The room had not relaxed.
If anything, Julius' last words had tightened every spine at the table.
"But…" the younger advisor pressed carefully, "if we do nothing, both sides will just fall faster, which would prevent the empire from exhausting its strength?"
Julius did not bristle.
He expected the question.
"We will not do nothing," he said calmly. "We will simply do nothing publically reprehensible."
He returned to the head of the table.
"Romanus will remain officially neutral in direct military engagement for now. No legions crossing borders. No banners raised on foreign soil. We will move to secure and maintain our existing holdings for now"
A few shoulders sagged in disappointment.
"But," he continued, voice sharpening slightly, "we will provide aid."
The Foreign Minister leaned forward. "In what capacity?"
"Food shipments," Julius replied without hesitation. "Grain primarily. Preserved meats. Dried legumes. Medical supplies. Bandages. Salves. Surgical tools."
