Badassery at its finest

After one week of greeting the envoy from the vassal and governor of the Roman Empire at the banquet, and sending out replies of congratulatory letters from various neighboring states of the Roman Empire for her ascension as Emperor of Rome, she was so busy that she had no time to even enjoy her privilege as Emperor. 

During that week, not only was she busy with the aftermath of her ascension, but at the same time, she began fully absorbing Nero's memories, gaining a profound understanding that Nero was far from a helpless maiden.

Instead, she realized that Nero was an unmatched gladiator who had continuously triumphed in the Colosseum against any opponent that dared to stand in her way. 

The memories revealed a fierce and unyielding spirit that had made Nero a formidable force in the arena. 

Whether it was the skill, prowess, and instinct of her battle experience deeply engraved in every pore of her body.

However, she couldn't ascertain just how much stronger she was compared to Burrus, her praetorian guard, from these memories alone. 

Not only that, but she had inherited Nero's memories of her habit of observing Rome in a stealthy manner, seeing it through her own eyes to witness how her citizens lived. 

This clandestine exploration allowed her to connect with the people on a deeper level, understanding their joys and struggles, their hopes and fears. 

After her ascension, she made a conscious decision not to abandon this habit. Instead, she was determined to continue observing her citizens to gain firsthand insight into their opinions regarding her ascension. 

She wanted to gauge their sentiments and understand how they truly felt about her rise to power, using her unique perspective and abilities to do so.

After informing Burrus and Locusta that she wished to be undisturbed under the pretext of meeting her fiancee, Claudia, she gazed at herself in the mirror with a contented expression on her face.

Nero, under the cover of a dark cloak, stealthily wandered through the bustling streets of Ancient Rome. Her steps were confident, as she moved with a swagger. 

Unusually, she was alone, without the company of her praetorian guards or any attendants. 

The ragged attire she wore was a stark contrast to the opulent garments typically donned by the Emperor of Rome, allowing her to blend in with the common people. 

As Nero walked through the bustling streets, it was as if she were invisible to the citizens who passed her by. 

None paid her any attention, preoccupied with their own affairs and concerns.

Two individuals found themselves deep in discussion, expressing their concerns about whether the new emperor's kindness was merely a fleeting facade. 

Their worry held weight, for they couldn't ignore the historical precedents set by emperors such as Tiberius, Caligula, and Claudius. 

These rulers had started their reigns with promise but had later succumbed to the intoxicating allure of power, causing instability in Rome as they pursued their whims unchecked. 

The question loomed: What might happen if Nero, too, succumbed to the temptation of absolute power? 

After a thorough exchange of thoughts, they eventually parted ways when their conversation ran its course, each returning to their own pursuits, mindful of the uncertain future.

Nero's disguise was working perfectly, allowing her to observe the city in a way she rarely could.

In the heart of Rome, she witnessed the grandeur and prosperity of the empire. 

Magnificent buildings, bustling markets, and the sound of laughter filled the air. It was a testament to the power and might of Rome, and Nero couldn't help but feel a sense of pride.

However, as Nero ventured further into the outskirts of Rome, a different, darker reality unfolded before her. There, in the shadowed corners of the city, she saw the grim underbelly of Roman society. 

Thieves roamed freely, murder was not uncommon, and prostitution thrived openly.

The outskirts of Rome, known as the "Subura," were pretty notorious. 

They had all sorts of shady characters hanging around, from pickpockets to hustlers. 

The Subura was also known for its crowded and cramped living conditions, which could lead to tensions and disputes.

That was the true reality of Subura in Rome.

As the moon cast eerie shadows on the dimly lit alley, Nero found herself surrounded by five menacing thieves. Their faces were obscured by the shadows of their hoods, but their malicious intent was unmistakable. 

She was surrounded by five thieves on all sides while one of them threatened her from behind with a dagger to her neck. 

The leader of the group, with a voice dripping with malice, issued a chilling threat. 

"Hey, you, yeah, it's you," he sneered, "hand over all of yours, or die."

As the threat hung in the air, Nero's hand moved with lightning speed, reaching into her pocket and grasping the hilt of a concealed dagger. 

In one fluid motion, she drove it with pinpoint precision straight into the eye of the closest assailant. The thief's scream of agony pierced the night. 

With ruthless determination, Nero did not pause. She swiftly retrieved the dagger, still dripping with gore, and hurled it like a deadly missile. 

The blade found its mark, burying itself into the chest of the second thief, who staggered back, clutching his wound, before collapsing to the ground. 

The third thief, witnessing the carnage that had befallen his comrades, had no time to react as Nero's swift and precise kick struck his vulnerable crotch. He too crumpled to the ground, writhing in agony. 

Nero, now armed with the dagger that she had picked from the second thief, advanced on the fallen thieves. 

With unflinching resolve, she plunged the blade into the heart of the first thief, ensuring he would never pose a threat again. The night air was thick with the scent of death and desperation.

The two remaining thieves, now utterly petrified by Nero's ruthless efficiency, prostrated themselves before her on the cold, unforgiving ground. 

They ignored their former comrades' lifeless bodies that lay fresh before their eyes and hoped that Nero would spare them in exchange for their pride. 

"Kill him," Nero commanded them to finish off their buddy who was still moaning in agony from that crotch kick. 

As the two remaining thieves exchanged a brief, haunting glance, they stooped down by their fallen comrade's side. 

Their trembling hands firmly gripped their daggers before mercilessly piercing it into his vulnerable chest. 

The third thief, shocked by the sheer betrayal, let out a harrowing scream before meeting his brutal end at the hands of his once-trusted friend. 

Nero watched them with a gleeful look on her face and left, leaving a trail of blood, broken trust, and brutal betrayal behind her.