"You always retort with that line now," Acoupaigos pointed at the other man helplessly, then spoke in a low voice, "I can see that young man is just humoring us. He wants to turn those Skodisqi slaves into his people, and maybe he hopes to make those Segestica prisoners submit too. That way, his forces can quickly grow."
"I have the same feeling," Cleobrotas acknowledged. Maximus’ act couldn’t fool their experienced eyes, but Cleobrotas had a different thought: "Perhaps the Skodisqi slaves can be won over, but the Segestica people will be tough. If he can really achieve that, it would actually be a good thing, because then our northern side would be completely safe."
"With the threat from the Segestica people gone, a new threat might arise—" Acoupaigos stopped midway, clutching his chest to suppress a coughing urge, resting for a moment before murmuring, "The future is hard to predict, let’s just see how it goes for now..."
.....................
After Acoupaigos and his companion left, Karsipempas also bid farewell, "Leader Maximus, I am truly sorry! I should stay to face the upcoming Segestica Army with you, but I have been away from my fleet for too long, and I am somewhat worried about their safety!
I also need to check on my tribe, I am unsure of how they are living now, so—"
"Elder Karsipempas, if you continue, I might be too ashamed to see you!" Maximus said sincerely, "Our successful arrival here and getting permission from the Alde Tribe to settle was all thanks to your tireless efforts over the past few months!
Without your dedicated help, we might still be exhausting ourselves marching on the land of Italy or wandering aimlessly in the mountains, so my people and I will forever remember your kindness!"
Karsipempas was pleased by the praise, waving his hand repeatedly, "You overpraise, you overpraise! You also helped us greatly before, what I did was well warranted!
Besides, you are now our neighbors and allies, we help each other!"
"Yes, we are neighbors now and also friends, let’s interact more in the future!" Maximus caught on and said earnestly, "I heard your tribe is in the mountains with a harsh environment, the people lack food and clothing... If there are any difficulties, please be sure to tell me, I will do my utmost to assist!"
"Uh, well... They’re getting by now, and besides, it’s quite far from here..." Karsipempas, out of his tribal leader’s dignity, tactfully tried to decline.
Maximus continued, "You roam the seas for long periods, and should any difficulty arise in the tribe, you might not resolve it in time. The surrounding tribes might not be doing well either and can offer little help, but I can!"
Maximus confidently pointed at the mountains of supplies in the camp, "Why not send a capable subordinate to be stationed here long-term, so if your tribe encounters any difficulty, he can directly inform me. Then I can dispatch people to transport needed supplies there, and the problem will be solved!
Of course, this is not gratuitous help. I also need you to assist me in keeping tabs on the situation of my comrades in Italy and the situation in Rome, from which we are now isolated.
Sometimes I will also need to purchase items unavailable here, for which I will need your help... You see, mutually assisting each other benefits both of us, wouldn’t you agree?"
Karsipempas thought for a moment and nodded, "Yes."
"Shall we settle it then?" Maximus extended his hand.
"Settled." Their hands clasped firmly together.
"So who will you send?"
Karsipempas thought again and said, "Rochemnix, my second son."
Karsipempas had only two sons, which showed his emphasis on this matter.
Maximus smiled, "Great, I will await his arrival eagerly!"
Karsipempas was about to take his leave, but Maximus spoke again, "Karsipempas, there is something I want to remind you!
I hear that pirates have been rampant around the seas near Italy in recent years, severely affecting the Italians’ trade and travel. Rome, being the master of the Mediterranean, likely won’t allow such a situation to exist for long and will eventually find time to focus on resolving the maritime security issue.
At that time, I hope you can retreat in a timely manner. Of course, that means you won’t be able to provide material support for your tribe anymore. But no worries, for I believe by then I have already defeated the Pannonians, and I will designate a fertile piece of land as territory for your tribe, making farming and grazing convenient for them... Think it over."
On his way back, Karsipempas was a bit absent-minded.
.....................
The rebel army had experience dealing with prisoners.
They separated the Segestica Soldiers from the other Segestica people, feeding them until half full, making them build the camp under the watch of soldiers during the day to exhaust them completely; and at night, they were grouped in tens, with their hands and feet tied to the same long rope, repeatedly warned that if one escaped, the remaining nine would be executed along with their wives, children, and parents."