Chapter 136 - 102: Struggle for Command_2
He thought for a moment and was about to speak when a stabbing pain came from his left foot — it was Hamilcar beside him who had stepped on it hard and shook his head at him with extreme seriousness.
Spartacus hesitated, and a brief silence fell in the room, followed by Cleonis breaking the silence.
"There was a slight conflict with Leader Maximus’s group before, mainly my mistake! I was unfamiliar with the situation around Bari City and didn’t know that it had already been conquered by Leader Maximus. As a result... here, I want to apologize to Leader Maximus." After Cleonis spoke, he stood up and bowed to Maximus.
Maximus quickly stood up too, and said apologetically, "I also made a mistake by not managing my men properly; they acted too impulsively. But this can be seen as a way for us to know each other through conflict. If you encounter any difficulties in the future, feel free to tell me. As long as I am able, I will do my best to help!"
"Thank you, Leader Maximus!" Cleonis expressed his gratitude and sat down, breathing a sigh of relief.
The previous conflict had led to the collapse of Cleonis’s forces and damaged his prestige, creating resentment in his heart. However, Spartacus and Hamilcar had both come to speak with him about the matter, making him realize the importance these two leaders, who held sway over the rebel army, placed on Maximus. He also saw Attutmus closely following Maximus at the meeting, indicating Maximus’s prominent position among the leaders. If Cleonis wanted to become a formal member of the Military Commander Conference of the rebel army in the future, he would need the recognition of the leaders. Furthermore, on the day of the battle with Maximus’s troops, most of their soldiers were well-equipped and enviable... These various reasons convinced him to temporarily set aside his resentment and lower himself to build a good relationship with Maximus.
This action of Cleonis made Maximus regard him as a clever person who knew when to yield and when not to. After sitting down, he cast a friendly glance at him.
"Even though our ranks have expanded, we are all poor people resisting Rome and escaping oppression. Even if a small conflict arises between us, we can, like Leaders Maximus and Cleonis, quickly reach a reconciliation; it’s not as severe as you think, Cross."
Hamilcar seized the moment and loudly said, "Moreover, Metapontum is not far from here, and if anything happens on this side, Spartacus can quickly return...