The flickering light from the torches in Amendolara's Senate chamber cast long shadows, illuminating the grave expressions of those gathered. Juleios stood at the center of the room, his commanding presence holding the attention of every senator.
"Let me ask you, which is better: forcing people to work with a stick, or inspiring them to work willingly, driven by hope?" His voice was calm, yet it carried the weight of his vision.
"Obviously, the latter," Asistes replied after a moment of thought, intrigued by where Juleios was leading.
Juleios nodded. "Exactly. More importantly, I don't want the Lucanians to remain slaves. I want them to become citizens of Amendolara. Only then can we grow stronger! Picture this—one day, when the native Lucanians see our forces march upon their lands, they will notice among our ranks soldiers who share their appearance and language, but who now wear Greek armor, eat Greek food, and speak freely and amicably with Greeks. What will they think?"
