"That was just a moment of anger," Anticles said with a touch of candor. "Actually, Hieronymus is a great person—humble and diligent. He often seeks my advice. Besides, my two new sons-in-law are now citizens, and my eldest son-in-law is even a Platoon Leader!"
Stromboli snorted dismissively. "A Platoon Leader? What’s so special about that? How many men does he command? Back in our day, you and I were Battalion Commanders."
"That’s different," Anticles replied matter-of-factly. "Back then, it was because of our noble status that we were appointed by the consul. But as Trotilas mentioned, Consul Juleios decreed that ’Platoon Leaders must have experienced countless battles, earned the soldiers’ recognition, and been elected by them, with approval from their superiors, to assume the role.’"
Stromboli fell silent. Though critical of the changes, he could not deny the prowess of the Persian expedition soldiers. To command their respect required exceptional ability.
In the center of the square, Juleios stood tall amidst the thunderous cheers of the soldiers. From the sidelines, Cristoia watched him with a dreamy gaze. This was the man she had chosen amidst the chaos of war. The facts had proven her judgment correct—Juleios had fulfilled his ambitions and more.
"The consul looks so majestic!" A crisp voice broke her reverie. Cristoia didn’t need to turn around to know it was Andrea.
After learning Andrea’s story and being touched by her devotion, Cristoia had invited her to work at the bank under the pretense of needing help. Andrea gladly accepted, and the two quickly became close. With Cristoia as a "shield," the gossip and judgment from others diminished significantly.
"Don’t tell me you’ve taken a liking to Juleios?" Cristoia teased.
"Madam, don’t make fun of me," Andrea replied with a slight pout.
"I heard Juleios ordered the Lucanians to observe today’s ceremony. After it’s over, I’ll ask him to arrange a meeting between you and him. How about that?" Cristoia offered sincerely.
Andrea’s eyes lit up. "Thank you, Madam!"
Cristoia studied her for a moment, then sighed. "Are you really planning to wait five years?"
Andrea nodded firmly, her determination unshaken.
Moved, Cristoia recalled Juleios’s words and said, "Then you must encourage Bagul to lead his people well. Ensure they don’t cause trouble, complete all tasks assigned by the city-state, and actively participate in any major undertakings. This way, the five-year period could be shortened."
Andrea nodded vigorously, tears glistening in her eyes as Cristoia gently stroked her face. "I hope your wait won’t be too long, and that your wishes will come true."
On the platform, Felicius stepped forward and announced loudly, "I now represent the Senate in declaring the establishment of the First Legion of Amendolara! The Legion Commander is Lifetime Consul Juleios!"
The soldiers erupted into deafening cheers.
"Present the flag of the First Legion!"
As the military trumpets sounded, the square fell silent, the air thick with solemnity. Felicius, holding a four-meter-tall banner with both hands, presented it to Juleios, who received it respectfully. Raising the banner high, Juleios began a slow circuit around the platform.
Outside the square, Melsis shouted, "Do you see that? That’s the flag I meticulously designed and supervised! Isn’t it beautiful?!"
"Did you design it?" Marigi asked skeptically.
Melsis laughed awkwardly. "Fine, Juleios designed it. But without me, those flags wouldn’t have been made so quickly!"
The soldiers gazed at the shimmering golden flag, breathless with admiration. At its top was a bronze statue of Hades holding a bident. Beneath it was a ring of red plume-like tassels, followed by a sturdy flagpole wrapped in heavy red wool-linen fabric. One side of the flag bore the golden Greek words "First Legion"; the other featured a golden star at its center.
Pointing to the star, Juleios addressed the soldiers: "Brothers of the First Legion, this golden star represents your annihilation of the Lucanian coalition and the recapture of Amendolara. It symbolizes your honor as the founders of Amendolara’s new legion. It is unique!"
The soldiers roared with pride, straightening their backs as they gazed at the star gleaming atop their banner.
"From this day forward, for every major victory, another golden star will be added to this flag to remind the world of your achievements! I hope you will cover this banner with golden stars through countless victories!"
The soldiers’ cheers shook the heavens:
Among the crowd, Anticles, who had lost his right arm, gazed at the flag with admiration. "In all my years of battle, I’ve never seen such a flag or such a way to inspire soldiers! To fight under that banner would be the highest honor."
"Did you hear that the top of the flag is crowned with a statue of Hades?" Stromboli muttered. "Is Juleios trying to claim divine favor from the Ruler of the Underworld?"
Anticles shrugged. "Many already believe that. If Hades brings death to our enemies, isn’t that a good thing? This First Legion will become a terrifying force. It’s a pity I can no longer fight under that banner."
"Please welcome Martius, the First Legion’s standard-bearer, to the platform to receive the flag!" Felicius announced.
Martius, the bold captain of the guard, adjusted his armor nervously and stepped forward. Standing before Juleios, he pounded his right fist against his chest in salute.
Juleios returned the salute and said loudly, "The standard-bearer is the bravest soldier in the army. It is the highest honor! On the battlefield, you must hold this banner high, no matter the danger, and inspire the army to victory!"
Martius solemnly received the flag and vowed, "By Hades, I will cherish this flag as my own life and carry it forward, never retreating!"
Amid the cheers, Matonis muttered, "If I hadn’t been promoted to Company Commander, that standard-bearer would’ve been me!"
Next came Kapus, Commander of the First Battalion, to receive the battalion flag.
As Kapus ascended the platform, Juleios handed him the flag, saying, "The First Battalion is the role model for the entire army, the elite among elites. Wherever the danger is greatest, the First Battalion must rise and pave the way to victory. Remember this well!"
Kapus saluted. "The First Battalion will never let you down, my lord. We will always be the sharp spear of the army!"
The battalion flag bore the iron statue of Thanatos, Hades’ subordinate, wielding a sword and cloaked in a black robe with outstretched wings. Beneath the statue, the red banner read "First Legion First Battalion" in golden Greek letters, with a single gold star on the reverse. Kapus waved it proudly, and the First Battalion roared in triumph.
As each battalion commander stepped forward to receive their flags, Juleios offered words of encouragement, ensuring every unit understood their role in the Legion’s growing legacy.
Finally, when Epiphanes, Commander of the Seventh Battalion, approached, he took the initiative: "My lord, we’re 400 men short of full strength. May I send people to Thrace, Crete, and Rhodes to recruit light infantry, archers, and slingers?"
"To Amendolara as freedmen?" Juleios asked, smiling faintly.
"Of course," Epiphanes replied with a playful grin. "They would apply for citizenship after a few years, per your Senate’s proposal."
Juleios laughed. "Then proceed—but ensure they’re worthy of this Legion."