Rome Must Perish-Chapter 325 - 204: Competitions Replace Wars

"Didn’t I ask the Agricultural Department to completely separate the Segestica people and the Skodisqi people?"

"I asked Volenus, and he said that since there are too few Segestica people and too many Skodisqi people, it is difficult to completely separate them. Moreover, even if their residences are separated in Snowdonia and Westeni, once they start working, they will inevitably run into each other..."

Sidonius solemnly reminded, "From the conflicts that have occurred so far, the Skodisqi people are most often the first to cause trouble. If we keep punishing them like this, I’m afraid the Skodisqi people will become dissatisfied with our tribe!"

"This is indeed a problem that must be resolved. Tomorrow, I will convene a Political Affairs Hall meeting for everyone to discuss and see if we can come up with a solution." Maximus stroked his chin and said softly.

After Sidonius departed, his brows remained furrowed.

The attendant Akegu standing nearby couldn’t help but say, "Leader, I once saw a conflict between the Segestica people and the Skodisqi people. It wasn’t like a fight, it was more like a battle. Both sides were very ruthless. If the patrol hadn’t arrived in time, someone would definitely have been severely injured."

"Hmm, the hatred between these two tribes runs too deep!" Maximus sighed and casually asked, "Do any of you have good suggestions on how to resolve this issue?"

The four young attendants looked at each other, and the usually quiet Valles spoke up, "Leader, after my parents died, my grandfather was irritable for a while. After he accidentally hurt me, he set up some wooden stakes in the yard. Every time he felt upset, he would take a short sword and slash at the stakes until he was exhausted and his anger was gone. After that, he never hit me again and rarely got angry with anyone else..."

No one expected the usually calm Quintus to have such an interesting past... After listening, Maximus had an idea: "You mean finding a way for the Segestica and Skodisqi people to vent their anger, so there will be fewer conflicts between them..."

"Yes." Valles scratched his head, "But I can’t think of a way for them to vent their anger."

Maximus smiled slightly, looking at the four youths, and asked, "Have you ever heard of war during peacetime?"

The four youths shook their heads blankly.

Maximus stood up, clasped his hands behind his back, and slowly paced within the hall, pondering, "...In the previous world, football was known as war during peacetime, especially when football teams from two countries with enmity competed in an international tournament. The atmosphere inside and outside the field was very intense, and both sides regarded the outcome of the match as a national victory, such as the England-Argentina battle, which was very conducive to venting emotions...

However, football is only played with feet and is somewhat too refined, and it is not easy to play well. Basketball can also be considered, but basketball courts are small, and the number of participants is low, so it might not be very effective. Rugby... has a large field, many participants, and the game is fierce and rough, which is very suitable for these two tribes to vent their hatred...

But there are two kinds of rugby. The rules of American rugby are too complicated, and it’s not easy to teach the simple-minded reserve tribe members, plus it’s easy to get injured without good protective gear, so it’s not suitable for competition. English rugby is much simpler...

I’ve seen it a few times in the past life. Although I don’t know much about it, it seems you can have 15 people on each side, play on a large field, run with the ball, pass it, and kick it. Both sides pursue and tackle each other. It’s a highly intense competition, but that goal is too high. Should we change it to a goal similar to soccer..."

The youths watched as Maximus muttered to himself in the hall, his steps becoming faster and faster, then suddenly he said, "Akegu, go get a wooden board."

There were many wooden boards in the hall, used for writing and recording. Akegu immediately brought a board and handed it to Maximus.

Maximus picked up the ink brush and began sketching on the board.

The four youths curiously gathered around to watch.

Maximus drew and revised for quite a while before stopping.

Akegu uncertainly asked, "Leader, is this an olive you’ve drawn?"

"It’s an olive-shaped rugby ball. It’s a very intense sport that may allow the Segestica and Skodisqi people to vent their emotions through it..."

Maximus explained a few sentences and then looked at Valles, saying, "Take this board to Capito and have him find a skilled craftsman to quickly make a rugby ball according to this pattern and the dimensions written on it... um... it would be best if it were made of animal skin, fillable with air and airtight... let them figure it out—"

"You can use a pig’s bladder." Valles blurted out: "When I was in Lukelia, I often saw other kids playing with inflated pig bladders."

"A pig’s bladder? That’s a good idea, but that thing should be round after being inflated, and it might not be easy to run with it... hmm, let them find a way to make the pig’s bladder into this shape." Maximus pointed to the pattern on the board.

"Okay, leader."

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

By the end of December, the weather in the region along the Kupa River had turned cold, but the Nix Tribe had already repaired all the houses. During the day, the enthusiastic tribesmen wrapped in thick fur plowed their lands or engaged in other work. At night, in their draught-proof houses, they lit wood fires in the hearths, bringing warmth and driving away the darkness...

Thus, they diligently built their homes day after day.

However, at the distant southern tip of Italy, in the Regium Region, the weather was sunny and pleasant.

Yet the usually bustling coast had become very desolate this year. Apart from the port within the city still operating, many ports outside the city were abandoned. Standing at the city wall, looking outward, one could see tents and wooden shacks scattered everywhere, with groups of rebel army soldiers wandering among them, laughter, noise, curses, and fighting... Regim City was engulfed in this loud clamor every day, and the citizens were constantly uneasy...

Inside the Central Army Tent of the rebel army, the atmosphere was somewhat tense, with the leaders intensely debating.

"Everyone." Depeitimas said anxiously, "We have been here for almost two months. The food is almost gone, the soldiers are getting restless, and more and more are causing trouble. But the pirate fleet promised to us has yet to be seen! Meanwhile, the wall the Romans are building to the north is getting stronger. We tried to attack it half a month ago but failed and lost quite a few brothers. At this rate, we might be trapped here!"

"Indeed, the failure of that siege has significantly affected the morale of our troops. It’s becoming more and more difficult to control the soldiers. If we don’t find a way to boost morale soon, we’re finished!" Cleonis shouted, agitatedly.

"No need to worry too much." Spartacus still spoke gently, with a calm expression: "Since the last failed siege, I’ve thought of a way to break through the Romans’ defenses. I’ve also had our troops prepare. The reason I haven’t acted yet is to give our brothers more time to rest and recover while waiting for the pirate fleet’s arrival."

Upon saying that, he looked at Attutmus and asked, "In your experience, when do you think they will arrive?"

Attutmus confidently answered, "I have been a sailor for 20 years, and although I’ve encountered Afeilica pirate ships several times, I always managed to escape. I have some understanding of the Afeilica Pirates. They are the largest pirate group in the Western Mediterranean, reportedly having over a hundred ships and composed of more than ten teams, roaming various shipping routes in the Western Mediterranean. They not only rob merchant ships but also go ashore to plunder. The Romans hate them very much and have sent their navy to eliminate them many times but without success. However, this has made them mortal enemies.

The pirate ship that came that day, whether in ship style, crew attire, or speech accent, matched the Afeilica Pirates I’ve seen before. It should be them! We are also mortal enemies of the Romans and have won so many battles. Therefore, it is normal for the Afeilica Pirates to approach us and offer help, especially since we and they, even though we are not friends, have a common enemy. They are happy to give the Romans trouble.

We also offered them so much remuneration. After transporting us to Sicily, they could gain even more... you all saw how the pirate captain was glaring at those boxes of gold coins that day. I don’t believe they won’t fulfill their promise—"

"Alright, Attutmus, you’ve already said this last time, no need to repeat it. What we want to know is when they can come!" Cleonis impatiently interrupted him.

Attutmus’s face changed, glaring at him. They had debated this issue several times, which had strained their relationship, and he didn’t want to speak further.

Unexpectedly, Spartacus noticed his thoughts and gently said, "Attutmus, you’re the most knowledgeable among us about maritime matters, so go on, be it good or bad, let’s have an idea in mind."

Only then did Attutmus look at Spartacus and seriously say, "Since the last departure of the Afeilica Pirates, it has only been a month. To transport four or five thousand of us to Sicily all at once, nearly a hundred ships are needed. They need to gather the dispersed pirate fleets and reach a consensus before they can act, just like us. So, I think we should wait at least another half month."