((Question for the Empress - How is -64 old? Why, he's the youngest person I've ever seen!))
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Odd, on my computer that registers as a tilde. So to say "approximately 64", as the character bio doesn't specify an age or year of birth and I was estimating. ))
(( Weird, my computer sees the mark as a negative sign. Guess it must be something with the computer. Sorry for the confusion.))((
Odd, on my computer that registers as a tilde. So to say "approximately 64", as the character bio doesn't specify an age or year of birth and I was estimating. ))
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Whoever writes these newspapers presented to the Senate should really be fired by now. "Dutch East Indies"? Why are the Dutch getting exclusive naming rights to the region when it is predominately Roman-controlled. And this "drinking straw" invention came from some unknown country called the USA. Is it somehow related to the UTA? Perhaps a typo? Also, a French military ship! Unless our French subjects are militarizing behind our backs, it should be a Roman ship. I may have to conduct an investigation into this.
Besides all that, the volcanic eruption of Krakatoa sounds horrific. Our colonies in the region must be devastated. I recommend we send as much aid as we can.
The number of revolutions worldwide is quite worrisome. It seems that only the Roman Empire can provide stability in these troublesome times. It is our duty to ensure the world does not devolve into further chaos.
- Senator Leonardo Favero
Besides all that, the volcanic eruption of Krakatoa sounds horrific. Our colonies in the region must be devastated. I recommend we send as much aid as we can.
The number of revolutions worldwide is quite worrisome. It seems that only the Roman Empire can provide stability in these troublesome times. It is our duty to ensure the world does not devolve into further chaos.
- Senator Leonardo Favero
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((I am already that old? Sheesh! I better find another Greek name soon.))
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After many years of helping Empire grow in it's strenght, Alexios Damaskinos, my dear father, passed away on 12 November 1884. By the law his seat in Senate and title of Governor of Africa is passed to me. I hope that my actions would make my father proud. Rest in Peace, my dear father.
- Alexandros Damaskinos
Introducing new character:
Name: Alexandros Damaskinos
Home: Tunis, Africa
Date of Birth: 21.03.1835
Political Party: Foideratoi
Description: Alexandros is a patriot, proud of his father and because of that he follows Foideratoi ideology, as his father did. He thinks that strong military is key to future success as well as securing peace and prosperity for Empire.
- Alexandros Damaskinos
Introducing new character:
Name: Alexandros Damaskinos
Home: Tunis, Africa
Date of Birth: 21.03.1835
Political Party: Foideratoi
Description: Alexandros is a patriot, proud of his father and because of that he follows Foideratoi ideology, as his father did. He thinks that strong military is key to future success as well as securing peace and prosperity for Empire.
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Indeed, let us pray for the victims of the volcano attack. Clearly God was angry about the constant swarm of revolutions around the planet.
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Greetings fellow Senators, allow me to introduce myself; I am Senator Magnus Kvensson.
First, I would like to thank the most pristine and wise Empress for my new position among this prestigious and respected society. Now I assume many of you doubt my loyalty to the empire espcially with a name as outlandish as mine, but I assure you i have bled and lost close kin for the empire and her interest. I have served for 15 years in our eternal legions and even worked my way to Legate. But most of all I cannot stand these Slavic pagans that do these cruel and unusual rituals to the good citizens we vow and swore to protect!
(Ahem)
However, I don't believe a military conquest is the way to solve the pagan issue, for we cannot even guarantee our own internal stability. And how do we achieve this stability you may wonder? Simple. Money.
We control practically all of Africa and the very populous Indian continent as well as large swaths of land in Australia. We should focus on harvesting these raw resource pools and investing in their development.
Every night i hear someone, anyone ranting about how these "socialist" and "communist" and how they'll bring wealth to everyone. So I propose this as the counter to these upstart ideals and rebellions and calm the populous.
Thank you for listening and I look forward to meeting all of you prestigious senators.
- Senator Magnus Kvensson
Name: Magnus Kvensson
Home: Barcelona, Espana
Date of Birth: 22.5.1849
Political Party: XKM (for now)
Description: Magnus is currently not comfortable in any of the main parties of the senate, but supports the internal policies of the XKM
First, I would like to thank the most pristine and wise Empress for my new position among this prestigious and respected society. Now I assume many of you doubt my loyalty to the empire espcially with a name as outlandish as mine, but I assure you i have bled and lost close kin for the empire and her interest. I have served for 15 years in our eternal legions and even worked my way to Legate. But most of all I cannot stand these Slavic pagans that do these cruel and unusual rituals to the good citizens we vow and swore to protect!
(Ahem)
However, I don't believe a military conquest is the way to solve the pagan issue, for we cannot even guarantee our own internal stability. And how do we achieve this stability you may wonder? Simple. Money.
We control practically all of Africa and the very populous Indian continent as well as large swaths of land in Australia. We should focus on harvesting these raw resource pools and investing in their development.
Every night i hear someone, anyone ranting about how these "socialist" and "communist" and how they'll bring wealth to everyone. So I propose this as the counter to these upstart ideals and rebellions and calm the populous.
Thank you for listening and I look forward to meeting all of you prestigious senators.
- Senator Magnus Kvensson
Name: Magnus Kvensson
Home: Barcelona, Espana
Date of Birth: 22.5.1849
Political Party: XKM (for now)
Description: Magnus is currently not comfortable in any of the main parties of the senate, but supports the internal policies of the XKM
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After an intense discussion, I will be retiring after the next Senate session and living out the rest of my life at my estate at Nicaea. I will the Dukedom of Nicaea to my eldest son and my heir, Ambrosio Palaiologos, after the next session of the Senate. He is 33 years old, being born on January 29th, 1852((Is this right? What year are we in, 1880 or 1885?)) He was born in Londinium in Britannia. He will continue my fights for justice, order, and prosperity and is a firm believer in the power of Rome, the invincibility of her legions, and the maginimious naature of the Empress and administration. He will take over my position in the Kyriarchía (( Who is the head of this party? If noone has claimed it, may I be the head of the Kyriarchía?)). I would also like the Empress the assign Ambrosio to the rector provinciae of Britannia and also to promote him to praetor after my retirement, taking over my positions. Thank you for your benevolence to me throughout my years of service. I understand if my son is not fit to be rector provinciae and you decide to assign him somewhere else. Hail Empress Veronica! Hail Rome! Hail the Empire!
IMPERIUM ROMANUM
SPQR
Senator Andronikos Palaiologos, governor of Britannia, propraetor of Rome, and duke of Nicaea.SPQR
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It has been decided that as my eldest son Konstantinos is not fit mentally and emotionally to inherit my titles and senatorship due to trauma he endured during the last rebellion, I shall introduce my second eldest son, Michael Konstantios Doukas, a most capable young man who has served several years in the Army and has proven his experience at governing Thema Greece in my absence. He is currently observing the proceedings of this Senate session to prepare him for his future position.
~Senator Alexios Doukas, etc.
((Outside the Senate building, where nobody notices them, Konstantinos and his men observe the Senate.))
Konstantinos chuckled. "All is going according to plan. My brother and father are in the same building and will die as soon as the Empress arrives. How is the rest of the plan going?"
"My lord," said Markos, "Our agents have been planted in strategic locations across the Empire, ready to strike at your command. We can barely control the mob, as they want blood now; there have been minor riots, but nobody will think much of them. My men will storm the Hagia Sophia and seize the Patriarch at your command. Also, those pesky Athenian Lancers have been sent on a wild goose chase to Bulgaria after I 'tipped them off' about a possible Cult stronghold there."
"Excellent, my loyal servant" said Konstantinos, "Now we just have to wait for the false Empress to arrive at the Senate and we will win."
~Senator Alexios Doukas, etc.
((Outside the Senate building, where nobody notices them, Konstantinos and his men observe the Senate.))
Konstantinos chuckled. "All is going according to plan. My brother and father are in the same building and will die as soon as the Empress arrives. How is the rest of the plan going?"
"My lord," said Markos, "Our agents have been planted in strategic locations across the Empire, ready to strike at your command. We can barely control the mob, as they want blood now; there have been minor riots, but nobody will think much of them. My men will storm the Hagia Sophia and seize the Patriarch at your command. Also, those pesky Athenian Lancers have been sent on a wild goose chase to Bulgaria after I 'tipped them off' about a possible Cult stronghold there."
"Excellent, my loyal servant" said Konstantinos, "Now we just have to wait for the false Empress to arrive at the Senate and we will win."
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Andronikos says to his son"I am mighty proud of you, have I ever told you that". Ambrosio replies "Yes, I know you are proud of my service to the Empire as legate of the 14th Martia Valeria Victrix Legion, one of the most famous legions in the empire. However, I have not achieved praetorship like you have. I have merely dealt with enemies of the Empire." Andronikos sighs "Some of the peasant rabble these days are going crazy. Have you heard about that riot in Batavia? It was small but there have been more and more rioting in the Empire. That is why I asked you to bring a vexillation of the 14th. I also brought Nicaean Guardsmen, my personal guard, and Governorate Troops from Colchester and Londinium to show the Empress that we will always be there at her side, ready to strike down her opponents." Ambrosio drily replies "Sometimes, I think you're going paranoid. The only threat to us in the Imperial capital was the cult and we crushed them. I don't see why you had to bring 1,200 troops here." Andronikos looks Ambrosio in the eye and says "You never know what will happen, the Athenian Lancers are away today. There was some remnants of the Cult in Moesia that they had to hunt down showing that the Cult could strike again. Anyways, first impressions count. The Empress will be mightily impressed by your dedication to the Empire by bringing so many loyal troops as a show of support".
((Could you perhaps trigger a reactionary revolt in the capital with revolt [province ID]? If not, it is fine.))
((Could you perhaps trigger a reactionary revolt in the capital with revolt [province ID]? If not, it is fine.))
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((Well, I've been fortunate enough to actually visit Spain irl and loved it. I especially have a soft spot for Barcelona. But this doesn't mean Magnus is necessarily Spanish, he's very well traveled from his father's successful business assets.))
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Alexios beckons to his son Michael, a young man in uniform sitting near the door. "Michael, I have something I wish to discuss with you."
((Whispering to each other so that nobody hears them))
"I have a bad feeling about today, son," said Alexios, "The Lancers are away, so if something happens we can't rely on them for help."
"Yes, father," said Michael, "However, I have brought with me a half dozen bodyguards who can be trusted."
"Any word on Konstantinos?"
"No, father, not since that letter last month begging me to reconsider my loyalties. My spies have told me that he's clean of any treasonous thoughts, but I have reason to assume Konstantinos is paying them off (otherwise how could one of them have bought a bloody Arabian horse that was more suited for the Hippodrome than for farming?). Konstantinos is hiding his tracks, but why?"
"Yes, why? He's made it clear to us he wishes to depose the Empress, but surely he wouldn't act on those wishes..."
"I heard that one of the other senators has brough his own guards here in the absence of the Lancers, father. You'll be safe here. (Also, I know he's brought them here just to boost his own standing.)"
"I know that, but I'm still worried about Konstantinos..."
((Whispering to each other so that nobody hears them))
"I have a bad feeling about today, son," said Alexios, "The Lancers are away, so if something happens we can't rely on them for help."
"Yes, father," said Michael, "However, I have brought with me a half dozen bodyguards who can be trusted."
"Any word on Konstantinos?"
"No, father, not since that letter last month begging me to reconsider my loyalties. My spies have told me that he's clean of any treasonous thoughts, but I have reason to assume Konstantinos is paying them off (otherwise how could one of them have bought a bloody Arabian horse that was more suited for the Hippodrome than for farming?). Konstantinos is hiding his tracks, but why?"
"Yes, why? He's made it clear to us he wishes to depose the Empress, but surely he wouldn't act on those wishes..."
"I heard that one of the other senators has brough his own guards here in the absence of the Lancers, father. You'll be safe here. (Also, I know he's brought them here just to boost his own standing.)"
"I know that, but I'm still worried about Konstantinos..."
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(Outside the Senate Hall Magnus recognizes a seated man reading a book and begins to approach him and takes a seat next to him.)
"Jensen"
"Mr. Kvensson"
"I assume that the detachment of my security detail is still on route?"
"Of course, sir."
"Well, have them hasten their journey, there is an uneasiness about the air here."
Jensen marks his page with bookmark and closes the book shut.
"Sir?"
"The other senators seem tense, there is much more whispering going about, with worried looks."
"Well sir, the Athenian Lancers aren't in the city so-"
"What?!"
"Yes sir, they left the walls a few days ago."
"Damn it" said Magnus with a hushed tone.
The two sat in silence for a moment.
"Jensen, as soon as I can secure governorship of the Oceanic colonies, we're going to Barcelona."
"What happened to trying to build connections?"
"Half of these connections might be dead by the end of the month, be sure to have Valdemar and Anders aware and prepared for the coming days."
Magnus puts his hand on Jensen's knee while standing up.
"And most of all, you be prepared, the times are changing."
Magnus walks away back towards the Senate hall.
"I didn't ask for this." Jensen grumbles under his breath.
"Jensen"
"Mr. Kvensson"
"I assume that the detachment of my security detail is still on route?"
"Of course, sir."
"Well, have them hasten their journey, there is an uneasiness about the air here."
Jensen marks his page with bookmark and closes the book shut.
"Sir?"
"The other senators seem tense, there is much more whispering going about, with worried looks."
"Well sir, the Athenian Lancers aren't in the city so-"
"What?!"
"Yes sir, they left the walls a few days ago."
"Damn it" said Magnus with a hushed tone.
The two sat in silence for a moment.
"Jensen, as soon as I can secure governorship of the Oceanic colonies, we're going to Barcelona."
"What happened to trying to build connections?"
"Half of these connections might be dead by the end of the month, be sure to have Valdemar and Anders aware and prepared for the coming days."
Magnus puts his hand on Jensen's knee while standing up.
"And most of all, you be prepared, the times are changing."
Magnus walks away back towards the Senate hall.
"I didn't ask for this." Jensen grumbles under his breath.
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(Outside the Senate in the city, near the forum of Constantine)
The citizens of Nova Roma Constantinopolis were world renowned for their ability to kick up a fuss Columba reflected but as he gazed at the crowd boiling around the well corroding statue of the great Emperor on his crumbling column there was something about this crowed that told him more blood than usual was in the air. This was the last thing he needed he had hardly sat down properly in the last few years. Whether it was to do with the tensions in Reatia coming from diff rent cultural groups which had only heightened following the Jacobin revolution in Bavaria and that country's subsequent war with Hungary which saw some violence spill over the border had set the whole thing close to boiling point. With the Legions set to guarding the frontier only the provincial police and militia kept things in order and those he only trusted because he had to. Aside from them there was his personal guard whom he trusted with his life he had raised them himself and many of his old friends and acquaintances from back home.
"Anyone in this crowd who doesn't have blood on their minds already has it on their hands." It was the senators lifelong friend and aide Donal McDonald eternal teased for his name but that's what happens with alcoholic parents.
"Too true; for once I'm glad everything has been so on edge lately otherwise I shouldn't have brought so many men along"
"How many incidentally Guv'nor"
"You're calling me that deliberately again aren't you. Well 300 from my personal guard; 200 from the provincial militia, police and local garrisons; along with detachments form the Legions with another 200 plus however many we picked up along the way"
"For the surprise birthday parade we were planning to hold for the Basilia?"
"Yes. Though I fear they will be exhibiting a more practical demonstration than we anticipated"
"Will there be blood your eminence?"
"I see you now realise the seriousness of the situation and the answer is yes. You and I have both seen enough situations like this to know when it's inevitable. It's going to kick off soon and it will be something to remember tell the men to get ready for a fight rifles, muskets, sword, shield, bow whatever just tell them to get-aaagh!"
"Sir!"
"I'm alright! Don't panic. Damn knee"
"Still not quite the same?"
"Not since that incident when some damn deustche dafty broke into my bedroom and woke me up with a knife in my leg"
"Not pleasant then"
"It was somewhat inconvenient. There is still blood on my mattress though whether it's his, mine or both is anyone's guess."
"You showed him what foe ehh-"
"Aye well look we don't have time for that there's going to be a riot and a big one our first Priority has to be Veronica and her family; then the Patriarch; then the senators."
"So what do we do?"
"Contain the crowd. Put men at the main roads in and out of the forum and some on the colonnade surrounding it mix the men up as well the legionaries and guard will hold; the militia might and the others won't so mix them up give everyone a boost to their morale. Don't do anything stupid unless you have to; send riders after the lancers and tell them to get back here as if their lives depended on it."
"Do their lives depend on it?"
"That very much depends of the forthcoming events. From here to the walls look clam but keep a rearguard just in case check the harbours for anything even remotely out of the ordinary and find out whats happening at the Sacred Palace the others might be in danger."
The senator turns his horse around ready to ride off.
"Ohh and one more thing. Go to the Varangian Barracks and find out what the hell is going on over there after you get my brother and his family out of the city"
"Pished perhaps sir?"
"The ones that aren't pished will be steamin the ones that aren't steamin will be wasted and the ones that aren't wasted will have whitied allover the floor so be careful. And watch out for the blood from broken noses and those recovering from a hangover they're the worst. 5,000 Vikings, Celts and Anglo-saxons cooped up in City of man's desire who thought that was a good idea?"
"And where are you going sir?"
"Blacherne. Along with the life guards if there is a riot the Empress is our first priority you're in charge here keep me informed."
"Yes sir."
Columba turned and rode down the line losening his claymore at his waist and sgian-dubh at his ankle; he sliped his round shield from his back to his front the gilt bosses gleaming in the sun "lovely day for it. If there ever is one." Tanning a cheeky wee dram from his flask he replaced it in his sporran and rode off for what ever awaited.
((Sorry this is so long))
The citizens of Nova Roma Constantinopolis were world renowned for their ability to kick up a fuss Columba reflected but as he gazed at the crowd boiling around the well corroding statue of the great Emperor on his crumbling column there was something about this crowed that told him more blood than usual was in the air. This was the last thing he needed he had hardly sat down properly in the last few years. Whether it was to do with the tensions in Reatia coming from diff rent cultural groups which had only heightened following the Jacobin revolution in Bavaria and that country's subsequent war with Hungary which saw some violence spill over the border had set the whole thing close to boiling point. With the Legions set to guarding the frontier only the provincial police and militia kept things in order and those he only trusted because he had to. Aside from them there was his personal guard whom he trusted with his life he had raised them himself and many of his old friends and acquaintances from back home.
"Anyone in this crowd who doesn't have blood on their minds already has it on their hands." It was the senators lifelong friend and aide Donal McDonald eternal teased for his name but that's what happens with alcoholic parents.
"Too true; for once I'm glad everything has been so on edge lately otherwise I shouldn't have brought so many men along"
"How many incidentally Guv'nor"
"You're calling me that deliberately again aren't you. Well 300 from my personal guard; 200 from the provincial militia, police and local garrisons; along with detachments form the Legions with another 200 plus however many we picked up along the way"
"For the surprise birthday parade we were planning to hold for the Basilia?"
"Yes. Though I fear they will be exhibiting a more practical demonstration than we anticipated"
"Will there be blood your eminence?"
"I see you now realise the seriousness of the situation and the answer is yes. You and I have both seen enough situations like this to know when it's inevitable. It's going to kick off soon and it will be something to remember tell the men to get ready for a fight rifles, muskets, sword, shield, bow whatever just tell them to get-aaagh!"
"Sir!"
"I'm alright! Don't panic. Damn knee"
"Still not quite the same?"
"Not since that incident when some damn deustche dafty broke into my bedroom and woke me up with a knife in my leg"
"Not pleasant then"
"It was somewhat inconvenient. There is still blood on my mattress though whether it's his, mine or both is anyone's guess."
"You showed him what foe ehh-"
"Aye well look we don't have time for that there's going to be a riot and a big one our first Priority has to be Veronica and her family; then the Patriarch; then the senators."
"So what do we do?"
"Contain the crowd. Put men at the main roads in and out of the forum and some on the colonnade surrounding it mix the men up as well the legionaries and guard will hold; the militia might and the others won't so mix them up give everyone a boost to their morale. Don't do anything stupid unless you have to; send riders after the lancers and tell them to get back here as if their lives depended on it."
"Do their lives depend on it?"
"That very much depends of the forthcoming events. From here to the walls look clam but keep a rearguard just in case check the harbours for anything even remotely out of the ordinary and find out whats happening at the Sacred Palace the others might be in danger."
The senator turns his horse around ready to ride off.
"Ohh and one more thing. Go to the Varangian Barracks and find out what the hell is going on over there after you get my brother and his family out of the city"
"Pished perhaps sir?"
"The ones that aren't pished will be steamin the ones that aren't steamin will be wasted and the ones that aren't wasted will have whitied allover the floor so be careful. And watch out for the blood from broken noses and those recovering from a hangover they're the worst. 5,000 Vikings, Celts and Anglo-saxons cooped up in City of man's desire who thought that was a good idea?"
"And where are you going sir?"
"Blacherne. Along with the life guards if there is a riot the Empress is our first priority you're in charge here keep me informed."
"Yes sir."
Columba turned and rode down the line losening his claymore at his waist and sgian-dubh at his ankle; he sliped his round shield from his back to his front the gilt bosses gleaming in the sun "lovely day for it. If there ever is one." Tanning a cheeky wee dram from his flask he replaced it in his sporran and rode off for what ever awaited.
((Sorry this is so long))
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Andronikos turns to Ambrosio and says "All the senators are bringing a personal entourage to impress the Empress. They might even be foolish enough to think that there will be a revolt in the city! I tell you, this discontent is merely some miscreants trying to start a few riots. We need better social policies to educate the youth to prevent this!" Ambrosio replies "I wouldn't be so sure that this will not turn into a revolt. There have been riots throughout the Empire, those weren't isolated incidents. I have a bad feeling about the next Senate meeting, don't you want to put the troops on alert?" Andronikos retorts "Nonsense, the populace have just got some radicals whipping out their followers. I tell you, the worst thing are riots and the City Guard and Imperial Police will easily handle them. Why should I put the troops on alert? There is no threat to this city! Who would dare contest the power of Rome and the glory of the Empress? If you are so worried, I will send Nisene to Nicaea to meet with Heracles, Tanaya, and Kate. But Diederick stays." Ambrosio sighs "That would be for the best though I still have a gut feeling that this is part of something larger."
((Nisene is my first daughter, Heracles is my third son, Tanaya is my wife, Kate is my second daughter, and Diederick is my second son.))
((Nisene is my first daughter, Heracles is my third son, Tanaya is my wife, Kate is my second daughter, and Diederick is my second son.))
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The wind blew through Leonardo's hair as his ships entered the Bosphorus strait. He had returned to Venice briefly to deal with some financial affairs. The usual buyer for the wine his vineyards produced had gone bankrupt and he had had to find a new business partner. He had also taken the time to peruse a few factories that had been popping up in the region. Factories were becoming much more profitable than the usual estates of nobles. Perhaps when he returned to Venice, he could buy some shares in some to reap the rewards. He surely wasn't hurting for money, but more was always better. The more he had, the more he could invest in his business ventures. Surely the entire region benefited as a whole from the profitable business he produced.
Leonardo couldn't help but smile as his shipped docked in Constantinople. He had another two dozen ships out in the harbour with various trade goods he had acquired in Italy to sell in the City of World's Desire. He never wasted the opportunity to make an extra buck when travelling. The extra ships were also great to ward off smugglers or those who'd dare attack his shipping, not that many would dare do that in this day and age. The Roman navy was too fearsome to oppose.
As Leonardo entered the city, there was a certain tenseness in the air. There seemed to be less people in the streets, as though many had decided it was best to stay at home. Others eyed one another with suspicion. Leonardo had his usual body guards with him, so he didn't feel in any danger. He made his way to the Senate without interference. He only hoped the same atmosphere wasn't infecting the Senate as well.
Leonardo couldn't help but smile as his shipped docked in Constantinople. He had another two dozen ships out in the harbour with various trade goods he had acquired in Italy to sell in the City of World's Desire. He never wasted the opportunity to make an extra buck when travelling. The extra ships were also great to ward off smugglers or those who'd dare attack his shipping, not that many would dare do that in this day and age. The Roman navy was too fearsome to oppose.
As Leonardo entered the city, there was a certain tenseness in the air. There seemed to be less people in the streets, as though many had decided it was best to stay at home. Others eyed one another with suspicion. Leonardo had his usual body guards with him, so he didn't feel in any danger. He made his way to the Senate without interference. He only hoped the same atmosphere wasn't infecting the Senate as well.
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