The Rise Of An Empire In Ancient Europe
Chapter 73 Melsis’s Request

Chapter 73: Chapter 73 Melsis’s Request

That evening, Cristoia entered Juleios’s tent and, after hearing about the day’s events, remarked, "You’re planning to absorb those mercenaries, aren’t you?"

"I genuinely want to help them," Juleios replied, his tone earnest.

"Really?" Cristoia laughed softly, tilting her head upward, her red lips lush and inviting.

"Truly," Juleios said as he lowered his head and kissed her soft, moist lips.

That kiss ignited a passion between them. Juleios reached out and scooped Cristoia into his arms, his heart pounding with longing.

But just as the moment deepened, Martius’s voice came from outside the tent: "Leader, Melsis and Mariji want to see you."

Juleios cursed under his breath, his expression darkening as he muttered, "Not now!"

Cristoia laughed, playfully punching him in the chest. "If Melsis and Mariji, who usually don’t get along, are coming to see you together, it must be something important."

Reluctantly, Juleios set Cristoia down, stealing two more quick kisses before she gently pushed him away.

When Melsis and Mariji entered, they barely glanced at Cristoia, as her relationship with Juleios was already an open secret among the mercenaries. Without preamble, the two explained why they had come.

It turned out that while the soldiers were busy building the camp, Melsis and Mariji had not been idle. Thurii, despite forbidding the mercenaries from entering the city, had an entrepreneurial spirit typical of the Greeks. Merchants and peddlers, hearing about the mercenaries’ arrival, had flocked to the old city of Sybaris to explore potential business opportunities. Beyond the food provided by Thurii, the mercenaries needed other supplies, creating a thriving trade relationship.

Initially, the trade was one-sided: the Thurian merchants sold, and the mercenaries bought. But soon, Melsis noticed the merchants’ keen interest in certain items within the mercenary supply camp. During their journey back from Persia, the mercenaries had looted more than just slaves and women—they had seized gold, silver, and various artworks, including exotic spice wood carvings, golden idols, and intricately crafted ivory pieces. These treasures, steeped in foreign allure, were both trophies and mementos of their exploits.

To the Thurian merchants, these exotic items were fascinating novelties. Recognizing their value, they eagerly sought to buy them from Melsis.

Melsis, no fool, avoided selling the items cheaply, especially since many belonged to individual soldiers who had stored them in the supply camp. Unsure of their exact worth, he approached Mariji, a fellow Persian, to provide insights into the cultural and monetary value of the items. Mariji, ever resourceful, proposed an idea: establish a marketplace managed by the mercenaries themselves, allowing them to trade with the Greeks while potentially collecting fees.

The audacity of setting up a marketplace—and possibly collecting taxes—on foreign soil intrigued Melsis. Though he initially balked at the logistics, the lure of profit quickly swayed him. He and Mariji brought the proposal to Juleios.

The idea intrigued Juleios immediately. A marketplace wouldn’t just meet the mercenaries’ needs; it could also serve as a hub for expanding their influence, understanding the Magna Graecian market, and cultivating relationships with merchants. More importantly, it could be a channel for gathering intelligence and identifying talent. Juleios, whose vision extended far beyond the immediate needs of his army, saw the potential for long-term gains.

"Building a marketplace is a good idea," Juleios said with a nod. "Tomorrow, I’ll have the soldiers construct it outside the camp, near the coast to the east. Mariji, you’ll oversee its construction. We don’t have much time, so keep it simple but functional. Once it’s operational, you’ll manage its day-to-day affairs."

Mariji’s face lit up with excitement at the prospect.

However, Juleios’s tone turned stern as he added, "The marketplace must be orderly, ensure fair transactions, and maintain cleanliness. Focus on building a good reputation to attract merchants from other city-states. As for taxes, we won’t impose any—not yet. I don’t want to upset the Thurians. Instead, think of alternative revenue streams, like charging for services or offering affordable drinks. Once the marketplace thrives, you can consider shop fees."

Mariji nodded enthusiastically. "Leader, your wisdom is unmatched!"

Turning to the slightly dejected Melsis, Juleios continued, "Melsis, trading with the Magna Graecians will be your responsibility."

Melsis perked up at this but frowned slightly when Juleios added, "You’re forbidden from touching soldiers’ personal belongings stored in the supply camp without their explicit consent. Any trade involving their items must come with proper agreements, and after deducting a minimal handling fee—no more than one-thirty-fifth—the rest must go to the rightful owners. Mariji, you’ll supervise this process."

"Juleios, you’re too strict! One-thirty-fifth is nothing! At least one-twentieth—it’s hard work selling these things, standing in the sun, persuading buyers..." Melsis protested, his tone almost pleading.

"One-twentieth is excessive. One-thirty-fifth is final!" Juleios said firmly. "Instead of overcharging the soldiers, focus on expanding your trade and creating new opportunities for profit."

Melsis grumbled under his breath but began to consider alternatives. Suddenly, his face brightened as an idea struck him. "We have skilled craftsmen in the supply camp—Persians, Armenians, and others. They’ve learned unique techniques, like Persian massage therapies, from their time in the medical camp. Magna Graecian men would pay a premium for such services..."

Before Melsis could finish, Cristoia cleared her throat deliberately, her sharp gaze cutting through his excitement.

Juleios stifled a laugh, knowing Cristoia’s presence was enough to reign in Melsis’s more outlandish schemes. To ease the tension, Juleios suggested, "Here’s a better idea. The doctors in our medical camp are skilled, and since there are no major injuries among the troops right now, why not set up a clinic in the marketplace? Offer paid treatments. Cristoia can help you organize the details."

Melsis, though reluctant to accept Cristoia’s oversight, nodded in agreement.

After Cristoia and Melsis began discussing logistics, Mariji interjected, "Leader, there’s one more matter to address. Many women in the supply camp are being..."

Cristoia cut him off sharply. "I want your assurance, Mariji, that no woman in the camp will be coerced into anything!"

Mariji hesitated, but Melsis loudly proclaimed, "Most women here are already claimed by soldiers or work as laborers. Only a few... let’s say, have chosen this path themselves. I’d never force anyone!"

Cristoia’s cold gaze lingered on him, making Melsis shift uncomfortably before she finally relented, turning to Juleios for the final word.