Apart from anything else, the Byzantine Empire only needed to take over the coastal areas of Asia Minor, unite the Ionians and Ionians, go north to deal with the Scythians, then annex the Greek Kingdom of Crimea, and then deal with some scattered city-states.
Chapter 6 of the eighth tune: A sudden confession
At that time, the population of the Byzantine Kingdom would reach million. Although there was a big gap with the 10 million people of Persia, the high efficiency of the Greeks would make the Byzantine Kingdom fully capable of fighting the Persian Empire. Therefore, what Xerxes did was not to make the Byzantine Kingdom the first bird to help the Persians solve their problems, but to raise a poison. This poison was the Byzantine Kingdom... So, Hilde really didn't know what Xerxes was thinking.
Hilde hasn't asked that question yet.
And Sophia saw that Hilde suddenly started to think.
So I couldn't help but ask:
"What's wrong, Sissi?"
"Ah, I was just wondering why Xerxes wanted to help me like this. What's her purpose?" Hilde frowned in confusion. "No matter how I think about it, it feels... magical... Forget it, forget about it. You'll know it later. Now, I still have to teach you first. When Xerxes comes, what should you do?"
"Now? Teach me?"
"correct."
Sophia hasn't reacted yet.
Hilde turned over and pressed Sophia onto the bed.
"Now, feel it with your body."
After Hilde said this, she opened her mouth and gently bit Sophia's earlobe.
Outside, Aspasia heard the noise in the house and covered her face helplessly. These two children really don't know day or night, as long as they need to, they can't control themselves. This feeling is like dry wood meeting a raging fire, and it will burst into earth-shaking combustion at any time and anywhere... Aspasia was speechless, and she could only express her helplessness.
Although Aspasia was somewhat used to it.
But the guards and servants felt a little embarrassed.
Especially the guard officer, who stood at his post and could hear Sophia's uncontrollable groans and cries of pain. The guard officer was a 25-year-old young man with no wife, and he looked around anxiously. In addition, he had just been to the Athens Spring Courtyard today, so the guard officer and other guards were also a little anxious. At this time, Aspasia saw this scene and said helplessly: "Did you just come back from the Athens Spring Courtyard?"
"Yes!"
"Didn't you go and free yourself? That's a great place."
Aspasia smiled calmly and said:
"I know your difficulties. You have worked hard during this period. So, I will arrange for someone to bring the girls from the Athene Spring Courtyard to the mansion in the next two days. As for what to do, you should all know it in your hearts." Aspasia looked at the guard and said with a smile, "His Majesty will definitely agree to this matter. You don't have to worry about anything. Just consider it my reward for you. Of course, those who are married or have lovers are not allowed to touch."
"But, but..."
The guard officer stood up straight and said firmly:
"We can't do this!"
"Do you have a wife?"
"No……"
"Do you have a lover?"
"Y-No."
"So do you have someone you like?"
"...Yes." The guard lowered his head a little embarrassedly, "There is indeed someone I like."
"Oh? Can you tell me which girl is the one that won your favor?" Aspasia was also a little gossipy. She walked up to the guard and asked with a smile, "Don't worry, if you tell me, I will never tell anyone else, and if possible, I will also help you match them up. We have received a lot of care from you along the way, so I also hope that you will have a good life in the future, so just tell me boldly and without worry."
The guard looked at Aspasia shyly.
"Really, really?"
"Of course, just tell me."
Aspasia encouraged the aide-de-camp very gently.
At this time, the guard also plucked up the courage and whispered: "Yes, it's you..."
"what?"
"It's you, Lady Aspasia. I fell deeply in love with you the first time I saw you!"
Aspasia was stunned by the sudden confession of the guard.
Wait...so, what is going on.
"You mean, you like me?"
"Yes! I know I am dreaming if I think so! But since you asked me to speak out bravely, I will do it! If I offend you! I can leave at any time!" The guard also stiffened his neck, and it seemed that he was really willing to do it. However, if he could say such words to the mother of the current king, he would not be able to accomplish anything if he was not prepared to have his head chopped off. Aspasia was stunned for a moment, but soon recovered.
Aspasia is a well-known socialite, so such a situation naturally did not scare Aspasia. However, Aspasia did not think that she would be liked by others, so the sudden confession surprised Aspasia a little, but that was all. So, Aspasia could not help laughing and said, "You... I really don't know whether I should say that you are brave or that you are brave for love."
"sorry, I……"
"It's okay. I'm not mad at you for being brave."
Aspasia was actually quite happy.
After all, at my age, I can still be liked by others like this.
It is indeed somewhat surprising.
"However, I can only reject your kindness. Although I promised you that I would help you find someone, I can't do it if the target is me..." Aspasia smiled and bowed, then continued, "I'm sorry to make you like me, but I am your majesty's mother after all, and it is very likely that I will never fall in love with someone casually in my life. Otherwise, what should your majesty do, don't you think?"
"Yes, Your Majesty, I, I know."
The guard officer lowered his head in disappointment.
"It is precisely because of this that I have not dared to speak out."
"It's okay. Even if you tell me that the person you like is His Majesty, I won't be surprised because it's normal. Everyone has the right to like someone else. You are a very responsible person, but you still have a long life ahead of you. You don't have to focus all your attention on us. So, I can only tell you with regret that in the future, I hope you can find another woman you love."
Aspasia's refusal was quite gentle.
The military officers of the imperial guards were actually mentally prepared.
He only spoke because Aspasia asked him to.
"I understand, thank you!"
Chapter 7 of the eighth chapter: Things that are not handled well
Aspasia was a little surprised though.
But it's not surprising.
after all……
Being liked is such a thing.
In fact, it is quite common.
Aspasia was a famous socialite and the first lady of Athens. People who had a crush on her could line up from Mount Ares to the Port of Piraeus. So, coupled with the fact that Greeks are more direct and will not hide their love for someone too much, there were many people, both men and women, who expressed their admiration to Aspasia. So, Aspasia got used to it. But she was a little scared, being confessed to like this all of a sudden.
And, also because of this incident.
Aspasia was going to invite them to play.
The result was a failure.
Those soldiers who were eager to try felt a little uncomfortable in their hearts.
Of course none of this matters.
After returning home, Pericles was still a little panicked. What Hilde said to him today made him feel uneasy for a long time. He now understood Hilde's thoughts. She didn't have any conspiracy, but simply considered the issue from the perspective of national interests. Moreover, Hilde was very powerful. She only needed to show her attitude. You can agree or not agree. Hilde doesn't care about your attitude at all.
Hilde now has this confidence.
Pericles was very worried.
He was afraid of what might happen next.
What happened after Hilde achieved her goal? Did she really just think that the Spartans were a threat? Indeed, Hilde could get the support of the Athenians by saying bad things about the Spartans. But after the Spartans disappeared, how many people in the East would stand on the side of the Spartans? Probably not many. So, what was Hilde's real purpose? Pericles was even more confused, so he couldn't help but get more troubled.
"What on earth does this bastard want!"
Pericles punched the wall.
He really didn't know what Hilde was really thinking.
If Pericles knew that Hilde's real purpose was to swallow up the allies of the Delian League, he would probably be so scared that he would sit on the ground. But now, Pericles knew that he had no chance to resist. Hilde's victory was inevitable and it was absolutely impossible to resist. Everyone in the Citizens' Assembly now supported Hilde. The Citizens' Assembly would vote tomorrow, and they knew what the final result would be without thinking too much.
Now, he really felt it.
My power is too small.
Hilde, who was about to be crushed to death by himself, has now grown to this point.
At this time, Rhode saw that Pericles looked a little abnormal, so he approached him with some concern and asked, "Lord Pericles, are you so angry again? Is it because of Sister Hilde?"
"Ah...yes."
Ever since Hilde came over.
How many times has this happened?
Twice, or three times?
Pericles himself couldn't remember clearly.
All he can do now is accept the fact.
"It's okay. Don't worry about me." Pericles walked to a chair and sat down. "I just encountered some difficult things, but they have been dealt with. By the way, compared to this matter, I want to tell you... Later, Hilde may come directly to you, so you have to be careful. Hilde is a person who talks a lot, and you are simple-minded. I am afraid that you will be led by Hilde by the nose."
"You've already told me about this."
Rhodes smiled and responded:
"Don't worry, I have my own thoughts."
"Okay, I feel relieved with your words."
Having said that, Pericles was still not reassured.
After all, this is Rhodes.
A little girl with such a simple mind that she can't see through other people's thoughts at all.
As for Hilde, that was a cunning man, and there was no telling how he would trick Rhodes.
Although Pericles was worried, he couldn't stop the two from meeting. Moreover, after thinking about it, Pericles felt that this was also an opportunity for Rhode to get to know Hilde better and increase her knowledge. As long as he was by her side, Rhode would not be deceived. Therefore, Pericles could be relieved a little.
Soon, another day passed.
At this time, in the Citizens' Assembly of Athens.
A vote on Heard's motion was taken.
As Pericles expected, the Citizens' Assembly passed Hilde's request for the Kingdom of Byzantium to join the Delian League with a high vote. Now, although Pericles was worried about the unforeseen future, it was useless to worry now since things had already happened. So, he arranged for someone to inform Hilde about this matter. After hearing the result, Hilde was not surprised, but just showed a smug smile. Today's situation was completely within Hilde's expectations.
"Ah, it seems that we are now members of the Delian League as well."
"Congratulations, Sissi."
Sophia was also very happy.
"In this case, our purpose of coming here has been achieved."
"Yeah... the Delian League, huh."
Hilde shook her head and looked out the window.
Hilde could fully imagine what might happen next.
The leader of the Delian League was Athens, and Athens had long been accustomed to controlling the entire Delian League. Therefore, the Athenian Citizens' Assembly certainly hoped to control the Byzantine Kingdom or gain enough benefits from the Byzantine Kingdom. Because this is what they have always been accustomed to doing. But who is Hilde? The Byzantine Kingdom has always sucked the blood of others, but never let others suck their own blood? Hilde naturally sneered at this. By then, it is still unknown who will be sucked.
In fact, the Athenians did something that led to a wolf entering the house.
Of course you can't blame them.
No one could have guessed what Hilde's next plan would be.
But now that this matter has been resolved, there is no need to worry too much, which is also a good thing. So, Hilde packed up a little, and then took people to the Citizens' Assembly. Since they have been accepted as members of the Delian League, they must go to the Citizens' Assembly to sign the documents, and the letter of credence will take effect after it is confirmed. At that time, it is necessary to discuss specifically what should be done between each other.
This is actually the highlight.
If not handled well.
There is a high possibility that the talks will fail.
