Chapter 242: The Future of Rome 2
< 242. The Future of Rome 2 >
Apart from the assassins who were plotting, the political scene of Rome seemed to be peaceful.
It was like the calm before the storm.
The aristocrats tried their best not to catch Caesars eye, while the populists agreed with everything Caesar said, as they always did.
But there were always those who gave signs of unrest.
Caesars close associates constantly paid attention to the rumors on the streets and warned him.
One of them was Caesars wife, Calpurnia.
She was very anxious about Caesar attending public events without any guards.FOlloow newest stories at no(v)el/bi/n(.)com
Please, cant you take some lictors with you? There might be people with bad intentions.
I have the citizens who always support me around me. What are you worried about?
But you are almost defenseless in places where ordinary citizens cant participate.
The only places where citizens cant participate are public meeting rooms, and there are other officials who have lictors there. So I dont need to drag lictors around and intimidate people.
Caesar answered casually, but looked closely at his wifes face.
She looked different from usual, with no strength in her eyes and full of anxiety.
He grabbed Calpurnias hand tightly and asked again.
Why are you so anxious? Did you hear anything bad?
When I went out on the street last time, a fortune-teller warned me to be careful. He was a famous fortune-teller who was very good at predicting bad things
Fortune-tellers are always like that. They create anxiety in people. Thats how they make money. Im breaking many traditions in Rome right now. But to others, I might look like a destroyer of tradition. So I need to show them that I respect the traditions that have value. Not taking lictors with me is also for that reason.
Then how about taking some guards like Marcus?
Caesar felt a bit embarrassed by his wifes persistent attitude today.
He wondered if he had to do that much, but he thought it would be best to appease her for now and nodded slightly.
Ill think about it. But hiring guards is not something I can decide easily. Ill think about it slowly after this months schedule is over. I have to go out soon because I have to attend a dinner hosted by Lepidus.
Calpurnia didnt seem completely satisfied, but she accepted it and stepped back.
Caesar put on a tunic dyed in crimson and purple, and wrapped a huge toga over it.
He finished his preparations and went out of the mansion as he was, riding a sacra via to the temple on the Capitoline Hill.
He finished his duties as the chief priest and met with his clients until evening came.
He turned his footsteps to the Palatine Hill to attend a dinner party hosted by Lepidus.
Lepidus, who was Caesars lover Servilias son-in-law, had been quite close to Caesar since before along with Cassius.
He also had excellent administrative skills, so Marcus also showed him a lot of favor.
Being friendly with both of Romes real powers, he had many opportunities to make money.
He had a talent for seeing through the flow of finance, and accumulated a huge fortune in a few years.
He bought one of the best mansions in Rome.
The luxury mansion overlooking the Forum Romanum was full of guests he invited.
Looking at the faces of those who gathered, there was no distinction between populists and aristocrats.
Caesar and Marcus, as well as Antonius and Cicero, Brutus, Cato, Piso, etc.
It was no exaggeration to say that all the prominent figures in Rome were in one place.
Lepidus naturally placed Marcus and Caesar at the highest seats among them.
Soon after all the guests arrived, they took their seats guided by Lepidus.
Its been a while, father-in-law.
Caesar smirked at Marcuss sharp remark.
Youre not so innocent yourself when it comes to having multiple women. How are the Pharaohs of Egypt?
They are doing well. They might be on a ship to Rome by now.
The Pharaohs of Egypt are coming to Rome?
They might have some tourist purposes, but there are some things to coordinate when the Senate seats are expanded. They probably think they can get a better deal if they are in Rome rather than sending an envoy.
Caesar took his eyes off the pile of documents and looked interested.
He had been thinking of having a conversation with the Pharaohs of Egypt anyway.
Make a place for them when they arrive in Rome. Ill gladly attend.
Understood.
Marcus felt a strange feeling as he recalled the relationship between Cleopatra and Caesar in the original history.
He nodded his head.
The Ides of March was the day when Caesar declared that he would finalize the expansion of the Senate seats.
This matter was so important that Marcus also attended the meeting.
As he entered the Curia, he saw more than 500 senators scattered around chatting.
Those who recognized Marcus hurriedly approached him and vied for his attention.
You must be busy with your work. How did you find time?
I cant miss such an important matter. But its almost time for the meeting to start, and I dont see the praetor.
Oh, Lucius had some trouble at the Colosseum and said he would be late. Anyway, even if the meeting starts, Caesar and the aristocratic faction will argue fiercely, so we wont vote until much later. It wont be a problem if the praetor is an hour or two late. If he doesnt come until the end, you can preside over the meeting instead.
Marcus nodded his head and went to his seat.
Spartacus naturally stood on his right side, and Surenas, who was sitting on his left side, did not take his eyes off the huge pile of documents in his arms.
Is it time to start?
Marcus stared at more than twenty aristocratic senators gathered below the stairs.
No one thought it was strange that they were gathered together to oppose Caesar vehemently.
Trebonius was loudly talking about their arguments for the debate as if he wanted everyone to hear them.
Cassiuss face was black with tension, and Cicero also had dark circles under his eyes.
Suddenly, he lifted his head and looked in the direction where Marcus was.
Their eyes met, and Marcus waved his hand and smiled.
Cicero smiled back as calmly as possible and came over to greet him.
You attended the meeting today. Youve been missing lately.
I cant miss such an important matter that could ruin the republic. It would have been nice if you could stop Caesar.
Im sorry. I have to remain neutral on this matter. But I secretly hope that you and Cato will win the debate.
Yeah. Thats right.
Cicero nodded his head with a dry sigh and fixed his gaze on Caesar, who had just entered the meeting hall.
I have to go back now. I need to align my words with my colleagues a little more.
He let out a short sigh several times and walked slowly, adjusting his breath.
Good luck.
Marcus watched him turn around with an inscrutable expression.
Caesar, who had taken his seat on the high podium, declared the start of the meeting in his usual loud voice, as if he knew or didnt know this tense atmosphere.
< 242. The Future of Rome 2 > End