Chapter 240: Conspiracy 4

Chapter 240: Conspiracy 4

< 240. Conspiracy 4 >

Did Cassius come here?

Marcuss eyes narrowed slightly at the somewhat abrupt question.

Brutus stared straight into Marcuss eyes with the calmest expression he could muster and nodded.

Yes. I heard that you and Cassius have been friends since you were young.

We used to hang out together when we were both foolish. Of course, Ive seen him recently too.

Is that so? Did Cassius ask you anything strange? Or did he look troubled

I didnt notice anything like that. Why, is Cassius having some trouble lately?

No, not at all.

Brutus shook his head timidly and added a word.

I just thought he might and asked you.

Well, if you came all the way here to ask me that, there must be something going on Dont be shy and tell me.

Its really nothing. I was just worried because he looked a bit gloomy lately. I thought maybe you would know something more since you are close to Cassius and have access to various information.DiisCoover updated novels on n(o)v./e/lbin(.)com

I see. Im sorry to disappoint you, but Ive been busy with a lot of work lately and I didnt catch any signs. Do you want me to ask him casually later?

Brutus shook his head hastily and emphasized that there was no need.

Its nothing serious. I might have overreacted. If I pry too much, Cassius might feel offended.

Is that so? Then do as you please. By the way, was that the only reason you came here to ask me?

Of course not.

Brutus let out an awkward laugh and took a sip of his tea.

His original purpose was to find out how much Cassius had spilled the beans, but it would be too weird to just ask that and leave.

Since it came to this, Brutus decided to ask some questions that he had been curious about.

Have you thought about how to control the political situation in Rome after you return to the East?

Of course I have. I was just talking to Octavius about that issue. This kids political insight is really amazing.

Is, is that so? If its not rude, can I hear the story too?

Sure. Tell me what you want to know.

Although he was told to ask comfortably, Brutus couldnt open his mouth easily.

What he wanted to know was not something that could be asked lightly.

It could lead to a situation where Rome would be divided in half and confront each other.

Brutus was afraid to hear that fact from his own ears.

Well There are a lot of rumors among the aristocrats that they are uneasy these days. They say there is no one who can check Caesar if you go to Antioch.

It would be fine if Caesar stayed in Gaul and you stayed in Antioch like before. But when I asked him at the banquet last time, Caesar said he would stay in Rome. Did you know that?

Of course. I knew it before you did.

Then you must also know that there are various voices among the aristocrats. Dont you think you should take some active measures? If you step up, people who are anxious now might feel relieved.

Well I dont think it would do much good just by saying it. Unless I show them something tangible, it will be nothing but an empty echo. It might calm them down for a few months, but soon they will go back to their original state as if nothing happened.

But there was a problem.

If the root cause is not removed, similar things can happen again at any time.

As Octavius said, the Senate needs to create a safety net that they can feel.

Otherwise, it was impossible to solve the fundamental problem.

So, the Senate cant keep being oppressed by one person like Caesar. There must be a good way to break this situation.

There is one thing.

Octavius answered without hesitation.

Brutus blinked blankly and unknowingly leaned forward.

What, what is it?

You are facing a hopeless situation because you try to maintain the system and customs, laws that have reached their limit. Rome is changing rapidly. You need to change the frame boldly. Without such reforms, there is no future for the Republic.

Are you saying that we should abandon the Republic now?

No. The Republic is the root and foundation of Rome. How can we abandon it? But that doesnt mean we dont need to touch the structural frame. The state tends to develop and the system needs to keep up with it. Otherwise, it will become extinct.

Brutus realized that Octavius was not talking about a transition to monarchy and calmed his breath.

Marcus looked at him straight and asked him a key question.

Brutus. What do you think the Republic is?

The conversation with Brutus lasted longer than expected and continued until night.

He left with a flustered face and Marcus laid his body on the chair in the reception room.

Octavius politely put down a cup in front of him with fresh tea leaves.

As expected.

Yeah. Hell probably give me an answer in a few days.

His eyes were clearly excited when he left. He probably wont sleep well tonight.

Hell think about todays conversation all night long. By the way, what do you think about what we talked about at first?

Octaviuss eyes changed sharply for a moment, unlike his faint smile.

A soft voice came out of his mouth, contrary to his cold smile like an icehouse.

Are you talking about the question related to Cassius?

Yeah.

I think as Marcus does. But its a bit complicated to see him biting every bait I throw at him. Still, I think you should just pretend not to know and close your eyes as planned.

Good. Then lets go with your plan without any changes for this matter.

Marcus turned his gaze and skimmed through the reports in front of him.

Everything was going smoothly.

Rome had reached its time to change.

For the sake of the new empires future, they could no longer leave behind the old system.

Unlike Octaviuss face, which had no sympathy at all, Marcuss face had a bitter smile on it.

< 240. Conspiracy > End