Gaiseric, the leader of the Vandals, was overjoyed upon hearing this. It was heaven-sent grounds for war, so the Vandals marched on Rome, deceitfully infiltrated the city, and utterly destroyed it, marking one of the most brutal sacks in European history.

A pack of wolf-like Vandal barbarians stormed into the once-magnificent city of Rome, wantonly burning, killing, and looting. Countless women, illustrious imperial noblewomen, were all reduced to rags, even publicly raped by barbarian soldiers on the streets. Many imperial dignitaries were made slaves, butchered like pigs and dogs.

The once-thriving city of Rome was turned into a living hell.

This ordeal lasted for half a month.

The entirety of Rome was reduced to ashes, with only a few thousand surviving. The rest were either defiled and slaughtered or sold into slavery in North Africa; all wealth was thoroughly pillaged.

As for the Emperor's wives and daughters—one Empress, two princesses, and numerous imperial noblewomen—they were all taken back to Carthage in North Africa by the Vandals.

Falling into the hands of the barbarians, their fate went without saying.

Anya took a desperate gamble at the time, as if she had sensed something foreboding. Otherwise, how could she have abandoned her vast estates on the Italian peninsula?

As for the orchestrator, Maximus, his death was laughable.

When the Vandal army invaded Rome, Maximus panicked and tried to escape, but was caught and beaten to death by the Roman citizens on the spot, serving as Emperor for only two and a half months.

Thus, the Western Empire entered a state of complete collapse, beyond all repair.

Inside the palace.

Quintus was drenched in cold sweat as he heard this, with only a single thought racing in his mind.

"Must inform Governor Duncan of Britain immediately!"

Aetius can die.

But if the Protector of the Realm dies, who will clean up this mess?

Quintus, having followed the Emperor for so many years, knew well enough the Emperor's weight. As for Maximus, he indeed held a high status, serving as a Senator and one of Rome's wealthiest men, but he had no military prestige, nor any formidable troops under his command. Could he stabilize the situation?

Hurry to the West, summon the King of Britain!

Only a strong army can quell the chaos. If real fighting breaks out, who knows how chaotic the Italian peninsula will become.

Quintus was greedy, but not stupid.

The two imperial dignitaries before him were all high-aiming but low-achieving fellows, thinking they could control the broader situation. But a small figure like him saw very clearly that if chaos truly arose, the title of Emperor would be nothing more than an empty honorific.

Quintus walked out of the palace, deeply worried. In a dark corner, he immediately summoned his trusted confidant and gave orders: "Now, immediately, at once. Send word to Anya."

"I will write a letter to be given to the fleet shortly."

"Send messengers via water routes, take more manpower."

"No."

"Also take those gladiators."

After a moment's thought, he suddenly spoke: "Have our informant in the palace, our man, secretly protect Princess Praxidica."

The Empress can die, First Princess Eudoxia can die too.

But Princess Praxidica must not be harmed under any circumstances.

This was his future diplomatic capital!

At this moment, Quintus's eyes were full of ambition. Emperor Valentinian III of the Empire chose the worst possible path. So he couldn't be blamed for being ruthless, ready to abandon ship and find a new master at any time. The two people in the palace were discussing so many issues, but overlooked one crucial point. Now was a time of great upheaval; the military was the foundation of everything.

He who possesses a strong and powerful army shall be king.

.........

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