Mediterranean Hegemon of Ancient Greece Chapter 1087: Lysias and Milon

"Are you going to support me or not? Give it to me straight and stop rambling," Milon said impatiently.

"If you want to become a Regional Administrator, you need to be patient. We have to analyze the situation carefully to come up with a solid strategy," Lysias said, his displeasure evident. "If all you want is a simple yes or no—fine! I support you. Now you can leave!"

"Alright, alright! I was wrong. Go ahead, speak," Milon conceded.

"Logically speaking, with your qualifications and political record, becoming the Regional Administrator of the East Sicily Region shouldn't be a problem..." Lysias mused.

"Of course. If Cyprolus hadn't been so clever—leading the people of Terina to support Daionia early on and winning King Davos's favor—I would have had every right to compete for Wartime Governor of Sicily back then," Milon grumbled.

Lysias's expression darkened, and he quickly warned him, "Watch what you say! Senator Cyprolus is shrewd and capable. Not only did he make major contributions during the Western Mediterranean War, but since becoming a Rotating Chairman of the Senate, he has assisted His Majesty alongside us and provided immense help with the kingdom's postwar recovery. If those words reach His Majesty's ears, your hopes of becoming a Regional Administrator will likely vanish."

"I'm only saying this to you. I'm not stupid enough to go around broadcasting it. You're too cautious," Milon said dismissively. "Besides, His Majesty promised today that he wouldn't interfere with the Regional Administrator elections this time."

Lysias suddenly grew serious. "Milon, as your friend, I am solemnly warning you: you had better always maintain your reverence for King Davos! During my years as Rotating Chairman, I've spent a lot of time with His Majesty, and he is far more formidable than you can imagine. If he learns that you disrespect him, he has plenty of ways to ensure you never become a Regional Administrator, and I'll have to stay far away from you as well!"

Startled by Lysias's sudden shift in tone, Milon froze for a moment before quickly backpedaling. "I wouldn't dare disrespect His Majesty! I was just... Alright, alright! I swear to Hades I won't speak so carelessly anymore! ...Now tell me, what are my chances of becoming the Regional Administrator of the East Sicily Region?"

"Counting my time in Naxos, it should be eight years!" Milon counted on his fingers, a note of lament creeping into his voice.

"Eight years is indeed too long," Lysias agreed. "Do you still remember what happened with Antonios and Laodician?"

Milon's heart skipped a beat. "Are you saying..."

"You should know that to prevent an incident like that from happening again, very few Senators in recent years have served as the administrative official of a single town for more than ten years—or even eight. Although you served in two different towns, they are too close to each other and belong to the same region. If you become the Regional Administrator of the East Sicily Region, your continuous time there will definitely surpass ten years... During the election, the other Senators eyeing this position will undoubtedly use that against you. It will be almost impossible for you to win!"

"This..." Milon slumped into his chair as if he had been struck over the head. But then he realized something and forced himself to rally. "Earlier, you said you supported my participation in the election. Does that mean—"

Lysias smiled. "Although your chances of becoming the Regional Administrator of the East Sicily Region are slim, with your qualifications and achievements, you are fully capable of competing for a different region. Do you have any preferences?"

"His Majesty only announced this proposal this afternoon. I was so focused on running for the East Sicily Region that I haven't had time to consider anything else... But since my chances there aren't great, running for another region works too." Milon quickly accepted the reality.

"Then let's take a look at which Regional Administrator position suits you best and would be the easiest for you to win," Lysias analyzed calmly. "The Regional Administrator for the Southern Iberian Region has already been confirmed as Bagulas, and the Regional Administrator for the Roman Region is Asistes. As for the candidate for the Western Sicily Region... although His Majesty hasn't officially announced it, it probably won't be you. If we rule out the East Sicily Region as well...

"Right, there is also Kroton. If you try to govern our hometown, some Senators at the assembly will likely raise suspicions about favoritism. To avoid trouble, let's rule that out too. Next...

"The Corsica Region and the Northern Sardinia Region don't have many towns or a large population, but the metal mining and smelting operations there are crucial to the kingdom's development, giving them a fair amount of weight. Stromboli only took up the post of Wartime Governor of Sardinia last time because the kingdom urgently needed him. He is getting old, lacks energy, and grew tired of serving in local posts a long time ago. I doubt he will run for Regional Administrator of Sardinia this time. If you are interested, you could compete for it. However, you have never managed mines before, which might give your opponents a weakness to attack."

"I have no interest in being a mine foreman," Milon said flatly. "I've stayed in Sicily for far too long. Since I can't be the Regional Administrator of the East Sicily Region, I don't want to stay in Sicily anymore either..."

"So, you won't compete for the Regional Administrator position in the Straight of Messina, the Syracuse Region, or the Southern Region of Sicily either..." Lysias trailed off, suddenly realizing something. He looked at Milon and asked, "Do you already have a target in mind?"

Milon grinned broadly. "I was actually just inspired while talking to you. What do you think about the Messapia Region?"

"The Messapia Region... In the first few years after the kingdom conquered it, governing the people there was quite difficult. But over a decade has passed since then. The Messapia Region has long become just like the rest of Magna Graecia, and managing it poses no real challenge. Because of this, it actually lacks any distinct features among the dozen or so newly divided regions in the kingdom.

"The population there isn't particularly large, and the landmass isn't huge either. It has some fertile farmland, but its crop yields don't rank in the top five of the regions. There is decent animal husbandry, but it can't compare to the Bruttii Region or the Lucanian region. It has both maritime and overland trade, but neither is exceptionally prosperous... It's a region that seems rather mediocre across the board, with an overall strength landing right in the middle among the kingdom's territories. Why would you choose it?" Lysias was puzzled. He knew very well that Milon was not a man who settled for mediocrity; rather, he was aggressive and ambitious. Choosing the Messapia Region seemed completely out of character for him.

"The Messapia Region has one feature that no other region has." Milon flashed a mysterious smile, then said seriously, "It is closest to the Peloponnese Peninsula! It is closest to the Greek Mainland!"

"You mean..." Looking at Milon's slightly excited expression, Lysias seemed to understand. Surprised, he shook his head and said, "That's impossible! The kingdom's current strategy remains focused on expanding northward. Moreover, the kingdom still hasn't recovered from the Western Mediterranean War. We haven't fully digested the gains we made during the conflict. It's impossible for us to launch another war in the short term..."

"Of course I know that," Milon insisted. "But sometimes a situation develops so rapidly that we lose the luxury of choice. Just like the Western Mediterranean War—back then, we were also adamant about expanding north, but no one expected Carthage to declare war on us first.

"The situation in the Greek Mainland is incredibly complex. The wars there have dragged on for years. Who's to say a city-state won't eventually offer a high enough price, pleading for our kingdom to intervene and quell the fighting, thereby moving His Majesty and the Senate? After all, Daionia is immensely powerful and situated so close to the Greek Mainland. Those war-torn Greek city-states are bound to have ideas..."

At this point, Milon leaned back in his chair, adopting a more comfortable posture, and said leisurely, "Since the Regional Administrator for the Roman Region is already set, my only option is to gamble on the Messapia Region. Who knows? A war just might break out during my tenure. If that happens, I might be able to ride its coattails, just like Cyprolus did. After all, the naval base at Brindisi sits right next to Messapia, and Hodrum—the port town closest to the Greek Mainland—is located right in the Messapia Region. Not to mention, the Athenians' navy recently landed on Corcyra Island, forcing that Greek island so close to Messapia to submit to them..."

"You really haven't changed. Even though you haven't led troops into battle yourself for over a decade, you still thirst for war..." Lysias shook his head helplessly. "Since you've chosen the Messapia Region, here is what we can do. First, we will have someone nominate you as a candidate for Regional Administrator of the East Sicily Region. After that election fails, when it is time to vote for the Messapia Region, you can step forward and volunteer to run.

"Since your initial defeat won't be due to a lack of achievements or qualifications, but simply because of the unfortunate technicality of serving for too long, the Senators will likely sympathize with you and throw their support your way. Of course, to be safe, I suggest you go speak with Antaoris tonight and seek his backing."

"Antaoris... I haven't really had any contact with him in the eight years since I went to serve in Sicily," Milon admitted, sounding slightly regretful.

"That doesn't matter. We knew Antaoris before we even joined Daionia, and your relationship with him over the years has been decent. Besides, according to the new zoning, his mother state of Crimisa has been placed under Kroton. We all belong to the same region now..." Lysias smiled encouragingly.

"Alright, I'll go see him shortly," Milon replied firmly.