"You’re right," Maximus gladly agreed and quickly responded, "The third settlement 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 some Illyrian language, understanding the meaning behind the name Maximus chose. "Todleduo" in Illyrian means "third."
Snowdonia (the first), Westeni (the second), Todleduo (the third)—the leader’s way of naming settlements was overly simplistic! Each person shared a similar sentiment in their hearts.
"As for the fourth settlement by the Kupa River, let’s name it Kupa Castle," Maximus continued.
Once again, everyone exchanged glances, blinking at each other: sure enough, the names remained exceedingly simple.
"Now, regarding this particular settlement—" Maximus paused mid-sentence, pondering.
Everyone immediately grew tense: this was to be the center of the tribe moving forward; it must have a pleasing and meaningful name!
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 settlement. Whenever our tribesmen call out the names of these towns, they will surely remember the challenges we overcame during those times. As for this settlement—"
Maximus accentuated his tone, speaking deliberately, "It should be called Aphidilia. Yes, it means ’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 name!" 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 same time, they felt a slight sense of shame, 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 named the new settlements 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 someone 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 members. Yet many of our major public projects—building roads and strengthening river embankments—need considerable labor. So, what shall we do?...
My proposal is to enact a new decree mandating that all tribesmen, except for tribal officials and those holding noble titles, must perform forced labor once every year."
"Forced labor? What does that mean?" They were intrigued by this unfamiliar concept.
Maximus explained, "It means the tribe will summon tribesmen based on this decree to help construct public facilities. Such summons are mandatory; anyone refusing would be violating the decree and subjected to punishment. Furthermore, tribesmen 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 Rome came Quintus, Sidonius, Horace, and Capito; from other townships in Italy came Volenus and Gaonius; from the Greek City-States came 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 tribesmen to do... this kind of forced labor doesn’t sit right. It feels like the detestable Roman nobles treating tribesmen like slaves, compelling them to work."
"It’s entirely different," Maximus patiently explained, "We’re asking tribesmen 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 tribesmen travel and transport goods; if we strengthen river embankments, we protect farmland and prevent flooding; if we construct bridges, tribesmen can easily cross between banks...
Everyone recognizes the advantages of public infrastructure construction—some enthusiastic tribesmen 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 mentioned this decree is fair, but you also said tribal officials and noble tribesmen are exempt from forced labor. I understand why officials are exempt—they must stay committed to their roles. But why are noble tribesmen exempt?"
Maximus smiled, replying, "This is because they have already made substantial contributions to the tribe and thus earned specific privileges. As I’ve mentioned 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 tribesmen.
As the tribe grows stronger and more populous, decrees will evolve further, granting even greater privileges to tribesmen of knightly rank and above. This incentivizes ordinary tribesmen 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 tribesmen 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 tribesmen’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 times over, and our population has multiplied. During idle months, the Public Works Department wouldn’t summon the entire tribe’s population for forced labor—only about two to three thousand individuals from seven or eight villages. Other tribesmen would still participate in military training.
Additionally, I suggest the Public Works Department prioritize summoning tribesmen from villages and towns closest to the planned construction sites. This arrangement facilitates their labor, rest, and meal preparation, while saving the tribe unnecessary trouble. Naturally, the Public Works Department must develop comprehensive plans in advance and coordinate with the Military Department 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 immediately, "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 departmental 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 confirmed Maximus’s health was in prime 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 came 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 immerse himself in work whenever possible.