Augustus Road

In Mithridates' large tent decorated with gold and silver, the people present began to quarrel again. "There is no need to launch a storm on the Acropolis." This was Adiana's opinion. The smoke was used as a cover to escape into the Acropolis, so besieging the Acropolis where four large groups of Roman soldiers were stationed would be more than worth the loss. Ponticabion has fallen into my hands. The top priority is to restore order and taxation here, expand military strength, and build buildings. A larger fleet, contact more barbarians, and prepare for the decisive battle with Pompey after the snow melts. As long as a long siege is set up on the acropolis, they will naturally surrender due to hunger in at most two months. "

"As long as we have a capable and powerful fleet, we can win a decent peace." Adiana concluded.

"Achilles, how much more of your current fleet is there?" Mithridates sat on his seat and asked his naval commander.

"Just formed in Colchis, plus restored old ships, about six triremes, twenty double-deckers, and twelve Phoenician-style single-decker speedboats, There are also dozens of shallow water auxiliary ships," Achilles replied, "Compared to the ships, I think there is a shortage of excellent sailors."

The Emperor of Pontus groaned, "In other words, we are in urgent need of high-quality wood, rivets, bronze, and equally good sailors."

"Yes, my king, the dock is ready-made in Ponticabion. It is strong, complete and huge. As long as the construction can be started, the strength of the fleet can be doubled in the spring." Achilles was very confident, and then he added (previously Adiana told me), you can spend some more gold and silver to recruit the Sarmatian tribe, which is more fierce and good at fighting than the Scythians, to serve as auxiliary cavalry, and it is said that there are powerful pirates here, because they are in Yuk Xinghai was not destroyed by Pompey. The leader called Macmillan, nicknamed "Purple Sail", and could also contact him to fight against the Romans.

"How much money will it take to start all this?" Mithridates asked, narrowing his eyes.

"About three thousand talents, my king."

At this time, Stratonis whispered a few words to the king of Pontus, and Adiana stared at the two of them with vigilant eyes, while Menander, Perseus, and Philip of the Bronze Shield Army all exchanged words. He winked and said, "Too many, my friend Achilles, we don't have a stable source of income yet, but don't worry, once I settle the tax collectors in Ponticabion and Colchis, at most I will meet your requirements and plans before the Festival of Hyacinth next year (July to August)," Mithridates said with an apology.

Achilles and Archelaus, the nominal commander of the New Model Army, looked at each other at the same time, with a regretful expression, and said: "We will follow your Majesty's requirements in everything we do, but we just want to remind you that loyalty is not the consideration of an army. The only standard, a true king will not be blinded by this." These words were obviously directed at the Bronze Shield Army, which was the most trusted by the emperor of Pontu. After saying this, the two veterans bowed and left, Adi. Anna also stepped forward and kissed her father's ring before retreating.

This time, Adiana didn't make a fuss, which was beyond everyone's expectations.

After seeing the princess leave, the concubine of King Pontus knelt down and took Mithridates' hand, "A messenger came to the camp just now and conveyed to me the request of your son Maltsa. He hopes to surrender to you again." ”

"Stratonis, what do you think?"

"After all, Malcha is your only heir now. Even if he is just a concubine, your throne needs someone to inherit it. This is for the sake of the Pontus Empire." Stratonis carefully explained Malcha's case.

Mithridates looked at Stratonis, and then at her two younger brothers. Suddenly a strange light appeared in his eyes, "I know my body very well, and I'm afraid I won't have any children in the future." ——Do you think I should betroth Adiana to Maltsa? Or should I betroth Adiana to one of your brothers to inherit the Pontic Empire? Poor Perseus, Philip, and Obisius died tragically. At that time, they were still recruiting mercenaries for me in the Arminia region."

Before Perseus and Philip could reply, Stratonis leaned down in fear and kissed Mithridates' toes, "Emperor, you have given our family enough glory. You can't add more, how dare you overstep like this! It's just that the king's majesty cannot be satisfied in this barracks, so your majesty has already moved to the palace in Ponticabion."

This attitude obviously satisfied Mithridates. He kindly helped his concubine up and told her not to be afraid of his inquiry.

"Your Majesty, since you are willing to forgive Malcha, then you must capture the Acropolis - because these Roman dogs were originally recruited by Malcha. Kill them all, and you can also warn and suppress Malcha's ambitions." Menander and Perseus stepped forward and suggested.

"I am very confident in the ability and loyalty of your Bronze Shield Army." Mithridates waved his hand, "Just give it a try, build siege equipment, and try to capture the acropolis as soon as possible - my good daughter's Don’t worry about some weird ideas.”

At this time, the corner of Phillip's eyes, who had been standing silently at the back, glanced at the sunlight leaking from the cracks in the tent. He subconsciously turned his head to look, and unexpectedly saw Adiana's beautiful maroon pupils with a trace of light in the sunlight. Looking at himself resentfully, Philip's heart tightened, but Adiana lowered her eyebrows and left, leaving only the empty sunshine still spreading in place.

In the camp under the setting sun, Adiana stood between two giant siege towers known as the "Mithridatic Monster" in a hidden alley, with her head lowered and her fair and slender back exposed. Neck, playing with the enamel gold pendant on his chest, Philip quietly approached from behind, took Adiana's hand, and pulled her to his chest. Adiana raised her beautiful face and continued to look at her with faint eyes. , opened his lips slightly, and stared at Phillip.

She blocked Phillip's mouth with a gold pendant, "This is extremely poisonous."

"Is it the same as your lips?" Philip said with a cynical smile.

Adiana lowered her eyes, pushed Phillip back hard, then turned around and said, "I have heard your father's words."

"You don't have to marry that old, ugly, low-status governor of the Bosporus, your brother-in-law Maltsa." Philip turned Adiana's shoulders again, took her hands and said, "But I'm afraid, afraid that you, the cunning and beautiful one, will deceive me." (To be continued.)