Mediterranean Hegemon of Ancient Greece Chapter 1083: Croto and Dido (2)

"Licinius Stolo..." Crotocatax was quite familiar with the name. Since Crotocatax currently served as the Roman census officer, Stolo frequently visited the registry to retrieve files or submit a citizen's criminal record, giving them frequent opportunities to interact. He knew Stolo was impartial in his court duties and rarely made misjudgments, which made him quite popular with the Roman people—though that, of course, also had to do with him being a Roman himself.

Crotocatax had always believed that as one of the few capable and proactive Roman-born Daionian Citizens, the man had a bright future ahead of him.

"Did she come to plead for Stolo?" After a few years of experience, Crotocatax had long shed his initial naivety. He immediately guessed the reason for her visit.

"Yes. Stolo was invited to the inspectorate for questioning, and Conia is terrified. She came to me in tears, saying her husband is entirely devoted to the kingdom and has never colluded with those former members of the Roman Aristocracy to plot a rebellion. She begged me to ask you to speak on his behalf, and I agreed," Dido recounted calmly.

"Do you know Stolo's wife well?"

"She attended several of my banquets, and we got to know each other over time. How should I put it... she isn't an entirely traditional Roman woman, and she still carries a bit of the pampered air of a Roman aristocratic lady," Dido replied earnestly.

Since marrying Crotocatax, Dido had accompanied him to live in Rome. When she was heavily pregnant, however, Christoya had strongly insisted she go to Thurii to ensure a safe delivery. During her stay there, Dido witnessed several high-society gatherings organized by her mother-in-law. Upon returning to Rome, she followed suit. Given her unique status as a princess consort, many noble Roman ladies eagerly attended her banquets, including the wife of Rome's administrator, Asistes. Combined with Dido's own social grace, her gatherings had gradually gained a significant reputation throughout the Roman Region.

Crotocatax did not stop her. The practice helped expand his influence in Rome, which fulfilled Davos's expectations.

"Recently, the Thurii inspectorate arrested a group of rebels who plotted to assassinate my father at the Greek Scholars Conference. Most of them were former members of the Roman Aristocracy. Given Stolo's background, he inevitably had dealings with those people in the past, so it's perfectly normal for him to be investigated. But from what I know of him, he's a smart man who wouldn't get involved in such a foolish conspiracy. Furthermore, my father has always appreciated him... I believe this is just a routine inquiry. He should be home safely soon; he might even be having dinner there right now," Crotocatax said confidently, taking a bite of his cod.

"Oh, you." Crotocatax shook his head in feigned helplessness. He speared another piece of fried cod, but just as he brought it to his mouth, a thought struck him. He set the fork down and said seriously, "If a Roman in Conia's position feels so unnerved by these arrests, the other citizens from the former Roman Aristocracy are likely even more anxious. I worry this might cause instability in the kingdom!"

"I am sure your father considered this when he made the decision and already has countermeasures in place. Don't worry!" Dido was not just offering empty comfort. Since joining the Kingdom of Daionia, she had deeply felt over the years that Daionia's current strength was inseparable from her father-in-law. He was a man of immense political wisdom, and he had always been kind to her. During her time in Thurii, he had not only cared for her, but whenever Christoya criticized her, he would step in to mediate and speak on her behalf...

Following Mago's passing, she had found a father figure in him.

Crotocatax agreed with his wife's assessment. Relieved, he finished his piece of cod. Then he suddenly remembered something else and said softly, "I received a letter from my father today. He asked me to let you know... the kingdom is recalling the Governor of Sicily, Haca, back to Thurii."

"Ah!" Since experiencing the defection from Carthage and her father's death, Dido believed she could face almost anything calmly. But hearing this news still left her a little flustered.

Seeing his wife's concern, Crotocatax gently squeezed her hand where it rested on the table and smiled. "My father isn't sidelining him. He is inviting Haca to Thurii to serve as a Rotating Chairman of the Senate."

Dido was taken aback. She immediately asked, "Which of the five Rotating Chairmen stepped down?"

"My father specifically created a new seat for him in the Senate. That shows how much he values him!"

Crotocatax had heard his wife mention that after most of the Magonid family migrated to Iberia, Mago and Hasdrubal were constantly away on campaigns. As a result, Dido and Haca spent the most time together at home. Especially during the Western Mediterranean War, they had to worry about their relatives' safety while keeping their territory stable. They comforted and supported each other. Though they were only cousins, their bond was closer than that of true siblings. Thus, he continued to reassure his wife, saying, "Besides, Haca's health has always been poor, and the affairs in the Southern Iberian Region are so taxing. Bringing him back to Thurii will be good for his health. Plus, he will be closer to us. Chris is already over two years old and hasn't even met his uncle yet!"

Eased by Crotocatax's explanation, Dido relaxed a little. But she then asked, seemingly casually, "Who will be the new Governor of Sicily?"

"My father didn't mention it in his letter." Crotocatax thought for a moment before saying with a serious expression, "I am sure he will dispatch a highly capable Senator to take over. The frequent native incursions into our Iberian territory over the past year have a lot to do with the local officials' inaction. It really needs to be properly reorganized. None of us want to see the region your father spent ten years conquering turn into a playground for rampaging natives!"

Dido remained silent for a moment before her brow smoothed out. She said softly, "Croto, you are right. Since the Southern Iberian Region has become a territory of the Kingdom of Daionia, we should comfortably leave its governance to the kingdom... Shall I serve you another bowl of soup?"

"I am full." Crotocatax placed his knife and fork on the table, and the servants hurried over to clear the dishes.

"Croto," Dido asked softly again, "when will we be able to return to Thurii?"

"That... is still up to my father to decide..." Crotocatax did not have a particularly strong desire to go home. Mostly, he enjoyed more freedom here, and his efforts had earned the recognition of many, giving him a great sense of accomplishment. Thinking it over, he said, "When my father left me here, he hoped that through my work, the local people would better identify with the Kingdom of Daionia and embrace our royal family. I haven't done enough yet. I might need to stay here for a few more years... Right now, I'm only a Roman census officer. Perhaps when I become the administrator of the City of Rome, our journey home won't be far off."

...

Just as Crotocatax had predicted, the news that "a group of former members of the Roman Aristocracy had been arrested" spread throughout the kingdom. It indeed made some of the Roman citizens within the Kingdom of Daionia nervous. But soon after, they received another piece of news: Sextus had been appointed as a Legion Commander.

Immediately following that, an even bigger announcement shocked them: the Rotating Chairman Lysias had resigned from his position as the administrative officer of Thurii, and Manlius Publius—a former prominent member of the Roman Aristocracy and current Daionian Senator—was taking his place.

Thurii was the heart of the kingdom. The position of its administrative officer was far more important and powerful than in any other town in the realm; only a Senator trusted by King Davos could hold the post. This new appointment served as powerful proof: the recent arrests were not a purge of former members of the Roman Aristocracy. Rather, those specific individuals truly had been plotting a rebellion. King Davos still trusted the citizens from the former Roman Aristocracy and remained willing to entrust them with heavy responsibilities.

"Publius becoming the administrative officer of Thurii" was equally a massive event in the kingdom's political arena. Publius, who was usually low-key and had never held an administrative post, suddenly received the nomination from the outgoing Lysias. This not only surprised many Senators but also met with their fierce opposition. However, with Davos's full backing, he ultimately secured the vital position.

Even after the dust settled, the Senators still harbored considerable grievances about the decision. Yet, their attention was soon drawn away by another major event: the passing of the Minister of Finance, Mersis.

Since Daionia's founding, Mersis had controlled the nation's financial reins. Although many Senators had clashed with him over money, they all had to admit that it was under his strict and astute management that the kingdom had avoided financial collapse during several life-or-death, immensely costly wars. The kingdom had managed to hold on, laying the foundation for its present might.

Of course, they were not worried that Mersis's death would lead to chaos in the kingdom's financial and tax management. In reality, his successor had already surfaced. While Mersis had been bedridden with illness, Akibides—having received his recommendation and the king's backing—had performed outstandingly as the acting Minister of Finance. Many believed he would officially take over this crucial kingdom post.

During the days Mersis's body lay in state, King Davos and his wife, the five Rotating Chairmen, ministers of various departments, Senators, officials of all ranks across the kingdom, and even many ordinary Thurii citizens went to pay their respects. Long lines formed in front of his residence every day. Even in life, Mersis had never enjoyed the grandeur he did in these few days following his death.