"Everyone!" Maximus took in everyone’s expressions and raised his voice to speak loudly, "You are all my valuable assistants and my most trusted subordinates. I’ve gathered you here to ask if you are willing to follow me north to create our own home?!
If you are unwilling, I won’t blame you. I’ve already discussed it with Hamilcar, and you can join other leaders’ teams and stay in Italy... Time is tight, so will you follow me north, or will you stay? Make your choice now!"
As soon as Maximus finished speaking, Acronis stood up and shouted loudly, "What’s there to choose? Of course, I’ll follow you, Leader! Since our team was formed last year, we’ve been better fed, better dressed, and lost fewer people than other teams...
This is because Leader Maximus is more capable than the other leaders! So, I firmly believe that since you choose to head north, going north must be the best way out for us! If anyone chooses to stay, it’s not just foolish, it’s betrayal!"
Though her words were crude, they were not unreasonable. Acronis indeed remained as strong as ever! ... Maximus thought, but verbally he criticized, "Acronis, as I said earlier, everyone chooses voluntarily. If someone stays, it’s also to resist the Romans, and they’re still comrades of Free Italy, not traitors."
"But whoever does that would be betraying your trust." Acronis muttered.
Maximus did not refute her further.
"Leader, you should have made this decision sooner. These days, following the main troops has delayed us quite a bit!" Flanitnus shouted as a reminder.
"Leader, all of us from Rome understand Rome’s strength very well. Staying in Italy will only lead to a dead end! The only way is to follow you to places outside of Italy and take a chance. That’s the best way out!" said Quintus, who rarely spoke loudly, but now firmly expressed his attitude.
"Quintus is right, heading north is the way out. I am willing to follow you to unfamiliar places and continue fighting!" Oluus said with great enthusiasm.
"Leader, I am your compatriot, I will never let you leave me behind!" Fesaros said loudly, unwilling to be outdone.
"Going north is our Gaul territory; how could it be done without me!" Torrelugo laughed loudly.
"In the past, I’ve followed the leader in multiple victories. I believe we can achieve more victories in the future!" Camillus responded loudly, hitting his chest with his right hand.
"Leader, no matter what decision you make, I will follow your steps and strive to do everything you instruct well!" After overcoming the initial shock, Volenus also made his commitment. Having been a domestic slave for decades, he was used to obeying, and now he had already regarded Maximus as his master.
"It’s time to leave Italy immediately and find a place for our team to settle down—farming, mining, trade... anything will do. Otherwise, at this rate, our supplies will be exhausted!" Temporary Chief of Supply Camp, Capito not only made a choice but also offered suggestions.
"Great, Leader, the plan you previously discussed with me can finally be carried out!" Pigeris cheered.
"What plan?" Others were puzzled.
Maximus didn’t address him and loudly asked, "Is there anyone among you who chooses to stay?"
There was no response.
This was actually quite normal; those whom Maximus promoted were either slaves or determined anti-Rome veterans from Lukelia. They originally didn’t have much attachment to Italy. Plus, usually, Maximus subtly hinted to them that "there’s no future in staying in Italy," so everyone’s thinking was unified and quite resolute. Only some hadn’t considered that other rebel army teams wouldn’t follow north.
"Since you all trust me and are willing to follow me north——" Maximus looked around at everyone with a solemn expression and said, "I also promise to share hardships and blessings with you from now on and will not fail any of you!" Saying this, he raised his hands and closed his eyes in prayer.
Everyone looked solemn, but each one was excited, watching Maximus, waiting for him to open his eyes again.
"Alright, let’s discuss how to continue heading north next." Maximus looked at everyone and said seriously, "First, after you return, be patient in explaining to your subordinates why we are heading north alone, and try your best to persuade them to come with us! If anyone insists on staying, there’s no need to force it. However, Capito and Spukala, your areas are quite special; all the craftsmen and engineers are very important to us, and they must all come with us!
Oh, right, and Horace, those doctors under you! Volenus, the people under you who can read and write, and understand arithmetic! They are our talent; regardless of their wishes, not a single one can stay behind—they all have to come with the team! Understood?!"
"Rest assured, Leader, not one of them will escape." Capito responded calmly, as he had been doing this since the march began.
Maximus noticed Horace and Volenus were at a loss and remembered something, saying, "Capito, I almost forgot. During the march, you are the temporary chief of the supply camp; you must oversee the craftsmen of the engineering team, the personnel under Volenus, and the doctors and nurses in the medical camp—don’t let a single one escape!"