Rome Must Perish

Although these surgeries failed more often than succeeded, each attempt made by Minujus opened up new horizons in the medical field of the Nix Kingdom, uncovering more of the mysteries of the human body. Because of his fruitful research, he received continuous rewards from the kingdom and is now a First-class Viscount.

Sherest, once the Chief Officer of the Weaving Workshop.

Now, the Nix Kingdom has more than one weaving workshop. At the confluence of the Kupa River and Sava River, the former New Beisbay Fortress has transformed into a textile city, with textile workshops lining the river. Hundreds and thousands of water-driven spinning machines operate day and night without pause. Because of this, Nix established the Textile Bureau under the Public Works Department, and Sherest was promoted to Chief Officer of the Textile Bureau, overseeing the entire operation.

The water-driven spinning machine was initially her concept and was completed by Spukala's design. Furthermore, together with her subordinates, they brainstormed and made continuous improvements not just in textile production but also in printing and dyeing, embroidery, tailoring, and garment production. These contributions enabled Nix-produced fabrics to achieve high quantity, superior quality, and affordable prices, making them a primary trade commodity with surrounding tribes. This not only brought the kingdom abundant materials but also deepened friendly relations with neighboring forces. Sherest was repeatedly honored by the kingdom and is now a Third-rank Viscount.

Similar to Sherest's situation was Kadesos, the former Chief of the Iron Workshop and now the Chief Officer of the smelting and iron-making department.

Over a decade, the Nix Iron Workshop expanded from a single operation to more than ten establishments. Snowdonia and Ophelia have become renowned iron-making towns in the kingdom. After multiple equipment upgrades and technological innovations, the quantity and quality of iron ingots produced improved greatly, and the iron goods fabricated—from daily utensils to weaponry—not only satisfied the kingdom's needs but also became another pivotal export commodity for neighboring tribes. Kadesos was naturally invaluable to these developments and was awarded as a Third-rank Viscount due to multiple recognitions by the kingdom.

Seksepis, once the Deputy Officer of the Agricultural Department and now the Chief of the Livestock Department, had a slightly different situation. He was not solely an administrator but also a primary researcher in animal husbandry.

With suggestions from Maximus, he developed methods for centralized poultry raising and artificial incubation of eggs, gradually changing the tribesmen's habits of free-range farming. The number of domesticated poultry increased dramatically, as did egg production. He also bred domestic pigs that were easier to fatten and green mules with better endurance...

More importantly, he diligently cultivated Boyi Horses standing over 1.4 meters at the shoulder and with stronger skeletal structure, making it possible for the kingdom to field heavy cavalry. Because of these outstanding contributions, he too was awarded as a First-class Viscount.

In the Political Affairs Hall were officials like Sistos, the weapons manufacturing director; Torimias, the paper-making workshop director; Tetilipus, the master carpenter; and Arisacus, the experimental farming leader of the Agricultural Department—all of whom had made significant contributions to the kingdom within their respective fields and were honored as Viscounts.

The vast Nix territory meant these high-ranking officials and elites of the kingdom did not all reside in its center. Now gathered together, acquaintances joyfully exchanged updates, and unfamiliar faces introduced themselves. The atmosphere was harmonious and lively.

"The King arrives!" came the synchronized shouts of the Imperial Guards from outside the hall. The hall instantly returned to silence as everyone hurriedly took their seats.

Crowned, Maximus strode into the hall with the composure of a tiger and dragon. Although he bore a smile, his nearly twenty years of leadership over Nix had earned him unparalleled prestige in the kingdom. The deep gravitas accumulated over years could not be overshadowed by a mere smile, further intensifying the solemnity within the hall.

Maximus clearly had no intention of lightening the atmosphere. After taking his seat on the throne, he surveyed the audience with a stern expression: "Ladies and gentlemen, this is not the first high-level meeting of the kingdom you have attended, but I must once again emphasize: You must not disclose the content of this meeting to outsiders. If violated, regardless of how much you have contributed to the kingdom, you will face legal punishment—imprisonment, revocation of your title, and even execution!"

The hall was so silent that even the sound of a pin dropping could be heard.

After scanning the room again, Maximus continued with a serious tone: "The topic of this meeting has one focus only—beginning preparations for war against Rome!"

This statement stirred waves within the hall. The department chiefs had already begun preparations under Maximus' instruction, but this was the first time the technical elites heard of it, leaving them stunned. After all, Rome was the Mediterranean's hegemon, and Nix daring to take the initiative to wage war against it was utterly shocking!

Without waiting for questions, Maximus explained directly: "I'm sure you're aware that in recent years Rome has waged war against the Gauls, effectively subjugating the various tribes in the Gaul region. However, what you may not know is that the Roman Governor Caesar, who initiated the Gaul War, has on multiple occasions sent agents to infiltrate our Nix territory attempting to probe information about the kingdom. Fortunately, the Military Intelligence Bureau intercepted them in time and captured them, and they are still imprisoned to this day—"

Gasps of astonishment involuntarily escaped from some attendees, who immediately recognized their impropriety and lowered their heads before the etiquette officers could reprimand them.

Sitting among the attendees was Glicus, the Chief Officer of the Military Intelligence Bureau, who had earned his title as a Third-rank Viscount for similar meritorious service during Nix's expansion. He faced the suddenly focused gazes with a stern look, nodding repeatedly to confirm the truth.

"What does this signify!" Maximus' face darkened, fury in his voice as he exclaimed: "It signifies that the cruel, greedy Roman Governor had set his sights on us Nix long ago! He wants to seize the wealth we have worked hard to build over the past decade, and he wants to turn every single Nix citizen into his slave!

I trust you've heard from some of the thousands of Gaul slaves we rescued from Rome about the tragic conditions they endured. But you cannot possibly fathom the immense calamity the ongoing war between Rome and the Gauls has inflicted upon the Gauls!

To date, over one million Gauls have perished in this conflict. Over one million more have been enslaved by Rome. Countless villages and hamlets have been destroyed; some formerly prosperous areas have been burned to ruin, unable to recover even after a decade!—"

Maximus paused, took a deep breath, and bellowed with a louder voice: "Now, the insatiably greedy Romans have set their sights on our Nix, intending for the tragedy of the Gauls to befall us! Will we sit back and allow them to succeed?!"

"Absolutely not! Absolutely not!!…" Whether young leaders like Valles and Manas or older figures like Volenus and Flanitnus, everyone was indignant and impassioned: "Fight the Romans! Defeat them! Defeat the Romans!!…"

Aside from Glicus, everyone present had come over from Italy with Maximus, having personally witnessed the rebel army's many victories against the Roman Army and later followed Nix's tribal forces through triumph after triumph, leading to the establishment of today's kingdom.

Despite being well-aware of Rome's might, their martial spirits forged in repeated victories meant they bore little fear in their hearts. Instead, the knowledge of Rome coveting Nix's prosperity fueled their fighting resolve, and nearly in unison, they shouted their determination to "defeat the Romans" without a shred of hesitation, starkly different from the reactions of the Gauls.

Their reactions were anticipated by Maximus, but he sought to further solidify their resolve. He then stated: "Rome's strength certainly surpasses ours in Nix, but we are not without opportunity to triumph over Rome. The great Danu Goddess has revealed to me the method to achieve victory over the Romans!—"

At this, he turned his gaze toward the Kingdom Scepter Priest, Emmerich.

Emmerich immediately understood and stood solemnly. Though nearing seventy, he maintained his health through diligent self-care, rarely falling ill. His vigorous appearance and articulate speech led the populace to believe his long life was a blessing from the Goddess Danu, whom he served loyally.

"As early as last year, the great Danu Goddess conveyed an oracle to the Great King!" Emmerich declared solemnly. "The merciful Goddess could not bear to see her faithful Gaul worshippers subjected to Roman cruelty and enslavement, nor could she allow the Romans to one day destroy the Danu-protected Nix. Therefore, she repeatedly issued an oracle to the Great King through his dreams, commanding him to lead the army to attack Rome proactively, utterly vanquish Rome to prevent the recurrence of the Gauls' tragedy!

Furthermore, she provided a prophecy—that Rome will fall into civil war the year after next, marking the perfect opportunity for us to strike Rome!—"

Maximus resumed, speaking firmly: "After receiving the Goddess' oracle, I paid close attention to Rome's situation. That Roman Governor Caesar, through years of war with Gaul, has expanded his forces to ten legions, which gravely violates Rome's military traditions!

The Roman Elders are fixated on stripping him of his command, but he refuses to yield; instead, he seeks even more authority. Both sides refuse to compromise, and the conflict between the Roman Senate and Caesar deepens further—"

Maximus briefly paused, shifting focus to Flanitnus.

Flanitnus insightfully declared: "The Goddess' prophecy is indeed accurate! The current situation in Rome closely resembles the historical military clash between Marius and Sula. A Roman civil war is sure to erupt! Since the Great King has received the Goddess' oracle, war with Rome is inevitable. Hence, we mustn't miss this golden opportunity!"

The elders who had followed Maximus since the rebel days, originating from various parts of the Mediterranean, initially had their own beliefs. But after nearly twenty years in Nix, personally witnessing the tribe's prosperity emerge due to the Goddess Danu's divine inspiration—especially the technological advancements—combined with societal influences, they now revered the Goddess Danu. They harbored no doubts about her oracle, and Maximus and Flanitnus' explanations further strengthened their faith.