Rome Must Perish

If it weren’t for Maximus’s recent realization, when he wanted Volenus to select slaves to join the Supply Camp and form a new Centurion, that Volenus, already holding considerable authority in administrative affairs, would become the person with the most power in the Supply Camp under Maximus by also intervening in military matters...

Maximus, reborn in this era, values power greatly, as it directly pertains to his survival.

Precisely because of this, he came up with the idea of establishing the position of military officer and assigning Flanitnus to focus exclusively on military matters.

Maximus glanced at Volenus. Although this diligent and hardworking clerk is not an ambitious man, once all power is delegated to him, there is a chance it might change him.

Therefore, convenience alone mustn’t dictate the process; relying exclusively on one person is not an option—power must be distributed. Maximus sighed in his heart but spoke aloud, "Volenus, take one of your experienced subordinates and assign them to Flanitnus as a clerk for the military officer."

"Let’s have Latimas do it," Volenus suggested.

"Latimas?" Maximus thought for a moment and then realized, "Oh, the freedman from the Napolet Harbor. Fine, let’s go with him. Flanitnus, go to Volenus later to request this person. Then, take him to compile statistics on the soldiers’ casualties and the performance of each Centurion. Afterward, gather the young and strong male slaves willing to join our Supply Camp and form a new Centurion. Distribute the weapons and equipment we’ve seized as quickly as possible—by the way, have the soldiers had breakfast yet?"

Flanitnus was caught off guard by Maximus’s sudden question, but Volenus responded, "Fesaros has followed your orders and organized the slaves in the wealthy district to cook for the soldiers. They should have eaten by now."

"Good. Flanitnus, confirm it later. Acronis, the kitchen supervisor, won’t be able to bring his team here today, and since we’ll likely be staying here for several days, you, as the military officer, will need to take charge of the soldiers’ meals during this time!"

"Leader, rest assured, I’ll handle this task," Flanitnus pledged firmly without hesitation.

"Guarding the three gates of Pompeii has already been delegated to Fesaros. Go check later to see if there are any issues. Earlier, I neglected the harbor—later, have Camillus send a team to seal off the port to prevent merchant ships from slipping away..." Maximus’s mind was overwhelmed with pressing issues. He spoke instinctively, "Also, the soldiers battled all night and must be exhausted. Figure out a way to let them rest in shifts and recover their strength... Hmm, and... I’ve lost track. Do you have any suggestions?"