Rome Must Perish-Chapter 208 - 139: 20 Noble System_2

Maximus briefly reiterated the responsibilities of the Cultivation Department and asked, "Kefisofon, are you willing to take on the role of Ritual Officer, educating the children into talents and teaching the people proper etiquette?"

"I’ll give it a try." Kefisofon thought for a moment, then nodded in agreement.

Maximus reminded him, "Etiquette should be simple, not overly intricate—just effective. When I have time, we can discuss this together, draft some rituals for trial implementation, and if they prove suitable, then officially establish them."

Kefisofon nodded in understanding.

Maximus invited him to take a seat, then instructed Capito to quickly summon Lebilus and Calvinus.

Awakened from their sleep and told of their promotions, the two were overjoyed.

Once everyone was seated, Maximus began again, "Furthermore, the last department is the Medical Department. Its responsibilities extend beyond treating ailments to include improving the tribe’s overall medical capabilities and disease prevention. Horace, the position of Medical Officer is unquestionably yours!"

"Thank you for your trust, Leader!" Though grateful, Horace’s face showed not joy but a solemn expression, as he felt the weight of the responsibilities.

Maximus continued, "All along, our team’s medical abilities far surpass those of others—not just because we have good doctors, but also because we have excellent nurses. Nexia, you’ve made significant contributions here. I hope you’ll take on the role of Medical Officer’s Deputy, mobilizing more women to join, training them into skilled nurses. What do you think?"

"As long as the Leader believes I’m capable, then I must be capable." Nexia responded with a cheerful smile and playfully winked at Maximus.

Maximus quickly averted his gaze, coughed lightly, and spoke loudly, "Everyone, these are the nine departments our tribe is about to establish—"

"Wait a moment!" A woman stood up from the crowd. "Leader, what about the kitchen? Are we no longer keeping the kitchen?!"

Seeing Acronis—a steadfast supporter of his—looking anxiously distressed, Maximus felt a pang of guilt and softly said, "Acronis, I’m truly sorry. There were so many things to discuss earlier that I almost forgot you. I need a Chief of Internal Affairs here—would you be willing to take on this responsibility?"

"What’s the Chief of Internal Affairs?" Acronis asked, bewildered.

"Simply put, it’s managing my personal affairs," Maximus quickly explained, concerned that Acronis might refuse. After all, she currently oversees hundreds of people, yet as Chief of Internal Affairs, she’d only manage a handful—a stark difference that might be hard to accept.

"Alright, I’m willing to be the Chief of Internal Affairs!" Acronis agreed readily, catching Maximus off guard.

In truth, Acronis agreed with enthusiasm because she was from Egypt, having grown up near Alexandria. She had witnessed firsthand how the Pharaoh’s favorites wielded power throughout the countryside. Having followed Maximus for some time and witnessed his brilliance many times, she firmly believed this young leader would certainly become a great figure. Being a close aide to the Leader was far more prestigious than any other position, especially since she harbored ulterior motives in her heart.

Still, she hesitated, asking another question, "Will our kitchen team be disbanded now?"

Maximus reassured her, "Indeed, now that we’ve settled down, everyone will eventually have their own homes and can cook their own meals. Eating together as a large group won’t be necessary anymore. Additionally, those who follow you currently will likely receive land and focus on their own affairs in the future.

However, they have gained valuable experience in army food supply, and I believe Arms Officer Lebilus will select a few from your team to work as subordinates. In times of war when troops are deployed, they may even be reassigned to prepare food for the soldiers."

"Leader, we are indeed planning for this." Deputy Arms Officer Calvinus interjected.

Acronis’ expression softened, then she asked, "As Chief of Internal Affairs, may I select a few subordinates?"

"Just two—not more," Maximus responded firmly, as having too many people serving just himself would leave a poor impression among the tribe.

Acronis, content, sat down.

"Acronis’ reminder brought another department to mind that I have yet to announce—and that is the Secretary Department, responsible for drafting my orders, relaying messages, and recording meeting notes among other detailed tasks. This department has no Chief Officer, only subordinates who are collectively referred to as secretaries, typically young individuals like Akegu and Casius."

Upon hearing this, everyone realized it was a formal designation for the Leader’s attendants and didn’t pay much attention.

Akegu and Casius visibly perked up. Seeing Magus appointed as Finance Department Deputy Officer had initially made them envious. But before the meeting, Leader Maximus had confided to them: the Secretary Department may seem inconspicuous now, but it will play an important role in the future.

They hoped this assurance would prove true.

At this moment, Maximus declared loudly, "Fellow members, from tonight onward—Agriculture Department! Public Works Department! Commerce Department! Finance Department! Legal Department! Civil Affairs Department! Cultivation Department! Medical Department! Military Department!—Nix Tribe’s nine great departments are officially established. Each Chief Officer must diligently plan for their respective department, lead their teams, and strive to fulfill their responsibilities. If every department prospers, the entire tribe will surely thrive and grow strong!" Maximus spoke with a smile and began clapping.

Prompted by his reminder, the crowd realized the significance of the occasion and joined in the applause to celebrate.

As the applause faded, Maximus reminded, "However, we’re still living in temporary camps, squeezing into tents for sleep. Thus, we must continue our previous tasks. For instance, Acronis, you’re still accountable for the kitchen... In the meantime, everyone can make time to prepare and plan for their new departments, undertaking any feasible preliminary work."

"Please pay attention—" Maximus raised his voice solemnly, "Above these nine departments, I’ve established the Political Affairs Hall, which can convene the Chief Officers of the nine departments at any time to discuss major and urgent matters concerning the tribe and resolve issues or challenges collectively. Additionally, I will convene a tribal assembly at the beginning of every month, where Chief Officers, Deputy Officers, key subordinates, several Legion Commanders, Deputy Legion Commanders, and the Guard Captain must attend. You may bring forth issues within your jurisdiction during the assembly for collective deliberation and resolution..."

The attendees felt invigorated, soon deep in contemplation.

Kefisofon listened intently, realizing Maximus had devised a governance system unlike anything he had encountered. It lacked a parliament, with nine departments encompassing all aspects of tribal life. The Leader’s position was fixed and not subject to periodic elections, yet he convened officials to deliberate and address matters together—it hardly seemed dictatorial and promised apparent efficiency... An elitist polity? Oligarchy?

As he pondered, Maximus continued, "Tribal Leader, nine departments, Political Affairs Hall, tribal assembly—this forms the governance system I’ve set for the Nix Tribe. But that’s not all, as it pertains only to the upper echelons of the tribe. What about the ordinary tribespeople? If civilians always remain civilians, wouldn’t our system mirror that of Rome or Persia?! So, what I’ve just outlined represents only part of the plan. Now, allow me to discuss the other part—"

Maximus spoke each word with clarity and authority, "That is—the Twenty Peerage System! These titles are rewards the tribe grants its distinguished citizens for their merits. The higher the title, the greater their contributions to the tribe. They will also receive larger rewards and deserve the greater respect of the people!"

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