Talking Nonsense That's Actually True
The next day, the rain stopped and the wind died down, the sky cleared, and the well-supplied convoy slowly drove out of the city fortress, accompanied by the commander and Roman Soldier.
On the gentle slope, Boudica glanced back at the slightly overweight middle-aged man on the towering city wall, who was all smiles and waving goodbye. She couldn't help but look at the composed man beside her.
"So, whoever wins, he listens to?"
"What else? Let the commander of the Seventh Legion change his allegiance in full view of everyone because he was captured? Then he will be held accountable by the Pantheon, and he will lose his position as commander. It's better for everyone to compromise."
Samael smiled with narrowed eyes and spoke softly.
Boudica for a moment, then nodded helplessly, agreeing with Samael's statement.
"Of course, there are other reasons as well."
Firstly, being able to hold this defensive line is a victory in itself. Rome's recent situation is not good, and changing generals at the last minute is definitely a good thing.
Secondly, he originally sided with Agrippina the Younger, but now he's leading the Seventh Legion to maintain neutrality, which is a win-win situation for us.
As for the third point, this guy is doing me a personal favor. I've already given instructions: the Hunnic Wolf Riders have been infiltrating unusually, so have him coordinate with the Celts militarily. This is a good thing for the overall war situation and will eliminate our worries about the rear.
As they pondered, the ancient serpent and the commander atop the city wall exchanged a nod, a tacit understanding forming between them.
This commander was a smart man, so he did not directly attack their troops in the early stages, always leaving room for maneuver.
When he fell into Samael's hands, the latter did not kill him outright. Whether for the sake of the stability of his own defense zone or to repay the favor of showing him a way out, the alliance between the Seventh Legion and the Celts would inevitably advance steadily.
At the same time, this can be considered a form of remedy.
After all, only His Majesty the Emperor has the power to appoint and dismiss legion commanders.
It's a real shame that Agrippina the Younger never became an empress...
Sometimes, not taking sides is also a form of taking sides.
"As expected, you politicians are all corrupt at heart!"
Boudica's eldest daughter, leaning against her, overheard her teacher's meticulous analysis and found the intricacies of the situation incredibly perplexing. She rubbed her temples and muttered her complaints.
However, the carefree girl didn't notice that both elders' faces had turned dark at the same time.
This sudden, sweeping attack brought them all into the scope of the strike.
Immediately, the First Princess felt a weight on her shoulder as two fingers, one on the left and one on the right, were placed on it. A sinister atmosphere spread out, and the teachers and relatives on both sides looked at the unfortunate child with "kindness."
Tsk, why are you speaking such blunt truths?
Nero lifted the curtain, gloating inwardly and beckoning, thus aiding and abetting the tyranny by providing the confined space for the torture.
A moment later, mournful sobs and wails came from inside the carriage, and the procession was filled with a joyful atmosphere.
Along the way, with the resonance of the Pantheon's divine seal and the written testimony of the Seventh Legion, the several provinces they passed through, after conducting detailed verification, all released the team without exception.
Thus, Samael and the others' meticulous planning, though subtle, gradually began to bear fruit.
Before setting off, Gu She overruled all objections and opposed a forced breakthrough into the Seventh Province, advocating instead for the team to advance in a dignified and upright manner, turning darkness into light, and marching towards the City of Seven Hills.
The logic is simple: he couldn't possibly lead Nero to dismantle all seven or eight provinces along the way, fight his way to the Pantheon, and force Divine Ancestor Romulus, to grant this girl Imperial Privilege, could he?
With that effort, he might as well stage a coup, kill Romulus, and put Nero on the throne—that would be much more satisfying.
To have a legitimate reason to return to Rome, obtaining an audience with the Pantheon was a crucial step.
According to Samael's calculations, Rome was already gradually losing its strength, and Divine Ancestor Romulus, would certainly not refuse the invasion of the Celtic tribes.
Therefore, as long as the good news was relayed to the Pantheon through the Temple of Mars, everything fell into place.
Furthermore, now that Nero and Boudica are registered in the Pantheon, and all the important figures in Rome are focused on them, it will not be so easy for other clans with designs on Britain, or for that wicked woman from the Claudius family, to resort to any underhanded tactics.
When the target is exposed to the sunlight, darkness will have nowhere to hide.
The armies of those provinces dared not openly obstruct an Imperial Marquis on his way to report for duty, which made them even safer.
As for the few groups of petty thieves who stumbled upon the scene, whether intentionally or unintentionally, they were filtered out by the guards and found to be mostly small fry with little ability or background. Before Brunhilde could even make a move, they were wiped out by the Celtic soldiers protecting her.
The ten-day trip passed by smoothly and steadily.
When the city of Rome, perched atop seven hills, came into view, even the lazy and gluttonous Nero had gained a few pounds.
Rome, situated atop seven hills—Palatino, Capitoline, Esquienno, Viminale, Quirinale, Cirio, and Attinus—is also known as the City of Seven Hills. Slightly longer from north to south than from east to west, its city walls wind and undulate along the hills, forming a Rules shape resembling a crouching lion.
The city is well-planned, majestic and imposing. The buildings on both sides stand tall and imposing, and each brick is engraved with defensive and restrictive divine patterns. The main streets within the city are arranged in a Rules "well" shape, dividing the city into several blocks.
The main roads are straight and flat, nearly ten meters wide, and paved entirely with blue flagstones. Aqueducts extend in all directions, and drainage ditches are hidden in the streets. Lead-cast and ceramic drainage pipes divert water from the road surface. Fountains cascade down, and sculptures are scattered throughout, creating an atmosphere of luxurious grandeur.
The gaps between the cobblestones of the street are inlaid with fluorescent minerals mined from the seabed of the Bay of Naples, and there are charged magic crystals on both sides, so that even on a moonless night, passers-by can use the light from the minerals and magic crystals to distinguish the road.
Within the city, three landmark buildings stand out as the most prosperous and solemn.
First, there is the Roman Forum, located in the valley between the three hills of Palatine, Capitoline, and Esquigon. It is filled with temples, basilicas, sculptures, fountains, commemorative columns, and more, and also houses Rome's largest amphitheater.
Secondly, the Royal Palace of Rome, built on Palatine Hill, includes numerous halls, baths, a racetrack, a theater, and more. It served as the office and living quarters for seven His Majesty the Emperors, including the first emperor.
The third, the Pantheon, stands right next to the palace. From a distance, it is a magnificent temple with a dome and classical colonnade in front. The dome is made of volcanic ash stone, and sculptures of the Twelve Olympians are placed inside. Twelve divine halos swirl and intertwine in the air above, appearing and disappearing.
In addition, Rome had everything from bars and public baths to bakeries, dye shops, inns, and theaters.
As the capital of the empire, its prosperity even surpassed that of Uruk in Samael's memory.
The team passed through the checkpoints and entered the city smoothly.
However, they were soon hindered by the crowds and cheers.
On the cobblestone street, two groups of priests and priests carried a sculpture of a wolf protecting a pair of human cubs and a stone statue of Pan, scattering petals as they strolled along, protected by soldiers.
The leading priest held a shepherd's whip, which cracked crisply in the air. Nearby, elegantly dressed women gathered on both sides of the street. Whenever a lucky person was struck by the sheepskin whip, cheers and chattering arose from the crowd.
"Hmm, it seems like today is the Festival of Lupercalia. Everyone is celebrating. It looks like we can't go directly to see the ancestral god. Why don't we join in?"
Hearing the commotion, Nero climbed out of the carriage and looked at the noisy, jubilant crowd, his eyes gleaming with eager anticipation.
"Nonsense! There are over 175 festival days in Rome out of 365 days a year, more than half the year is spent celebrating! Just stay put and get your manpower sorted out first!"
Samael grabbed Nero by the collar without any politeness, stuffed the Tyrant who loved excitement and celebration into the carriage, and ordered him to leave in a huff.
Left with no other choice, Nero had to stay obediently inside the carriage and give directions to everyone.
"My father left me a private house. It's a quiet and secluded place with plenty of space. I've never used it. We can stay there for now and make further plans once we've settled down."
Samael, Brunhilde, and Boudica exchanged nods, gathered their group, and headed towards their lodging location.