Chapter 684 The Pope's Request for Help

Valentinian, who always boasted that he was the master of four realms in Ravenna, suddenly fell silent when Attila was close at hand. This guy once again suffered from the habit of failing at critical moments.

Of course, people had long been accustomed to his cowardice. Since when, probably in the era of Honorius, the Roman Senate had become extremely disappointed with Augustus. After all, there was really not much difference between Valentinian and Honorius, at least in terms of stupidity.

The news of the capture of Milan quickly spread to all the regions and cities in the Apennines. Everyone was in a state of panic, fearing that when they opened their eyes, Attila would be standing outside the city.

No one wanted to repeat Milan's mistakes. Of course, the Romans also knew the lessons of the past. They clearly realized that solid walls could not stop Attila. Only a strong field army and an excellent commander could do that. But where were the army and the commander? It was not just the outstanding people in the Senate who were in a state of panic in Rome. The Vatican was also troubled by this pagan who did not believe in Christ.

There was no news of Aetius's support for the central government, and no one knew what he was doing in Ludinium. Leo also learned from the court officials from Ravenna that Aetius almost broke with Valentinian because of Valentinian's inexplicable arrogance.

Aetius was not a man who liked to lose his temper. If even he lost his temper, it was likely that the Gallic reinforcements from Aetius would not have arrived.

Leo had to think of a better way. At this time, he thought of Luca who was far away in Constantinople. Now there were no more officers in the country who had the courage to confront Attila, so he had to make such a decision.

The content of the letter he handed to Luca was as follows:

"Great Augustus of Eastern Rome, now Attila has forgotten the shame of his defeat and has returned to Roman soil. His horse's hooves are carrying flames, and wherever he goes, there is flame and destruction. Even the solid and tall walls of Milan cannot stop the hooves of Attila's warhorse. While Attila was galloping recklessly, he created thick smoke to cover the sky and the sun to block God's eyes, so that God could not see everything clearly in the mortal world. He also ordered the soldiers to roar loudly, and the deafening howls covered God's ears, so that he could not hear the prayers of the most pure and pious believers in the Eternal City. So, my friend, I ask you to dispatch the legion in Constantinople, and tell God about this, beg for God's mercy, and quickly send troops to support Rome to save it from the fate of Dido's kingdom." (Dido's kingdom means Carthage.) Then Leo sent Rome's fastest horse to deliver the letter to the port, and then used the fastest ship to head east.

Seeing that Attila's army was about to cross the Tiber River, the army of the Naples region had not yet assembled. This was not because there was not enough money and armaments, but because not only the officers but also the ordinary soldiers of the Central Field Army did not have the courage to face Attila's iron hoof.

The Hun army was crossing the Tiber River and advancing towards the south at a speed visible to the naked eye. Valentinian was panicked. He ordered the entire Ravenna to enter a state of emergency. All money, wood and stone were used to strengthen the city walls and prepare armaments, so that Valentinian himself could look more confident.

It is hard to imagine that the messengers arranged by Leo could deliver letters from Rome to Constantinople day and night in just half a month.

When the Pope's letter for help was seen with their own eyes, the entire council hall was in an uproar. Now, the main line faction headed by Innobindes and Attylinnaeus had completely gained the upper hand.

The Pope has spoken personally. For the integrity of the Christian world and the absolute safety of the Eternal City, sending troops is what the people want. As long as Attila is defeated again, the supreme position in the entire Roman world and even the Christian world can be established, and it is very likely that Luca will be pushed to the altar and become as famous as Augustus Octavian.

Even though the officers and politicians were arguing with each other, Luga sat on the throne without saying a word, just letting them quarrel.

Li Jinia, who was sitting next to him, looked at Luga frequently and stroked her slightly bulging belly. Her face was full of confusion. For some reason, Luga became more and more taciturn during this period, and was completely different from her past self.

As a middleman, Luca cannot stand on the two opposing sides. He should think from the overall perspective. Even Leo's letter for help cannot make him lose his clear judgment.

"Caesar, this is a question. Let you decide it!"

Seeing that Jovian was exhausted from arguing about this matter, he had no strength left, but he had no room to persuade the pro-war faction in front of him, so he simply waved his hand and asked Luca, who was sitting there, to leave.

When he heard the call, Luga came back to his senses and raised his head, looking at the people in front of him. They were also looking at Luga, wanting to see which side Luga would choose.

"Do you know exactly where Attila's destination is when he goes south? Also, how many people are there?" Luga asked Innobindes slowly.

"It should be Rome, Caesar. According to the shared information, Attila's army has no less than 40,000 troops here." Innobindes answered without thinking. "After all, Gaiseric attacked Rome, which is the symbol of the empire. Conquering Rome would be a supreme humiliation to the empire, so Attila would definitely attack Rome first."

"The Eternal City is eternal, but in just a few decades it will be in crisis again." Luca laughed coldly as he tapped the handrail with his fingers. "It seems that rebuilding the city wall is a very wise decision, but now it seems that where is Attila's army? And what are the Central Field Army of Ravenna, especially Aetius, doing?"

"So far, there has been no news of the Central Field Army being deployed." Atilinnaeus continued, "Valentinian must have decided to abandon Rome and protect the safety of Ravenna. After all, the secondary capital Milan has fallen, and Valentinian wants to abandon the Eternal City and protect Ravenna from threats."

"He is just protecting himself." Luca raised his head and interrupted Atilinnaeus. "Even Augustus of Rome has abandoned the Eternal City. There is no need for us to send troops far to support it. After all, the journey is long. It is impossible for the army to travel thousands of miles to get there and fight. If Attila catches us off guard, then all the assets we have just built will be gone."

Luga's analysis left the officers present speechless. They could even hear that Luga was still somewhat biased about not sending troops.

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"But we should go and save the city blessed by God." Innobindes was unwilling to give up. He stood up and said loudly: "We at least need other ways to respond to the Pope instead of just standing by and watching."

"Then let's do as we said before." Luca said calmly, "Attack Dacia and put pressure on Attila from the rear, so that he won't have the confidence to attack. So, among the lords present, who is willing to go?"

“I’ll go!”

Before the other officers could react, Andrew stood up and walked in front of Luca.

"Andrew?" A hint of surprise flashed across Luca's face. Li Jinia beside him glared at Andrew fiercely, wondering what this guy wanted to do!

(End of this chapter)