Tripolis' triumphal squad finally ended, and the whole city did not end because of the war-winning carnival. Although the nobles had already arrived and were reluctant to join in the fun, the square was still crowded with joyful civilians.

Compared to the lively scene outside, when you come to Grand Duke Anastasius's mansion, it seems particularly deserted. This is the place chosen by the old man himself, and the location is remote, and Anastasius will stay in the monastery to recite scriptures and study devoutly. Therefore, at first glance, there is no such thing as the residence of the tyrant duke. However, outside the Grand Duke Anastasius' study, there are many strange and exquisite gadgets on the table, and beautiful muttons and colorful glass beads, all imported from Italian merchants. This immediately attracted the interest of the young Helena. She did not care about her mother's admonition and jumped excitedly. It can be said that the attraction of these things to a little girl is beyond doubt.

Grand Duke Anastasius, who was on the other side, stroked his gray beard and smiled: "This was originally prepared for her to relieve her boredom. After all, there is not even a child of the same age to play in this kind of place. If there is no such thing, I am afraid it will be a suffocation."

At this moment, while trying to teach the child a lesson, he expressed his gratitude to the elders in front of him. The princess, who had always been calm, showed her mother's clumsy side. This scene fell into Justinian's eyes, which made him unable to help but smile knowingly.

But at this moment, the Grand Duke Anastasius behind him poked his back with a crutch and whispered, "Okay, let's go in first, I have something to say to you." He said in a serious and heavy tone, and Justinian also looked solemn. Since the old man in front of him said this, there must be something important.

Justinian nodded, so he followed Anastasius with a cane into the study.

Although I haven't been here for a long time, the cleaning floors here are obviously very clean, and the bookshelf are filled with books transported from Fort Wiscarri in one carriage. It can be said that this is the most precious wealth of Anastasius, who is nearly eighty years old, in his life. There are personal notes that record the history and customs of the empire and the classics from other countries. Although all this is somewhat obscure to Justinian, he also understands the value of it.

Just as Justinian was focusing on this, the old man who returned to the wheelchair coughed gently and asked:

"Although I do want to congratulate you on the unprecedented great success, I still want to ask you, what are your next preparations?" Although Justinian's military achievements have reached a nearly dazzling level, Anastasius cares more about his plans for the future, otherwise no matter how many victories he wins, he will eventually become a flower of tomorrow.

Justinian, who came to his senses, was stunned at first, and then turned to pondering. In fact, he had already considered the questions raised by Grand Duke Anastasius, but he was actually a little hesitant about this matter. Of course, Justinian knew that opportunities were for those who were prepared, but the current situation was chaotic, and even those who were resourceful sometimes could not respond 100% accurate.

After a moment of silence, Justinian raised his head and looked directly at the old man in front of him, and slowly spoke: "Although I have not made up my mind yet, at present, act low-key in exchange for enough breathing opportunities, and rest for a while, waiting for the beginning of spring next year to look for an opportunity to give the Latins a fatal blow. This is my most inclined plan." Although the Achaia vassal state and the Athenian Principality achieved a huge victory, he did not get lost because of the victory. The mobilization and productivity of the entire population in the Molia region have been actually squeezed to the limit. Coupled with the destruction of war, continuing to gain military power is simply a deathbed. It is already late autumn, and the cold winter is about to come, so resting and recuperation is the wisest decision.

But as soon as Justinian said the answer, he ushered in the old man's sarcastic question: "But why do you give your enemy enough chance to breathe? Don't you think you have not attracted the attention of your enemy until now? Or do you simply put the key to your victory or not on the enemy's omission?"

The continuous questioning was like a storm. The old man in a twilight voice said such harsh words in a hoarse voice, no less than a bloody orator. The wrinkles on his face were as carved as wind swords and frost swords, with an unparalleled aura of superiors, almost overwhelming. And this concise and clear questioning hit Justinian's fatal point. Yes, if you want to win, you must not always expect your enemy to make mistakes. Justinian's idea of ​​resting and recuperation is good, but at this moment, where does their enemies don't understand this, how can they sit still?

Anastasius's words were not only reminding Justinian, but also expressing his dissatisfaction. The whole city was celebrating the victory under Justinian's leadership. However, the old man understood that this was a success at the end of his strength. Not only was the small half of the Achaia vassal state not completely digested, but more importantly, the emerging Justinian attracted the attention of the Venetians before its strength grew. This was the most deadly. It was not a coincidence that the Venetian fleet, which was frustrated in Fort Wiscarri, appeared again in Athens, but should have appeared with the task of spying on the situation. Anastasius, who had a keen intuition, guessed this at the time of hearing this.

This is why Anastasius once decided to help Justinian northwardly to Athens, but now it is done. Instead of being upset about what happened before, it is better to care about what to do next.

Looking at the silent Justinian, Grand Duke Anastasius sighed. Obviously Justinian was still too young after all and could not be considered completely. Now the Venetians have already begun to deal with them. There is no other way to deal with this mess except him. This is why, on this day, Anastasius walked out of the secluded monastery.

But just as the old man really wanted to teach Justinian a lesson as an elder, the young man's calm and refreshing answer rang in his ears.
Chapter completed!