Chapter 10: The Princess's Crown

After Calabis complied, Adiana suddenly took the battle axe that was fastened to Calabis's waist, hid it under the blanket, and slowly walked out of the tent

Damn... Batitas! Safano finally reacted and rushed into the tent with Demetrius. Batitas's corpse was covered in wounds from the axe, and even the bed beneath him was split apart. His entire body fell into the crevice created by the broken bedposts, presenting a horrifying sitting posture, with blood-stained rags and debris scattered everywhere.

Your merits cannot offset your crimes. It is over for you, you are finished, Haibulida, you old soldier scoundrel. I have said before that you would surely come to ruin!" Utaris said fiercely and excitedly, holding up the silver ring in front of Haibulida. "You actually dared to disdain this symbol of your legion position and deceived your superiors with false signals. General Murira has issued a disciplinary decision: thirty lashes with a rod, three days of hard labor in the nude, removal from the centurion position, and demotion to auxiliary soldier. "You actually dared to disdain this symbol of your legion position and deceived your superiors with false signals. General Murira has issued a disciplinary decision: thirty lashes with a rod, three days of hard labor in the nude, removal from the centurion position, and demotion to auxiliary soldier.

No, I believe that soldiers should not enjoy the spoils of war, as it contradicts the values of this world. "Haidelida stretched lazily and said, hurry up, you and your maid should strip down. When the following troops arrive, comply obediently, or I will execute you on the spot with my sword. Go to hell and be a noblewoman there!"

"I beg you, esteemed and honorable officer, you cannot violate me; I am a noble lady, and such an act would contravene the values of this world," Naisa cried, tears streaming down her face, pleading.

Yes, not only my mother, but also Belinai from Kaier, and two other aunts, have all died. This is a blood debt so severe that even the goddess of revenge would feel terror. You, Naisa, are the one who instructed this debauched slave girl, the witch of the bedchamber, to so thoroughly enchant the chief eunuch Balod that he became utterly infatuated. Under Balod's influence, you were able to remain by the side of our father, while my mother and the other concubines were forced to accept the fate of death, allowing you to monopolize our father. But what you did not expect is that I have inherited my father's invulnerability to poison; this is the arrangement of the goddess of revenge, and today I have witnessed your filthy and despicable appearance.

Calabris is about to applaud, this is simply more melodramatic than a Colombian soap opera, and it is actually unfolding right before his eyes

Then Utares pushed through the crowd and saw Calabis. He affectionately patted him on the chest and said, "Calabis, you are quite a capable slave, but you no longer need to follow that wretched dog; just follow me instead." After saying this, he swaggered away.

Our country has always believed that nothing is more important than religion—Maxim of ancient Rome

Thank you, thank you. Please allow me to once again introduce myself, I am Nysa, the younger sister of His Majesty Mithradates, the court's second-ranking noblewoman. Nysa immediately regained her dignified demeanor, extending her hand before Claudius. Claudius exchanged glances with her and kissed the back of her hand, "Captain of the Silesian Governor's Direct Cavalry, Military Protector, Claudius—just call me Baburius, no, just Bab will do"

Two fascist henchmen forced Haibida to kneel, while Safano, Aminius, and other subordinates formed a circle around him, wearing expressions of helplessness. Two other henchmen stepped forward, stripped Haibida of his armor, tore off the insignia of his identity from his chest, and threw it onto the ground, where it was subsequently trampled underfoot by the henchmen wielding the staffs. The four of them each drew a staff from the bundle and began to strike Haibida's back fiercely, one blow after another, accompanied by the sound of flesh being whipped.

Bastard, it seems that Karabis has long known the true identity of Karabia on hetushu.com, and he has been deceiving me! Centurion Haibrida was also beside him, gritting his teeth in anger

Several completely naked female slaves who had just served Biduita rushed towards the chariot of Little Tegre, only to be impaled by the extended spear tips, their bodies torn apart and lying in disarray on the ground. "Biduita, pick up your sword and go outside the tent to fight the Romans, fulfill the promise you just made!" Little Tegre continued to move forward while loudly berating Biduita, who was sprawled on the ground, drunk like a large shrimp.

However, do you know that the humiliating years I spent in your legion were not without meaning? Through observation, I am quite certain that the centurions and soldiers under your command are not interested in your dreams. " Adiana remained relentless.

The sound of hooves echoed as a handsome Roman officer, accompanied by several attendants, stepped into the area, exclaiming, "It seems someone has arrived faster than our four hooves." "Oh!" Karabis recognized him; the exquisite greaves on his long legs indicated his identity. He was the young, mysterious officer who had cut the ropes for him before they entered the camp at Haibrida.

Having spoken, Lucas gracefully led Adiana and Nysa away, while Claudius winked at Hebrida and followed Murilla and the others.

As the sun rises, the battlefield of Sophene is left in a bloody disarray. Soldiers of the legion, their armor stained and marked by smoke and fire, sit in orderly rows to rest. Their enemy, the "King of Kings," has already fled, and it has been proven that the Armenian and Arab chieftains are merely boastful. Under the assault of the Roman legions, these individuals either perished or retreated in panic. Their servants, carts, and wealth have all been ruthlessly plundered and captured, leading to the complete collapse of the Armenian army. The Armenian and Arab chieftains have indeed proven to be nothing but braggarts, as under the onslaught of the Roman legions, they either met their demise or fled in disarray. Their servants, carts, and wealth have been mercilessly looted and seized, resulting in the total disintegration of the Armenian forces.

"Babu, kill that despicable wildcat; she is tarnishing my reputation," Naisa shouted first at Claudius.

Claudius was present, along with several centurions from the Triumvirate. This tent, which Carabis recognized, was indeed the one where the injured Batitas lay.

Adiana proudly declared: "Like my three sisters, I am a jewel of the House of Domitra, the future wife of the king. No one can infringe upon me; let your commander come to see me"

"What a courtly noblewoman! She is merely a tempting and delectable tool in the hands of the king." At this moment, Adiana suddenly spoke, striding toward the center of the crowd, filled with disdain

Please, do me the honor, Your Excellency. I truly do not know who is hiding there! The voice of Haibulida trembled slightly.

"It is with great respect that I present to you, Your Excellency Baburius Marcus Claudius, this tribute to honor your victory. Please indulge in this bounty, esteemed noblewoman." Contrary to Carabis's expectations, Haibrida showed utmost deference to the young officer, not only saluting him but also exhibiting a gentlemanly demeanor of "after you"!

The young Claudius, displaying a lack of respect, cheerfully lifted the short hem of his armor, approached Nysa from behind, and gently pinched her delicate backside. In Greek, he said, "Tonight you are a fortunate lady. Know that with the reputation of my Claudius family and my beauty, even if you spent half the wealth of the city in Rome, you would not win the favor of my bed." He then thrust in forcefully, moving vigorously.

Lucullus looked around at his generals and soldiers, then quickly whispered to Athenais: "A true noble does not concern himself with the dreams of the lower classes and their books." He then commanded loudly: "Today is a fortunate day; not only have we defeated the Armenian army, but we have also gained two esteemed guests. Now it is time to host a banquet—may the heavens bless Rome!"

Just as Nessa was about to reprimand Adiana for her insolence, Lucullus swiftly replied: "Indeed, it is I who need this war to continue, for when I return to Rome in three years, I wish to be laden with honors during the grand triumph, earning the cheers of the Senate and the citizens"

After Naisa and the hairdresser came out, she shouted Tegrenis's name loudly. However, upon seeing the dead body of the eunuch by the tent entrance, she realized that Tegrin and his son had abandoned her, leaving her to the Romans. Overwhelmed by sorrow and fear, she sat down on the carpet and began to weep.

As she saw Nessa slowly and fearfully take off her skirt, kneeling bare-bottomed in a line with the hairdressing maid, Adiana actually laughed, as if she had witnessed the most amusing sight in the world. Karabis found her so-called noble person's vice of gloating extremely distasteful.

What a skilled horsemanship! Haibulida secretly admired it, then excitedly shouted to the soldiers and slaves behind him, "This is the tent of the King of Armenia, now follow me and enter!" The soldiers and slaves cheered in unison, chanting the slogan, "Long live the eternally lowly Haibulida," as they surged inside

Haibulida remained silent, and what he truly worried about now was that if Adiana revealed the matter of him secretly keeping the crown at the banquet, he would really be either slashed in front of all the centurions of the legion or beaten to death!

"Go ahead, go ahead, it would be best if the entire legion of soldiers and slaves took turns. " Adiana said with delight, almost making Karabis feel that she had lost her sanity, for how else could she utter such malicious words

I would prefer for this senseless war to gain the understanding of the world. Now my father, the king, has lost his country and army, and is merely a pitiful old man residing in his son-in-law's realm. Why does Your Excellency the Governor still refuse to put an end to this conflict and grant peace to the people of both nations?

"It is all your burden, Karabis, otherwise I would have rushed in long ago!" Adiana complained to Karabis, also shouldering a pickaxe, and joined the crowd in rushing inside

Upon further reflection, it is indeed the actions of the commander Lucullus that have led to this situation. He swept away the greedy tax collectors, protected the cities of Greece, and ultimately caused the merchants to feel that following the army was no longer profitable. Soldiers often found themselves after battles with nothing to plunder and no slaves to sell, resorting only to crucifying prisoners of war in a desperate attempt to seek some form of excitement.

This time it is a punishment with a bundle of rods; next time I hope to see you punished with the axe inside the bundle!" This was the last sentence Utairis heard from Karabis

"Madam, I hereby declare that you are now also a trophy of our regiment," said Haibulida, with her hands on her hips.

Thank you very much for your kindness Naisa hurriedly emitted a soft sound, eager to win the favor of the Roman commander ahead of Adiana, as was her custom

All present raised their swords in unison and shouted, "God bless Rome"

Chestnut-colored hair, chestnut-colored hair! Bidu Ita suddenly opened his bleary eyes wide; I was not mistaken, I had seen her before, she was the little daughter of the lord, Adiana. How could she be here, and following behind a foreign slave!

Claudia pretended not to hear, and as Nessa hurriedly explained, he became increasingly engaged. After a long time, until he trembled as if electrified, he finally regained his composure, muttering, "Roman warriors never give up halfway," before stepping away from Nessa, adjusting his armor. As he prepared to continue with Haibo and Tushuli, he added, "By the way, what did you just say?"

With a blink of the eye, Bidu Yita transformed into a swift blue lightning bolt, the sword's edge rapidly darting towards Karabis's chest.

Two eunuchs promptly carried the heavily intoxicated Tegrenis, who was babbling incoherently, out of the chamber and threw the King of Kings into the prince's chariot. They then pulled back the curtain of the tent's rear entrance, knelt in tears to express their final loyalty to His Majesty, and after watching the young Tegrenis depart in the carriage, they drew their swords and stabbed each other to death

However, Haibulida is truly a tough character, sweating profusely yet remaining silent.

Haibulida's face was ashen, as he paced anxiously outside

Oh dear, this is not the time to ponder such questions. Calabis turned to look at Adiana, who was sitting at the front, wondering what she was up to, inexplicably wanting to return to the campsite

Bidu Yita was indeed intoxicated, and his steps became disordered as he fiercely advanced towards Haibulida, constantly retreating. With a mournful cry of "Ah," his arm was cut by Haibulida. "Aibona" clattered to the ground, and then this Celt shouted, "If I die, no one will retrieve my mistress." Although Haibulida could not understand what he was saying, he could see what he was doing: the man turned around, supporting his injured arm, and leaped onto the back of a startled horse that had come running. Without using his hands to pull the reins, he galloped away in a cloud of dust. "Aibona" clattered to the ground, and then this Celt shouted, "If I die, no one will retrieve my mistress." Although Haibulida could not understand what he was saying, he could see what he was doing: the man turned around, supporting his injured arm, and leaped onto the back of a startled horse that had come running. Without using his hands to pull the reins, he galloped away in a cloud of dust.

Before long, Lucas, dressed in a long robe of white with purple trim befitting a governor, arrived here, beaming with joy and surrounded by attendants wielding "fascist" clubs. It was evident that he was in a good mood. However, what terrified Haibulida was that Murira and Utaeris followed closely behind him, their expressions dark and filled with murderous intent. Clearly, one had been deceived by him, while the other had been tied to a tree and left to endure the night wind for an entire evening; their moods were certainly far from pleasant.

Calabis glanced to the side, and Demetrius was filled with astonishment, while Portia appeared anxious. She hurried forward, knelt at Nessa's feet, kissed her toes, and quickly spoke to Nessa. Then Nessa began to curse, delivering several slaps to Portia's face.

I must adopt the demeanor of a Roman and treat a noblewoman such as yourself with compassion. After listening to Nessa's tearful explanations once more, Claudius elegantly raised a finger and said, You and your maidservant. At this point, he glanced over and noticed that Nessa's hairdresser was being entertained in turns by the soldiers. I apologize, we Romans will soon regain our reason. You and your maidservant are absolutely safe. I will report your situation to the governor of Silesia, my brother-in-law Lucullus, who will certainly treat you with generous conditions.

Seeing the hungry gaze of Habreida kneeling on the ground, Karabis felt a chill run down his spine. "Utharis, Utharis, I can understand your delight at seeing your opponent's misfortune, but could you please not drag me into it?"

Nysa also cried out in Greek: "Please stop first, Your Excellency Claudius, I am not someone else, I am the younger sister of His Majesty Mithridates Eupator."

Lucas smiled kindly and said, "The army has its own rules, and I hope Your Highness the Princess can understand."

Thank you, the women of Rome also hold such an opinion.

"Aren't they also prisoners and hostages of the legion?" responded Adiana

And Biduyita, the swordsman of Galatia, stood up unsteadily, leaning on his beloved longsword "Aibona." He walked out of the tent, murmuring to himself, "O God of the jungle and the ocean, my dearest mistress, may you love me as I love you, may you grant me the courage and skill to slay my enemies, and may you teach me to fight with your own hands"

"Indeed, is this not your former personal maid, Aunt? As the saying goes, a slave's appearance resembles that of their master; she truly is just like you, a lowly prostitute, available to anyone." said Adriana

At last, the tent was opened, and Adiana emerged, surprisingly wearing her mother Monime's small crown! Her beautifully styled chestnut hair contrasted with the crown's resplendence, while the crown further accentuated her elegant nobility, her slender neck, slightly raised forehead, and delicate nose. She was by no means the wildcat that Nessa described, but rather a graceful and proud swan. "No wonder she kept mentioning the crown and even learned sewing from me; it was all for this, to repair the broken strap. But how did she know that the crown was hidden in Batitas's tent by Haibrida—indeed, indeed, hiding a precious treasure under the mattress of a worthless person is certainly the safest option. If Haibrida could think of this, Adiana could guess it too," Karabis sighed inwardly.

Adiana's chestnut eyes glanced at Claudius, then at Habryda. Noticing their expressions of skepticism, she walked gracefully to Karabis's side and said, "Karabis, drape the blanket over me"

"How a princess's identity can only be revealed by a crown. A crown will never choose the head of a lowly person." Adiana, standing tall, pronounced each word clearly to everyone present, then pointed with her delicate finger at the crown and said, "This is my crown." She then raised her other hand, holding a bloodied axe, and declared, "This is my scepter." Standing tall, she pronounced each word clearly to everyone present, then pointed with her delicate finger at the crown and said, "This is my crown." She then raised her other hand, holding a bloodied axe, and declared, "This is my scepter."

Claudia chuckled dryly and said, "Everything must wait until the commander arrives before a decision can be made. I have already sent someone to notify him." Then he patted Haibulida on the shoulder and asked, "I am curious, why is this level of crown here now when it should have been submitted to the quartermaster during the Battle of Karabi?"

The master of the spear had little interest in continuing the pursuit of the prey. Soon, he drove his chariot directly into the large tent, calling out his father's name loudly

"Everything must wait until the commander arrives before a decision can be made." Claudius smiled and repeated that phrase.

As he fled, Bidu Ita did not forget to glance back at Adiana.

When Lucullus arrived, Claudius immediately stepped forward to express his welcome, but Lucullus merely responded coldly and then saluted Nysa and Adiana. Speaking fluent Greek, he said: "I have learned in great detail about the esteemed Mithras family from Tyrrhenian, and I believe both of you are indeed as you claim—along with Her Highness the Princess, your crown, which signifies your status, is absolutely unique. I hereby declare that from this moment on, you two are the honored guests of the legion, enjoying the privileges of VIP treatment"

Oh, Babu, what a lovely name, it complements your earlier bravery beautifully

Oh, I apologize, it turns out to be Haibulida. In Rome, no one can interrupt a soldier enjoying his spoils of war; I should be more considerate. The officer, upon seeing this scene, laughed heartily and turned to leave

"Slave, get away from me. You have no right to witness the punishment of a Roman soldier." When Arminius saw that Karabis and other camp slaves were also crowding forward to watch, he forcefully pushed Karabis back and threatened him.

In the end, Claudius, who had taken an interest in the matter, ordered his cavalry to summon a carriage, loaded Adiana onto it, and then followed her along with the others to see what she intended to do.

The answer will be revealed around the third hour of the morning (approximately nine o'clock). A group of people, including the tail of the journey and the books, gathered in front of a tent at the Sophini camp, because after Adiana left the great camp of the Armenian king and returned here, she entered and never came out again

Then, he saw in the sandy ground in front of the tent, beside two deep tire tracks, a man of medium height with black hair, black eyes, and yellow skin, who was approaching him while holding a tattered shield. Behind him followed a young girl with chestnut hair

This filthy Roman soldier, who dared to defile my mother's remains in the Carabia Palace, I have just executed him with my scepter. This military tribune named Claudius, I trust you have no objections to this.

"Clap, clap, clap," Claudius applauded before him

Nessa then saw Adiana, and to her surprise, she was still alive! In a flurry, she began to counterattack: "Mind your tone, Adiana, you are in no position to speak to me right now; your mother has already met her end in the Karabi Palace!"

Everyone was at a loss, remaining in place

On the journey, Calabis, sitting at the rear of the carriage, dangled his legs and observed numerous Roman soldiers nailing prisoners to crosses one by one, allowing their blood to flow out until they died in agony. Calabis felt a sense of bewilderment once again; it seemed that since the beginning of the Calabi Palace, the Roman army had consistently refused to take prisoners, nor were there any slave traders accompanying them. This was utterly abnormal for the Romans of that time

Utharis stood there with a grim expression, while several "Fascist" attendants remained, standing beside the senior centurion

Calabis was in a state of confusion, yet he felt a sense of concern for Adiana, even though he sometimes found her quite annoying

What is wrong with this! The angry Nessa's expression was somewhat distorted as she shouted, "Your mother never loved my brother, even refusing to engage in relations with him, and she doesn't even know where you, this illegitimate child, came from? Now, only I remain. I will bear the heir of the Mitra family, the purest bloodline, with my brother and seize the rule of this great nation. Anyone who stands in my way, whether it be my sister, my brother's illegitimate son Malcha, or you, the unknown wildcat with chestnut hair, shall be annihilated!" Now, only I remain. I will bear the heir of the Mitra family, the purest bloodline, with my brother and seize the rule of this great nation. Anyone who stands in my way, whether it be my sister, my brother's illegitimate son Malcha, or you, the unknown wildcat with chestnut hair, shall be annihilated!

Something happened in the tent of the King of Kings. The gilded masks, shields, ivory, antlers, various exquisite vessels, precious spices, and furs were all thoroughly plundered. Adiana's eyes blazed with fury as she grabbed this and that, smashing things as if she had never seen them before. Then she saw Nessa, who was still sitting on the blanket weeping, and recognized her at a glance, for she was her blood-related aunt. However, she did not approach to acknowledge her; instead, she coldly smiled and hid aside, watching the Roman soldiers, including Habryda, as they approached Nessa. She was all too aware of what these barbarians intended to do.

Had it not been for the interception by Haibulida, Karabisi would undoubtedly have met a grim fate on the spot. The centurion, wielding two short swords, completely abandoned the Roman characteristic of combined offense and defense, frantically thrusting at Biduida. The sparks from the clash between "Aibona" and the short swords flickered alternately in the night.

Calabis saw it clearly and instinctively rolled over, bearing the shield, pressing Adiana down beneath him again. Little Tegrey's spear struck the shield with a clang; fortunately, in the midst of the rush, Little Tegrey was unable to exert all his strength, and the spear did not penetrate the shield, truly a stroke of luck

"Bring another one!" When Utharis saw the wooden stick break, he commanded, "Bring another one... Now you are no longer a centurion, you are free to plunder as you wish, isn't this what you wanted!"