avoid contact with others. After I write my instructions, send him back to the Lao River Fortress immediately. Also, dispatch twenty guards to take over the mountain pass sentry post. Anyone coming from the west is to be sent to the army camp and detained.”

“Yes!” Rodom turned and left.

“Gentlemen, Achradamas’s rebellion is no big deal. With Laüs’s current strength, he cannot breach the Lao River Fortress, and attacking the strategically advantageous Vergae would be more costly than it’s worth. Achradamas is now like a turtle, holed up inside his city, waiting for Syracuse to defeat us so he can reap the benefits—but that is nothing but a dream!” Davos looked at the four men, then said solemnly, “Sedorum, your appointment as military governor comes just at the right time. Take the Senate’s formal appointment order signed by me and head to Bruttii immediately. Warn Saru to be vigilant against Laüs, but not to attack rashly. After pacifying Bogam’s rebels, have Heilos lead his army to strike Laüs… I imagine Bacule and Hemon are already recruiting soldiers. Then, with a pincer from north and south, we will take Laüs!”

“Yes, Your Majesty.” At the mention of Laüs’s rebellion, Sedorum became somewhat anxious, though he knew that because of the Daonia Alliance, trade between Vergae and Laüs had begun in recent years. Still, the long-standing hostility kept Vergae on guard against Laüs. After years of tempering, Saru had become more composed and should not act recklessly.

After sending off the two Bruttian senators, Davos then asked, “Was there anything else for your visit this time?”

Kynogoratas and Cornelius exchanged glances.

Kynogoratas said seriously, “Your Majesty, you are now the King of Daonia! So, do you have any requirements regarding Daonia’s existing power structure and political system?”

After Kynogoratas finished, Cornelius looked at Davos with slight tension.

Davos smiled faintly. “I am already humbled and uneasy to have been made king by the people. How could I have any extra demands? Just let it operate as before, and everything will be fine.”

Davos’s words relieved both senators.

Davos glanced at them, understanding their concerns—and the entire Senate’s. In truth, his power had always been nearly that of a de facto king: supreme military, administrative, judicial, and sacrificial authority. Now he merely had a legal title; there was no need for major changes.

“However—” He spoke again, tightening their hearts. “Now that I am king, as the symbol of the entire alliance, I will inevitably become the primary target of our alliance’s enemies. I hope to increase the vigilance and protection for my family.”

“Your Majesty, the Senate is about to discuss ‘the security protection the alliance should provide and the rights you should enjoy now that you have become king.’ I believe a decision will come soon,” Kynogoratas replied immediately. As the king of a powerful alliance, the treatment and standards he enjoyed could not be too shabby—otherwise other powers would only laugh. The Senate had already considered this issue.

“As long as my family’s safety is ensured, that’s enough. Don’t make it too complicated, and don’t spend too much energy on it,” Davos reminded them. “Our focus right now is on this damn war!”

“Your Majesty, I hear you are preparing for a naval battle with the Syracusans?” Cornelius asked.

“I was about to tell you about this.” Davos looked at the two men, his expression grave. “Among the enemies we face, the greatest threat is the Syracusan navy! They raid our coast, destroying farmland, villages, and other facilities, killing our people, spreading panic, and forcing us to station troops along the way, dispersing our strength and putting us in a very passive position. At the same time, our transport of supplies and grain to the southern defensive line is threatened; even with increased escorts, we still worry about their ambushes. I heard that just yesterday, there was an attack on a baggage train. Though we repelled the enemy, most of the pack animals in the train were injured.

Moreover, we must pay more attention to Castron! Although among the allied states, Castron has the closest relationship with us, and high-ranking Castron officials like Amykles and Gorgias are very friendly, under the deliberate harassment of the Syracusan navy, Castron is also suffering heavy losses. If this continues, the people of Castron might start to think otherwise…”

Upon hearing this, Kynogoratas and Cornelius’s expressions changed drastically. They had overlooked Castron recently. Its position was too important—if it rebelled, it would cut Daonia’s territory in half. Then Daonia would truly be in danger!

“Therefore, we must drive back the Syracusan navy immediately. We cannot delay any longer!” Davos said firmly.

“But… but the Syracusan navy is far too powerful. Our warships compared to theirs…” Cornelius stammered, his face full of worry.

Davos laughed heartily, suddenly standing up, and said loudly, “The reason I had Seclian prepare in secret from the very beginning was for this battle! Tomorrow will be a day of tears for the Syracusan navy!”

Davos’s confidence strongly infected the two men. Kynogoratas, too, was invigorated and immediately replied, “Your Majesty, what do you need us to prepare? The Senate will go all out for this naval battle!”

“Excellent!”

…

“Madam, the master has already returned to Thurii, but he can’t even spare a look back here?! He only sent Henipolis to deliver a message…” Asuna helped Cheiristoya stroll through the backyard garden, complaining with a hint of resentment.

Cheiristoya’s expression remained calm. She said softly, “He is the commander of the army, the protector of the entire alliance. With a great enemy before us, and now that he has just become king, his responsibilities are even heavier. Of course he must set a good example for all the soldiers and the people! He is probably racking his brains trying to figure out how to defeat the enemy right now. All we need to know is that he is safe and sound, don’t you agree, Sister Agnes?”

Agnes, who was also taking a walk, gently touched her slightly swollen belly. Although she too felt a little disappointed, she spoke with understanding. “You are right, sister. We should not become a hindrance to Davos.”