Maximus immediately asked, "What kind of knowledge are you imparting?"
Emmerich replied, "The tribe’s history and knowledge of nature."
Maximus didn’t comment, instead asking, "Do you know how to heal? What do you use to treat people?"
"Mainly herbal medicine, it’s a wealth that nature has bestowed upon humanity."
"How is your medical skill?"
"After our race became the slaves of the Pannonians, many Druids were killed by them. The reason I am alive today is because of my medical skills." Emmerich spoke calmly, not boasting directly, but this was proof enough.
A Druid himself, from the upper echelons of the Skodisqi people, and possessing excellent medical skills, it’s understandable he would hold high prestige among the slaves. No wonder he became an organizer of the rebellion... Maximus thought to himself, then asked aloud, "Why were you in such a hurry to see me? What do you need?"
"Honorable leader." Emmerich bowed again in salute and said loudly, "Thank you very much for defeating our enemies and freeing us from their enslavement! I want to know what plans you have for us, the Skodisqi people?"
Although Emmerich felt anxious and was eager to know the fate of himself and his people, he spoke very cautiously, his years as a slave having taught him prudence and restraint. Although he appeared somewhat impatient when he just escaped the cage today, Maximus’s two rejections had sobered him. Moreover, in the process of actively helping the rebel army, he had intentionally garnered some information about this force, knowing that this seemingly young leader was no simple person, so he was now very careful.
"Plans?" Maximus tapped the back of the chair lightly, not responding directly but instead asked, "I want to know what you want?"
This question by Maximus was related to the future fate of him and his people, so Emmerich spoke sincerely, "We have suffered too much pain at the hands of the Segestica people, and we are eager to gain freedom. For this, we are willing to do anything for you!"
"Who exactly do you mean by ’we’?" Maximus asked again.
"All the Skodisqi people who were rescued by the leader today." Emmerich replied solemnly.
Maximus tapped the arm of the chair again: "Why do you not ask to gain freedom and leave here?"
"Noble leader, our tribe has been destroyed for over a decade. Even if we gain freedom, where could we go?" Emmerich said sadly, "To the east are our enemies, the Pannonians. The Alde Tribe to the west has never had a good relationship with us, the Skodisqi people. Apart from them, there are mountains, dense forests, wild beasts, and venomous creatures. We are weak and have no food. Leaving here, we fear we wouldn’t survive more than two or three days..."
"So you want freedom, yet choose to stay..." Maximus asked coldly, "Aren’t you worried we might enslave you like the Pannonians did? Because that would be very beneficial to our tribe."
"I’m not worried." Emmerich said with certainty, "I have personally seen your people tend to our wounded tribesmen who were forced to fight against you, they were very earnest in their treatment, not pretending. I’ve also found out that you come from outside the mountain region, and many among you were once slaves themselves... I think you, honorable leader, will surely treat us well!"
Maximus remained serious: "You are a smart man, but do all the other Skodisqi people understand this reasoning?"
"I will make sure they all understand!" Emmerich said confidently.
Maximus watched him for a while, Emmerich remained calm throughout.
Maximus slowly spoke, "As for the arrangements for you Skodisqi people... Our Nix Tribe will not allow slaves to exist, so from the moment you join our tribe, you are free! —"
Emmerich felt a joy in his heart, but then heard Maximus continue, "However, you should be very clear, any tribe will not easily accept outsiders, especially since all my companions have gone through many hardships and fought in many battles to build this tribe we have today. If you Skodisqi people join in, you’ll be sharing the tribe’s benefits, which obviously isn’t fair, right?"
Emmerich shook his head, speaking softly, "We have no such extravagant desires, as long as we live better than before, without easily losing our lives..."
Emmerich’s display of weakness brought a slight smile to Maximus’s face: "After joining, you Skodisqi people will become the Reserve Tribe Members of our tribe—"
"Reserve Tribe Members?" Emmerich was momentarily stunned upon hearing this unfamiliar term.
"...As Reserve Tribe Members, their food, clothing, housing, and other needs are provided by the tribe, surely far better than the pig houses and pig feed here. Their lives and property are protected by the tribe, and no one may infringe upon them. Their dignity is also protected by the tribe, no one may discriminate against them... Aside from that, they must obey the tribe’s arrangements and diligently farm, build roads, and cut wood..."
As Emmerich listened, he felt something was amiss: although the living conditions of his people improved and their lives were protected, and they wouldn’t be discriminated against, they still had to work continuously under supervision. Is this really gaining freedom?