Face-to-Face (2)

Pompeius's triumphal ceremony ended in great success, electrifying the entire Roman people.

Without him, the whole province of Hispania might have fallen out of Roman hands.

Even the Senate, which looked up to Pompeius, praised him for his achievements.

On the other hand, many expected Crassus' name to be relatively buried, but it was not.

Spartacus-themed plays became very popular with Roman citizens, and Crassus' name began to emerge.

Known as a greedy rich man, Crassus was transformed into a benevolent owner who recognized and cared for capable slaves.

Although the short-term ripple effect did not reach that of Pompeius, Crassus's awareness was also steadily increasing without realizing it.

Driven by that momentum, Pompeius and Crassus were elected consuls with an overwhelming gap between them and those in third place.

With this, Pompeius had an extra-judicial career, serving as consul at the age of 36.

A person with a strong sense of law would have been ashamed, but Pompeius was rather proud of this exception.

He gave a large banquet to commemorate his election as consul.

It was a place to show off himself as the youngest triumphus general and the youngest consul in Roman history.

The Senate disliked it, but Pompeius lightly ignored the response.

He invited prominent figures from the Senate and famous equites. Of course, he also invited his fellow consul, Crassus.

Crassus didn't want to go because he didn't want to see Pompeius show off, but he decided to attend.

Being willing to laugh and share a meal with someone you dislike is politics.

Crassus was a man with considerable political power, contrary to the public perception that he was only interested in money.

At this time, he decided to introduce his son, Marcus and headed together to Pompeius's mansion.

"Hahaha! Who is this?"

Pompeius, who found Crassus, welcomed him with open arms in an exaggerated manner.

Crassus hid his true feelings, smiled face to face, and held Pompeius's arms together.

"It's the first time I've seen you since you were elected consul."

"Hahaha, we have to run state affairs together next year, so we will see each other often. By the way, is this the eldest son that you care so much about?"

Pompeius's gaze turned to Marcus, who stood next to Crassus.

This time, Crassus did not hide his true feelings but smiled proudly and nodded.

"I saw it right away. This is my eldest son, Marcus."

"Marcus? Isn't that your name?"

"In the hope of becoming like me, I passed down my name as it is. But I did something stupid. This kid will not be as big as me, but he will be much bigger than me. Hahaha!"

"Father, if you show yourself like that too much, other people may blame you for being a fool."

Despite Marcus' restraint, Crassus snorted and raised his voice even more.

"Ha! What are you talking about? If anyone in Rome has a better son than me, ask him to come out. If there are people who say that, they are all blinded by jealousy and say nonsense."

Crassus now trusted Marcus enough to believe everything he said absurdly.

The resourcefulness Marcus showed after the war was astounding.

By following his son's words, he had not suffered a single loss until now. No, he was only seeing immeasurable gains, far from losing money.

Moreover, unlike before, the senators did not hold Crassus in check.

Rather, they showed deep intimacy and comradeship when dealing with Crassus.

Even when he was elected consul this time, senators rushed to congratulate him.

Crassus was now enjoying the most exhilarating feeling of his life.

With alcohol in it, pride of Marcus comes out without filtration.

Marcus gave him a proper answer and sent Crassus somewhere else.

Pompeius was quite intrigued by the foreign figure of Crassus, which he had not normally seen.

'Come to think of it, he talked about his son then, too.'

He took his eyes off Crassus, who was moving away and turned toward Marcus.

"Hey, how old are you?"

"I will be sixteen next year."

"Are you coming of age two years later? Then you must have been really young the last time you went to war. Haha, even I've never been on the battlefield at that time, but you have got a lot of guts."

"I'm not as good as the Pompeius Magnus. To be honest, seeing someone I respect in front of me like this makes me nervous even now."

"Respect? Me?"

It was a look of surprise. Crassus and Pompeius have an enmity that no one knows in Rome.

However, it was naturally questionable that Crassus's beloved eldest son respected Pompeius.

"I am a member of the Crassus family, but before that I am a Roman citizen. It would be a lie if I don't respect Pompeius Magnus, who has a reputation comparable to that Africanus."

"Your father and I don't get along very well, do we?"

"But in the end, both of you are the key pillar to lead this Rome. And technically, by the time I go into politics, Pompeius will already be the best senior figure with Rome under his feet. As a newcomer, I have no reason to pretend to be a great elder."

"Haha, this is a friend I like because it's cool and honest. I don't want to curse father in front of the child, but you're much more open-minded than Crassus.

Pompeius, above all, liked the expression "with Rome under his feet."

That's what Crassus' son, who is considered his rival, said.

He waved a glass of wine and pointed to the mansion's garden.

"Why don't we go over there and talk a little more? I'm also very interested in you who turned Crassus into a fool for his son."

"It's an honor. I really wanted to have an in-depth talk with Pompeius Magnus, who I also admire."

Pompeius secured a space in the large garden where he and Marcus could talk alone.

Slaves lined the seats with wine and various side dishes.

"I shouldn't be away for too long as the main character of the banquet, but it'll be okay if it's for a while. I'll hold it first."

The slave filled a glass of Marcus with wine. The fragrant aroma tickled the tip of his nose in the pleasant night breeze.

"I'll take it with honor."

Marcus picked up the glass and carefully took it to his mouth.

A smile crept across Pompeius's lips. There was a light of interest in his eyes.

"I heard you have a talent far beyond Crassus."

"This is an overestimation."

"Don't be too modest, let's be honest. I'd like to hear some opinions from you. You can think of it as a test."

Pompeius took up his goblet, drank it down in one gulp, and continued.

"You commented that Crassus and I were one of the pillars that would lead Rome. Do you really think so?"

"Yes."

Marcus answered promptly without any hesitation. But just one word followed.

"But I think both of you have something to improve for."

"...?"

Pompeius's eyes stood out for a moment.

"Is there anything we need to improve on? Not just Crassus, but also me?"

"That's right."

Marcus' answer was immediate. Pompeius asked again.

"Shall we hear what it is? To be honest, I have no idea."

"Of course, certainly Mr. Pompeius has everything. A reputable family, a self-built honor, and a skill that no one can match in Rome. But there's one thing you're missing."

"What is it?"

"It's a justification."

"I was wondering what you were talking about... You're saying the same thing as the old men in the Senate."

Pompeii showed signs of boredom.

It was understandable that he was tired of hearing it dozens of times so far.

So Marcus gave specific examples, not theoretical ones.

"Mr. Pompeius has received so many special offers for his skills and performance. In his 20s, he was already granted an imperium, and he was appointed consul without going through a single honorable career. Pompeius's popularity is at its peak, so it won't be a problem. However, it is undeniable that they continue to give excuses."

"Why? What excuse? Do you really think the Senate can bring me down with something like that?"

"They can't drag you down. Now the Senate has no power to do that. But if they're not dragging it down, but just grabbing your ankle, they can do it. And what if the Senate sees Pompeius as a serious threat to the republic? Then they'll do whatever they can. That means there is no need to leave any excuses."

"Perceived me as a threat to the republic? I can't be that stupid."

Pompeius had no ambition to become a dictator like Sulla or Marius.

Technically, his motivation was not power.

Not even Crassus was aware of this, as well as most senators.

Pompeius's purpose was not power but honor.

Famous historical heroes often wanted power over honor, but he was the opposite.

In fact, Pompeius had no firm political conviction to lead Rome as a consul.

He just wanted to rise to a position at the pinnacle of the Roman office of consul.

Youngest triumphus general, youngest consul.

He just wanted such an honor that would remain forever in Roman history.

But, of course, the Senate was not aware of this. Even if Pompeius said it himself, they would not believe it.

No, they can't accept it even if they believe it.

For them, ignoring the Roman order to satisfy individual vanity was an unacceptable indulgence.

Pompeius is a member of Optimates, who was under Sulla, so they are just watching.

If he had been a member of the Populares, bloodshed might already have happened.

However, if this continues, the Senate will also decide that Pompeius should be defeated at least once.

Marcus made this point.

"If Pompeius is satisfied here and doesn't intend to build more credit, there's no problem. But if you make a much bigger contribution than now, the Senate will have to think of Pompeius as a threat. History proves that so far."

"Do you mean Africanus...."

"Yes, it doesn't matter whether Pompeius intends to threaten the Republic or not. The existence itself can be a threat to oligarchy."

It was a well-known fact that the Senate kept Scipio in check politically, who defeated Hannibal.

It is not simply because they are jealous of Scipio.

Scipio served as consul twice more after the Punic Wars and was even given the title of Princeps (first citizen).

The Senate feared that Scipio's enormous presence would adversely affect the Republic.

In the end, senators led by Cato the Wise ended up accusing Scipio.

Scipio, whose health had already deteriorated, vented a great deal of anger here.

Legally innocent but excluded from politics, he goes down to the countryside and does not return to Rome until he dies.

According to one theory, he said, "Ungrateful fatherland, you will not even have my bones.".

This is where you can guess how great a sense of betrayal and disappointment Scipio felt.

Scipio's case also gave Pompeius his own thought.

No matter how confident Pompeius was, he did not think he had already surpassed Scipio.

If even Scipio fell under the control of the Senate, there is no guarantee that Pompeius would not.

"It makes sense. But there's a huge difference in ability between the current Senate and the Senate that time. At that time, the Senate was capable of maintaining the hegemony of the Mediterranean without Africanus. The only threat, Hannibal, is gone. But how is it now? Without me, they can't even do anything about Lepidus or Sertorius. How dare they think to exclude me?"

"Once again, it is now. However, if Pompeius makes more contributions than now, of course, the enemy of Rome will disappear. For example, Lepidus and Sertorius are now figures of the past."

"...so, I need to be quiet a little bit is that what you mean?"

"That's one way, but considering Pompeius's temperament, it would be impossible. Doesn't it make sense that Pompeius Magnus is wary of the Senate in the first place? That shouldn't happen."

Pompeius's body tilted slightly forward, falling in love with Marcus' words.

"That's right. This Pompeius can't and shouldn't be looking at old raccoons. What do you think he should do then?"

"It's simple. We need to reduce the number of excuses that the Senate can attack. Mr. Pompeius's weakness is that he received too much privileges even though he was not legally qualified. Then you can change this."

"Change the law? In what way?"

"You can lower your qualifications. It's impossible to get rid of it altogether, so you can lower the age limit by about five years. Then Pompeius is not elected consul by breaking the age limit. It's not a problem either because the Senate gave him a business card as a proconsul."

In modern times, it is a principle that the revised law does not apply to the previous work.

In ancient times, however, this retroactive application was almost as usual.

For Pompeius, Marcus' suggestion sounded very reasonable.

However, some practical problems were on his mind.

"It hasn't been long since Sulla strictly strengthened the qualifications of the Senate. But wouldn't this amendment be passed? The Senate would turn their eyes on and oppose it."

"Of course, it will be rejected by the Senate. Moreover, if Pompeius proposes such a law himself, the Senate will not stand still. So you have to take a detour. You can use the plebeian council."

Even if Pompeius had poor political sense, he was by no means a fool. He immediately understood what Marcus was saying.

In Rome, there were countless cases in which the plebeian council passed laws contrary to the Senate.

This is possible because Roman law guarantees the legislative power of the plebeian council.

The famous Lex Hortensia is a law that contains this content.

The basic gist of the Lex Hortensia is that even if the Senate rejected the bill, it would be passed as it is if the plebeian council passed it.

The plebeians have used this Lex Hortensia as a powerful weapon whenever they confront the Senate.

For this reason, Sulla repealed the Lex Hortensia, claiming to strengthen the powers of the Senate.

Naturally, the anger of the plebeians who were deprived of strong rights was indescribable.

"Do you mean to revive the Lex Hortensia?…."

"Yes, Pompeius is now absolutely supported by the people. If this law is revived, the Senate will not be able to touch Pompeius for the time being."

"But don't we need the consent of the Senate to revive the Lex Hortensia? The only legislative body right now is the Senate. If they oppose this, there will be no answer."

"I can't disagree. Technically, the republican system is not exclusive to the Senate. Only when the two wheels of citizens and aristocracy turn together can Rome develop unshakably. However, the current council has become a nameless institution, and citizens' anger is accumulating. How would citizens react if we declared that we would revive the Lex Hortensia here?"

Pompeius nodded as if he finally understood.

If the aspirations of the citizens who have been suppressed so far explode, it won't be easy even for the Senate to cast a dissenting vote.

It might be possible to defeat the opposition by force like Sulla, but such a method is not available now.

Moreover, even in the Senate, some sensible moderates did not like to press the people too much.

It seemed like a plan worth working through if the people were properly agitated.

"Let's revive the Lex Hortensia and lower the age limit for public officials through the plebeian council. It's definitely a tempting offer. But why are you telling me this?"

"Because I want Rome to be more developed. I don't think it's good for the future of the Republic to go to the Senate, which is too rigid as it is now. And to be honest, for the sake of my father, Pompeius must remain strong."

Pompeius's eyes shone sharply. He smirked and poured another glass of wine into his mouth.

"Yes, if I disappear, the Senate will keep Crassus in check next. Now Crassus seems on good terms with the Senate, but I don't know what will happen if I'm gone. Your honest answer is very reliable. The more I see you, the more I like you."

"I'm also proud to be of help to those I respect."

"Since I've heard great advice, I'll do one thing you want not to be too much. Is there anything you want from me?"

After a moment of silence, Marcus replied in a confident voice.

"I want to serve in the legion led by Pompeius at least once."

"It's not hard at all, but what's the reason?"

"Because it will be a place where glory is promised."

If it is an army led by Pompeius, it means that victory is set.

Pompeius laughed heartily and patted Marcus on the shoulder.

"I really like you. All right, I don't know when, but if I get another chance to lead the army, I'll take you as my staff. I promise you here."

"Thank you."

Judging that the atmosphere had improved, Marcus delivered the gift he had prepared to Pompeius.

It was a statue that nicely depicted the scene of Pompeius defeating Sertorius.

Pompeius, who was already in a good mood, rejoiced once again.

He ordered the slave to display the statue in the house immediately.

A small chat followed it. Soon Pompeius returned to the banquet hall, leaving a message for Marcus to see him often.

Marcus, who was watching him from behind, emptied his glass with a smile, saying, "As planned."

He didn't just give this advice to Pompeius to get better.

In any case, the Lex Hortensia will be revived by Pompeius according to history.

However, at this time, Crassus was ignoring the Senate and cooperating with Pompeius.

Since the situation is a little different now, there was a concern that the situation would flow differently from history.

That's why Marcus actively encouraged Pompeius to revive the Lex Hortensia.

The same is true of lowering the age limit for government officials.

This may give Pompeius a procedural justification, but at the same time, it will help Marcus get into the office quickly.

Under the current legal system, it was not possible to enter the Senate before the age of 30 in the normal way.

For Marcus, however, 30 years old was a story of a very distant future. So he devised a way to lower the age limit for government office by five years, using Pompeius.

It was a trick that helped Pompeius and benefited himself.

It was no exaggeration to say that Pompeius and Crassus are now in a hostile symbiotic relationship.

If one side collapses at this stage, the other side will not have much fun.

Marcus was to plan for the time being in a way that would benefit both Pompeius and himself.

In the luxurious garden of the vast Pompeius mansion;

Marcus spent some time alone enjoying the aroma of fragrant wine.

It was the moment when the ideas in his mind began to take shape in reality.

* * *

Three days after the banquet, Marcus led Septimus and Danae down to Suburra.

The streets of Suburra were as noisy as ever with the crowds.

"Is this the right place?"

"Yes. He said he lived in this area. You should go this way."

Septimus skillfully found his way across a busy street.

Following that, they found a building with quite plausible-looking instruments.

It was like objects used for construction, but they couldn't guess the detailed purpose.

Marcus pointed to a young man sitting in front of the building.

"Is that him?"

"Yes."

Where Marcus's finger was pointing, a man in his early twenties was working hard on a tool. Next to it, there were a lot of wooden boards that looked like blueprints of something.

"Are you Vitruvius Polio?"

At Marcus's question, which seemed to be delayed at first glance, the young man hurriedly stood up and nodded.

"Yes, I am the Vitruvius Polio. But who are you?"

"Ah, my name is Marcus Licinius Crassus. Nice to meet you, Vitruvius."

"If it's Crassus, is it the Crassus family? The one that chosen as consul...…?"

When Marcus nodded, Vitruvius hurriedly trimmed his clothes.

Then he bowed his head politely and took the courtesy.

"For what reason did the noble person seek me...."

"I heard a rumor that you are very talented."

Vitruvius was the most widely known architect and engineer in ancient Rome.

Caesar, who recognized his talent, accompanied him as an architect during the expedition to Gaul, and Augustus also spared no financial support.

The architecture books he would later write exerted a tremendous influence on the Renaissance and Baroque.

Also drew Vitruvius' body proportions drawn by Leonardo da Vinci after reading this book.

However, the genius, the godfather of Roman architecture, was now nothing more than a young architect with little reputation.

Marcus cannot miss this promising young genius.

He smiled kindly and jingled at a bag of silver coins containing considerable sums.

"Hey, please work with me."