Julius returned to his private suite just as the final rays of the sun dipped below the distant hills, painting the marble of the Eternal City in hues of crimson and gold.
The air inside his quarters was cool, the fireplace left banked low by the attendants — a quiet, welcome stillness after the storm of courtly politics.
Without ceremony, Julius moved to the wide oak desk at the far end of the room, settling heavily into his high-backed chair.
He flexed his fingers once, then called forth the System Interface with a simple mental command.
A soft golden shimmer filled his vision.
[System Update: Provinces Integrated!]
▶ Greecian Province Established
▶ Territories: Argos, Macedonia, Arcadia
▶ Status: Direct Control (Romanus Crown Authority)
▶ Loyalty: +15 (75/100 ~Stable)
A low, pleased hum escaped his throat as he leaned back slightly.
The map of the Empire floated before him — a glorious spread of golden lands stitched across the continent.
