Chapter 69: Quintus
In past military commanders’ meetings, Maximus would endure Crixus’ provocations, letting Hamilcar and Spartacus handle them. But now, with the Logistics Battalion growing stronger, Maximus felt more confident and believed he couldn’t let Crixus target him any longer. Otherwise, he would lose the respect of the newly joined leaders and diminish his influence within the upper echelons of the rebel army.
“You——” Crixus’ face changed dramatically; he hadn’t expected the usually tolerant Maximus to suddenly retort.
“Alright, you two are leaders now, yet you argue like children. What kind of example are you setting?” Spartacus immediately chastised them, using the argument as a pretext to cover up their conflict, allowing the matter to drop.
After the meeting, Hamilcar sought out Maximus and reproached him, “You were too impulsive just now; you shouldn’t have quarreled with Crixus.”
“Teacher, you saw it yourself. Crixus went too far. If I don’t fight back, he’ll become even more arrogant, and I won’t be able to hold my head high as the leader of the Logistics Battalion in future military meetings!” Maximus said, still indignant.
Hamilcar said earnestly, “He was wrong, but you shouldn’t have used threats about reducing food supplies! You’re the leader of the Logistics Battalion, responsible for the entire army’s food supply. If others disagree with you, and you threaten them like this, how can other leaders trust you to manage the Logistics Battalion?”
Maximus was taken aback, then sincerely replied, “You’re right, teacher. I was impulsive and didn’t think it through. I shouldn’t have said that!”
Hamilcar, seeing that he admitted his mistake, lightly patted his shoulder and said: “Just be mindful in the future. Regarding whether to agree to the Nucerians’ request and attack the city of Pompeii, both you and I are concerned about the issue of lack of supplies. However, Spartacus needs to consider the situation of the entire army, uh, so——”
“Teacher, I understand. Every leader has their own considerations. That’s why we have the military commanders’ meeting. How could I blame Spartacus?” Maximus said nonchalantly.