Rome Must Perish

Ambrosius did not speak, only nodding slightly.

The people's gaze towards Budocaribas and Xisaites softened a little.

Another elder from the Murenica River tribes spoke discontentedly, "I just do not understand why we agreed to that clause when initially signing the alliance with the Nix Tribe, otherwise, we wouldn't have all this trouble."

Cleobrotas' face turned cold because it was he who made the alliance with the Nix people. As he was about to retort, a tall figure stood up:

"Isaac Menas, easy for you to say! Don't you know when Leader Maximus wanted to buy land, he not only made requests to me but also to pirates from other tribes of Illyria like the Otarlat?

The clause in the treaty you mentioned was insisted upon by Leader Maximus. If we hadn't agreed at that time, there would have been no alliance. Leader Maximus would have taken his followers to other Illyrian tribes. Imagine if the Otarlat allied with Leader Maximus; what would that be like!"

Everyone in the hall shivered. They could imagine that with the terrifying fighting power of the Nix people, the Otarlat, with their help, could not only safeguard the salt mine for a long time but might even lead a campaign northward, potentially bringing the Alde Tribe into a dire situation similar to that of the Segestica people today...

"Don't forget! At that time, the Segestica army was constantly invading, and our tribe was in danger of extinction. But after allying with the Nix Tribe, in less than two years, our tribe not only escaped doom, but our enemies were on the brink of extinction! Isaac Menas, put your hand on your heart and answer me honestly! Didn't the treaty we signed save our tribe?!"

The elder named Isaac Menas hung his head, saying nothing.

Cleobrotas cast a grateful glance at Karsipengpas.

"Inviting the Nix to buy land and settle in our tribe was undoubtedly the most correct decision by the Great Chief!" Another elder from the Murenica River tribes chimed in, "However, since the Nix Tribe has conquered so much land from the Segestica people, you could completely ask Leader Maximus directly to give you the land along the Kupa River, so you can live on your original land without having to move far away from us."

"Do you think we haven't made such a request? But Leader Maximus did not agree." Budocaribas sighed, "It's like a beggar begging; you take what you're given without the right to pick and choose!"

"Budocaribas, from your tone, it sounds like you're not keen on taking your people to the Segestica territory. Aren't you living quite well now? And without the threat of the Segestica, life will be even better. Just stay here; why bother to move?" Another elder from the south advised.

Xisaites couldn't help but interject, "If you're willing to swap your tribe's land with where my tribe is living now, I'd love to stay! Would you agree? Of course not!

Because your tribe lives on the flat, fertile bank of the Murenica River, without worry for food or clothing, while most of my people live in the mountains, lack arable land, and often have to worry about wild animals and poisonous creatures in the hills. Tribe members frequently die from sickness and hunger. Watching the tribe's population dwindle day by day, how could I not worry? Now that there's a chance to save my tribe from extinction, of course, I want to leave!"

Xisaites gritted his teeth, putting on an aggressive stance that he would not relent if someone tried to stop him, discouraging some elders who intended to continue persuading him.

"Xisaites, in fact, you all... can return to your original homeland. The Brochi people were deeply struck this time; they should not dare to invade the western hills again." An elder from the Kolana River tribal territory gently suggested.

"Ha, just because you say they won't doesn't mean they won't." Xisaites retorted unkindly, "The Pannonian Tribe Alliance was defeated this time, but their strength remains far superior to ours. I can't take the risk again and subject my tribe to suffering!

Besides, are you really looking out for us? You actually want us to go back to the hills and shield your tribe from the threat of the Brochi people."

"You—" This elder was embarrassed by having their intentions exposed by Xisaites.

Several elders hit a wall with Budocaribas and Xisaites, and the atmosphere cooled for a moment.

Alistacas exchanged looks, and Ambrosius had to intervene, "Budocaribas, Xisaites, and other elders intending to lead your people to the Segestica territory, please think carefully!

Although the Nix people defeated the Segestica, there are still the Pannonians, Brochi, Mazi, and several other large tribes, all of whom are quite united. Their ability to form an alliance army to attack us is proof enough! They will not allow the Nix to occupy their kin's land. In the future, there will be endless wars between the Nix and the Pannonians in Segestica!

The Nix are great warriors, but they are few in number. Who will win in the future is still uncertain! If you move there, it's hard to guarantee the safety of your people! It would be better to stay here; life may be a bit harder, but it is certainly safer, don't you agree?!"

Budocaribas smiled and said, "Thank you for looking out for us, Ambrosius! However, Leader Maximus made a promise to grant us safe land that wouldn't be attacked by the Pannonians.

Moreover, we have considered that the Pannonians may send troops to reclaim the land the Nix have taken, but though the Nix are few, they managed to defeat the Segestica and the Pannonians' alliance in just over a year. Now that the Nix have more land and more people, the Pannonians might be even less of a match for them."

Xisaites immediately added, "Perhaps it won't be long before the Nix can defeat Brochi, Mazi, and other Pannonian tribes as well, and we might benefit even more by living there!"

Alistacas looked at the complacency on Xisaites' face and felt a surge of disgust, unable to resist shouting, "Whatever you say, I will never allow you to leave the territory of the Alde Tribe and head to the Sava River! Absolutely not!"

Budocaribas, Xisaites, and others were not intimidated by Alistacas' determination.

Xisaites sneered, "Oh, Alistacas, you're not even the Great Chief yet, and you've begun to show off! Even if you become the Great Chief later, you still won't have the authority to make decisions about tribal affairs on your own! I request—"

Xisaites firmly stated, "A vote!"

Alistacas turned pale with anger; Xisaites' words hit his sore spot, and he glared fiercely at Xisaites as if his eyes were on fire.

Cleobrotas, sensing the atmosphere was not right, quickly said, "Xisaites requests a vote on his tribe's move to the Sava River—"

"Not just Xisaites' tribe, but mine too!" Budocaribas reminded.

"And mine too!..." A group of Aldean elders who had signed agreements with the Nix Tribe rushed to express their support.

Alistacas clasped the arms of his chair tightly, breathing heavily, suppressing his anger.

"Since you all request a vote on moving to the Sava River—" Cleobrotas turned to Alistacas, waiting for his final decision.

After a while of heavy breathing, Alistacas felt somewhat better, and realizing those clamoring to leave were not the majority, he, reluctantly, said, "Then let's vote."

The Aldean Tribe originally living along the Sava River was powerful, with Budocaribas' family having been the Aldean Great Chief for decades. A few years ago, among the Aldean tribal chiefs living in this area, twelve were elders of the entire tribe. However, due to the past years' wars with the Segestica, two elders had perished, and they had not been replaced.

The eastern hilly areas of the Kolana River were wide but had poor soil, although they were rich in animals like pigs, deer, and sheep. Numerous Aldean tribes once lived there, producing nine elders, and they had not lost any members to date.

Combined, however, there were only nineteen of them, not surpassing half of the forty-eight elders, while the elders from the Murenica River and Kolana River all voted against, leaving just six elders from the western mountain area.

Alistacas' gaze fell on Karsipengpas. Although he had always been at odds with this pirate leader, at this moment, he hoped the other party would make a decision in line with the overall interests of the Aldean Tribe.

Lately, due to Acoupaigos' illness, Karsipengpas had stayed with his tribe and refrained from raiding at sea. When the Pannonian army invaded, Alistacas not only sought help from the Nix Tribe but also sent a military mobilization order to various tribes in the western mountain areas.

Alxipengpas received the message and immediately led the warriors of his tribe to the Murenica River.

In fact, the troops from various tribes in the western mountains had only reached the Main Camp a few days prior, and the crisis of the Aldean Tribe was already resolved. Seeing all the tribal leaders gathered there, Alistacas wanted to take the opportunity to hold a tribe meeting, allowing him to smoothly ascend to leadership, only to encounter a challenge as the meeting began.