Chapter 177 - 124: Clarify Objectives and Unify Understanding
"Everyone!" Maximus took in everyone’s expressions and raised his voice to speak loudly, "You are all my valuable assistants and my most trusted subordinates. I’ve gathered you here to ask if you are willing to follow me north to create our own home?!
If you are unwilling, I won’t blame you. I’ve already discussed it with Hamilcar, and you can join other leaders’ teams and stay in Italy... Time is tight, so will you follow me north, or will you stay? Make your choice now!"
As soon as Maximus finished speaking, Acronis stood up and shouted loudly, "What’s there to choose? Of course, I’ll follow you, Leader! Since our team was formed last year, we’ve been better fed, better dressed, and lost fewer people than other teams...
This is because Leader Maximus is more capable than the other leaders! So, I firmly believe that since you choose to head north, going north must be the best way out for us! If anyone chooses to stay, it’s not just foolish, it’s betrayal!"
Though her words were crude, they were not unreasonable. Acronis indeed remained as strong as ever! ... Maximus thought, but verbally he criticized, "Acronis, as I said earlier, everyone chooses voluntarily. If someone stays, it’s also to resist the Romans, and they’re still comrades of Free Italy, not traitors."
"But whoever does that would be betraying your trust." Acronis muttered.
Maximus did not refute her further.
"Leader, you should have made this decision sooner. These days, following the main troops has delayed us quite a bit!" Flanitnus shouted as a reminder.
"Leader, all of us from Rome understand Rome’s strength very well. Staying in Italy will only lead to a dead end! The only way is to follow you to places outside of Italy and take a chance. That’s the best way out!" said Quintus, who rarely spoke loudly, but now firmly expressed his attitude.
"Quintus is right, heading north is the way out. I am willing to follow you to unfamiliar places and continue fighting!" Oluus said with great enthusiasm.
"Leader, I am your compatriot, I will never let you leave me behind!" Fesaros said loudly, unwilling to be outdone.
"Going north is our Gaul territory; how could it be done without me!" Torrelugo laughed loudly.