My XX deal with Sister Nero

That’s right, this country is the Kingdom of Camelot, and the Sarmatian cavalry officer who became king is the legendary father of King Arthur, King Uther.

At this moment, the Roman Empire did not attach much importance to cavalry, which led to a problem. That is, the main source of cavalry for the Roman Empire was provided by its vassal states, such as the most famous Numidian light cavalry.

As a man from the future, Tony certainly understood the importance of cavalry in the era of cold weapons, so when he heard Nero say that the Sarmatians in this area planned to exchange military service for the right to reside in the empire, he immediately became interested.

If you want to slowly train a cavalry unit yourself, it will be slow and troublesome, but if you directly hire the Sarmatians as cavalry, it will undoubtedly save a lot of time.

Moreover, compared with the Parthian cavalry, the Sarmatian cavalry's war horses are more maneuverable. Although the Sarmatian cavalry's armor is temporarily inferior to that of the Parthian cavalry, their mobility and impact force are far stronger than that of the Parthian cavalry.

It can be said that the Sarmatian cavalry has the mobility of light cavalry and the impact of heavy cavalry, and most importantly, the tactics of the Sarmatian cavalry are similar to those of the Parthian cavalry.

Basically, the tactics are heavy cavalry assault and archer kite flying.

And compared to the Parthians, the Sarmatians’ women also had to go to the battlefield!

You know, in the Roman Empire, very few women would choose to join the army. It was for this reason that the Roman Empire took a long time to put together a pure female force to protect Emperor Nero. If they wanted to take action against the Praetorian Guards in the future, Sarmat could provide female cavalry to form a new Praetorian Guard to protect the emperor.

Well, the premise is that the loyalty of the Sarmatians cannot be too low.

Moreover, although his fiefdom has expanded now, there is a problem, that is... he still has no military force!

According to what he had discussed with Nero before, the nobles who owned fiefs would enjoy independent financial power and military in their own fiefs, and the imperial government would not station troops in the nobles' fiefs.

So here comes the question.

Before, Tony's fiefdom was just a remote town called Odney, and at that time Tony had more than 80 soldiers. With an army of this size, it would be no problem to protect the small town of Odney.

But now, Tony's fiefdom has expanded to the entire city of Sanoni and several small towns under its jurisdiction.

And how many troops does Tony have at this moment?

The First Legion of Odeni has a total of one hundred people, and Tony's guard team has a total of forty-eight people. In addition, there is a hand cannon unit expanded to ten people, as well as a security team and a mobile team stationed in the town of Odeni. These troops add up to a total of one hundred and seventy-eight people.

For such a big city, the total garrison force is less than two hundred people. Is this reasonable?

So Tony planned to go back to his fiefdom after staying in Rome for a few days to raise the army first.

However, the population of the British province is not large. The entire city of Sanoni, including its affiliated towns and villages, may only have a maximum of 10,000 people. With such a small number of people, how many troops can he recruit?

But now, the Sarmatians gave him an idea.

Why not move the Sarmatians to the British province? On the one hand, this would increase the population in his fiefdom, and on the other hand, he could directly recruit these Sarmatian cavalry to serve him.

Killing two birds with one stone, isn't it beautiful?

"So...what does sister think?" Tony touched his chin and suddenly asked.

"What can I think?" Nero shrugged and said nonchalantly, "They invaded the Danube area for a long time. Now they not only stop fighting, but also want to live in the territory of the Roman Empire? What a joke!"

Tony nodded and said, "That's right, but sister, I have a suggestion."

"Hmm?" Nero looked at Tony and frowned, "What do you suggest, brother?"

Tony smiled and said, "It's like this. My city of Sanoni does need a group of people. You know, the Empire has just started to manage the British Province. Currently, there is a shortage of everything there, especially people. My territory is so big, but the population is only a few thousand people, and the army is less than 200. Sister, what do you think if the Picts suddenly march south and the Iceni can't hold on?"

"Ah? Are you so miserable? You only have less than two hundred troops?" Nero was stunned for a moment, and suddenly remembered that his brother's territory... seemed to have a small population?

Tony had no idea, but as an emperor, Nero had some general understanding of the situation in Britain.

At this moment, the largest city in the British province is Londinium, but how many people are there in Londinium at this time?

At most, the population of this city does not exceed 15,000. And Sanoni, as a border city, is located on the trade line with the Iceni Kingdom. How many people are there in this city?

No more, no less, exactly five thousand people.

Taking into account the population of several small towns and villages around, we can probably gather around 7,000 people.

At present, according to the information Nero has, there are about five Sarmatian tribes that intend to exchange military service for the right to residency. Although these five tribes are not large tribes, their combined population is probably more than 10,000 people.

Besides, when the Sarmatians go to war, the whole family, young and old, will attack in one wave. They can mobilize as many soldiers as their population!

If Tony is really ruthless, he can lead these more than 10,000 people to beat the Picts so badly that even their own mothers won't recognize them!

Chapter 179: Let's see what price His Majesty will offer

"Brother, have you really thought it through?" Nero asked with a frown.

"Well, for the empire, the British province is currently considered a colony. Now in the British province, the Celts account for the largest proportion of the population, followed by the Romans. So, I think, there shouldn't be any problem in throwing more than 10,000 Sarmatians into this province." Tony touched his chin and said.

The reason why Nero was unwilling to accept the Sarmatians was, on the one hand, because the Roman Empire and the Sarmatians had a hatred that lasted for nearly a hundred years, and on the other hand, Nero felt that they were barbarians, and barbarians... were not very trustworthy.

But Tony doesn't think so.

In Tony's opinion, the barbarians were actually very simple. Although they had been plundering the Roman Empire for a long time, it was because they were forced to do so by life. What's more, their meaning was very clear: I work for money, you provide me with shelter and food, and I work for you.

This is much better than the Royal Guards.

Just look at the Guards in a few years or even decades. You might hire them today, but they might stab you to death tomorrow.

And then they took all the money from your body.

Besides... Tony had read two historical novels in his previous life, so he had some idea about how to deal with the nomadic peoples.

"Okay then. I'll ask the Senate to give you the information of these five tribes first." Nero looked at his brother's serious expression and nodded.

Among the five Sarmatian tribes that planned to settle down in the Roman Empire this time, the largest one was the Achis tribe. This tribe was huge, with more than 7,000 people. Among the Sarmatians, it was also a famous large tribe. Except for this tribe, the remaining four tribes were all affiliated tribes of the Achis tribe.

"In other words, the most important negotiating partner is the Yachis tribe, right?" Putting the parchment scroll in his hand aside, Tony had a rough idea in his mind.

No wonder Nero was so unimpressed with these Sarmatians. It turned out that the Aegis tribe, which led them, was one of the two vanguards that invaded the Roman Empire.

However... the fact that they were able to fight the Roman Empire for decades without being destroyed is enough to illustrate the fighting power of the Achis tribe.

Almost at the same time, on the other side.

"Chief, what if the Roman Empire does not agree to our entering their territory to reproduce and thrive?" In the city of Rome, in a relatively luxurious-looking mansion, a young man with his upper body naked asked anxiously, frowning.

"Nothing will happen." A middle-aged man with gray hair standing in front of the young man shook his head and said, "The Rocosonani tribe has long betrayed the God of Fire. They are enemies of my Achis tribe for the sake of development. This is understandable, but I didn't expect that this group of idiots would join forces with the Scythians to try to completely kill us and occupy our pastures. Tell me, if the Romans keep rejecting our requests, do we have anywhere else to go?"

The young man opened his mouth, was stunned for a moment, and sighed helplessly.

Yachis Tribe, is there anywhere else to go?

Gone.

To the east were the Scythians and Roxonani tribes, to the south was the powerful Roman Empire, and to the north and west were the Germanic tribes whose combat effectiveness was not weak.

If the tribe was at its peak, this middle-aged man would have been confident that he could lead the Achys tribe to challenge the Germanic tribes and see how much land he could snatch from the Germans. However, the current Achys tribe... is not strong enough to compete with the Germans.

Therefore, the only way to survive now is for the Roman Empire to allow the Ages tribe to reproduce and thrive within the empire.

But... maybe it's because my tribe once invaded the Roman Empire, so now the Emperor of the Roman Empire doesn't even seem interested in seeing me.

Having stayed in Rome for several weeks, the chief of the Aicis tribe spent almost all the savings of his tribe in order to get the Roman Empire to agree to his demands. He constantly sought help from the senators and important officials of the Roman government, and even gave a few gold coins to the soldiers guarding the gate of the palace, but... it was of no use. His Majesty still did not want to see him. Although many senators in the Senate said a few good words for him in front of Vanore and Nero after receiving the money, His Majesty still did not even want to see him.

Now how to do?

If the Roman emperor really doesn't want to see me and is unwilling to accept the Aegis tribe, then... can the Aegis tribe continue to exist in the future?

Just when the chief was at a loss, an Achaean soldier who had been guarding the door suddenly ran in and bowed deeply to the chief: "Chief, there is a Roman official outside looking for you."

Hmm? Upon hearing this, the chief of the Yachis tribe said excitedly, "Please come in!"

Soon, under the leadership of the soldier, a somewhat arrogant Roman official came in. He glanced at the people present and then said, "Who is the chief of the Achis tribe?"

"Ah, it's me." The middle-aged chief with gray hair nodded slightly to the Roman official.

"Well, you'd better get ready. His Majesty will summon you to the palace tomorrow morning." The official said expressionlessly to the chief of the Yachis tribe.

"Really? This... this is really great!" The chief of the Yachis tribe nodded. It seemed that the efforts of the past few months were not in vain!

After the Roman official left, the chief of the Achis tribe obviously breathed a sigh of relief.

"Master Chief..." The young man next to the chief also looked at his leader excitedly and said in disbelief: "The Roman Emperor is finally willing to see us!"

The chief nodded and said, "Although I don't know why the Roman emperor who didn't want to see us before suddenly came to his senses and wants to see us today, but at least... well, no matter what, tomorrow I have to have a good talk with His Majesty, no matter what price he offers."

It was obvious that the chief thought that the reason why the Roman emperor agreed to see him now was that she planned to gain some benefits from the Achis tribe.

The Yachis tribe is now in a desperate situation. In order to ensure the survival and continuation of the tribe, the chief is willing to meet the Roman emperor in person no matter what, to see what price she is willing to offer!

Chapter 180: What can you do?

"I am Zandig, the leader of the Achis tribe. I greet the great Roman emperor and all the elders. May the God of Fire bless you all."

Early in the morning of that day, Chief Zandigu of the Aichis tribe arrived at the Senate Hall early, bowed deeply to the senators and Nero present, and spoke slowly.

Is this the chief of the Achis tribe? Tony, who was sitting next to Nero, looked at Zandig, who was bowing in his best clothes, with interest, and muttered in his heart.

Judging from the appearance, this old man with somewhat gray hair was still in pretty good shape. Just looking at this point, Tony could guess that this old man was most likely able to mount a horse and fight again, just like the old general of the Empire, Leius, who had lived on horseback for most of his life.

"No need to be polite." Nero looked at Zandigo indifferently and said, "Zandigo, I heard from the elders that you seem to want to bring your tribe into the Roman Empire and reproduce and thrive in the empire?"

"Yes, His Majesty the great Roman Emperor." Zandig said sincerely, "To be honest, our tribe is deeply ashamed of the attack on the empire. At the same time, we admire the culture of the great Roman Empire. At the suggestion of the tribe members, I hope that His Majesty the great and sacred Roman Emperor will agree to my humble request. My Achis tribe is willing to be the sword in His Majesty's hand and is willing to give everything we have for the empire."

To put it simply, I stick my neck out and you can kill me with peace of mind, ok.

Tony nodded, translating for Zandig in his mind.

"Give everything? What... can you give?" Nero sneered and said, "I know that your tribe used to attack the border of the empire every year, plundering money, food and citizens of the empire as slaves. Let me ask you, if your tribe still has valuables, do you still need to plunder?"

"My Yachis tribe and its four vassal tribes, totaling more than 16,700 people, are willing to serve in the army on behalf of your citizens. We do not ask for military pay, but only for a little food to sustain our tribe and a small piece of pasture every day. With swords in our hands, we are willing to expand the territory for your majesty!"

More than 16,000 people? Not too many.

Tony frowned and thought about it. As a typical Roman city, Sanoni has a certain amount of food. This amount of food may not be much, but it should be able to feed this group of Sarmatians in a short period of time.

After they are completely settled, the subsequent food issue...the Welsh and Picts should not be short of food, right?

Offense is the best defense. Instead of letting his vassal states passively defend against the invasion of the Picts for a long time, it is better to lead them to invade Scotland!

"Don't even think about it, Your Majesty... I never thought of agreeing to let you live in the Roman Empire." At this moment, Tony suddenly spoke.

"Who is this...?" He looked at the young man in front of him with some surprise. Judging from his attire, he did not seem to be a senator of the Senate, but... sitting next to His Majesty, which was enough to show that the identity of this young man... did not seem simple.

"Me? Oh, let me introduce myself, I'm Prince Odney, Tony Claudius Germanicus." Tony smiled and said to Zandig.

"Prince Odney?" Zandigu was stunned for a moment, then quickly bowed deeply to the young man: "So it's His Royal Highness the Prince."

"You're welcome." Tony smiled, glanced at his elder sister who was sitting next to him, and then slowly said, "Like I said just now, my sister... well, that is, the Emperor, actually never wanted to meet you from the beginning, nor did she want to let your tribe enter the Roman Empire to reproduce, but..."

"But what?" Seeing Tony paused here, Zandigu quickly spoke and asked in coordination with Tony.

Oh? He's a talented guy, and he even knows how to play the supporting role for me.

Tony couldn't help but reveal a hint of appreciation, and said to Zandigu: "However, although His Majesty has no interest in you, I, the King, am somewhat interested in you."

"I wonder why Your Highness is interested?" Zandigu was stunned for a moment and asked in confusion.

Although he was a little depressed when he heard that the great Roman emperor didn't want to pay attention to him, his highness's words successfully attracted Zandig's attention.

Tony smiled and said, "I don't know... Your Excellency, have you heard of the new aristocracy system invented by this king?"

Zandigu shook his head in confusion.

The feudal system created by Tony has been approved by His Majesty and the Senate, and almost all the senators in the Senate have become new nobles. However, this feudal system is based on military honors, and as of now... the Senate has not yet granted fiefdom to any noble with military honors, so let alone Zandig, even many governors and ministers of the Roman Empire may not know about this new aristocratic system.

"It's okay if you don't know. I'll explain it briefly." Tony looked at Zandig, and a smile appeared on his face. "The so-called new aristocracy system, in simple terms, is that Roman citizens can gain noble titles and their own fiefdoms by making achievements on the battlefield. In theory, the empire has no right to interfere in the internal affairs, finances, and military power of the noble fiefdoms. In other words, as long as you pay a certain percentage of taxes and all noble lords obey the empire's command when war comes, the empire will not care about you or your territory on weekdays."

Having said that, Tony paused for a moment before continuing, "Of course, as a prince, I have a fiefdom of my own, and my fiefdom happens to be short of people, so..."

"So Your Highness hopes that my people and I will move to your fiefdom?" Zandigu said with a frown.

"That's right. I think the fundamental reason why you want to thrive in the territory of the Roman Empire is that you don't want to play with the Rocosonani tribe, right? It doesn't matter. My fiefdom is quite far away from the Rocosonani tribe." Tony shrugged and said indifferently.

After thinking for half a minute, Zandigu sighed, looked at Tony, and asked seriously: "Then, Your Highness, what price do we need to pay?"

Tony smiled and asked with some disdain: "Now, besides providing me with combat power and herding, do you have any other skills that you can show off? As heavy cavalry, you can't even guarantee heavy armor. Do you... have anything else that I can appreciate?"

Although he was somewhat dissatisfied with the disdain in the young prince's words, but... it seemed that what he said was correct. His tribe, apart from being able to graze for the Romans and guard the border, did not seem to have anything else to show for it.

Chapter 181: Heroic Spirit Summoning, Tony Claudius!

Seeing Zandig's somewhat tangled expression, Tony smiled and said, "But don't worry, although I can't grant you the status of Roman citizens, but... as long as you work hard for me, I won't exploit you. Believe me, I still have this moral integrity."

"This... I am willing to believe His Highness." Tony has said so much. If Zandigu refuses again, it would be really ungrateful. Well, let's go and see first. If this His Highness finally returns to oppress my people... then we will leave then.

"Now that Tamiao is gone and Marda is gone too, tsk, I suddenly feel so boring." Tony returned to his bedroom, lying on the bed, muttering to himself in boredom.

After leaving the Senate Hall, Zandig simply packed up his things and planned to return to his tribe. After all, he needed to gather all his tribesmen and take them to the British province, to his new home.

As for Tony, he also needs to return to his territory to make some new plans and arrangements.