Chapter 281: Envoys Gather in Rome - Mediterranean Hegemon of Ancient Greece

Hanno softened his tone and said, "Of course, regarding the Sicilian army's need for naval support, Pretakuba, you need not worry too much. I recall that a few months ago, the Senate passed a resolution to construct 600 warships, with 195 being just a part of this. The warships built thereafter can be organized into fleets and dispatched to the Sicilian seas to assist our forces." Despite Hanno's display of goodwill, Pretakuba remained cautious and did not respond. However, this gesture earned nods of approval from neutral senators like Aesiarius, who thought Hanno was considering the greater good in matters concerning Carthage's survival. "But let's not forget, while we're building warships, the Theonians are doing the same. Their shipbuilding skills are not far behind ours, and in naval battles, we haven't gained any advantage so far. Isn't that right, Anno Bas?" Anno Bas nodded awkwardly. "So," Hanno raised his voice, "let's not pin our hopes on the navy. Our hopes for victory lie in the army, particularly in the 100,000+ strong force led by Mago that has drained Carthage's treasury. I must remind everyone that due to the Theonian fleet's blockade along the Latium coast, we're not entirely aware of the developments there. However, we've gathered some information from merchants trading with the Etruscans to the north. After Rome fell, the Roman army suffered defeat after defeat, retreating to a few small towns in western Latium, now besieged by Theonian forces. They're unlikely to hold out much longer... Once Rome completely falls, the Theonian king might lead his army south to land in Sicily. At that point..." Hanno paused intentionally, observing the worried expressions of the others, and then solemnly continued, "Therefore, Mago must quickly capture Catane and Naxos; time is running out! Although he wrote to explain that he dismissed most Carthaginian generals due to their lack of command ability, we don't know the situation on the front lines and respect his decisions. But those dismissed Carthaginian generals were known to us as excellent citizens of Carthage. Can those ignorant and backward Numibians be better than them?! If that's the case, why are we ruling Numibia and not the other way around?!" "Well said, Hanno!" Many senators felt vindicated and voiced their support loudly. Hanno calmly continued, "I propose we select a group of outstanding Carthaginian citizens to serve under Mago, who can assign them duties based on their abilities. This way, we won't worry about Mago accusing us of interfering with his command and causing tactical failures, and it also gives young Carthaginians a chance to restore their honor." "Agree with Hanno's proposal!" "Hanno, you have thought this through so well. Given the chance, our youths are far superior to those inferior Numibians!" "Only you, Hanno, dare to challenge Mago's bias against Carthaginian citizens. We fully support your proposal!" The senators one by one expressed their agreement enthusiastically. Pretakuba felt both bitter and frustrated inside: Damn Hanno, he's not only created a huge problem for Mago but also stirred up dissatisfaction among the senators against Mago! At this moment, he noticed Hanno smiling at him. ------------------------------------------- While the Carthaginian Senate was fiercely debating the reinforcement of Sardinia with the new fleet, Daevos had already returned to Rome. The news of Rome's complete conquest had been picked up by surrounding tribes and forces closely watching the developments. They sent envoys to Rome, hoping to meet the Theonian king. Although the entire Theonian army had been in the territory of Satricum for 20 days, Daevos lifted their restrictions upon his departure, taking only the 5th legion and nearly 6,000 Roman troops back with him to Rome. That evening, Daevos hosted a banquet at Rome's city hall to entertain the envoys. "The war in Latium has just ended, Rome is in disrepair, and the people's lives are still difficult. We can't prepare a more lavish feast for our esteemed guests. I offer this cup of wine as an apology!" Daevos said apologetically from the head of the table, raising his wine cup. "My king, that's not quite right!" shouted Cataemantaros, the Volsci envoy and also the consul of Bolerium. "The defeat of Rome is the best hospitality to us Volscians! When the Romans aggressively invaded our Volscian territory, you risked war with Rome's ally, Carthage, by decisively sending reinforcements to help us repulse the Romans, sparing our lands from long-term devastation... The Volscian Alliance has sent me as an envoy to meet you, my king, to tell you that all Volscians regard the Theonians as eternal friends. So the first glass of wine should be a heartfelt thank you from all of us Volscians!" With that, he stood, raised his full cup of wine, and prepared to drink it. To everyone's surprise, the envoy next to him immediately stood, shouting, "Hold on! The first glass should be from us Hernicians to toast to you, my king! Without your personally leading the army and taking great risks to campaign against Rome, decisively defeating the Romans, the Hernicians might have already perished! You and Theonia are the greatest benefactors to us Hernicians, and we will always be your loyal allies!" Witnessing this, Daevos was visibly moved, saying, "Esteemed guests, Theonia's victory over Rome was greatly aided by the full support of the Volscians and Hernicians! I made a mistake earlier; this first toast should be shared with you to celebrate our collaborative victory over Rome! And may the alliance and friendship between Theonia, the Volscians, and Hernicians endure forever!" With that, Daevos raised the cup to his lips. "You're right, my king, this toast should indeed be shared between Theonia, the Volscians, and Hernicians!" Cataemantaros smiled meaningfully before downing his wine. "In Latium, Hernicians will fully support Theonia!" affirmed the Hernician envoy Nemeri loudly before drinking his wine. Witnessing these exchanges, some envoys showed slight expressions of change, while others pondered, each understanding a crucial fact: Theonia was not only militarily powerful, having defeated Rome, but it also enjoyed the full support of central Italian powers Volsci and Hernicians. Combined with the Latin city-states that had submitted to it, Theonia's strength in central Italy surpassed Rome at its peak. So, when Daevos again filled his cup and toasted all present envoys, they rose and respectfully offered their congratulations. "Honorable Daevos, Your Majesty!" exclaimed an envoy, wiping wine from his lips. "Now that Rome has been conquered by Theonia, is Theonia planning to support a new Rome, or will it become a vassal of Theonia?" As soon as the words were spoken, Daevos understood through his translator that the speaker was a Sabine envoy from Keate. Daevos knew that the relationship between Romans and Sabines was complex. Initially, Romulus, Rome's founder, led a group of Latin exiles to the banks of the Tiber, surviving those early difficult days through raids on nearby Sabine towns. For centuries, Rome and the Sabines had engaged in multiple conflicts, but many Sabine tribes had either willingly or unwillingly joined Rome, becoming Roman citizens. Thus, Daevos gravely announced, "Cities like Rome, Veii, Gabii, and Fidenae have been won through the sacrifice of Theonian citizens and their blood. They will all become part of the Theonian Kingdom! The kingdom will commit fully to assisting the Roman and Latin people, now Theonian citizens, in rebuilding these lands, turning them into prosperous towns in central Italy, and ensuring a wealthy life for them." The envoys exchanged glances, each harboring their own thoughts. "Honorable King of Theonia." The Aequi envoy impatiently inquired, "With Rome's previous strength often threatening our security, will Rome, now part of Theonia, continue to provoke wars, greedily seeking more territory?" His question prompted all the envoys to perk up their ears, directing their attention towards Daevos. Daevos observed their expressions closely, understanding the underlying implication: While the Aequi's question concerned Rome, they were actually inquiring about the future diplomatic policies of the Theonian Kingdom, which had suddenly established itself in central Italy. This was likely the foremost concern for all the envoys present. With a slight smile, he declared confidently, "If you are familiar with the history of Theonia's founding, you will see that Theonia has never actively sought to invade the lands of other city-states or tribes. Typically, it is other forces that first encroach upon Theonia—sometimes even breaking promises and tearing up treaties to invade Theonian territories and massacre our people. Such betrayals ignite our ire, prompting Theonia to respond fiercely and annihilate those threats."