Nobody knows how to be a villain better than me.

Once Nero, with the help of the Celts, possesses imperial privileges and controls the Seventh Province, the problems facing the Celts will undoubtedly be solved.

However, all of this must be based on the premise that both parties keep their promises.

Otherwise, the Celts, who nominally joined the Roman Empire, would be more likely to be annexed later on this pretext.

"I can renew the covenant with the Celts under the witness of the goddess of oaths, Styx. Once I obtain imperial privileges, I promise not only to grant you the treatment of Roman citizens, but also to allow the gods you worship to be enshrined in the Pantheon! Even if I unfortunately die, there will be no reason for the higher powers to oppress you!"

Nero brandished his cleanly gnawed bone club, raised his little face, and responded seriously.

These additional conditions greatly appealed to Boudica, dispelling her doubts.

This prince of the Claudius family showed utmost sincerity.

Moreover, the natives of Britain certainly envied the prosperity and luxury of the Roman Empire.

If one could live a good life and become a nominal Roman citizen, then Hellenization wouldn't be out of the question.

"As you two have said, here are two prepared divine contracts. Please take a look. If you are willing to form an alliance and sign them according to the conditions above, I can be your witness."

Samael waved slightly, took the documents from Brunhilde, and handed them to the two parties involved.

At the dinner table, after several discussions and negotiations, Boudica and Nero finally signed their real names on the table with their blood.

Chapter Twenty-Three: I'm Expensive, You Can't Afford Me

Inside the hut, Samael satisfiedly flicked the two divine contracts, blew the ink dry, and branded the mischievous red dragon emblem onto the blank space as a testament. He then exchanged the agreements between the two parties for safekeeping.

Having established the foundation for alliance and cooperation, the atmosphere inside became more harmonious. Next, Samael steered the discussion toward the most crucial aspect.

How can we ensure that the heir of the Claudius family returns safely to the City of Seven Hills, enters the Pantheon, and obtains imperial privileges?

Pantheon…Emperor’s privileges…

Romulus actually combined divine and imperial power, creating artificial heroes and gods in a new way, and Ares gave birth to a fine son.

The ancient serpent rose and gazed in the direction of the city of seven hills, feeling deeply moved by Rome's ability to break free from the constraints of Greece and achieve its current prosperity.

Of course, to get to the bottom of things, according to the old rules, he first took on a pot.

That's right, it was the Apple of Strife that he left for Athena that caused discord among the Olympian gods during the Trojan War. In the end, the Old Gods lost the bet to Mount Ares and were forced to drift to the Italian peninsula, where they founded Rome.

In order to achieve national integration as soon as possible, gain a foothold, and resume the worship of the gods, Romulus, son of Ares, the god of war, took on this mission.

During his reign, the Hellenized people were divided into three tribes, each tribe had ten curias, and each curia had ten clans, totaling 300 clans. Each clan selected one person to form the Roman Senate mechanism, modeled after the Greek citizen assembly.

But as time went on, Rome's territory expanded, and the old system no longer suited Rome's current situation.

The 300 clans gradually declined and became corrupt, and the Senate, with its power fragmented, was unable to shoulder the heavy responsibility of decision-making and defending Rome.

Therefore, in order to promote competition, the god Romulus decided to grant outstanding individuals from various clans the "Emperor's Privilege" to act on behalf of the gods through the divine authority of the Pantheon.

These Roman emperors, bestowed with divine blessings, enjoyed long lifespans and the power to control a province and a legion. They obeyed only the orders of the Pantheon and the god Romulus, and enjoyed considerable autonomy in their fiefdoms, making them true kings within their kingdoms.

But it was precisely because these Roman emperors were able to act freely without restraint that the Roman Empire was able to withstand the two-pronged attack from the Persian Empire and the Hunnic Empire and remain standing.

However, Rome had limited resources and land, so it was impossible for just anyone to be qualified to enter the Pantheon, get a share of the pie, and be crowned emperor.

To date, the Roman Empire has had ten provinces, each of which basically supports one legion.

To maintain its operation and absolute military power, the Pantheon controls four provinces and four legions near the City of Seven Hills, as well as six outer provinces and legions, which are used for investiture.

In other words, apart from Romulus the patriarch of gods, only six Roman emperors were deified during the same period.

Unless an old emperor falls, the Pantheon will generally not add new seats, thus weakening its control.

For these six spots, the 300 clans that once formed Rome have engaged in round after round of competition and struggle over thousands of years, accompanying the rise and fall of Rome, and finally forming the six most competitive and powerful clans.

Barring unforeseen circumstances, in most cases, the six emperors would choose one person from each of the six major clans, either a member of their own bloodline or someone they supported.

Among them, the treacherous merchant Caesar, who brought disaster to Britain, represented the Julius clan.

Claudius I and Nero were both from the Claudius clan.

The remaining four major clans were Cornelius, Emilius, Fibius, and Manlius.

However, due to the sudden death of Claudius I, the previous emperor of the Claudius family, power fell into the hands of Nero's mother, Agrippina the Younger.

Therefore, even if Nero returned to the City of Seven Hills with the merits of receiving the Celts and was crowned emperor, it would not necessarily be smooth sailing.

However, the most urgent task is to consider the issue of a safe return journey.

Samael, Boudica, and Nero discussed the matter and decided to rest for a week in the British mountains and forests to gather manpower and make full preparations.

During this period, it is also necessary to observe the movements and reactions of the Seventh Legion and ascertain the route to the City of Seven Hills.

As for the remaining issues, we'll just have to deal with them as they arise once we get to Rome.

Both sides agreed on this, and the initial plan was thus finalized.

After such a long and tedious discussion, Nero, bored out of his mind, kept yawning. As soon as the discussion ended, he staggered out of the hut.

With the problem solved, Boudica, who had stayed behind, helped Brunhilde clear the table and clean up the dishes. After watching the Valkyrie leave, she glanced at Samael several times, a hint of worry on her brow, her face showing difficulty as if she wanted to say something but hesitated.

"Don't worry, we'll be heading to Rome in seven days. I'll be traveling with you and will offer my help if necessary, free of charge."

Samael, leisurely sipping his mead in front of him, turned to face the Celtic queen and smiled.

"The Celtics will thank you for your generosity!"

Boudica raised her hand to her chest, expressing her sincere gratitude to the person before her with the highest form of respect.

"No need, it was just something I did on the spur of the moment. Besides, I do have my own selfish motives."

Samael waved his hand slightly, not caring about these things. Instead, his gaze fell on the sand table in front of him. He took a silver swordsman chess piece that he used for amusement and moved it forward with great interest, changing its path. The doubts in his mind gradually became clearer and his guesses became more and more certain.

Judging from the recent frequency and area of ​​activity of the Hunnic cavalry, the appearance of Attila is by no means a coincidence!

She is intentionally pushing towards the Mediterranean, and Britain is a suitable springboard!

Mediterranean Sea…Greece…Athens…Sea of ​​Oceanus…Atlantis…

Could it be that something there is drawing Attila closer?

The core of the Star Vanguard has already been shattered, so what else could it be? I can't figure it out...

Even if you can't figure it out, stopping the Hunnic cavalry behind Rome's lines was definitely the right thing to do.

The union of the Celts and Romans would strengthen the Hellenistic alliance, further restrain the Hunnic cavalry's incursions, and indirectly reduce the pressure on the Greeks.

For the sake of overall strategic objectives, it is only natural to provide some assistance to Nero and Boudica.

The ancient serpent lightly pressed his temples, leaned back in his chair, and glanced at Boudica, who was tidying up the house, out of the corner of his eye. A faint fragrance wafted into his nostrils, and a slight smile appeared on his lips. He couldn't help but take a few more breaths.

Selfish motives? I guess that counts.

"Before she became your business partner, she was first and foremost a child who grew up in a distorted family environment. For emotional people, emotional investment is often more solid than the bond of interests."

Boudica, who was tidying up the house, was stunned by the meaningful words coming from beside her.

"We got along well before, so keep it up, but don't be too deliberate."

Samael stretched and got up from his chair, seemingly talking to himself casually.

The Celtic Queen, recalling the events of the past few days, looked at the figure with a dazed expression and a complicated look.

Let the two sides of the alliance develop a tacit understanding and build a lasting bond...

So that's why he neglected the child.

This silent assistance had actually begun long ago.

Boudica, who had a clear understanding of the situation, hesitated before stepping forward, biting her lower lip lightly, and blurted out the unease in her heart.

"How can I repay your kindness? Please tell me clearly."

However, as soon as the words left her mouth, the Celtic Queen regretted them and looked somewhat embarrassed.

Her deceased husband's deal with Caesar nearly jeopardized the future of all Britain, so she is now overly sensitive to favors from outsiders.

"A reward? That's right. God's gifts require an equivalent price. Speaking of which, you two both have a share in my help. Let me think about how to calculate it... I've got it!"

Upon hearing this, Samael nodded seriously, stroked his chin, pondered for a moment, and seemed to have thought of something. He stood in front of the door, snapped his fingers, and turned back with a smile.

"Value: A bowl of broth and seven days of hospitality..."

Boudica froze again, and after a moment of silence, her tense body relaxed. The Queen looked up gently at her, a smile blooming on her face.

“I understand. Goodnight, Your Excellency Samael…”

"Haha, okay, I'll be going now, see you in the morning..."

Samael was also stunned for a moment, then a hearty smile spread across his face. He waved behind him, offered a simple greeting, and walked briskly into the night.

The Celtic queen chuckled and shook her head, watching the figure gradually disappear into the distance. A strange sense of comfort filled her heart, a gentle warmth permeating her being.

Nero needs to treat her like a child before she becomes an ally.

The being before us can be worshipped as a deity, or treated as a friend.

God's gifts were too expensive for her to afford; but a friend's gift could be filled with sincere affection.

Friends? That's good...

Chapter Twenty-Four: The Innocent Bystander Snake

"So, you plan to go to Rome in seven days to further investigate the situation, and then head to Athens to meet us?"

On the turbulent, chaotic sea, Scáthach gazed at the palm-sized, shimmering black scales and murmured softly.

"Yes, Greece is small and short of soldiers, while Rome is large and has few generals. The two sides complement each other's strengths and weaknesses, which can create perfect war potential. Therefore, the Pan-Hellenic Alliance is a win-win situation, and Rome's position in the whole situation is crucial."

In the quiet, dense forests of Britain, Samael strolled along the riverbank under the moonlight, solemnly responding to the serpent scales in his hand that had established contact with the Viking fleet.

Then, the ancient serpent crossed the Celtic tribe shrouded in darkness, gazing towards the territory of the Roman Empire, its eyes gleaming eerily, and continued to add to its tale.

"Based on the intelligence I recently obtained, I have re-analyzed the battle situation of the previous two Greco-Persian Wars."

While Greece's ability to withstand the pressure and defeat the Persian Empire was certainly due to the strength of its own troops, the most crucial factor was that Rome, with its vast territory, tied down most of the Persian Empire's resources. If Rome, this protective wall, had fallen, the Persians, with their sheer numbers and resources, would have been able to raze Greece to the ground.

Therefore, to defend Greece, we must first Paul Ma!

Samael spoke with certainty, his gaze deep and unwavering.

The Greeks' victory over the stronger forces in the two Greco-Persian Wars certainly inflated their confidence to an unprecedented level.

However, crises often lurk behind the glamour.

Short-term victories do not necessarily determine the long-term outcome of a battle.

It is important to know that the first two Greco-Persian Wars took place on Greek soil, which severely impacted the lives and livelihoods of the Greeks and resulted in heavy losses of their heroes and elite soldiers.

The former depletes Greece's already weak, latent war potential.

The latter, however, is losing the very essence and substance of Greece.

Due to its population and geographical factors, Greece adopted an elite military strategy, and the training of divine heroes and elite soldiers was extremely difficult, requiring at least several decades.

However, Persia had plenty of slaves and vassals, and its military strength and large population allowed for a more rapid replenishment of its troops.

Therefore, the situation between the two is like a hunter aiming a gun at a fox, who nimbly dodges several shots, leaving the hunter mocked by the little creature.

But all he wasted was a single bullet, while the fox had to carefully tread the line between life and death each time. If the hunter hit it even once, the fox would surely die.

Similarly, Persia could suffer several defeats but still have a chance to regroup, while Greece would lose everything if it suffered just one defeat. In reality, this was a completely unequal war.

Only if Rome continues to play a role will Greece have room to maneuver and respond.

But recently, the Hunnic cavalry have even ventured into Roman territory and wreaked havoc. This windbreak wall is not as sturdy and solid as imagined, and it seems to be showing signs of loosening.

This is why Samael went to great lengths to persuade the Celts to join Rome.

It's always better to have one more helper than one more trouble.

As for the specifics, a trip to the Pantheon in Rome to meet Romulus, the ancestor of the gods, is necessary to reach a conclusion, which will also facilitate his next steps in Greece.

"Old friend, how are things over there?"

Samael was silent for a moment, then spoke in a warm tone.

"It's alright, don't worry."

Scáthach glanced at her feet, smiled faintly, and with a flick of her wrist, a soft "plop" sound rang out as the crimson demon spear covered in thorns was pulled out by the queen's bent fingers.

Crimson blood splattered wildly, forming an eerie crimson stain, and a ferocious sea beast, hundreds of meters long, floated on the chaotic sea.