NOVEL NEXT Chapter 240: Davos Proposal.
The flat, wide streets, neatly divided blocks, and orderly houses all demonstrate the Dionysian people's dedication to hygiene and order. The towering elevated water bridges spanning the city, the gently turning giant water wheels, the uniquely shaped fountains, and the gurgling streams lining the streets all demonstrate that, as Greeks, the Dionysians possessed a unique approach to architectural art and technology. What
particularly captivated the envoys was the towering white Arc de Triomphe, the imposing Forum de la Victorie, and the grand and imposing Senate Chamber, all clearly showcasing Dionysian ambition and aspirations. Previously, they might have secretly scoffed at Dionysian's presumption. However, after the Second Crotone War, they were forced to confront this city-state alliance. From its inception, they clearly recognized that this emerging city, from its very inception, displayed a distinct distinction from other Greek city-states and aspirations beyond compare.
Forget about anything else, just look at the nearly completed Temple of Hades atop the distant hill. Dionysia is the only city in Greece to have Pluto as its patron deity.
As the envoys thoughtfully surveyed the center of this emerging alliance of city-states, heading west toward the Senate, the citizens of Thurii streamed out of their homes, thronging eastward in high spirits.
"I heard them talking about… distributing land?" the envoy from Silitine asked curiously.
"Yes, I heard that too," the envoy from Trina asked more directly. "Are you planning to distribute the newly acquired lands among the citizens?"
"Gentlemen, Dionysia has not seized any land; it was acquired legally under the covenant!" Plessinus, who had come to greet them, immediately corrected them solemnly.
The envoys didn't object, but internally they were muttering.
"According to the Dionysian Military Law, the Dionysian Citizen Law and the promises made by the Senate before the war, all citizens and prospective citizens who participated in this war will receive land." Plessinus continued without concealing anything: "Based on the achievements of the citizen soldiers in the war and the actual situation of the land in Asprustum, Crimisa, and the northern plains of Croton... The Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Military Affairs under the Senate have done a lot of work during this period. Today is the announcement of the results of the land distribution. Not only the people of Thurii, but also the people of Amendolara and Niutum will come. Because there are too many people, it can only be held outside the city... If the envoys are interested, you can go and have a look after the meeting."
"Let's go to the Senate first and get things done. The people of our city-state are still looking forward to our news!" Seeing that the other envoys were a little tempted, Thesprotis reminded loudly, taking the opportunity to cover up his inner shame. After all, the land distributed by Dionysia was the land that Crotone was forced to cede.
...…
Thesprotes knew this mission wouldn't be as easy as the last one, but he hadn't anticipated the resolute opposition of the entire Dionysian Senate to the pleas of the four city-state envoys.
… "The war just ended, Dionysia suffered heavy losses, and we don't have enough money and food to fight another war!" …
… "The Dionysian citizens have just laid down their shields and spears, and with newly distributed land, they're all ready to rest and recuperate. They should plant wheat on their newly allotted land while spring is still here, and they'll still have a good harvest. Therefore, they have no desire to fight!" …
… "There's no need for Dionysia to antagonize Locri and provoke the powerful city-state of Syracuse!" …
In short, a thousand words boiled down to one simple statement: Dionysia simply wanted to recuperate and not meddle in other people's affairs.
Emissaries from Cyrenia, Trina, and Corumnia subsequently expressed their willingness to sign a defensive alliance with Dionysia, similar to Crotone's. However, this was met with strong opposition from the Dionysian senators. Their reasoning was simple: given Dionysia's current strength, few powers in southern Italy dared to provoke it, while Corumnia, Trina, and Cyrenia were frequently attacked by the Locri and Brutti. Signing such a treaty would effectively enlist the services of a powerful alliance of city-states for protection, clearly benefiting them while leaving Dionysia in the dust.
Negotiations within the Senate reached a stalemate, leaving Thesprotes anxious but unable to find a solution.
At this point, the Trina envoys eagerly asked, "What if I request to join the Dionysian Alliance?"
The Trina envoys were not acting on a whim; they had already been graciously entertained by Amycles and others during their visit to Castellon. At the banquet, Castellon's senators, both intentionally and unintentionally, mentioned the numerous benefits Castellon had received from joining the Dionysian Alliance. At the same time, they witnessed the peace and prosperity of the people of Castellon, which somewhat touched the envoys.
Hisprotis was startled when he heard this, and instinctively shouted, "Siprotis, do you know what you are saying?!"
"Save Trina!" the envoy Siprotis declared confidently. "We Trina people have always abided by our alliance, responded to your call from Crotone, and paid tribute on time every year. And every war has been fought with us, we have actively sent troops and food! Now, in return, the Locri have wreaked havoc on Trina's territory. Trina is a small state, caught between the Hibernians (a city-state in the Locri Alliance, south of Trina) and the Bruttians. If we can't repel the Locri soon and prevent the Bruttians from attacking, the people of Trina will probably starve to death!"
Hisprotis had intended to say: If Trina runs out of food, Crotone can provide assistance.
But he quickly swallowed the words that were about to come to his lips. Crotone had suffered heavy losses in the two wars with Dionia, and the subsequent blockade by the Locrian fleet had also left the city's people facing a food crisis. This was the main reason why Crotone had so eagerly agreed to the three allies within its alliance to seek Dionysia's aid.
He shouted a warning: "Don't you know that by joining the Dionysian Alliance, you can no longer have any alliances with other city-states? If Trina withdraws from the Crotone Alliance, Crotone will immediately withdraw the Crotone troops that are helping Trina defend her. We will not provide Trina with any further aid should the enemy invade again!"
This statement of Thesprotes was directed not only at Trina, but also as a warning to the envoys from Cilitium, Coronia, and even the Dionysian Senate. After all, Crotone was the main force defending the southern city-states against Locri. If it withdrew, not only would the other city-states suffer, but it would also hinder Dionysia's plans.
Therefore, the envoys from Cilitium and Coronia, who had originally had some ideas, remained silent. The Trina envoy, Sipros, was now in a dilemma.
Seeing this, Davos slowly spoke, "Members of the Crotone Alliance, if Dionysia agrees to your request and sends troops to repel Locri, then Locri, and even Syracuse, will likely focus their wrath on Dionysia. No rational Dionysian citizen would allow us to make such a foolish decision to help you at the expense of our own alliance."
Davos's words cast a dark shadow over the envoys.
Davos then changed the subject: "But as you said just now, whether it is Dionia, Crotone, or Cyritium... because of conflicts and conflicts of interest, or even wars, it is ultimately a matter between the city-states of Magna Graecia. But colluding with Syracuse in Sicily, like Locri, and intervening in the war of our Magna Graecia city-state, is undoubtedly like bringing a hungry wolf to the flock of sheep, threatening the security of the entire Magna Graecia city-state. We must end the war with Locri as soon as possible while Syracuse is busy fighting Carthage, and not give Syracuse an excuse to interfere. Therefore, whether to send troops or not, our Dionysian Senate feels very embarrassed! The people need a good reason to make them, who are eager for stability, feel that they are not fighting a meaningless battle for outsiders, and Dionysia does not want to be abandoned after helping you and face powerful enemies alone in the future!"
The envoys fell silent, and the meaning of Davos' words was already very clear.
Thesprotis, however, was distraught. He recalled Lysias's warning before departure: Dionysia might not accept the considerable sums of gold, silver, and supplies promised by the city-states to induce them to send troops, nor might they sign defensive alliance treaties with them. They might want more...
Then, Davos spoke again, "I have a proposal for your consideration."
The moment he paused, every envoy pricked up their ears.
"Dionysia, Crotone, Cyritium, Coronia, and Trina, our five city-states will form an alliance to jointly defend and attack any enemy who dares to invade us. The allies will refrain from aggression, and conflicts can be resolved through negotiation!"
Upon hearing this, the envoys all looked as if they had expected it. Only Thesprotis's expression darkened, while the others were clearly tempted. The Trina envoy, Sipros, especially, became active again, asking, "May I ask, Archon, who will lead this alliance?"
The very question made Thesprotis tense.
Davos smiled faintly. "Allies, regardless of size, should be treated equally. When problems arise and consensus is difficult to reach, we can resolve them through voting, one city-state at a time..."
Davos's response surprised the envoys. They had initially assumed that Dionysia's proposal to form a new alliance was intended to gain control of it. With the exception of Thesprotis, the other envoys' eyes lit up.