"Leader, do you think Budocaribas and the others will agree to accept these settlements we’ve allocated to them?" Volenus asked quietly from the side.
Maximus smiled faintly: "They have no choice but to accept. Actually, I think the leaders care more about this matter, while the Aldean tribesmen will not think much of it—they’ll only focus on moving into those villages as soon as possible and starting to farm those fertile lands."
Maximus’s words were soon proven true.
Budocaribas and several other Aldean tribal leaders finally made their decision: they accepted the settlements provided by the Nix Tribe. Moreover, the villages assigned to each tribe were mutually agreed upon—Budocaribas’s tribe was allocated the very settlement that Maximus had previously recommended.
Initially, Budocaribas had planned for his tribe to settle on the East Bank, closer to the other Aldean tribes.
However, when Maximus pointed to the map and introduced the settlements, some Aldean tribesmen following behind Budocaribas had heard every word. Later, as he discussed his choices with the other tribal leaders, many tribesmen gathered around, strongly opposing his selection of other locations, arguing: "Leader Maximus gave us such a good place, and you choose not to accept it? Are you even fit to be our leader?"
Budocaribas had no choice but to give in.
Maximus originally planned to host a banquet for Budocaribas and the other Aldean tribal leaders.
Budocaribas declined, stating that he wanted to lead the tribesmen to their new homes as quickly as possible and settle them down, ensuring peace of mind.
Maximus understood and dispatched subordinates from the Commerce Department to serve as guides, leading them to their respective settlements and assisting them in resolving difficulties during the transition.
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Night fell, and after several rounds of passion, Maximus finally collapsed onto Nexia.
Nexia gently caressed her husband’s broad back as the two rested closely entwined, savoring the tender intimacy after the fiery storm of desire.
After an indeterminate period of time, Maximus rolled over to lie beside her, reached out to embrace her shoulder, and spoke softly: "Nexia, you’ve worked hard. Over this time, the stability maintained near the Kupa River owes much to your efforts!"
"I’ve only sat indoors every day, listening to reports from various departments and occasionally giving a nod—what’s so laborious about that? You, on the other hand, have been exhausted to the point of losing weight!"
Nexia leaned closer to Maximus, gently stroking his cheek, and whispered, "Earlier, I disciplined Geniandafra. You won’t blame me, will you?"
"You are my First Lady. Managing our household is within your rights. You executed your duties admirably in accordance with proper protocol. Why would I blame you?"
Maximus kissed her cheek softly and murmured, "Now that we’ve relocated to Ophelia, with the main house being larger and more people expected to gather here, you must maintain the same strictness as before to keep the household in order."
"Since the leader himself says so..." Nexia’s gaze grew mischievous. "Geniandafra breached the rules during the day and behaved inappropriately before the tribesmen. Shouldn’t I issue further punishment?"
"Of course you should—that’s well within your authority," Maximus replied without hesitation, but then his tone shifted. "However, don’t be too harsh. You must realize that after occupying this land, we’ll face counterattacks from the Pannonian Tribe Alliance. For the Kupa River to serve as a stable rear base, maintaining a strong alliance with the Aldean tribes is essential!
I’ve also received word that Alistacas and some of the Aldean elders are dissatisfied with the relocation of Budocaribas’s tribes to our territory. As the most influential elder in the Aldean tribes, Cleobrotas’s attitude towards us is now crucial..."
Before Maximus could finish his sentence, the perceptive Nexia caught onto his intention. She traced circles lightly on his chest with a finger and spoke softly, "I can mend my relationship with Geniandafra and help her feel at home here. But—Leader—you must promise me one thing."
"What would that be?"
"To join me once more."
"Leader, are you tired?" By candlelight, Nexia propped up her upper body, her eyes shimmering, her sweat-dappled skin gleaming seductively.
Without another word, Maximus flipped over, pressing Nexia beneath him, proving himself through actions.
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The next evening, in Florist Luscia’s chamber, Maximus behaved differently.
He first leaned close to Florist Luscia’s abdomen, whispering gently to the unborn child within. Then he lay at her side, holding her hand and casually chatting about their experiences over the past month.
Florist Luscia, not being much of a conversationalist, soon left Maximus talking alone.
As boredom set in, he reached out to gently caress his wife.
Due to her pregnancy, Florist Luscia’s body had grown more voluptuous, stirring Maximus’s desires, but he suppressed them for the sake of the child.
Florist Luscia felt his restraint and spoke softly, "Leader, why don’t you... go find Sister instead?"
Maximus replied, "I’m fine, tonight I’m not going anywhere. I’ll stay here and keep you company."
Florist Luscia hesitated briefly before suggesting, "Why don’t I... why don’t I use my hand..."
Maximus paused in surprise—his once-shy wife had never been so forward. Raising his head slightly to examine her expression, he found her burying her face in his chest, her skin glowing with warmth.
A sudden idea flashed in his mind. With mock seriousness, he replied, "Using your hand might be a bit... uncomfortable. Better to use—never mind, let’s stay here and keep talking."
Florist Luscia fell silent for a few moments before unexpectedly sitting up and leaning in slowly...
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The third evening, in Geniandafra’s chamber, she clung to Maximus like a koala, her body constantly shifting...
Being in a "sage moment," Maximus sought to divert his focus by asking, "I heard Nexia said something to you yesterday?"
"...She said that as your wife and the daughter of an Aldean leader, I should conduct myself elegantly and dignifiedly in front of the tribesmen to project authority and dissuade others from underestimating us." Nᴇw ɴovel chaptᴇrs are published on NoveIꜰire.net
"That doesn’t sound like criticism—it’s words meant for your benefit."
Geniandafra remained silent.
"I also heard that Nexia sent some of your attendants back to take care of you. She seems to genuinely care for you."
Geniandafra couldn’t help but reply, "But that day, she had people beat me with rods—it hurt so much! I still have scars on my backside!"
"Show me where—I’ll take a look," Maximus said casually.
Geniandafra truly turned over, lowered her trousers, and the snowy glow of her skin dazzled Maximus’s eyes.
Truth be told, Geniandafra’s pampered lifestyle had endowed her with smooth, supple, and firm skin—better than both Nexia and Florist Luscia.
Unable to resist, Maximus placed his hand on her: "Is the scar here?"
"Not there—higher... No, not there, move to the right... a bit left... No! Don’t... don’t touch there..."
Soon, the wooden bed in the chamber began shaking once more.
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In recent days, aside from the Public Works Department needing to select workshop sites along the Sava River and construct them before relocating, the Nix people had largely completed their migration to the new tribal center at Ophelia.
Following this, Maximus hosted a grand tribal awards ceremony at the Ophelia East Village square. Because he allowed village chiefs and administrative leaders from various towns and villages to bring ten outstanding tribesmen from their jurisdictions to attend, the square was packed with people that day.
Under the watchful eyes of the masses, Maximus awarded tribesmen who had earned promotions to Knights due to their contributions in the recent war. These included:
The nine department heads, promoted for their meticulous planning and preparation throughout the war, ensuring its smooth execution, and their efforts to successfully annex the Segestica territory.
Various commanders, captains, officers, and legion soldiers, including the crossbow soldiers, all promoted for their tangible battle merits.
Minujus, Spukala, and numerous doctors and artisans, recognized for their professional expertise, which benefited the war effort—for example, saving severely injured soldiers, lowering prisoners’ hostility, accelerating their allegiance, and tirelessly producing weapons in the iron workshops.
In total, nearly a thousand were promoted to Knights—all of whom had followed Maximus since the rebel army days. Notably, a significant factor for many achieving this promotion was marrying women from the original rebel army, saving them from earning extra military merits.
Although they shared the title of Knight, their situations varied.