Agassias exhaled deeply, a wave of gratitude washing over him. Juleios had delivered on every promise, offering his former comrades a path to stability and prosperity within the alliance.
Timasion and his companions listened intently, though Cleon, his expression still tinged with discontent, remarked, "Juleios, you're a lifelong consul and, from what I've heard, you control the Senate. Isn't this similar to… what's-his-name… that Pisistratus from Athens?"
"Cleon, that's outrageous!" Philesius burst out, his voice sharp with indignation.
Juleios raised a hand, signaling calm, and replied evenly, "What you mean to say is that I resemble a tyrant, isn't it?"
Cleon froze, realizing too late that his blunt words had crossed a line. He lowered his head, avoiding Juleios's steady gaze.
