Chapter 271:

Chapter 271:

The incident that occurred in Satavahana was nothing more than a minor disturbance from their perspective.

It was not a big deal to confiscate the ships and goods of a few merchants who had caused trouble in the absolute state ruled by the emperor.

They did not act without any justification, but rather followed some semblance of procedure.DiisCoover updated novels on n(o)v./e/lbin(.)com

They thought there was no problem, as they had prepared measures to take in case of any diplomatic friction.

But that was only the view of the Satavahana ruling class, who had handled the matter.

The reality was far from that.

As soon as Tadiuss report came in, Marcus summoned the power holders of the Eastern Province and convened an emergency meeting.

The reason why the meeting could be held so quickly was simple.

They had already adjusted the schedule for the events related to the military academy, so a considerable number of influential people were staying in Ctesiphon.

Marcuss confidants already knew roughly what was going on, but there were also some people who did not fully understand the situation.

They looked at each other with blank faces, wondering what was going on.

Such small murmurs disappeared as if they had been washed away when Marcus entered the hall.

As Marcus slowly walked in, everyone inside knelt on one knee and bowed their heads.

Everyone is here. Thank you for coming despite the unfortunate schedule.

Not at all.

We have to rush over no matter what if Shahanshah calls us.

Just by glancing around, the faces of the people gathered in the room were very splendid.

Marcuss close friends, Surenas and Spartacus.

And the high officials of the Judicial Committee, who had obtained the right to be permanent magistrates and were newly organized.

The local nobles who were being used in the Eastern Province and the heads of the practical staff who had recently taken charge of important positions.

Even those who were busy with heavy duties were all summoned, which meant that something important had happened.

When Marcus sat down on the only chair in the hall, Surenas opened his mouth in front of him, kneeling on one knee.

Marcus, everyone has gathered here in response to your summons.

Good. Everyone, raise your heads.

Yes!

With a voice full of absolute loyalty and respect, everyones eyes focused on Marcus.

The reason I asked you all to come here is because a serious provocation against Rome has been committed. Surenas, explain.

Yes. Some of you may have already heard, but I will tell you again. The Roman merchants who were active in Satavahana were robbed of their goods and insulted. By the way, they were all Roman citizens.

Huh Did they meet some thieves? Who is behind this?

The prince and nobles of Satavahana.

Those who heard about this for the first time from the Advisory Committee of the Senate frowned as if they did not understand.

Of course, the local nobles also showed a similar reaction of disbelief.

The prince of Satavahana persecuted Roman merchants? What is the reason If they are merchants who went to India this time, they are not those who went there with official permission? In other words, does that mean that Satavahana provoked Rome?

For Satavahana to pick a fight with Rome was tantamount to suicide.

It was hard to believe that they did it with their right mind.

There is no need for that. The preparations are already done.

What? You mean you have already prepared for war?

Yes. I told Surenas long ago to be ready for any situation. How about it, Surenas? Are you ready?

Yes. If you give me the order, I will immediately raise our army and deliver a stern punishment to Satavahana.

I have also sent an envoy with a declaration of war across the sea. He will arrive just in time when our army invades their territory. I have also sent a letter to Rome with my intentions, so there is no need to worry about that side either.

There was nothing more to say when everything was already prepared.

The local nobles and the committee members all agreed on the necessity of this war.

Surenas was appointed as the commander who would lead this war, as expected.

He knelt on one knee in front of the throne and declared his determination once again.

This war is a declaration against the far eastern nations who do not understand Rome. All the nations who hear this news will learn how to treat the citizens of Rome.

Yes. This was inevitable sooner or later. They are ignorant of Rome.

Marcus rose from his throne and announced solemnly.

Summon all the Aqualanians to the square. I will start a speech to inform the citizens of the war.

In fact, Marcus had started preparing for the attack on Satavahana even before Tadius boarded the ship to India.

Thanks to that, the Roman legions boarded the ships heading to Satavahana only a few days after Marcuss order.

And to deceive them, they also pretended to march their armies by land from the easternmost kingdoms of Karen and Suren.

But before their suspicious movements, the declaration of war sent from Rome arrived at the capital of Satavahana first.

The palace of Satavahana was plunged into chaos.

They summoned the nobles from all over and held an emergency meeting, but they only heard angry voices that could not understand.

What? Rome is not even adjacent to us, how can they declare war over such a trivial matter?

They are not even nobles, just some common merchants that we kicked around. War? This is just an excuse for Rome to fight with us.

Maybe they are coming for that worthless rock that they were digging up.

Thats ridiculous. How can they start a war over something like that?

King Migaspati sighed tiredly as he listened to the nobles clamor.

The envoy who brought the declaration said this. All the citizens of Rome are Romes. So the Shahanshah of Rome will not tolerate the act of spitting on their face.

Without reading the whole declaration, they could easily tell how strong Romes will was.

To be honest, he could not understand why they were so sensitive about this, but he also thought that maybe his prince had made a terrible mistake.

Anyway, they had to prepare a countermeasure regardless of the opponents purpose or strategy.

It was a foregone conclusion that the Roman army would invade, so they had to gather their soldiers and devise a defense plan.

But soon, Satavahana realized that they did not have much time left.

Not long after the declaration arrived, an urgent report came that the Roman army was approaching by land and sea.

Much faster and more urgent than expected.

The flames of war engulfed Satavahana.

The End