"Yes, I've heard that Anthony started a new civil war for a ridiculous reason. Pen ~ Fun ~ Pavilion www.biquge.info This is the current situation in Rome, friend. The robber put up a banner and turned into a righteous party. ”

Sitting in the house in the rainy autumn of Gaul, Appis talked leisurely with Crassus and Livius about the events that were taking place before them. Appis sighed that Octavian at this time was like himself back then, when Apis, who went north alone with two corps, was desperate to survive under pressure from all sides, and now, Octavian's situation is no different from his own situation in Germany at that time.

This is the truth at this time and that time.

Appis picked up the wine glass on the table, took a sip, and continued—

"What Anthony can do, we can do. We can also be robbers, and righteous robbers. ”

"Do you have a new idea? Appis? ”

Little Crassus sat down and laughed wickedly.

"Yes."

Appis paused slightly, and continued—

"The barbarian tribes of Spain have always had a bad relationship with Rome, and we can use that to make a fuss. Buying tribes and having their chiefs take the lead in rioting in Octavian-controlled areas, destroying villages and towns, and even small towns, allowing a massive influx of refugees to our borders. In this way, the reason is well weaved, and we can use the excuse that there are too many refugees to bear it, and send troops to exterminate the rebels. Of course, I agreed with these tribes in advance, and agreed that I would not really exterminate them, I still need them to make a fuss for me and continue to make trouble for me. In this way, we have a reason to continue the pursuit and 'liberate' the towns along the way. Because we are the liberators of justice. ”

"It's a wicked practice, but I have to say, I like it."

Levius laughed. However, at the same time, Apis noticed Maximus sitting in the corner, apparently, he did not approve of such a plan, but in the position, he had no possibility of refuting it.

……

"You don't approve of my plan?"

"No, General, what you did has always been the right thing to do, and as a soldier, it is my duty to carry out your orders."

"But you resist it from the heart."

In the evening of the autumn rain, when this small talk was over, Appis found Maxim, the captain of the cavalry, who was hiding from the rain under the eaves. There was no hint of joy on his simple face, but rather a melancholy and calm watch as his cavalry trained and tamed their horses in the mud on a rainy day.

“……”

Maxim's question silenced Maxim, and he lowered his head, still showing respect in his eyes, after all, Apis led the Romans and defeated the Germanic army. Conquered the wild land. What Maxim couldn't understand was just the intrigues of Appis, too despicable. Appis also noticed this change in mood among his subordinates.

"You must be despising me, and despising what I have just said in my house, the wicked plan of the barbarians to attack their own people, and then march into southern Spain and wage war in the name of protecting the people and liberating the towns. You must condemn me from the bottom of your heart, and you will not hesitate to shed blood and tears for the people of Rome in order to achieve your own ends. Yes, I know you think so. ”

Appis asked. At the same time, the expression on Maxim's face looked a little depressed. He knew he couldn't hide anything from his commander.

"Tell me, do you think so. Tell me from the bottom of my heart, communicate with me, rest assured, I will not punish you. ”

Seeing that Maxim did not react, Apis continued to press.

"Yes, General. In order to wage war, we have to shed the blood of countless innocent Romans, which I cannot understand, are they just victims of our plot to start a war? The Romans should not have shed any more blood for this civil war. I have no glory in conquering them. ”

Maxim, who was simple by nature, turned his head depressedly in response. Like a male lion that has been suppressed for a long time, it is rare to have a low roar and roar.

Appis suddenly wanted to give this strong man a nickname, "One Tendon". But think about it, at this time, don't say much about ridicule, you should first do a good job of channeling and doing a good job in the ideological work of your subordinates. Money and honor, even if most people choose the former, there are always people who choose the latter.

"First of all, I am very touched that you can speak to me in such a heartfelt manner, Commander Maximus Cavalry. Actually, I used to think the same thing as you. The ideal is simple, fight for glory, and do not drag down or deceive anyone. We want to give a better world back to the world. Do you know, back then, when Caesar asked me to stand in front of all the soldiers of the army, to deceive them, to deceive the legions, my heart was tormented. But Labinus told me that it was a white lie, and that my lie would have emboldened the legions and made them more fearless against the barbarians. On that occasion, I pondered all night, and finally finished reading my lines in front of all the officers and soldiers, according to Caesar's instructions to me. It turned out that because of my speeches, my lies, the Ninth Legion was demoralized and victorious over several Celtic tribal alliances. We won, and I changed my mind about glory and victory. Tell me, brother, what are you and I fighting so hard for? ”

As a friend, Apis said lightly.

"For the peace of Rome."

Maxim replied simply.

"Yes, but do you think that the era of long multi-headed separatism will give Rome a day of real peace?"

Appis began to exert his brainwashing offensive.

“……”

And Maxim was silent again.

"Obviously impossible. And everything we do is for that purpose. There will be a myriad of seemingly despicable and shameless means, but this is war. Just as when I stood in front of the whole army and told them that I had killed the black bear, which boosted the morale of the people, and then the Roman soldiers fought the enemy with blood, and finally won the victory and conquered the Gallic tribes. Apparently, I lied, however, the corps emerged victorious. Caesar's ultimate goal was to bring peace to Gaul. As we do today, we want peace in Spain, but there will be no real long-term peace with two rulers in one region, so we can only lie again and let the legions set foot on the lands of the south and further west. Those poor inhabitants of Rome would have been sacrificed, but what war had no casualties, and that was the price of Roman peace. Maxim, brother, you have to know what we do for what. Sacrifice is inevitable. ”

Appis patted Maximus on the shoulder and said heavily.