Cicero

Marcus invited Sicilian residents to his mansion and heard the story himself.

They were very encouraged by the current consul's son's interest in the case.

Sicilian residents were delegates from all cities except Syracuse and Messina.

The delegation, which emphasized that the issue was so serious, continued to say something close to complaints.

"Gaius Verres was dispatched as governor of Sicily after serving as a praetor. But unlike his predecessors, he served as governor for a long time of three years."

"At that time, because of the slave rebellion, we couldn't afford to replace the governor."

"Yes, so the pain we suffered is beyond description."

"For example?"

"If you listen to the numbers, you will easily understand. The grain that Verres appropriated in the first year of his tenure alone amounted to 300,000 modii." (TN: 1 modius = 8.73 L)

The amount of grain Roman citizens receive per person every month is about five modii.

In other words, Verres embezzled wheat that 5,000 people would like to distribute for a year in the first year of his term as governor.

"You ate too much."

"It doesn't end there. The area with more than 300 farmers was reduced to 80 in just three years of Verres' tenure. Because he was a vicious land theft. On top of that, he even embezzled usury and cultural assets beyond the limit."

"Yes, I know very well that he is a corrupt politician like no other in the world. But do you have any proof?"

"...there is a witness. If you look for evidence, you'll definitely find a lot."

Marcus shook his head and sighed softly.

"If there is no evidence, it will be difficult to bring out guilt by prosecuting it. The jury will think that they can receive a certain amount of bribes while serving as governor-general. We have to provide clear evidence that it is a corruption beyond the bounds."

"If someone wants to prosecute Verres, we will fully support it. You will surely find evidence."

"I also don't think humans like Beres should live with their feet on Rome. But unfortunately, I'm not that good as a lawyer, so I can't come forward myself. I can't say it's a substitute, but I'll introduce you to someone who can help you."

"Is there a person like that?"

"Of course. I know one person who will be more interested than anyone else when I hear your story. He has no choice but to be governor of Sicily next year."

The Sicilian delegation's face lit up after hearing Marcus' words.

Of course, they also knew who would be appointed governor the next year.

One of the delegates asked with an expression of disbelief.

"Can you really meet Pompeius Magnus?"

The relationship between Pompeius and Crassus is known to be a bitter feud. The Sicilian delegation, of course, was aware.

It also means that camouflage work is working that well.

"Even though we don't get along well, we don't confront each other in public affairs. Both of us are in a position to represent Rome."

Marcus reassured the delegation and headed with them to Pompeius's mansion.

Pompeius, of course, showed great interest in this matter.

In particular, he showed extreme anger at the fact that agriculture, the current infrastructure industry in Sicily, is faltering.

The reason was simple.

This is because his predecessor will likely spray him with dirt.

Sicily was one of the key granaries in Rome.

The governor here was obliged to supply the Romans with a stable wheat supply.

If he fails to fulfill this duty properly, he will inevitably be one to be greatly criticized by the citizens of Rome.

However, when he heard the words of the delegation, the depravity that Verres had carried out over the past three years was very serious.

In addition, the problem was that the current governor, Lucius Metellus, was Verres' brother-in-law.

He was hiding evidence of his corruption while pretending to fix Verres's accident.

Sicily's public sentiment was going down without knowing the end.

Under these circumstances, there is no way that Pompeius, who will be appointed next year, will be able to carry out the post of governor properly.

This absurdity should not damage the reputation and popularity that he has built up so far.

Pompeius promised to solve the case without fail and sent the delegation back.

And, without delay, he immediately began looking for a lawyer to prosecute Verres.

Marcus recommended Cicero according to the course of history.

Pompeius also accepted Marcus' opinion because he had a good impression of Cicero.

Cicero sided with Pompeius when he ran for consul when he revived the Lex Hortensia.

Of course, Cicero acted according to his beliefs, but from Pompeius's point of view, he was just grateful.

Cicero, called by an incumbent consul, immediately moved to Pompeius's mansion.

"The consul has something to discuss with me?"

Although he is of the same age, Cicero is polite in front of Pompeius.

There was a huge gap between Cicero, who was only a newcomer from the plebeian, and Pompeius, a prestigious aristocrat who served as a consul.

"Yes, I heard that you are the best among young lawyers in Rome. Marcus here actively recommends you."

"Marcus?"

Cicero turned his gaze to the young man sitting next to Pompeius.

Marcus rose from his seat and bowed respectfully to Cicero, who was looking at him.

"I am Marcus Licinius Crassus. Undeservedly, I am using the same name as my father."

"If the father uses the same name, is that Crassus, the current consul?"

Cicero opened his eyes wide and looked back and forth between Marcus and Pompeius.

It is because it was a combination that did not make sense.

Pompeius, who understood the meaning of the gaze, smiled and gestured to sit down.

"Crassus's irritation is one thing and his son's likability is another. This is when you two get acquainted. There's nothing to lose by knowing each other."

"I've heard rumors that the eldest son of the Crassus family is a promising person."

Cicero looked around at Marcus, not hiding his interest.

The rumor that Crassus, who had been stingy and picky, became a fool's son has already spread to the Senate.

There was also unconfirmed information that he had already handed over half of the family's business to his son.

That alone was reason enough to pay attention to Marcus.

However, it seems to be close to Pompeius, Crassus' political opponent.

Cicero had a hunch that this young man might bring a storm to Rome's political scene in the distant future.

Marcus also kept an eye on Cicero.

An intellectual lawyer was representing the late Republican period and one of the best writers of the time. A positional figure in which a local plebeian with no special military talent rose to the post of consul.

Cicero's numerous works and ideas about republicanism greatly influenced later intellectuals.

It was also this part that Marcus paid attention to.

For the plan, it was necessary to maintain an amicable relationship with him, who would later become a key figure in the republican faction.

The two, each in their thoughts, rarely took their eyes off each other.

Pompeius broke the silence and opened his mouth.

"If both of you have learned your faces, let's discuss the future. First of all, Cicero, I'll tell you why I called you."

Cicero sat down and listened to what Pompeius had to say.

Every time he listed Verres's misdeeds, his eyes frowned slightly.

Cicero organized his thoughts without saying a word even after the story was completely over.

Soon he opened his mouth with a troubled expression.

"So you want me to prosecute Gaius Verres."

"I know you already served as quaestor in Sicily. It must have been such a wonderful job at that time that there are still many supporters who remember you. If you do this well, wouldn't the whole Sicily be your Clientes?"

Cicero paused and scratched his head. As Pompeius said, Sicily was an important area for Cicero.

Discovering the tomb of Archimedes during his time as quaestor and eliciting enthusiastic cheers from Syracuse was an achievement that he can proudly boast of even now.

If he successfully completes the prosecution of Verres here, his future will be solid.

The praetor is a far-fetched party; perhaps even the consul can be glared at.

"But it won't be easy to collect evidence. Verres is a former governor. And the current governor is his brother-in-law, Lucius Metellus. Even Lucius Metellus' brother is being told that he will be a strong candidate for the praetor next year, and his brother Quintus Metellus will be consul. If the trial is held next year, there is no way to do it. However, we are running out of time to hold a trial this year."

One of the praetors of the year usually chooses the court judge.

If the consul and the praetor were to come together, it was possible to insert a specific praetor into the desired trial.

Cicero narrowed his brows and continued talking.

"The Metellus family will use everything they can to protect Verres. And I'm sure if I prosecute Verres, Hortensius will be defending him, but I don't know...…. I don't feel very confident."

Hortensius was well-known as the best lawyer in Rome and was close to the Metellus family.

In addition, he was one of the leading candidates to win the consul election. Cicero, who is still a rookie, has a reputation as different as heaven and earth.

Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, Pompeius also lightly clicked his tongue and shook his head.

"If the trial drags on by next year, it will be inevitable. If the two incumbent consuls and the judge are all in one, we can't win."

"Yes. It is also a great burden for a plebeian like me to turn the entire Metellus family into an enemy."

"But I will be the governor of Sicily next year. What if I help you secure the evidence as much as possible?

"It would be fortunate if the current governor, Lucius Metellus, did not conceal all the evidence before that."

Pompeius sighed softly.

This is because the more he heard the story, the more he thought it would not be easy.

As the atmosphere slumped, Marcus, who had been listening silently, joined the conversation.

"So we have to go to trial this year. If you collect evidence and file a lawsuit before Sextilis (August), you can set up Verres at the trial in charge of Praetor Glabrio. Glabrio is a man of integrity, so he won't do anything in favor of Verres. Then wouldn't you have a good chance?"

"Do you want me to collect all the evidence by the end of Quintilis (July)?"

Cicero asked in an absurd voice.

Marcus replied with a calm nod.

"Yes. Of course, they will also carry out delaying tactics, so at least by the end of Quintilis, when the election for public officials ends, all preparations for prosecution should be completed."

"It's Aprilis (April) now. How can you find all the evidence in such a short time when Sicily is not a local front yard? If you subtract the time it takes to go back and forth, the remaining time will be less than two months."

"It must be difficult. But you can."

Marcus' voice was full of confidence without the slightest hesitation.

The reason was simple.

This is because even in the original history, Cicero overcame this tight time and successfully held a trial.

Of course, what butterfly effect will work to change the original history and flow is not known.

So Marcus decided to take action directly to make things more clear.

He proudly declared to Cicero, who was still looking at him in disbelief.

"I will help you to secure enough evidence and witnesses. Let's arrange the fastest ship to Sicily."

"You're gonna help me?"

"Yes, if you go by boat, you can get to Sicily in early Maius (May) even if you leave at the end of Aprilis. If you collect evidence from there for about 40 days and come back to Rome, you'll be able to pass the time at your leisure."

"If the Crassus family helps...… I'm sure it'll be of great help. But why do you want to stamp out Verres?"

"It is good for such a corrupt person to disappear for the sake of the Republic. A sound politician is necessary to operate a sound system."

Cicero, a republican to the core, nodded his head in delight at Marcus' words.

"You're right. Letting a man like Verres be a member of the Senate will only have an adverse effect on the future of this republic. No matter how much you are a governor, you must set a precedent that excessive exploitation and embezzlement bring ruin."

"Yes, the downfall of Verres would set a very good example for high-ranking officials who are subsequently sent as governors."

Marcus intended to increase the scale of the trials of this century far beyond its original history.

He did that was also meant to alarm corrupt officials and boost Cicero's reputation.

In the end, Cicero decided to regard this trial as a historical mission given to him.

He stood up and spoke with determination.

"Consul, I will prosecute Verres."

"Yes, you should be able to win the case. Marcus, you too should support Cicero well."

"Please leave it to me."

Marcus, who smiled happily, answered with his head down so that he would not reveal his expression.

* * *

Three days later, Cicero formally accepted the Sicilian delegation's idea and announced that he would prosecute Gaius Verres.

The content of the prosecution was concise.

It was to return Verres's unfair gains so far and pay compensation amounting to 43 million Sestertii.

Rome's annual budget was 200 million sestertii, so it was like asking for enormous compensation.

Hortensius, who had a reputation as the best lawyer, immediately declared that he would take over as Verres's lawyer.

The Metellus family, the most prestigious family in Rome who knows everything, also said they would actively support Verres.

Nevertheless, Cicero promised not to withdraw the lawsuit but to reveal Verres's sins in detail.

News of this massive trial immediately spread throughout Rome.

Marcus hired decoys on purpose, even considering that the citizens' response was hot.

A young senator from a plebeian made a head-on challenge to the aristocrats with a long history.

Citizens cheered for Cicero inwardly, even though they expected Verres to win.

On the other hand, Marcus, who had a heavy workload, could not sleep at all due to the overlapping work.

He just handed over the unimportant things to Septimus and Danae, but he couldn't afford them.

Danae's voice reached Marcus's ears as he still buried himself in a pile of paperwork.

"Excuse me, young master...… Are you very busy?"

"Huh? What is it?"

Taking his eyes off the pile of papers, Marcus rubbed his eyes and looked at Danae's face.

Danae asked with a cautious expression.

"I'm asking because I think this is something that needs permission from the young master. There was an aristocrat who asked me to lend money for the election in July."

"I told you that you can just take care of it. If there is no possibility of recovery, lend it in moderation."

Marcus had left the simple loan task to Danae after his work became too much.

Her calculating ability is so outstanding that she has never made a mistake.

Even so, Danae somehow shook her head with an unsure expression.

"It seems to me that there is little possibility of collection, but he keeps borrowing money. He has already borrowed a huge amount of money, but he is asking me to lend him another one here...…. Still, he is a fairly prestigious aristocrat, so I think the young master, not me, should make his own judgment."

"Ha... There are always people who don't want to pay back anywhere but just borrow it. Who the hell is that? Whether it's an aristocrat or not, I have to meet him in person and refuse to...…."

Seeing the loan applicant's name written on the parchment, Markus froze wide-eyed.

"... young master?"

Danae tilted his head and called Marcus, but no voice came into his ears.

Marcus couldn't take his eyes off the name, completely forgetting all the things in his head.

He thought he saw it wrong, so he rechecked it, but nothing changed.

The name on the parchment was embedded in Marcus' eyes as if it imprinted these words in him.

The name on the place of the loan applicant was as follows…..

Gaius Julius Caesar.