When Romanus heard that the militia would soon rotate out, his interest was immediately piqued, and he decided to accompany them to the border.
The garrison general looked hesitant. "Lord Marcus is supervising work at the border, overseeing the prisoners of war as they build fortresses. If you need to see him, you can send someone to summon him back. There is no need to go to the border yourself."
Romanus shook his head. "I am only inspecting the border. I have no other business."
Upon learning that the crown prince intended to visit the border, the province's senior officials convened an emergency meeting.
The governor eagerly asked everyone, "How many troops did His Highness bring?"
The garrison general replied, "About a battalion of cavalry. As long as he does not enter Ottoman-controlled territory, those troops will be enough."
The garrison general also wanted to send more men, but his provincial garrison was small and had little fighting ability. It was only fit to hold towns and root out small bands of brigands; he had no troops to spare for escorting the crown prince.
The governor felt this was not sufficiently safe, so he sent word to the four nearby garrison districts, ordering each to muster a cavalry company to ensure the crown prince's safety in Cappadocia.
Just then, the Tuna Legion's chief centurion burst into the meeting room and asked loudly, "Do you know His Highness intends to inspect the border?"
The governor invited him to sit. "The legion's main force is guarding the construction sites at the front, and very few troops remain in the Kayseri camp. Are you certain you want to deploy the reserve to escort His Highness?"
The chief centurion slapped the table in frustration, feeling that he had to do something. After lengthy consideration,