Pigeris glanced at his leader, noticing that he was still intently listening, and continued, "I’ve found that among the Aldean tribal leaders to the west and north, Alistacas has the worst attitude towards Karsipengpas, one could even say he’s openly hostile.
I couldn’t uncover any personal grudges between them from before, but based on what I’ve learned, I suspect the possible reason might lie in the fact that the position of Aldean Great Chief, though traditionally passed from father to son, isn’t set in stone.
Over fifty years ago, the Aldean Main Camp was located in Validosi. Yes, Budocaribas’s grandfather used to be the Aldean Great Chief, but after committing a grave mistake that angered the tribesmen, Acoupaigos’s father was elected as the new Great Chief by the tribal leaders.
Nowadays, the Aldeans have suffered successive defeats at the hands of the Segestica people in the north, the Brochi people in the east, losing vast tracts of land, and in the south, they’ve been beaten by the Otarlat people, even losing the entire salt mine. In the western mountains, snow disasters have occurred for two consecutive years, yet Acoupaigos has been unable to provide significant aid. His prestige among the tribes has declined drastically, especially among the northern and western tribes that have grown quite dissatisfied with him.
In contrast, Karsipengpas enjoys high acclaim among these tribes. If Acoupaigos were to pass away, and the tribal leaders adamantly oppose Alistacas’s succession, fully supporting Karsipengpas to become the Great Chief, the outcome might indeed be unpredictable..."
"So, Acoupaigos marrying off his granddaughter to me—could it be that he wants the Nix Tribe to stand behind his son?" Maximus chuckled lightly before asking, "Does Karsipengpas have any intentions of vying for the Aldean Great Chief position?"
"It’s hard to tell," Pigeris answered honestly. "During those few days at the southern border of the Aldeans, although he never hesitated to retaliate against Alistacas’s provocations and was unyielding in discussions over salt mine profits among the tribal leaders, when the army later returned, he informed me that after handling the aftermath for their fallen tribesmen back in his camp, he plans to take his men and set sail...
Consider this: Acoupaigos likely won’t live two more months. If Karsipengpas truly intended to vie for the position of Great Chief, he should be focusing on cultivating relationships with familiar tribal leaders and relentlessly building his influence right now, wouldn’t you agree?"
"What you say makes sense. If Karsipengpas isn’t deceiving you, it seems he doesn’t want to compete with Alistacas for the Great Chief position." Maximus nodded thoughtfully before asking again, "Is Acoupaigos really not going to last two months?"
"Yes, leader. I’ve visited him twice recently, and his condition has worsened noticeably each time. He is now bedridden and completely immobile; even his voice is exceedingly weak... Cleobrotas suggested that if you agree to this marriage, the ceremony should be held quickly, perhaps so Acoupaigos can witness it with his own eyes before passing..."
"Conduct the wedding swiftly... So Acoupaigos hopes his son can secure the succession smoothly," Maximus remarked with a faint smile before asking another question, "What’s your opinion of Alistacas?"
"Hmm..." Pigeris took a moment to reflect before responding, "Alistacas isn’t young anymore, but he’s quite reckless in his actions, prone to anger, and openly favors the southern tribes while showing hostility to the tribal leaders in the north and west. Moreover, he doesn’t bother hiding these biases—they’re plain for all to see... To be honest, I feel that if he becomes the Great Chief, the Aldean Tribe is likely to face turmoil."
"If Alistacas becomes the Great Chief, it might not necessarily be a bad thing for us," Maximus remarked with hidden meaning, adding, "Besides, right now we also need a stable succession of the Aldean Great Chief’s position... Pigeris, make another trip to the Aldean Main Camp and tell them—"
Maximus abruptly halted his words, swallowing back the statement "The Pannonians might launch a massive offensive; they must prepare for it" that was about to escape his lips.
"Leader, what is it you need me to do at the Aldean Camp?!" Pigeris asked, puzzled.
Maximus waved a hand dismissively, his expression calm as he said, "Go back to the Aldean Main Camp and discuss with them whether it’s possible to obtain more flax in the shortest time possible."
"Even more flax?" Pigeris asked in surprise.
"Yes, and you’ll soon understand why."
"Understood, leader. I’ll do my best to negotiate with the Aldeans," Pigeris replied, suppressing his inner doubts and accepting the order willingly.
........................
In the afternoon, Nexia returned early to the main house and went straight to the sheep pen in the backyard, where she found Florist Luscia feeding the sheep, just as expected.
When Florist Luscia became a Reserve Tribe Member of the Nix Tribe, she chose to work as a nurse in the hospital due to the care offered by Nexia and Emmerich, which also allowed the doctors to observe her condition conveniently in case of relapse. In truth, tending to injured soldiers wasn’t her preference; the trauma of Wallis still lingered. After marrying Maximus, she stopped nursing altogether with his approval, instead taking up the task of raising cattle, sheep, chickens, and ducks at the main house. Occasionally, she helped Acronis with cooking.
Noticing Nexia’s downcast expression, Florist Luscia asked with concern, "Sister, why have you come back so early? Are you feeling unwell?"
Nexia glanced at the maid standing behind Florist Luscia and spoke softly, "Luscia, come with me."
Florist Luscia, puzzled, followed Nexia to her bedroom. Once seated, she curiously asked, "Sister, is there something you want to tell me?"
Instead of answering, Nexia questioned in a serious tone, "Luscia, are you pregnant yet?"
"Pregnant with what?" Florist Luscia didn’t immediately grasp the meaning.
"A child! Have you conceived the leader’s child yet?!" Nexia emphasized each word.
Florist Luscia’s cheeks flushed instantly, and she stammered shyly, "Sister, what... what are you saying?! I’ve only been here for ten days... and I haven’t been with the leader every day... How could it happen so quickly?"
Indeed, since her marriage, Florist Luscia and Nexia had been taking turns spending the nights with Maximus...
Nexia was, of course, aware of this. She sighed softly, "Sister, don’t blame me for being anxious. Today, during the Political Affairs Hall meeting of the tribe, Pigeris mentioned that the Aldean Great Chief has formally requested to marry his granddaughter to our leader to strengthen the ties between the two tribes.
The various department chiefs mostly voiced support, and the leader didn’t oppose it. The matter was decided. Horace, after returning to the Medical Department, relayed this to me immediately, so I came straight back to find you."
"So... there will soon be an Aldean woman moving in! Sister, what... what should I do? What should we do?" Florist Luscia grew visibly flustered.
"You don’t need to worry," Nexia reassured her gently. "Even if that woman is a noble and has the entire Aldean Tribe backing her, this is the Nix Tribe. As the most recent arrival, she ought to show you and me respect! But for your future’s sake, you must try to conceive the leader’s child as soon as possible—and preferably a boy!"
Florist Luscia clenched her hands tightly and whispered, "Sister, why can’t the leader just refuse the Aldeans’ request?"
"This matter... You can’t blame the leader. Our Nix Tribe needs the Aldeans as allies, their support, and their assistance, so that we can thrive here." Nexia sighed helplessly and said gravely, "Do you know? The Pannonians are planning another attack against us!"
Florist Luscia heard this and began trembling uncontrollably.
"Sister, don’t be afraid!" Nexia rushed to embrace her tightly, comforting her in a loud voice, "Last year, we defeated the Pannonians multiple times! Now we are even stronger—we will definitely defeat them again!"
........................
At dusk, Maximus returned to the main house’s backyard, where Acronis had long since had dinner prepared.
He sat around the table with Nexia and Florist Luscia, eating in silence. The atmosphere was heavy and oppressive.
Acronis, having caught some faint rumors, found an excuse to leave early.
After dinner, Maximus let out a heavy cough, breaking the tense silence in the room: "Luscia, leave us for a while. I have matters to discuss with Nexia."
"Oh..." Florist Luscia hesitated as she stood up, glancing at Nexia.
Nexia winked at her reassuringly, and only then did Florist Luscia leave the dining room with some relief.
Facing Nexia’s calm gaze, Maximus cleared his throat lightly. "You must have heard about what was discussed in the Political Affairs Hall today, right?"
"The Aldean Great Chief wishes for me to marry his granddaughter. I never expected him to make such a request, and the people in the Political Affairs Hall even agreed to it!" Maximus’s voice held a mixture of guilt and frustration. "I... I—"
"They’re right. We need the Aldeans’ friendship, especially with the Pannonians about to attack us." Nexia’s tone was calm, though a faint sadness lingered. "I only hope that after you marry this... Aldean woman, you won’t forget about me—"
"How could that be!" Maximus grabbed Nexia’s hands firmly, his eyes locked onto her delicate face. Speaking with deep emotion, he said, "You are my wife, my comrade. From the time we met to now, we’ve shared joys and sorrows for over two years. You’re my most important family! Luscia can’t compare to you, and that woman Geniandafra, whom I’ve never even met, is even further beyond comparison!
So I wanted to speak with you just now to discuss—henceforth, you will manage all affairs in our household. Luscia, and even Geniandafra once she arrives, must obey your guidance—"