16 Chapter 16: Farewell

(Titus's (Tacitus) POV)

Nero Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus, the fifth emperor of the Roman Empire, ruled as both a stern autocrat to the nobility and a benevolent monarch to the common people. Throughout her reign, the golden-haired ruler left an indelible mark as an exemplary leader, showcasing remarkable administrative prowess and strength despite her gender.

There were no indirect taxes, and racial tensions between commoners and nobles were nonexistent during Nero Claudius's reign. She had endeared herself to the people to the extent that celebrating her birthday had become a festive tradition, and naming children 'Nero' had become commonplace during the early years of her rule.

However, like a fading fragrance, Nero's rule couldn't endure indefinitely. The turning point came in 64 AD when a colossal fire ravaged a significant portion of the city, consuming numerous historical landmarks.

Despite the devastation, Nero's swift and effective response as an administrator minimized casualties. Her subsequent actions garnered immense popularity, earning accolades as "effective measures that stretched the boundaries of human ingenuity," even from critical historians.

The cause of the Great Fire of Rome remained a closely guarded secret known only to two individuals: the emperor herself, Nero, and her loyal advisor, Tacitus. It was evident that the fire had been summoned by a late senator using a fire demon, but this truth remained concealed from the Romans. Nero enforced a strict silence on the matter, instead propagating a false narrative that attributed the catastrophe to an accidental warehouse fire containing flammable materials. This baseless explanation led senators and nobles to unjustly blame Nero, accusing her of wanting to expel Christians from the city.

Why Nero took such drastic actions and what prompted this change in her remained a mystery, even to her closest confidant, Tacitus. Nonetheless, her transformation into a different kind of emperor became unmistakable. On that day, the fifth Roman emperor began living a life notorious for excess.

In 65 AD, Nero inaugurated the Aestus Domus Aurea, a golden theater deemed a marvel of the world. She considered herself an artist before an emperor and aimed to display her artistic talents to the world. The theater hosted various performances, including singing, dancing, and competitive events such as jousting, hunting, and chariot races.

However, these contests were in name only, as Nero inevitably emerged as the sole victor. No one dared challenge her dominance, regardless of gender. Nero even engaged in a perilous encounter with a lion, mirroring the legendary hero Hercules's feats, and dispatched the beast. She sought to showcase her might, asserting her equality with the Greek hero Hercules. However, her actions drew criticism from the citizens of Rome, who viewed her exploits as an affront to the great hero's legacy.

66 AD

"Johnny, Johnny? Yes, Papa!" Nero echoed, reminiscent of a bizarre and haunting rendition of the nursery rhyme. This was what Nero deemed her majestic artistry.

Another year had passed since Nero's extravagant theater had graced the city, and I found myself still in the company of the short-tempered narcissist.

"Ugh, Lord Tacitus, how can you stay so composed after enduring that...?" Sirius, my fellow advisor, lamented with a grimace.

Nero's voice had the power to traumatize, driving anyone to insanity without some form of ear protection. As for me, I had long grown immune to Nero's eccentricities, having endured her reign for a grueling eight years. In many ways, Nero was no different from the legendary Gilgamesh, having cultivated every trait characteristic of a tyrant. I couldn't help but sympathize with poor Siduri.

"Hmm," I simply nodded in response to Sirius's inquiry. Though some of her musical compositions and paintings had elements of modern artistry, they remained beyond the grasp of the contemporary citizens, unable to fathom Nero's peculiar talents.

Unable to endure any longer, Sirius handed me a document and exited the scene. The paper detailed the exorbitant expenses Nero had incurred in her pursuit of luxury for the palace. With no indirect taxation on the citizens, the nation was already teetering on the brink of bankruptcy, thanks to Nero's unyielding demand for opulence.

As I stood behind the stage, Nero returned from her performance, asking, "How was my latest song, Tacitus? I poured all my majestic brilliance into my art. Umu!"

"Ah, indeed," I responded with a smile, offering my unvarnished opinion, "The song was as lacking as your previous ones."

"You!!!" Nero fumed, but then she took a deep breath and smirked, "Hah! I believe you lack an appreciation for art. Look at my audience. They weep tears of joy!"

Sure, they wept – because they were physically bound to their seats while being subjected to her performance. Did Nero remain oblivious to the suffering of her people? She hadn't reprimanded me, perhaps because she was all bark and no bite. While she occasionally criticized or shouted, she never resorted to physical punishment. Maybe she still held a soft spot for me, or I was simply an indispensable tool for her rule. Regardless, I didn't dwell on it much. It was my adherence to Nero's every command that allowed me to fulfill the system mission, ultimately getting me out of this wretched situation.

"Your Majesty, I support your governance, but I must confess that I comprehend only a fraction of your art," I remarked as I observed the audience dispersing.

I paid little attention to Nero, fully aware that if she decided to end me, it would be game over, and I would return to my world. Watching seven dogs fight over a single bone seemed more appealing than remaining in this realm. Predictably, she sighed and fell silent after a minor outburst.

"You won't grasp my art or me."

My eye twitched upon hearing those words.

"Heh, it's ironic, isn't it?" I retorted as I handed her the documents. "A person whose sole purpose is to fulfill their ruler's wishes doesn't understand their ruler. If I can't comprehend you, Nero, then no one can. Let's see how long you can maintain this charade."

Nero remained silent as I turned away and departed the scene. Perhaps I couldn't bear to look at Nero's face, the visage of someone who had relinquished all hope and was prepared to embrace despair.

---

In the year 67 AD, Nero's opulent lifestyle began to take its toll on the empire. The consequences were dire; not only did the empire lose several key territories acquired during Julius Caesar's rule, but it also accrued significant debts to neighboring nations.

Imagine for a moment, your country, the one you're so proud of, facing bankruptcy because of your ruler. How do you think the people would react? Ordinary citizens, free from indirect taxes, might not grasp the gravity of the situation, but the ruling families certainly did. Nero became the target of widespread criticism.

Each day, Nero had to endure the harsh rebukes of ministers, which, to some extent, were justified. Nero withdrew from participating in crucial decision-making processes that required her attention, opting instead to indulge in wine and other whims.

People began to perceive Nero as less capable than she had been in earlier years. Adding fuel to the fire, another rebellion rattled the empire.

Gaius Julius Vindex, a Roman governor in the province of Gallia Lugdunensis, emerged as the face of this revolt. He hailed from a noble Gallic family in Aquitania, granted senatorial status during Claudius's rule. Vindex had been part of a faction aligned with Empress Agrippina, Nero's mother, and had even conspired against the emperor in 59. However, with Agrippina's assassination by Nero, this faction disbanded.

While Vindex had been involved in numerous conspiracies against Nero throughout her rule, he had never taken a leading role in any rebellion. This time, however, he spearheaded the revolt, shaking the very foundations of the empire.

Nero's forces quelled Vindex's uprising swiftly, and his rebellion was promptly crushed. In the court, I, as Nero's spokesperson, made the announcement of Nero's judgment upon Gaius Julius Vindex, the leader of the current revolt and a traitor to Rome.

Nero, seated on her throne, appeared disinterested and bored, in stark contrast to the tension in the room. Senators and ministers whispered criticisms, even though Nero could hear them. Vindex, in shackles, directed his gaze at Nero with disgust and hatred. Treason demanded only one punishment, and everyone anticipated Vindex's fate for causing the deaths of thousands.

However, Nero's next words stunned the court like a lightning bolt from the clear sky. "I... I forgive him..."

"...What?!" I exclaimed, rubbing my ears in disbelief. I sought clarification, "Your Majesty, I believe we didn't hear you correctly. Can you please repeat that?"

Sighing, Nero responded, "Just release Vindex. He is a capable leader, and I'm certain he will reflect on his actions."

"...Say what?!" The ministers in the court, including myself, erupted in shock.

Was Nero serious? Did she just forgive a traitor responsible for countless deaths, including those of the soldiers who had fought against the rebellion?

Before tensions escalated between Nero's supporters and those opposed to her decision, I stepped forward to defuse the situation.

"Our Emperor is not in her right mind. Guards, take the traitor to the dungeon!" I commanded, and the guards promptly complied. They understood that Nero's decision was irrational and could lead to a court uprising.

"Hey, that's not what I..." Nero, who had seemed disinterested in the proceedings until now, attempted to voice her objection, but I escorted her out of the court. I led Nero all the way to her chamber before releasing her.

"Alright, Nero. This ends here. I need answers," I asserted, crossing my arms. I had reached my limit with her antics. Whether she decided to execute me here or not, I wanted to know what had prompted this dramatic change in her.

Nero calmly raised her head and fixed her gaze on my face. "What answers are you seeking?"

"Don't feign ignorance, Nero! I want to know what happened to you on the night of the Great Fire!"

"Tacitus, you are incapable of understanding. Only a ruler could comprehend, a ruler who truly loves their people..."

I clenched my teeth and grasped her shoulders, pointing towards the balcony overlooking Rome. "Nero, look at them. They don't love you now, no matter what you did for them!"

Yes, it was undeniable that Nero loved her people. She had abolished indirect taxes, increased the income of ordinary households, and granted citizenship to enslaved individuals so they could lead normal lives. Such benevolence could only come from a compassionate leader. She had even distributed her wealth among commoners to help them stand on their own feet.

But at what cost?

Those so-called proud Romans had turned their backs on Nero the moment her charity work ceased, or taxes were raised. Even those who had supported her from the sidelines fell silent when the Senate began to gain power.

"Hehe, my love for them is unconditional. I love them without expecting anything in return," Nero chuckled, her words devoid of hesitation.

For me, it was a moment of self-doubt. Was this really love?

"Nero, that's not love. It's depravity. You can't give without receiving something in return!"

My eyes welled up with tears as I broke down before Nero. I had always been self-reliant, never revealing my sorrows or concerns to anyone. While I had made some acquaintances at the Clock Tower, I had maintained a distance to avoid getting too close.

But now, I could no longer contain my emotions.

"The only person you should have loved was me!" I shouted, tears streaming down my face. "I've worked tirelessly for nine years, all to make the woman I love happy! What about my share in your so-called 'unconditional love'?"

I clapped my hands as I cried out, "Nero, I beg you. Please tell me why you're doing all of this. What happened to you...?"

For this one last time, I hoped Nero would break free from her shell and confess her feelings. I couldn't shake the lingering feeling that there might still be a glimmer of romance in her.

However, her next statement shattered every last ounce of hope I had for Nero.

"Love, huh?" She tilted her head and fixed me with empty eyes. "Tacitus, do you think I'm unaware that you sought to get close to me for your own ulterior motives?"

I froze.

"Tacitus, I knew from the beginning that your intention was to gain my favor, and romance wasn't part of the plan," Nero explained. "I, like a maiden lost in her fantasies, yearned to experience love, if only for once. So I approached you, thinking I could make you fall in love with me. At the time, I was content, even if your affection was feigned. But I soon realized my role as the emperor and your role as a servant."

Tears continued to flow as I confronted the stark truth. For the past nine years, I had been fighting a futile battle. My efforts, my sweat, my dedication, had all been in vain. Nero was right. Perhaps my belief in genuinely loving Nero had been a delusion. It had all been a facade.

"Hah! Since you're so fixated on my body, I suppose I could grant you something for your service." Nero sighed and began to unbutton her top. "Come to bed. I shall-"

SLAP!

Before I or even Nero realized it, my hand rose and I slapped her.

I gazed at Nero, my heart heavy, and bade her farewell. "Goodbye, Nero."

Without looking back, I turned and left. I exited the palace and looked up at the dark sky.

"Hey, system. Return me to my reality," I requested, my frustration with this shitty system that had trapped me in this place evident. Yet, as expected, the response remained unchanged.

[Request denied.]

I sighed heavily and gazed at the sky. "Hah... This is why I despise love stories. They always end in tragedy."

---

(3rd Person's POV)

After Tacitus departed, Nero gingerly rubbed her swollen cheek, wearing a wistful smile. "He's finally gone, isn't he?"

Despite her smile, tears welled up in Nero's eyes, betraying her true emotions. "Tears? I was supposed to be a selfish tyrant. How could I..."

No matter how hard she tried to rationalize it, the fact remained that she had lost a friend.

"Ugh!" Nero moaned softly as she wiped away the blood from her nose.

Ever since the night of the Great Fire, Nero had been plagued by recurring headaches. If an average person were to endure such excruciating head pain, they would do anything to escape it. These headaches were, in fact, an "exchange" for Tacitus's life when he had been on the brink of death—a manifestation of her magecraft. There were other side effects of her magecraft, secrets that Nero intended to carry to her grave. If Tacitus had discovered these secrets, he would have blamed himself for the rest of his life.

And as the selfish person Nero was, she couldn't bear to let her dear friend shoulder that burden.

"Hmm, maybe I went too far this time…" Nero mused, her smile reflecting a hint of regret as she gazed at the dark clouds beyond her balcony. "Romance stories aren't like reality. They always end in tragedy..."

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More drama incoming. Anyway, can you guess who is gonna be Caster?