The Athenian naval commissioner saw Pericles, but he could see that Pericles was still talking to another person, and he was walking towards the door while talking.
Even the Athenian naval commissioners could hear Pericles speaking.
"...Yes, you see, Holy Egypt has now defeated the Hebrew Empire and is no longer the same as it was before."
"Even most of the allies of the Holy Egypt Alliance are directly supplied with food by Holy Egypt."
"This proves one thing, that is, the current food production in Holy Egypt has far exceeded our imagination. I think this is an opportunity for us."
"You see, although the food from the Black Sea is slightly cheaper, with just a slight increase in price, you can buy the finest food from Holy Egypt."
"Believe me, it won't be long before Holy Egypt's grain will be hard to find in Athens. You'll probably have to pay several times the price to buy it."
"Of course, during this meeting, I will also discuss the issue of food with the Holy Pharaoh. Trade with Holy Egypt will always benefit Athens more than it will harm us."
The Athenian naval commissioner saw that Pericles had stopped again and seemed to be listening to what the other party was saying.
"Yes, you are right, but I believe Saint Pharaoh should understand this."
"At that time, I wasn't the one truly in power in Greece. I'll naturally explain this to him. However, I think the Holy Pharaoh will understand this as well."
"Don't worry. Even if I can't bring it up in the meeting, I will mention it to the Holy Pharaoh privately."
"Of course, it's a pleasure to work with you. I have guests waiting for me over there, so please excuse me."
When the Athenian naval commissioner heard Pericles' last words, he just pursed his lips slightly.
He knew that disturbing Pericles at such a social gathering attended by all the important figures in Athens would undoubtedly spoil the mood.
But the situation is urgent and there is no room for hesitation.
A moment later, Pericles came out with his attendants.
He was dressed in a simple white robe, with a handsome face and elegant manners.
Even when he was urgently interrupted in such a social situation, his expression did not show the slightest displeasure, but instead revealed a look of concern.
"What has happened, my friend?"
"I heard you had something urgent to talk to me about."
Pericles asked gently, his voice still calm.
Although he had just come from a banquet, he did not show any sign of slackness or impatience.
Of course, this calm and composed temperament in public was one of the reasons why the people of Athens loved him.
"General, we must find a quiet place to talk."
"This matter concerns not only Athens, but all of Greece."
"Can I have a moment?"
The Athenian naval commissioner lowered his voice and looked around.
Pericles nodded, motioned him to follow him, and then Pericles led him into a secluded study.
The room is filled with scrolls and books, and the walls are covered with exquisite Athenian murals depicting the Acropolis and the Parthenon.
Here, a large oak table occupied the center of the room, with several parchments spread out on the table, covered with dense text and diagrams.
Apparently, this was where Pericles had his office.
"I'm working on a speech for the World Conference, so things are a bit chaotic here."
Pericles explained, rolling up a piece of paper.
“I hope that through this conference, more people will understand the importance of Athens’ democratic system and civil rights.”
“Our democracy is not perfect, but it is the best way for all citizens to participate in governing our country.”
The Athenian naval commissioner nodded in admiration. This was his first time in Pericles' study.
Generally speaking, only Pericles' confidants or close friends, or those who have made outstanding contributions to Athens and can obtain Pericles' permission, can enter here.
Therefore, when the Athenian naval commissioner entered here, he couldn't help but observe for a while before suddenly widening his eyes and preparing to get to the point.
“You are really amazing…”
"Ah! Chief General, what I want to talk about is not about the World Conference."
The Athenian naval commissioner spoke so quickly that he had to swallow hard before he could continue.
"I, I brought a piece of news that may affect the entire meeting process."
"Even, it will even affect Athens and Greece!"
He quickly recounted in detail what had happened in the tavern and the rumors about the Holy Egyptian fleet, emphasizing especially the part about Thermopylae.
However, Pericles always maintained an attentive listening attitude.
His expression did not change at all regarding the fleet and ships of Holy Egypt.
It wasn't until the part about Thermopylae did his brows gradually furrow.
"You mean to say that the Holy Egyptians' intelligence indicates that the Persians may be gathering at Thermopylae?"
Pericles asked the Athenian naval commissioner in return, which was to confirm with him again.
"That's right, General."
"And according to what that Corinthian merchant said, the Holy Egyptian fleet is also heading in that direction."
"This information is completely unknown to us. Therefore, I think it won't be long before the Athenian navy verifies the news about the Holy Egyptian Fleet."
"As long as the news about the Holy Egyptian Fleet is true, it means that something might have really happened at Thermopylae."
"If the Spartans want to tell us the news, it will probably take some time."
"I'm worried that by then it will be too late. If the intelligence from Holy Egypt is true, we still have time to stop the Persians."
"Look, the World Conference is about to begin, and Persia has still violated the rules and trust. They must have other motives."
"No matter what their purpose is, I think we must stop them before the World Conference!"
Pericles still did not speak or nod.
There was a moment of silence, and Pericles seemed to be thinking.
"The information brought by Collins's merchant?"
Pericles spoke at this time, but the Athenian naval commissioner was not sure whether Pericles was talking to himself or to him.
So, he just nodded in response to Pericles' question.
Pericles then took a larger map from his desk and began to carefully examine the location of Thermopylae and its surrounding terrain.
He ran his finger along the shoreline, then pointed inland toward the road.
"If this intelligence is true, it means that the Persians intend to launch a surprise attack before the World Conference."
"Their target is likely not only Thermopylae, but also the entire northern Greece. Once Sparta is attacked, Athens will also be in danger."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
