CHAPTER 373: CHAPTER 252: CRASSUS JOINS FORCES WITH POMPEY

"Really?!" Nexia’s face lit up as the gloom swept away upon hearing this.

"Of course it’s true!" Maximus said solemnly. "I heard that in some kingdoms in Little Asia, the king has a queen, and the queen is responsible for managing the king’s other wives and maidservants... Our Nix Tribe is still just a tribe and can’t make you a queen, but I appoint you as the First Lady of the Nix Tribe. Your responsibilities are the same as those of a queen!"

First Lady of Nix! ... Nexia thought this new title sounded wonderful.

Maximus saw the smile overflowing on Nexia’s face, and he secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Then, he softly added, "However, as the First Lady of the tribe, you must not abuse your powers. You must manage all household affairs well, make them orderly, and ensure that everyone gets along harmoniously. That way, I’ll be able to devote all my energy to the survival and development of the tribe."

"Do you see me as someone who would go out of control?" Nexia cast him a reproachful glance and said solemnly, "Rest assured, I will dutifully fulfill the responsibilities of the First Lady!"

Speaking of which, she suddenly seemed to recall something. Her brows furrowed slightly: "Does this mean that once I’ve become the First Lady, I can no longer serve as Deputy Officer of the Medical Department?"

"As long as you can handle both, you may continue to serve as Deputy Officer of the Medical Department."

"Does Acronis also fall under my management?"

"Acronis is responsible for overseeing all chores in the main house, not just matters within our family, so she does not fall under your management. However, you can assign her tasks as needed."

"I see..." Nexia seemed slightly disappointed. Her eyes sparkled as she asked again, "So, have I already been officially appointed as the First Lady?"

Maximus explained solemnly, "Not yet. After obtaining your consent, I still need to discuss the matter in the Political Affairs Hall. The Legal Department must define the responsibilities of the First Lady and notify the tribesmen, and the Cultivation Department must establish specific ceremonial practices for the role of First Lady..."

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At the age of 24, Pompey commanded an army and quelled the rebellion in the Numidian Kingdom in North Africa within only 40 days. The Roman Dictator Sulla held a Triumph in Rome for him.

A decade later, Pompey led troops to suppress the rebel faction under Sedulius in Spain and, on his way back to Rome, incidentally eradicated the remnants of the rebel army. The Senate once again held a Triumph for him.

For a time, Pompey’s prestige in Rome was unsurpassed. Each day, guests visited his mansion in an endless stream, and the streets buzzed with conversations revolving around him...

However, a few months later, this frenzy began to cool off because the election for the next Governor was approaching.

Pompey, feeling somewhat lost due to the sharp decline in visitors to his residence, was also restless after a few months of idleness. He yearned to remain at the center of public attention.

Now, the Mediterranean under Roman control was peaceful except for the ongoing conflict in Little Asia. There, the war between Rome and Pontus was being handled by the Senator-appointed military Commander Lucullus. Not only did the former Governor have deep roots in the Senate, out of Pompey’s current reach, but also the Eastern conflict seemed to be progressing smoothly.

With no immediate opportunities for military glory, what about in politics?

Pompey’s subordinates strongly urged him to run for next year’s Governor election. They argued: Pompey had previously disbanded his army for the Senate to organize his Triumph, but he had once promised his soldiers in Spain that, should they fight valiantly for him, he would reward them with land and wealth after the war. Now these soldiers remained in Rome and its surrounding areas, awaiting the fulfillment of that promise. If Pompey could gain the highest power in Rome, he could push the Senate to pass legislation to settle his men.

Pompey was deeply tempted by his subordinates’ proposal, not only to keep his promise but more importantly, to ascend to the highest position in Rome, surpassing past illustrious figures and living up to his title "Magnus."

But he was uneasy. After all, he was only 34, which was at least eight years short of the age required for Roman citizens to run for Governor according to tradition.

Moreover, he had never held any public office before running for Governor, which broke Roman law and would inevitably attract criticism.

Another concern weighed heavily on him: without administrative experience or time served in the Senate, he lacked political finesse. He was accustomed to bold and decisive actions in the military camp but would he adapt to the verbal sparring and maneuvering in the Senate?

After extensive deliberation, Pompey ultimately decided to run for Governor. To err on the side of caution, he leaked news of his intention to run earlier this morning, gauging the reactions of Roman citizens.

Unexpectedly, within only two hours, someone paid him a visit—it turned out to be none other than Crassus.

Pompey was deeply surprised and personally stepped out to receive him, warmly inviting him into the sitting room.

"Demetrius," Pompey ordered his trusted butler in a loud voice, "Quickly bring out the finest wine and food! Make sure our distinguished guest is well taken care of!"

Once the servants left to tend to matters, Pompey found himself alone with Crassus, and he felt a trace of nervousness.

How could a valiant Roman general, who had led thousands of troops, witnessed countless blood-soaked battlefields, and endured life-or-death trials, experience such an emotion?

Perhaps it was because Pompey, idolized by citizens as a hero of Rome, stood opposite Crassus, the richest man in Rome, revered yet feared by ordinary citizens. Both men’s contrasting philosophies had kept Pompey from close interactions with Crassus within Sulla’s faction.

Or perhaps it was due to the rumors circulating recently in Rome: "It was actually Crassus’s contributions that enabled the defeat of Spartacus’s rebel forces, yet the Triumph’s glory was entirely claimed by Pompey..." Although Pompey openly dismissed these claims as nonsense, deep down he knew he had indeed gained some advantages...

Suppressing his discomfort, Pompey asked, "Crassus, what has brought you here today?"

Crassus replied earnestly, "Pompey, I’ve heard that you intend to run for Governor. Given your current prestige, the citizens will undoubtedly rally to elevate you to the central seat in the Senate! I wonder if I might have the honor of becoming your joint candidate?"

Crassus’s straightforwardness left Pompey stunned. After a brief pause, Pompey exclaimed, "Of course, I’d be delighted!"

Indeed, Crassus’s personal request greatly satisfied Pompey. Deep down, he had long wished to extend goodwill to such an influential figure in Roman politics, but until now, Crassus had always held him at a distance. Today, his wish was finally realized, and Crassus’s seasoned political expertise complemented Pompey’s shortcomings, making the campaign much smoother...

Crassus smiled, his seemingly sincere thanks masking a trace of cunning: as long as he achieved his goal, occasional concessions were inconsequential.

Soon, Crassus and Pompey publicly announced their "joint candidacy for Governor," an important declaration that instantly ignited a sensation throughout Rome.

The two then appeared together at the speeches for the Governor campaign. At the climax of Pompey’s rousing speech, he declared, "...To have Crassus as a colleague is a greater honor than simply becoming Governor myself!"

With that, he initiated a handshake and embrace with Crassus. The crowd erupted in thunderous cheers; in their eyes, the collaboration of these two distinguished figures promised peace and prosperity for Rome in the following year!

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Anrotas had been both excited and nervous these days.

Excited because the tribal coalition was finally assembling an army to eliminate this group of outsiders. Ever since they settled near Segestica as neighbors, even with a ceasefire agreement signed, Anrotas had always been on edge, fearing they might one day break through the borders and besiege his encampment. Now, this major concern could finally be eradicated.

Nervous because the newly appointed Great Chief Cabdes had instructed him to keep this declaration of war secret before its formal announcement. If the Nix people discovered it, they would have ample time to prepare defenses, undoubtedly increasing casualties among the coalition forces. Considering Segestica’s current shortage of troops, the warriors’ lives had to be preserved... Thus, Anrotas deployed additional manpower to strengthen border patrols to prevent Nix spies from uncovering the coalition’s military mobilization...

Last night, Anrotas was so excited that he couldn’t sleep well, for today marked the expiration of the one-year peace treaty signed between Segestica and Nix, and also the day when the tribal coalition would march from Segestica Main Camp towards enemy territories.

After breakfast, Anrotas fully inspected the military supplies delivered to the camp in recent days and convened the elders of the tribe, repeatedly instructing them to prepare for combat. Once the army arrived, they were to follow and join the assault against the Nix territory.

After finishing these tasks, an already fatigued Anrotas still remembered to inquire of his subordinates, "Has the messenger sent from the Main Camp arrived yet?!"

"Leader, even if the Great Chief dispatched a messenger riding fast horses towards us at top speed, they likely wouldn’t arrive until tomorrow. You know the forest paths aren’t easy to traverse," his subordinate reassured him. "Rest assured, since the tribal coalition decided to launch today against the Nix, Great Chief Cabdes wouldn’t fail to act. The army should have already departed from the Main Camp."

"You’re right. Originally, the tribal coalition could have launched earlier, but it was delayed until today due to Cabdes’s insistence. Even if he’s cautious, he has no choice but to act now." Anrotas relaxed upon thinking it through.