CHAPTER 344: CHAPTER 223: THE REASON FOR DEPLOYING TROOPS FOR ALDE

Over the past six months, as many tribesmen have hired the Aldeans to work for them, the Nix people have developed a subconscious sense of superiority over the Aldeans. Therefore, Gaius’s words resonated with some officials. Although they were restrained by protocol and didn’t vocally agree, they all nodded in approval.

Maximus noticed this and coughed: "I forgot to mention earlier, the Aldeans have decided to deploy their troops after September. After all, they also need to harvest in autumn. The reason they’re informing us this early is obviously to give us enough time to prepare once we agree."

The Nix Tribe Officials, having followed Maximus for so long, understood him to some extent. Seeing him specifically elaborate on this matter, they feared he was inclined to agree with the Aldeans’ request, causing the nodding individuals to suddenly stiffen their necks.

Volenus stood up and loudly said, "Leader, I think we should help the Aldeans reclaim the Salt Mine, not just because of the alliance or out of gratitude, but because our tribe needs salt, more salt!

Everyone should recall the time earlier this year when our tribe faced a grain shortage. We had no choice but to organize people to catch fish in the river and hunt in the mountain. After acquiring a large amount of fish and meat, due to our salt shortage, and the Alde Tribe having minimal salt reserves, we couldn’t use salt to remove the smell from the fish and meat, or use salt to preserve them. Relying solely on smoking and drying to make jerky wasn’t sustainable for long, causing considerable waste which was very unfortunate!

The most important thing we must note is our tribe’s lack of salt! Currently, our tribe’s salt comes through trading with the Aldeans. Now, even their salt reserves are low, and each time the amount of salt we acquire is limited. With our tribe’s population increasing, the demand for salt will grow even larger. If we don’t help the Aldeans this time and they stop trading salt with us, imagine what the scene would be like when the tribesmen have no salt to eat.

Moreover, now that the tribesmen have sufficient farmland, they can fully raise more livestock in the future, having enough meat to eat. But without enough salt, the excess meat would be hard to preserve, resulting in huge waste... Thus, our tribe needs salt! We need more salt! Therefore, helping the Aldeans reclaim the Salt Mine is necessary!"

Volenus’s words from the perspective of the tribe’s needs clearly moved the officials in the hall, and more people began to nod.

"Our Military Department also supports deploying troops to help the Aldeans," Flanitnus said after conferring quietly with Quintus and others, standing up to speak: "Although we achieved victory in the recent war against the Pannonians, the Pannonians are still stronger than us. We must do our utmost to deal with them, therefore as our rear, the Aldeans must maintain stability.

According to the information we currently have, the Otarlat people’s strength surpasses that of the Aldeans. Each year, conflicts due to the Salt Mine have accumulated much hatred between both sides. The Otarlat have been the aggressors in recent years. Even if we don’t participate, causing the Aldeans to forgo this opportunity to attack, should there come a day when we’re fighting the Pannonians and the Otarlat suddenly attack the Aldeans, the Aldeans unable to resist might seek our aid. According to the alliance agreement, we would have to send troops to assist them, forcing us to fight on two fronts, which would be disastrous!

It’s better to agree to the Aldeans’ request now, take the initiative to attack the Otarlat, defeat them, and weaken their strength, making them no longer dare to oppose the Aldeans. This way, we ensure stability in the rear and receive an ample supply of salt; it’s a win-win situation!"

Flanitnus’s speech completely dispelled some officials’ hesitations, Maximus saw this and was just about to make a decision when Pigeris stood up.

"I... I agree with Volenus and Flanitnus’s views!" he corrected himself: "However, if the tribe agrees to send troops to help the Aldeans, I have a small suggestion. After defeating the Otarlat and reclaiming the Salt Mine, I hope we can reach an agreement with the Aldeans, either that we own a part of the Salt Mine, or we obtain a portion of its output, so we never have to worry about a salt shortage again."

Pigeris’s words lit up the eyes of everyone present.

At this point, Maximus spoke: "Does anyone have any objections to sending troops to help the Aldeans reclaim the Salt Mine?"

No one responded.

"Alright then, it’s decided," Maximus slapped the arm of his chair and said, "Pigeris, next, you will follow your ideas and negotiate with the Aldeans. We’re willing to help our allies, but we must also ensure our interests."

"Yes, Leader!" Pigeris responded excitedly.

"Leader, do we know how many people the Aldeans want us to send?" Quintus asked.

"According to Karpumpas, because of the significance of the Salt Mine, every battle between the two sides is no small matter. Whenever one side leads an army close to the Salt Mine, the other often goes all out in combat, with both sides often engaging with over ten thousand troops. The last time the Otarlat controlled the entire Salt Mine, they dispatched nearly 20,000 soldiers. This time, the Aldeans hope we can send at least 5,000 people."

"5,000 people, that’s no small number. How many troops will the Aldeans send themselves?" Quintus continued to ask.

"Karsipengpas told me they will gather 10,000 people to participate."

"So, our two tribes’ Alliance Army will exceed 15,000 people. If the Otarlat also send 20,000 people like last time, then this will be a major battle!" Quintus remarked with some surprise.

Arms Officer Lebilus suddenly interjected, "Leader, dispatching this many soldiers will consume a significant amount of food per day. Moreover, such a thirty to forty thousand-person battle would likely not be short-lived. Shouldn’t the food supply for the soldiers... be provided by the Aldeans who invited us to battle?"

"That..." Maximus coughed several times: "Karsipengpas mentioned we should bring our own food. However, since I hadn’t decided on sending troops at the time, I didn’t debate the point.

Now that we’ve decided to send troops, since the Aldeans extended the invitation, ideally, they should supply the food. So, Lebilus, you’ll negotiate the military food supply details with Pigeris and the Aldeans."

"Leader, rest assured, I’ll handle this matter," Lebilus nodded vigorously.

Seeing that the usually invisible Arms Officer was boldly taking responsibility when it involved his duties, Maximus realized for the first time that Flanitnus’s recommendation was correct. He spoke calmly: "Actually, you all need not worry. Although this battle with the Otarlat involves tens of thousands, it shouldn’t last long.

According to Karsipengpas, our dispatched troops will head south along the banks of the Murenica River. The journey is relatively flat, taking four to five days to reach the Salt Mine. The Aldeans and the Otarlat have been fighting over this Salt Mine for years. To minimize unnecessary losses, they’ve gradually formed an agreement—

As long as one side makes a demand regarding the Salt Mine’s holdings, if the other side doesn’t want to lose more benefits, they must accept the challenge, with a single battle deciding the victor, determining who controls more of the Salt Mine. Thus, when we send troops, they should return to the tribe in as few as 10 to 15 days."

"Since the combat duration outside is short, and the Aldeans requested no fewer than 5,000 people...Leader, I suggest we dispatch an entire legion. This would facilitate command in battle and won’t consume too much food."

As soon as Quintus finished speaking, Torrelugo immediately stood up: "Leader, please send our Second Legion! We can certainly help the Aldeans and defeat the Otarlat Army!"

"No, the First Legion should go, its combat capability is the strongest!" Fesaros shouted unwilling to be outdone.

"Leader, don’t forget our Third Legion. The Third Legion has integrated many new recruits and needs real combat training!" Camillus requested, unwilling to lag behind.

Olus and Pequot remained silent.

With the continuous addition of Skodisqi slaves, after filling the ranks of the first three legions, the Nix Tribe established the Fourth Legion, and Oluus was finally officially promoted to Fourth Legion Commander.

However, except for main team officers drawn from other units, the rest of the Fourth Legion comprised Reserve Tribe Members, and they haven’t yet undergone overall formation drills or signal training. Naturally, Oluus dared not apply to fight independently.

Recently, Pequot was promoted to Deputy Legion Commander of the Fourth Legion for his merits, assisting Oluus in training the Fourth Legion soldiers and familiarizing himself with the entire legion’s affairs.

In truth, the main chief officers and legion commanders of the Military Department all understood: based on Maximus’s regard for Pequot and the great merits he’d achieved, transitioning from deputy to official was just a matter of more young adults being able to serve.

"I agree with Quintus’s suggestion, we can dispatch a legion to assist the Aldeans in battle, but detailed military matters can’t be discussed in a tribal council meeting," Maximus said sternly: "After the tribal meeting concludes, I’ll hold a separate small military meeting with the three main officers of the Military Department to discuss which legion will be dispatched and preparations for departure, as well as matters to consider after deployment."

Not discussing military issues at tribal council meetings had been a principle set by Maximus from the beginning, primarily for confidentiality, though it also reflected Maximus’s personal desire to prevent other departments from meddling in military affairs.