Chapter 496: Settlement 2

Less than a kilometer away from the Golden Gate of Constantinople, the facade of the Eastern Roman Divided Empire was displayed in front of Luca and his party. The newly rebuilt Golden Gate wall was tall and majestic, and the gatehouse was so spacious that it could even carry the most advanced catapults and crossbows in the entire Rome. These things that were enough to scare the invading barbarians were now proudly standing on the gatehouse, showing the power of Rome to the civilians passing by the city.

After a week-long journey, Luca and his party arrived at the tall and majestic Golden Gate. Theodosius's display of military power was clearly visible to everyone. The ordinary citizens coming in and out naturally showed great envy for the tall city gate and the majestic defensive weapons. Especially in times of war, who would not want to live under the protection of tall city walls? But this kind of life is a right that only the wealthy and nobles can enjoy. For ordinary civilians, they can only pray that there is nothing in their villages or towns that the wandering barbarians are interested in, and leave everything else to God. Apart from praying day after day, there seems to be nothing else to do.

"After such a long absence, I finally come to this city again." Standing at the city gate, Luca couldn't help but admire. On the surface, he looked very relaxed, but in his heart, he felt something else. As the saying goes, good news doesn't go out, but bad news travels a thousand miles. Theodosius II wanted to see him so urgently, so there must be something wrong. As for whether it was a good thing or a bad thing, Luca couldn't say for sure. Generally speaking, as long as the nobles of Athens didn't arrive early, everything would be fine.

"They rely on these tall and majestic walls to dream of a peaceful and prosperous era, but they don't know that the entire Thrace and Macedonia provinces are now in ruins." Andrew was still very dissatisfied with some of Augustus's actions. He complained quietly all the way like a chattering sparrow, chirping quietly for a long time. Luca was so annoyed that he turned around and stopped Andrew, saying, "Enough, Andrew, no matter what, he has the final say here. No matter how dissatisfied he is, it can't change the fact that he is still Augustus."

"Hmph, it's just to protect that seat and that soft bed!" Andrew snorted coldly, but followed Luca tactfully without saying a word.

The group walked along the street towards the palace. The road was full of refugees begging along the street. They were ragged and their clothes exuded a foul smell that made people feel uncomfortable. With messy hair and dirty faces, and mud on their legs and feet, they used the turmoil of war and the evil of the Huns as an excuse, stretched out their hands and begged in the name of God, hoping to get help from passers-by. However, most of the time, they begged and received not the mercy of passers-by but the sticks of the soldiers who maintained law and order.

Seeing this, Luca couldn't help but quicken his pace. He was actually afraid that Andrew would be filled with righteous indignation. This Germanic man would be angry and dislike everyone. Maybe his sense of justice would guide him to do something out of the ordinary. "We need to hurry up, otherwise Augustus will be anxious!" Luca's excuses were always so pale.

Outside the palace, more refugees were gathering. They raised their dirty hands and shouted towards the palace, trying to get Theodosius II, who was "hiding" in the palace, to call them out. They were so hungry that they just wanted to get some shelter from the authority of their beloved Basileus. But in front of them, the fully armed soldiers surrounded the entire palace like a solid and insurmountable "wall". Their purpose here was to block them from the palace. That's right, how can such a sacred place as the palace be allowed to be set foot by mortals? The cries of the refugees resounded through the world, but their unfortunate experience could not move the guards present at all. Their duty was to surround the palace and ensure that Augustus' rest and peace were not disturbed. As for these guys who kept complaining like a grudge, let them cry and shout. Maybe they will stop when they are tired of crying and shouting.

Luca led Andrew and other guards through the refugees. The stench along the way almost made him faint, but he endured it and got in. Seeing a soldier trying to stop him, he pointed at his officer's armor and shouted to the soldier, "I am Flavius ​​Luca, the supreme commander of the Thracian Field Army. The people behind me are my guards. Let us in."

"As you wish, sir!" Upon hearing that it was Luga, the soldiers who were blocking the way quickly made way for Luga and his group to pass.

"It seems that people still need Augustus, at least it is necessary to solve their current situation." Luga walked in, took a deep breath, and looked at the row of soldiers in front of him.

Their defenses were as tight as the walls of Constantinople, with three layers to prevent the influx of refugees from causing trouble for the Purple Room.

Entering the palace, it was still the same as before, except that winter made it look a little more desolate. The maids who were cleaning were busy coming in and out. When they saw Luca coming, they saluted and stepped aside.

Led by the soldiers guarding the gate, Luca walked into the hall where Augustus Theodosius II was. As soon as he opened the door, Luca was almost dazzled by the dazzling and colorful reflection of the glass on the floor.

"Augustus' Council Hall, those who are not qualified are not allowed to enter!" After Luca entered, the guard at the gate stretched out his hand to stop Andrew outside the door. It was obvious that Andrew was the guy who was not qualified.

"Hmph!" Andrew rolled his eyes at the guard and snorted coldly, still standing outside the door honestly.

“Boom!”

The gatekeepers closed the door. Now, apart from the reflection of colorful glazed tiles on the ground, only Luca and Theodosius II were left in the hall.

Luca looked up and saw a throne in front of him. Theodosius was wearing a purple robe and a golden laurel crown on his head. One of his fingers kept tapping the golden scepter in his hand, and a "da! da! da!" sound rang out in the quiet hall.

"Caesar, or rather, father!" Luca stepped forward and bowed slightly to Theodosius II.

"Your glorious deeds always come faster than you, Luca, my son!" Theodosius II sat on the throne, staring at Luca with his eyes wide open. Although it was a superficial compliment, such a tone made it hard to hear the compliment. Luca realized at this time that it must be these vengeful nobles who whispered in Theodosius II's ears, otherwise Theodosius would not treat him in such a tone.

"I do not understand the glorious deeds you are talking about, Caesar," Luca said, bowing again.

"Look, look at it all, look at what you have done for me!" Theodosius was disgusted to see that Luca pretended to know nothing. He grabbed the pile of parchment letters beside him and threw them in front of Luca with a "clatter".

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(End of this chapter)