"Are you sure you want to lead these three hundred men to Thermopylae yourself?"
Leonidas listened to the other party's words and just nodded vigorously.
"That's right."
"They are all elite members of my royal guards, and each one has undergone rigorous selection and training."
"You should also know what kind of warriors they are."
"I'm very sure they know what this means, what it represents, and that's their responsibility."
The chief councilor listened to Leonidas' answer and couldn't help but frown and take a deep breath.
He obviously also knew that if the parliament did not agree to Leonidas' request, he would really lead 300 soldiers to Thermopylae.
That's Leonidas. There's nothing in this world that he dares not do.
Even if a god came to Thermopylae, he would make the same decision.
"Leonidas, think about it again."
"If the Persians really enter Thermopylae, we still have time."
"They can't conquer Sparta. We just have to hold on until the World Conference..."
Leonidas's eyes suddenly became fierce and he immediately raised his voice.
Then, Leonidas was like a lion, silencing the council hall.
"Persia brought hundreds of thousands of troops this time!"
"Their goal is to flatten the city-state of Sparta before the World Congress convenes!"
"Then, Athens, and finally all of Greece!"
Even though Leonidas roared, some people still stood up to express their opposition.
"King Leonidas, but the Persians have already signed a temporary armistice with the Athenians."
"We simply cannot trust your words. After all, if you mobilize a large army during the World Congress, those Athenians will probably use this to make a fuss at the World Congress, or even attack us."
"There is another possibility, that is, you have fallen into a trap set by the Athenians, and everything you have seen is just an Athenian trick."
Leonidas found the senator's words ridiculous.
"In that case, there is no need to say more."
"I have already stated my reasons."
"I will lead my warriors to Thermopylae. At the same time, I need the parliament to send warriors to go with us."
"This concerns the safety of our Spartan city-state. If you continue to underestimate the enemy, we Spartans will lose our voice before the World Conference even begins."
Seeing that some people stood up and were about to refute, Leonidas waved his hand.
"Okay! Vote!"
"I will lead my three hundred soldiers to Thermopylae!"
The parliament now voted, and the result was closer, but in the end the votes in favor of Leonidas outnumbered those against.
In the end, the parliament allowed Leonidas to lead no more than 300 members of the royal guard to "patrol" at Thermopylae, but emphasized that this was purely defensive in nature and no active attack was allowed.
"This is our concession and it's all we can do now."
The chief councilor stood up and announced, "Any more would be considered a violation of the rules of the World Conference. King Leonidas, I hope you understand. We do not want to be seen as criminals who disrupt the peace, nor can we give the Athenians any more leverage."
"Of course, if we find that what you say is true, we, and all of Sparta, will respond to your voice."
Leonidas nodded, which meant he reluctantly accepted the decision.
Of course, three hundred people were far from enough for him to defend Thermopylae, but this was the greatest support he could get at the moment.
The consul then added: "And, King Leonidas, your actions must be kept secret."
"If the news leaks, the consequences will be equally serious."
"There are many people here who want to kill you."
Leonidas nodded, "I know. We will leave quietly and not attract any attention."
After the meeting, Leonidas stood alone on the balcony outside the council hall, looking at the rolling mountains in the distance.
Mount Taygetus towered majestically, but to the north, dark clouds were gathering, the shadow cast by the Persian army.
He took a deep breath.
"Three hundred men...three hundred men against the mighty army of the Persian Empire."
"snort."
"Hehehehe."
“Haha, hahahahaha!”
He knew he had no choice.
Although the World Conference was important, the peace it discussed was nothing but hypocrisy in Leonidas's view.
True peace needs to be guaranteed by force, and Thermopylae is the last line of defense to protect Greek freedom.
Without Thermopylae, the Persian army would have surrounded the Spartan city-state like a tide.
Leonidas was also very clear that the Persians must be sure of victory this time to dare to act in this way.
The Persians must have brought their Immortals, along with their divine messengers.
As long as they defeat Sparta, they will have a great say in the World Parliament.
By then, even if opposition was expressed against Persia at the World Conference or sanctions were initiated, the effect would be minimal.
After all, Sparta would then appear at the World Conference as a bargaining chip for Persia.
Not only Sparta, but also Athens and even the whole of Greece will be affected by it.
"King Leonidas, I heard what you did today in the council chamber."
"I will follow you till death, my king."
At this time, a Spartan warrior with strong muscles came to Leonidas and expressed his loyalty to him.
Leonidas recognized him; he was a centurion, or in other words, the training officer of many Spartan warriors.
Many Spartan warriors were trained under him.
Leonidas helped him up and they looked at each other, but no one spoke for a moment.
But there was something different in Leonidas' eyes when he looked at the centurion.
That's appreciation.
"My centurion."
"Gather me our Spartan best warriors."
"I'll take my pick."
Leonidas finished speaking and patted him on the shoulder.
The centurion nodded vigorously, then turned and left.
The breeze ruffled his hair, and Leonidas simply cast his gaze further into the distance.
......
On the other side, in the palace of Holy Egypt.
Kamul was rushing towards the place where the Holy Pharaoh was, carrying a piece of parchment and sweating profusely.
However, he did not see the figure of His Majesty the Holy Pharaoh.
"Where has Holy Pharaoh gone?"
"I have important information to share with His Majesty the Holy Pharaoh."
Kamul was a little confused, and at this moment, the guard handed Kamul a piece of papyrus.
Then, Kamul's eyes widened.
"Your Majesty the Holy Pharaoh, has he left?"
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