Chapter 20 - 19 The Subordinates’ Suggestions (Part 1)
Maximus had other considerations he didn't voice: As one of the younger members among the escaped gladiators, having previously betrayed the group, his sudden elevation to the upper echelons of the rebellion, even being part of the often undervalued Supply Team, was likely to evoke jealousy. Hence, he decided to proceed with low-key actions.
Acronis had not thought that far ahead. Out of respect for Maximus, she patted her chest and loudly declared, "Captain Maximus, don't worry, I'll supervise them (her) to do their work well!"
Maximus nodded, looking around the group in the courtyard, and said in a loud voice, "From now on, I am the captain of the Supply Team! There's no need to worry, everything will continue as before, just keep doing what you should do, and then gather in this courtyard at night to learn and hear me tell stories, okay?!"
"Okay!!!" everyone shouted in unison.
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Maximus's statement that "everything in the Supply Team will not change" was just a platitude to stabilize them. After the Supply Team members listened to the story and went their separate ways to rest that night, he gathered several team leaders for a meeting.
The meeting was held in Maximus's bedroom.
Maximus's bedroom was a single room in the main building of the wine farm. Although Maximus was already familiar with the others in the room, he examined them anew under the candlelight tonight: Acronis, the fierce woman in charge of the kitchen; Gaius, responsible for guarding the warehouse and managing materials, a thin and elderly male slave; Pigeris, the leader of the team responsible for transporting materials outside, was quite robust but had a limp on his left leg.
The upper echelons of the Supply Team didn't seem impressive at first glance, but Acronis was skilled in kitchen affairs, Gaius was among the few slaves who could read and write, and Pigeris had excellent carriage driving skills. They had their expertise, and they shared a common feature—hatred for the Romans.