The Thurian senators were hearing Juleios's ambitious plans for the first time, and many were visibly surprised. Bulcos stared wide-eyed at Juleios, who stood confidently in the circle, speaking with ease. He recalled the great effort he had made to invite this man to Magna Graecia, thinking of him merely as a capable mercenary leader. He had never imagined that this young man harbored such lofty ambitions—not only saving Thurii but also aiming to reshape the political landscape of Magna Graecia! The proposed six-hundred-seat Senate Hall implied the annexation of many city-states into the alliance.
Other Thurian senators whispered among themselves, some even asking, "Who is Vespa?" Some wore skeptical expressions, while others seemed excited. Most, however, refrained from outright opposition, knowing they owed their survival to Juleios and Amendolara. Unfamiliar with his leadership style, they chose caution over dissent.
