Chapter 540 The sharpest spear, the strongest shield

In May, everything in Rome was carried out according to Luca's previous arrangements, and all the elders and nobles who opposed Luca were isolated.

This group of uncertain factors always do some incredible things, but the senators are all very rich and are well-known big families in the whole of Rome.

Winning them over has become the best way to obtain sufficient financial subsidies, so when dealing with this group of veteran nobles, extreme measures should not be used against them unless it is absolutely necessary.

The distance between the Senate and the Imperial Palace was only three blocks, but two field regiments of soldiers were arranged to guard such a close distance. This deployment was very familiar. After all, before Luca arrived in Rome, he was unwilling for the senators to have contact with Augustus Valentinian.

On this day, a group of cavalry appeared outside the city of Rome. The riders stopped outside the city. The leader lifted his hood and raised his head to shout at the soldiers on the city wall: "I am the commander of the Guards, Verus. I am bringing the treasurer Aresio to the city to meet with the Senate and His Majesty Augustus!"

The soldiers guarding the city naturally recognized the commander of the Imperial Guard, but they only had a dozen people, and they all looked very embarrassed. They couldn't help wondering what kind of battle had happened to cause such a situation? In such an urgent situation, the soldiers did not dare to neglect it and hurriedly opened the city gate to let them in.

Because Luca's army, which has absolute military power in Rome, has already dominated the entire city. Even the Roman Senate can only exist because of the support of Luca's senators.

Now the treasurer Aresio and the commander of the Guards Verus came back in a state of embarrassment. It was obvious that Aetius had begun to launch an attack recklessly.

The Senate Chamber was once again filled with Roman senators, who were discussing among themselves that they had to make some plans in the face of a powerful enemy, even if it meant re-choosing their formation.

"The Duke of Aletium's garrison has betrayed him and joined Aetius's camp." A senator stood up and said loudly to the senators behind him: "Now Aetius has firmly grasped Northern Italy in his hands."

"The legions of Naples have declared their allegiance to Aetius, and are coming towards Rome from the south."

This sudden news made all the nobles present gasp and exclaim in surprise. No one could remain calm when Rome was caught in a situation of being attacked from both sides.

No one knew why Aetius came here. For example, as he said in Araetium, he wanted to send Augustus to the East to inherit the throne, but who could be sure whether his words were true?

Anyway, he spared no effort to recommend his son Gaudentius to Valentinian just to marry Valentinian's youngest daughter, Obelia. Then he might really become a model of morality in the eyes of the elders! At the front of the meeting hall, as the first to support Luca, Odysseus and Paul sat there and looked back at the arguing guys without saying a word. It is undeniable that if Luca is reluctant to show up now, Rome will inevitably fall into war.

The Romans attacking Rome was originally an unspeakable issue. Now the armies of Aetius and Litorius were getting closer and closer. If no action was taken, they would be sitting there waiting to die.

"We now have nearly 10,000 troops of Mateolius and Beliarius stationed in Rome, plus the Praetorian Guards. Together with the soldiers guarding Rome, there are more than 15,000."

"Aetius's army has 40,000 men. Their numbers are too large. If Luca can't get here as soon as possible, then we really can't be their opponent."

Not only those chattering elders, but even the leaders Odysseus and Paul were unsure. This was not surprising. After all, Luca was far away in Tarraco with Pope Leo I. Distant water cannot quench immediate thirst. This is a truth that any ordinary person knows.

But Aetius was only a few days away, and he was very ostentatious in his attempt to make Valentinian the supreme Augustus of Rome.

Anyone with a discerning eye could see Aetius's arrangement for Valentinian, who wanted too much freedom and unlimited power. Everyone was afraid that if the news reached Valentinian's ears, he might immediately declare the soldiers who protected him as traitors and kill them, causing civil unrest.

“Tap, tap, tap…”

A series of hurried footsteps were heard outside the door, and Mateolius and Belia walked into the Senate Chamber followed by John Antiochus.

They ignored the quarreling elders on the stage and went straight to Odysseus and Paul.

"Your Excellencies," Odysseus said as he looked at the three of them, "You must have some news to come here in such a hurry."

"Yes, it is very urgent." John Antiochus continued, "Master Luca is on his way back now, and Sergius' fleet is rushing back as fast as possible."

"When did that happen?" Paul interrupted.

"Nearly a month ago, at least, Lord Luca took action immediately after learning of Theodore's death."

The two elders couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief when they heard that Luca was on his way back.

"So what about His Majesty Augustus Valentinian?" Odysseus continued to ask, "He is the most uncertain factor now, because he was very excited when he learned that Theodosius had passed away."

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"He has been placed under strict guard, and Augustus has assured us that he will not be deceived by the lies he knows Aetius has told."

"Now we can only trust Augusta. She is a very qualified and determined sister to Luca." Odysseus sighed slightly and then changed the subject: "Why, do you have any better ideas for the defense of Rome?"

"The citizens of Rome now show two extremes." John Antiochus continued, "There are indeed many people in Rome who support Luca, but even more people support Aetius. Their presence has created a great resistance to our decision to call on the Romans to defend Rome."

"We have no other decision now!" Belialiu said indignantly, "Before Aetius arrives, we call on the Romans who support Luca to unite and fight. As for those dissidents, I think sending soldiers to suppress them is the only way."

At this time, Luka stood on the bow of the boat, the parchment in his hand had been wrinkled and yellowed by himself. Luka stared blankly at the surging sea in front of him without saying a word.

"It seems that Your Excellency must be facing a very important choice."

Luca came to his senses and saw Sergius not far behind him.

(End of this chapter)