Rome Must Perish
Chapter 128 - 98 Female Camp Captain Karina_2

Chapter 128: Chapter 98 Female Camp Captain Karina_2

Maximus vaguely remembered Vorenus reporting on the charcoal workshop in Sarabia. Realizing the importance of this resource, he said gravely, "I understand. I’ll ensure the expeditionary forces bring you enough wood. You must get the charcoal workshop operating properly as soon as possible—"

He paused momentarily and then said solemnly, "The Roman Army could attack at any time. When that happens, we might have to abandon this place. Therefore, Capito, you must do everything in your power to produce enough weapons in the shortest time possible!...

Weapon workshops and charcoal workshops are excellent assets, extremely useful to us. You must exert significant effort to control the craftsmen and laborers, and do your best to win their allegiance. I noticed in the workshop earlier that most people seemed indifferent to our arrival. Even Kadesos, who appeared obedient, was asking about his former master’s situation as we left. This shows they still resist us in their hearts...

But it’s not a big deal. Back then, Pessianaxis and his son were even more defiant. And now, they’ve become one of us. You should encourage them to express their grievances, care about their health, and improve their living conditions. I believe, given enough time, they will accept us."

Capito remained silent. As a former Roman citizen from a relatively affluent family, he was not particularly enthusiastic about the idea of assimilating slaves. After all, during decades of military service, Roman Soldiers had always coerced slaves into working with the threat of short swords and strict decrees.

However, after joining the rebel army and influenced by the environment, he had no choice but to adopt a more amicable stance toward the slaves. Eventually, he realized the freed slaves, treated as equals, displayed far greater enthusiasm for their work than before. Gradually, he began to accept some of Maximus’s practices, though treating slaves—once viewed as mere livestock—as equals or brothers was nearly impossible for him.

Nonetheless, as a manager, Capito only needed to follow Maximus’s instructions and delegate tasks to his subordinates, so he didn’t have much resistance to this.

Maximus continued, "...Ensure more people are trained in charcoal burning and weapon forging, so we can expand production in the future.

Additionally, inform the engineering team, especially Spukala, to deeply explore the facilities, layouts, and structures of the charcoal and weapon workshops, study their operating principles, and draw schematics... This way, we’ll be able to build these workshops and facilities ourselves someday and completely master the techniques of charcoal burning and iron smelting!"

Maximus occasionally mentioned unfamiliar terms, which Capito had grown accustomed to. He replied, "Leader, rest assured. I’ve already assigned the personnel from the blacksmith’s shop to the weapon workshop and plan to add more manpower. This will make the original staff even more cooperative.

Spukala and his team were already interested in this place. They even helped repair the water hammer. After I relay your orders, I’m confident they’ll move here first thing tomorrow morning."

Maximus smiled, "That’s good."

"Um..." Capito couldn’t help but ask softly, "Leader, where will we build the new weapon workshop in the future?"

Maximus glanced at Capito, his expression calm, as if the question were asked casually.

Maximus chuckled, "You’ll know in due time."

.............................................

Maximus returned to Sarabia’s governor mansion. Before he could have dinner, his attendant Akegu reported to him: the kitchen steward Acronis had been waiting for him for quite some time.

Upon entering his office, Acronis immediately greeted him, showing no signs of irritation from the wait. Instead, she seemed eager to report her accomplishments: "Leader, I’ve already found the person you wanted!"

Maximus’s gaze focused on another individual in the room: a tall, athletic woman with golden hair, blue eyes, and sharp features. Despite knowing Maximus was the leader, she did not shy away from his scrutiny, instead meeting his gaze boldly.

Maximus steadied himself, "Is it her?"

"Leader, her name is Karina. She’s Germanic and was a farmhand for a wealthy merchant in Pompeii. After we captured Pompeii, she joined our ranks and even strongly requested to become a Soldier.

However, Flanitnus didn’t approve her request, so Vorenus assigned her to my team. She’s very diligent, able to outwork three men. She’s currently our slaughter team’s captain, and none of the men working under her dare to challenge her authority," Acronis passionately introduced her subordinate.

The information provided and the woman’s demeanor convinced Maximus that she was a suitable candidate, though he remained slightly skeptical. "Why did you originally want to become a Soldier?"

"I want to kill Romans with my own hands!" Karina replied solemnly, her emerald eyes flashing a hint of ferocity.

Another person with deep hatred toward the Romans, Maximus thought. His team already included many individuals who had suffered tragic experiences. He had grown accustomed to such stories and did not probe further.

Clearing his throat, Maximus said seriously, "Not being able to become a Soldier is no problem. You can serve as the Female Camp Captain, overseeing all the women in our ranks, ensuring their safety, and protecting them from unnecessary harassment. This will allow our Soldiers to fight the Romans without worrying... Will you accept this responsibility?"

"I accept!" Karina’s voice, though that of a woman, was short and deep, conveying a sense of dependability.

"Our ranks currently include over a thousand women, and there will only be more in the future. They work in kitchens or warehouses during the day and gather at the Female Camp at night to rest, which makes management quite challenging," Maximus noted.

"I can handle it, but I’ll need your support, Leader!" Clearly, Karina had thought this through beforehand and appeared confident.

Maximus was well-prepared, too: "I can assign you one hundred women as subordinates. They will focus entirely on assisting you in managing the Female Camp, without other responsibilities. Additionally, I will provide fifty sets of leather helmets, leather armor, and weapons for you to form a patrol team to maintain order in the camp.

However, you must personally select these hundred subordinates and report back to me. The camp’s location will be your decision, and I won’t interfere much with management specifics. But you must ensure order and stability in the camp, and the women must not resent your leadership. Otherwise, I will have to replace the Female Camp Captain. Do you understand?!"

"Leader, you can count on me. No one but me will serve as Female Camp Captain!" Karina emphasized with a steady voice, a faint smile forming on her face upon hearing about the women’s patrol team.

Maximus appreciated confident and capable subordinates. He smiled and said, "That’ll be all for now. You both can leave."

"Leader, I’ve recommended one of my best people to you again. If there’s any small trouble in the kitchen, just don’t blame me." Acronis half-joked, half-seriously reminded.

Maximus laughed and responded, "Acronis, you have a talent for discovering and cultivating people. You’ve helped me solve major issues several times. I’ll make sure to tell Vorenus to prioritize giving you any personnel you need. How does that sound?"