Rome Must Perish-Chapter 210 - 140: Dividing Land, Granting Titles and Collecting Taxes_2

"Ladies and gentlemen, do you still wish to hear me continue?!" Maximus shouted, and the crowd quickly calmed down: yes, the Twenty Peerage System! The leader had only begun explaining a few ranks, and it already sounded so promising—how much better would the higher ranks be!

Under the gaze of the expectant crowd, Maximus cleared his throat and, unhurriedly, said, "Reserve Tribe Members, Ordinary Tribe Members, Second-class Tribe Members, and First-class Tribesman will be the lowest four ranks in the Nix Tribe hierarchy, and their primary rewards will be land.

However, it’s different for Knights. Knights have already entered the noble class of the tribe. Tribe members who become Knights should command respect among the ordinary populace, who must greet them courteously on seeing them. When vacancies arise in various departments and the army, they will be given priority consideration.

In local regions, if our tribe develops rapidly and has many villages, Knights can be prioritized to serve as village chiefs. Even if they are not village chiefs, the chiefs must still respect them when implementing policies, and must consult them on significant matters...

Above Knights are Barons, Viscounts, Earls, Marquises, and Dukes, forming a hierarchy of five noble titles. Each rank is divided into three classes, such as Third-class Baron, Second-class Baron, and First-class Baron... In total, there are fifteen levels, each enjoying different tribal privileges. The most important privilege is the entitlement to revenues from estates.

What is estate revenue? For instance, a Third-class Baron may annually enjoy the revenues of one household estate. This means that beyond their own yearly farming income, they may also receive an income equivalent to the average yearly farming earnings of a tribal household. This could be grain or converted into money, both of which are provided directly by the tribe, and tax-free.

In addition, tribe members holding noble titles may be granted varying amounts of land by the tribe. They can access rare items unavailable to ordinary tribesmen; possess the privilege to meet officials directly—without interference from guards—and discuss political affairs with me; and hold important tribal positions, which are reserved for those with high-ranking noble titles...

Moreover, noble titles can be inherited by descendants. Children of high-ranked nobles may enjoy tribal privileges from birth and be groomed early for official roles."

The more Maximus spoke, the more enthusiastic the crowd grew. In the past, they hated nobles because they were the oppressed side. But now, when the opportunity arose to gain immense wealth, wield immense power, and benefit their descendants, no one could resist—no one could remain indifferent.

"Leader, how can we become Dukes... Dukes, Earls, or Barons? Is it still by killing enemies?" Torrelugo asked eagerly.

Everyone’s gaze fixated on Maximus, their passion so intense it seemed as though it might engulf him.

"No." Maximus said solemnly, "Above Knights, noble ranks are no longer based on the number of enemies slain, but instead on leading armies to achieve victories.

For example, if a Knight-ranked Centurion leads a hundred-man unit to defeat an enemy force of equal size, he may be promoted to a Third-class Baron. However, if he leads an army and defeats only a hundred enemies, it would merely count as a small merit, and his noble rank would not be promoted—unless he achieves such minor victories consistently, in which case he might be considered for advancement. Conversely, if he commands an army and wins a decisive battle where the odds are against him, exterminating a large tribe, then earning Dukedom or Marquess rank becomes far easier... In short, the greater the merit amassed, the easier it is to advance in rank!

As for the detailed conditions and rewards for noble rank advancement, I still need to discuss them with the Political Affairs Hall and the chief officers of various departments before announcing them in the tribe. The Military Department and Civil Affairs Department will directly verify military merits and report promotion candidates to me, so you must take the Twenty Peerage System very seriously."

Quintus, Flantinus, Lebilus, and Karina listened, their expressions a mix of tension and excitement.

"Leader, this seems a bit unfair. Does this mean that those of us who cannot participate in battle have no chance of earning noble titles?" Capito asked loudly, expressing the sentiments of many.

"Certainly not." Maximus replied solemnly, "Ordinary tribesmen who diligently farm and attentively herd livestock, producing excellent harvests or raising healthier cattle and sheep, will have their merits recorded by the Finance Department. The department will report these merits to me, and I will grant them promotions.

Of course, ordinary tribesmen can also focus on raising their children—making them strong and finding teachers to educate them with knowledge and military skills. When these children achieve great merits in the future, earning Dukedom or Marquess titles, their parents, naturally, would enjoy prosperity alongside them, wouldn’t they?!"

"Yes!" Someone smiled knowingly.

"For ordinary officials contributing to tribal matters, those who consistently perform excellently in Civil Affairs Department evaluations can also earn promotions. However, their advancement would ultimately be limited to Knight rank.

To advance further, chief officers or deputy officers of departments must achieve great merits as well. For instance, Pigeris persuading a tribe to submit to us; Volenus teaching better farming techniques that significantly increase crop yields; Capito, under whose leadership the Public Works Department produces superior weapons and armor in high quantities, ensuring our army’s advantage in battles; Sidonius compiling a perfected tribal legal code; Gaius leading the Finance Department to open new revenue streams without harming the populace, greatly increasing our treasury’s wealth... They could all qualify for noble titles!

Additionally, for individuals with exceptional talents, the Twenty Peerage System offers unparalleled opportunities! For example, Minujus, should you discover a method to cure a certain serious illness, you deserve a noble title! Like Spukala, if you improve the design of the Water Hammer to enhance blacksmith efficiency, you should rise in rank. If a farmer innovates a superior plow for faster cultivation, they should be promoted. If a blacksmith invents improved weaponry, they should rise in rank. If a carpenter builds ships better suited for navigating river battles here, they should rise in rank...

In short, any tribesman contributing to the tribe will be rewarded with promotions and noble titles! If you wish to prosper or elevate your status in the tribe, then strive to contribute more to the tribe!"

Maximus’s words stirred everyone’s emotions to a fever pitch, but there were still some dissenters. "Leader, the Twenty Peerage System sounds excellent—it’s an institutional innovation unlike anything I’ve ever heard! However, it seems to favor the military. Soldiers and team officers can earn significant promotions simply by winning a few battles, whereas our achievements take far longer to materialize. This feels... somewhat unfair!"

"Unfair, how?!" Flantinus snapped at Capito, and the tension was palpable as years of camaraderie between the two seemed on the verge of breaking.

"Officials toil for half a year and may not even earn promotions, whereas soldiers can earn noble titles in just a few victories. The system appears more advantageous to the military." Capito said tightly. Maximus, with a stern expression, passionately countered, "But you must understand—ordinary citizens and officials only sacrifice time and effort, whereas soldiers sacrifice blood and lives in battle! Whether victorious or defeated, casualties are inevitable. It’s entirely appropriate to award noble ranks generously to those ready to die defending the tribe! Moreover—"

Maximus intensified his tone: "In today’s Mediterranean, wars abound. Every year, every month, there are tribes, nations, and races that falter and perish due to warfare. We are no exception—our current circumstances are no less dire!

The Roman Army may invade the mountains any time for revenge. Thus, we need a powerful army to resist them! The Pannonians to the north will not allow us to establish ourselves here. Thus, we need a powerful army to defeat them! Be it dividing land or awarding noble titles, we require more territories, more people, and more wealth to bring greater benefits to everyone—and all this depends on a powerful army to expand our borders and awe the enemies!

The Twenty Peerage System aims to inspire every able-bodied man in the tribe to take up shield and sword, charge into battle, slay the enemy, earn merit, receive noble titles, and become heroes revered by the people and respected by the tribe!"

"Leader, perfectly stated!" Torrelugo started clapping, followed by Flantinus, Fesaros, and other military officers and commanders, who joined enthusiastically. Even Pequot and Quintus revealed excited expressions.

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