In Moscow, citizens generally drank in the taverns on the streets, but now, with the Moscow government's material controls, alcohol and similar items have become increasingly expensive and scarce.
Even kvass was being taxed, which was truly exasperating and made the populace increasingly dissatisfied, but no matter how dissatisfied, no one dared to cause trouble.
Only a few taverns could still guarantee the supply of these items, such as the one where Domnal and Dir drank, which was more expensive, but in many places, it was something you couldn't buy even with money.
However, in some hidden corners of Moscow, there were still cheap and affordable alcoholic beverages and kvass for sale; these places were called underground taverns because their goods were smuggled in and could not be discovered by the government.
Regarding these underground taverns, the Moscow Veche chose to turn a blind eye; the Veche clearly understood that the people needed these things, and everyone disliked those bossy Greeks, so they didn't report these matters to their superiors.
And since the grassroots refused to report these matters, the superiors naturally knew nothing, and Leo was very busy with his work, so he had no energy to investigate such things.
The most important thing was that everyone knew this was just a special product of a special period; once the war ended and material supplies recovered, these would naturally disappear, so as long as they kept it secret now, there would be no repercussions.
Thus, these underground taverns quickly became the liveliest places in Moscow at night; they were usually hidden in residential areas, places where those Greeks would never go.
At the same time, due to their inherent secrecy, they also became a gathering place for some illicit dealings and conversations.
Entering these places was like a spy rendezvous; visitors, secretive as if they were thieves, would knock rhythmically on unmarked doors before being allowed into the underground tavern.
The layout of these taverns was often very simple: a bar counter, then dozens of tables and chairs, where patrons would sit and enjoy their low-priced drinks.
However, most people bought alcohol or kvass to take away, as such places were too mixed for some, so it was better to buy things and enjoy them at home.
Such taverns had no windows, so the air was always murky, and the mixed smell of cheap alcohol and sweat always permeated the place, occasionally with the scent of fresh blood, left by brawling drunkards, but the people who remained there didn't care; as long as they could drink and socialize, that was enough.
"I heard the Greeks are sending us to collect taxes again, this time in the south."
"What, are those guys never going to stop?! The folks are already suffering so much; I joined the army not to oppress my fellow villagers, yet the Greeks make us do such things every day."
"Those Greeks are truly endless; they are too greedy. I don't think the front line needs that much grain; it's clearly that Leo using this opportunity to accumulate wealth!"
"Right! I think so too. Recently, so many Greeks have appeared in the government; that bastard Leo must be making money for his countrymen. That bastard truly deserves to die! No wonder he was driven to the North."
"I heard those Christian Greeks, the Metropolitans in the South, are just as bad; they come to the North just to make money, and after they make it, they try every means to leave Rostov, then abandon the church matters."
"Ha, those Greeks look down on us so much; I still remember their contemptuous gaze, like they were looking at trash. Ha, I wish I could stab a spear into that guy's eyes!"
"Why does the Prince hire so many Greeks? I'm getting so annoyed listening to their accents when I'm working."
A group of soldiers wearing military clothing, with their pointed helmets placed on the table or at their feet, angrily denounced Leo, the current ruler of Moscow. There were quite a few of them, more than twenty.
Outside, these would be dangerous words; one could easily be caught and punished.
But here, no one cared about these words; this place was about doing business against Leo and his group of Greeks. It could be said that everyone was extremely dissatisfied with Leo.
Moreover, there were quite a few people with ulterior motives among them, or rather, this underground tavern was opened by someone with ulterior motives.
On the other side, a Rus man dressed as an officer was chatting with a man dressed as a farmer; no matter how noisy it was around them, it couldn't stop their conversation.
"Start a week early? Isn't that too rushed, and I haven't achieved full control over the Rostov Camp; there are still people who listen to Dir."
The Rus man dressed as an officer also had a pointed helmet and military clothing, and his only difference from ordinary soldiers was that his pointed helmet had many carvings, and judging by the carvings, it could be determined that he was a Centurion.
There was hesitation in his tone; he was very uneasy about this sudden fame, as any meticulous person would feel this way when a plan is suddenly moved up.
"Those people don't matter anymore, Milia, my friend, we must speed up our actions. The order comes from Veles Valley; not only here, but all the hidden agents in the entire Trans-Volga Region have been mobilized; the Gods' army has begun to act. Moreover, haven't you brought all your key people? And others have been brought by me as well. Tonight is the moment of mobilization; everyone needs you to say a few words."
"And the assault team is already outside the city, Milia, put aside your last concerns."
The man dressed as a farmer spoke in a low voice, and his words were clear and articulate, completely unlike what a farmer would say, indicating that this was merely a disguise.
"Is that so? Has it all begun? Then there's really nothing left to hesitate about."
The "farmer's" words broke the Centurion's last concerns, and Milia's words showed relief.
Long-term undercover work in the enemy's core was also a huge pressure for him, and now it was finally coming to an end, so how could he not breathe a sigh of relief?
And just as Milia felt relieved, the waiters in the tavern began to clear out the irrelevant customers, leaving only those who were closely involved in the conspiracy.
They were soldiers, merchants, citizens, and farmers; all the pagan agents who had been lurking in Moscow for the past few years were here, and they all had some influence in Moscow society.
As the tavern door closed, Milia climbed onto the bar, and everyone's gaze was drawn to him; they all looked at the Centurion.
"Gentlemen, our patience is finally coming to an end! Tonight is the day of action. Gentlemen, those damned Christians shall be punished; this is the will of the Gods, and we shall be the instruments through which the Gods accomplish their will!"
Milia's words were full of infectious power and resonated deeply with everyone present, causing a cheer to erupt in the tavern.
Milia's identity was very important among the pagans of Moscow because he was the one who had climbed to the highest position among them, and thus he naturally became their leader; everyone looked to him for guidance.
This cheer was heard by the patrolling Veche Militia, but he simply pretended not to notice; it was normal for people to shout wildly in a tavern late at night, completely unaware that a major conspiracy, one that would change Moscow, was brewing beneath their feet.
"Next, let us proceed according to the established plan. Everyone, go to your positions and complete your tasks according to the prior arrangements. Remember, do not try to incite the populace in this city; we can only rely on our own people. Focus on completing your tasks and absolutely do not cause any unnecessary trouble."
Milia gave his final instructions; his heart was now filled with tension, and so were everyone else's. A plan years in the making was finally about to begin, so how could they not be nervous?
And amidst the tension, everyone's hearts were filled with excitement; as long as this strike was completed, all their efforts would be worth it, and the bright and free days of the past would return once more.
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