"You’re right," Maximus gladly agreed and quickly responded, "The third settlent by the Kupa River shall be called Todleduo."
Everyone exchanged looks, revealing a hint of resignation on their faces. They had been here for over a year and had picked up so Illyrian language, understanding the aning behind the na Maximus chose. "Todleduo" in Illyrian ans "third."
Snowdonia (the first), Westeni (the second), Todleduo (the third)—the leader’s way of naming settlents was overly simplistic! Each person shared a similar sentint in their hearts.
"As for the fourth settlent by the Kupa River, let’s na it Kupa Castle," Maximus continued.
Once again, everyone exchanged glances, blinking at each other: sure enough, the nas remained exceedingly simple.
"Now, regarding this particular settlent—" Maximus paused mid-sentence, pondering.
Everyone imdiately grew tense: this was to be the center of the tribe moving forward; it must have a pleasing and aningful na!
Maximus noticed their thoughts and smiled as he spoke, "Last year when we first arrived here, Snowdonia, Westeni, and Todleduo represented the footprints of our initial settlent. Whenever our tribesn call out the nas of these towns, they will surely rember the challenges we overca during those tis. As for this settlent—"
Maximus accentuated his tone, speaking deliberately, "It should be called Aphidilia. Yes, it ans ’Starting Point.’ We’ve settled here, survived wars, and established ourselves. Now we shall use this as our starting point to dominate the Great River Plain!"
"Aphidilia, what a beautiful na!" Pigeris and Gaius practically shouted in unison.
The others were also roused by Maximus’s words, their faces lit with varying degrees of enthusiasm. At the sa ti, they felt a slight sense of sha, realizing that the leader’s choice in naming towns reflected a profound significance beyond simple labels.
Karina cleared her throat and said, "Leader, now that we’ve nad the new settlents in the tribe, shouldn’t we also appoint the administrative chiefs for these towns next?"
"Agreed. Let’s finalize the village chiefs’ selections later and also appoint chiefs for these towns, including Snowdonia. Additionally, I won’t continue serving as Aphidilia’s administrative chief. This place is too densely populated and complex, requiring soone to manage it specifically."
Maximus paused and lightly tapped on the back of his chair, scanning the room before speaking slowly, "There is another pressing issue that needs all our input. Capito just brought it up earlier—it’s about how the tribe currently lacks sufficient resources to manage and support a large number of foreign auxiliary mbers. Yet many of our major public projects—building roads and strengthening river embanknts—need considerable labor. So, what shall we do?...
My proposal is to enact a new decree mandating that all tribesn, except for tribal officials and those holding noble titles, must perform forced labor once every year."
"Forced labor? What does that an?" They were intrigued by this unfamiliar concept.
Maximus explained, "It ans the tribe will summon tribesn based on this decree to help construct public facilities. Such summons are mandatory; anyone refusing would be violating the decree and subjected to punishnt. Furthermore, tribesn performing this labor wouldn’t receive pay and would need to provide their own food."
As Maximus finished explaining, the mood in the room turned solemn.
From Ro ca Quintus, Sidonius, Horace, and Capito; from other townships in Italy ca Volenus and Gaonius; from the Greek City-States ca Kefisofon... None of them had heard of such a concept as "forced labor" before, as public facilities in city-states were typically constructed by slaves or by army forces handling it alongside their tasks.
Similarly, Karina from the Gaul tribes was unfamiliar with the practice, as Gaul tribes didn’t prioritize infrastructure construction.
The first to raise objections was Karina: "Leader, forcing tribesn to do... this kind of forced labor doesn’t sit right. It feels like the detestable Roman nobles treating tribesn like slaves, compelling them to work."
"It’s entirely different," Maximus patiently explained, "We’re asking tribesn to do forced labor not for personal gain but for the benefit of the entire tribe and all its people!
If we build roads, it helps tribesn travel and transport goods; if we strengthen river embanknts, we protect farmland and prevent flooding; if we construct bridges, tribesn can easily cross between banks...
Everyone recognizes the advantages of public infrastructure construction—so enthusiastic tribesn even volunteer to help. But we can’t let kind-hearted individuals bear all the work while others stand idly by, only to later enjoy the benefits...
Therefore, institutionalizing forced labor as an obligation ensures fairness. Our collective efforts yield collective benefits. Isn’t that just?"
Carillana subconsciously nodded but soon expressed doubt: "Leader, you ntioned this decree is fair, but you also said tribal officials and noble tribesn are exempt from forced labor. I understand why officials are exempt—they must stay committed to their roles. But why are noble tribesn exempt?"
Maximus smiled, replying, "This is because they have already made substantial contributions to the tribe and thus earned specific privileges. As I’ve ntioned before, nobles who are not officials can co-manage village disputes alongside village chiefs and oversee village affairs...
In essence, they are the Nix Tribe’s nobles, distinguished not only by wealth but also by their rank and status, setting them apart from ordinary tribesn.
As the tribe grows stronger and more populous, decrees will evolve further, granting even greater privileges to tribesn of knightly rank and above. This incentivizes ordinary tribesn to work harder for the tribe in hopes of joining the ranks of nobility. That’s the true allure of the Twenty Peerage System!"
Everyone instinctively exchanged glances, then quickly looked away, fearful of revealing the burning ambition in their eyes.
After a brief silence in the hall, Volenus voiced a concern, "Leader, wouldn’t summoning tribesn for yearly forced labor to construct public facilities interfere with their farming activities?"
"It wouldn’t. Farming is the backbone of our tribe, and we wouldn’t disrupt them during busy agricultural periods. Forced labor summons would only occur during idle seasons."
Volenus looked reassured.
Quintus then raised another question, "Leader, doesn’t our tribe already have a decree mandating tribesn’s military training during idle seasons? Will this new forced labor initiative negate that?"
"Of course not," Maximus explained patiently, "Our tribal territories have expanded multiple tis over, and our population has multiplied. During idle months, the Public Works Departnt wouldn’t summon the entire tribe’s population for forced labor—only about two to three thousand individuals from seven or eight villages. Other tribesn would still participate in military training.
Additionally, I suggest the Public Works Departnt prioritize summoning tribesn from villages and towns closest to the planned construction sites. This arrangent facilitates their labor, rest, and al preparation, while saving the tribe unnecessary trouble. Naturally, the Public Works Departnt must develop comprehensive plans in advance and coordinate with the Military Departnt to prevent schedule conflicts."
Capito nodded in understanding.
"Does anyone else have differing views?" Maximus asked, his gaze resting on Karina.
"As long as it’s ensured that the forced labor contributes solely to building public facilities for the tribe, I have no objections," Karina replied.
"Certainly. During the detailed discussions of the decree’s stipulations later, we can specify stricter limitations. Once finalized, we must ensure every tribesman understands it, explicitly prohibiting tribal officials or town administrators from misusing the decree for personal gain, lest it diminish tribal trust!" Maximus’s tone turned stern.
Karina nodded imdiately, "I support enacting this decree."
"I do as well," Capito eagerly agreed.
Others soon followed suit, recognizing the decree’s potential benefits for the tribe without hindering their respective departntal work.
As everyone began delving into the decree’s specifics, an attendant entered swiftly and whispered a few words to Maximus.
Hearing the news, Maximus’s face brightened with delight. He stood up abruptly and announced excitedly, "Everyone, I have wonderful news! Florist Luscia is pregnant!"
Those present burst into wide smiles and spoke in unison, "Congratulations, Leader! Congratulations! This is truly a blessing for our tribe!"
Indeed, it was a grand occasion! First, it confird Maximus’s health was in pri condition. Secondly, it alleviated lingering concerns about the tribal leader’s succession, giving the Nix Tribe’s future newfound security and hope!
........................
Early in the morning, after finishing breakfast, Siris arrived at the village’s main house.
"Up so early today, Siris." Starks, still chewing on bread inside, greeted him indistinctly.
"Woke up early, cooked early, and so I ca early," Siris answered casually. In truth, he had endured years of monotonous living; the past two days as temporary overseer had been eventful and fulfilling, spurring his eagerness to imrse himself in work whenever possible.
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