The wealthy merchants, after hearing this reasoning, all nodded in agreement. The farmers who didn't own slaves also realized that this wasn't the end of the world or the end of their farms, just that their wallets would be slimmer.
Linley continued, "Those farmers with enough manpower should also actively help each other and work together to overcome this difficulty. Your current predicament is all because of Holiness."
The wealthy merchants hastily applauded, then began to gather together to discuss countermeasures. But they were still apprehensive, because they didn't know how much labor they would have left, whether these laborers would work diligently, whether they could complete the farm's tasks, and whether they would have the capacity to provide external support. These questions were all still unclear.
Especially since the slaves had gained their freedom and become salaried workers. How high would their wages be? What if the wages were too low and the workers didn't accept them? But wages that were too high would lead to losses.
All the slaves on the island were now free. It was impossible to buy so many slaves to replace them all at once, so they could only be purchased in batches and gradually replaced. Before the replacement was complete, they still had to rely on the current workers to work, which required a careful balance, otherwise, it could lead to losses or even bankruptcy.
At this time, some of the wealthy merchants began to think, since most of the slaves believed in Dionysus, why not believe in him too? If everyone believed in Dionysus, they would be brothers and sisters, and everything would be easier to discuss. So, they decided to build miniature temples in their homes and serve as priests themselves, which would be more convenient.
Faith in Dionysus was indeed convenient. Even if there were unpleasant things in the past, a glass or two of wine would make all worries disappear. After drinking, they could also open up and communicate, making it easier to understand the slaves' thoughts.
"Dionysus!" Many wealthy merchants declared, "I have decided to convert, from now on I am your believer."
Linley was not averse to this, and accepted them all, reassuring them that they should work hard. Since they were all believers, past grievances should be forgiven, and they should love each other, and give the workers reasonable wages.
Julian hesitated for a long time, but ultimately did not convert. His farm outside the city was not his main source of income, and it wasn't worth converting for that. He might as well just sell the farm.
More and more slaves came, and Linley encouraged them one by one, personally handing them their release documents, proving they were free men.
By evening, the slaves had all received their release documents and were dancing and singing outside the church. Linley gathered together all the priests, leaders from various industries, the bigwigs, and Goliath for a meeting.
"You are all feeling apprehensive, I'm sure. Perhaps the Roman fleet will return soon," Linley said.
"Then we will fight them to the death!" A wealthy merchant said excitedly. He had just become Linley's believer and naturally wanted to make a good impression. But Linley knew that the merchant might run away when the Roman fleet arrived, and even if he stayed to fight, he wouldn't be much help. Perhaps he could be of some use organizing resistance on his own farm, but once he left the farm, he couldn't be counted on.
"Everyone's life is precious, we cannot waste it carelessly," Linley said. "Besides, once the fighting starts, everyone else might be able to cope, but what about Governor Goliath?"
Everyone looked at Goliath, who appeared embarrassed. As the governor sent by Rome, if Andros Island decided to rebel, he would be the first target. However, Goliath had signed so many documents that he could be considered one of Linley's people.
Linley resolutely said to Goliath, "Since you have chosen to surrender, I promise I will not intentionally harm you."
Goliath seemed a little troubled and said bitterly, "My family is in Rome, I cannot abandon my faith."
"I didn't ask you to change your faith," Linley explained. "We just need to unite and face the current crisis together."
At this moment, Bavaria burst in, urgently reporting: "Sir! A huge crab has appeared in the distance!"
Linley walked to the window and looked out at the harbor. He saw a giant crab furiously swimming on the surface of the sea in the distance. By his estimation, the crab was at least tens of meters long. This was a warning from Pandora, the mermaid princess, that the Roman fleet was approaching.
The agreed-upon code was that the crab's size and speed would reflect the Roman fleet's size.
After careful observation, Andre immediately noticed something amiss. "This isn't a real crab, it's a product of magic. Based on its characteristics, it should be a mermaid's spell, but we can't rule out imitation."
As Zeus's chief priest, Andre had a keen eye. Others also noticed the anomaly and said, "This crab is swimming so fast, but it's not creating any waves, it must be fake."
"This crab looks like a spider crab, but it's impossible for it to be that big. At most, it would weigh about ten kilograms."
"How could there be a mermaid here? We haven't seen a mermaid for many years."
"I have a mermaid pearl at home, said to be a mermaid's tear."
Linley informed the group, "The Roman fleet is approaching."
"What?" Everyone looked out the window in surprise, but apart from the crab, they couldn't see anything.
"We have to leave, you follow us to the docks," Linley said. "We'll talk as we go."
Everyone followed Linley out of the church and to the military dock. The civilian dock had been cleared. All the ships had left the harbor full of people and goods, and the ship owners had been taken away. These civilian ships were controlled by slaves who knew how to sail or fishermen brought in by Linley. They had already set sail quietly, far from Andros Island.
There were not many ships in the military harbor to begin with, and now there were none left, only the Nemo was waiting. As Linley gave instructions, the island's bigwigs followed close behind, occasionally making notes on precious parchment. Parchment was very expensive at this time, and only the most important information was recorded on it.
When Linley and his party reached the port, he had just finished speaking and asked, "Have you all heard clearly?"
Everyone nodded, indicating that they understood.
"Then let's act according to the plan, now everyone disperse," Linley issued the order.
The crowd quickly dispersed. Empton Bach was about to leave as well, but Linley grabbed him and took him onto the ship, saying, "Come with me."