Gaius Julius Caesar

Marcus couldn't let go of the parchment for a long time.

Gaius Julius Caesar.

This is because the name was also meaningful to Marcus in many ways.

Caesar was an outstanding politician and great strategist born in ancient Rome and the best writer.

With military talent, he can compete with Pompeius, and his literary knowledge is comparable to Cicero.

At the same time, he was also a born politician who used all his actions, even war, for political purposes.

Some as many people show outstanding talent in specific fields as stars in the night sky, but it is hard to find anyone who excels in all fields like this.

In a word, he is a genius.

He was also one of the greatest geniuses in history.

The last book that Marcus read in his previous life was also a heroic book about Caesar.

Maybe that's why. Marcus was impressed when he saw the name, Caesar.

'Come to think of it, Caesar was one of the most famous debtors in Rome.'

It was too late to realize that he had entrusted the money-lending business to someone else.

Danae mistook Marcus for the reason why he was silent for a long time because of the amount Caesar borrowed.

She apologized in a disgruntled voice as if she had no face.

"I'm sorry. I kept lending without thinking...… We'll find a way to take responsibility and recover it somehow."

"Huh? No, no. Forget it. You don't have to do that. Lending money itself is rather a good thing."

"What? But isn't the amount he borrowed too much?…."

"Well, that's true, but I'll be able to retrieve them all later."

Marcus replied nonchalantly and checked the amount of money Caesar borrowed.

And he thought he might have misread it for a moment, so he counted the digits again.

'Is this person really out of his mind?….'

Marcus' eyes, which pretended to be calm, were slightly frowned upon.

Looking at the amount, he could understand why Danae was so restless.

In fact, debt was not a very flawed factor for Roman politicians.

Anyone who was not a very wealthy aristocrat was in debt before they rose to fame.

This is because Roman elections are virtually like money elections, so they cannot be held without money.

In order to gain popularity with citizens, there were many times when they had to open their pockets boldly.

It was quite common in Rome to pay for gladiator fights and road maintenance.

For this reason, it was considered natural for a politician to be in considerable debt.

The problem is that Caesar is just a 30-year-old rookie who hasn't even started politics properly yet.

Why does a young man who is just holding his first election owe this ridiculous amount of debt?

"You borrowed almost 20 million Sestertii, but you want me to lend you money here?"

This time, Cicero charged Verres 40 million Sestertii as compensation.

It means the amount that a person who committed a huge amount of embezzlement while serving as the governor of a province would have to vomit.

However, newcomers who have yet to step into politics owe half of that.

It was obviously not normal.

On the contrary, he was amazed by the nerve to ask for more money with this much debt.

"What has this person spent all the money he's borrowed so far for?"

He didn't ask for an answer, but the answer came back right away.

This is because Danae, who identified Caesar as a person of interest, had already conducted considerable research.

"It is said that it is mainly used to buy books, lavish luxury, and buy gifts for lovers."

"That's great. In many ways."

"The money to be borrowed this time was said to be used for elections. That's why he want us to borrow it as soon as possible...…."

Even as Danae spoke, she couldn't hide her expression of bewilderment.

It is absurd that the person who borrows the money does not pay for it but instead asks him to give it quickly.

"You must be a little more pleasant than I thought."

"It's not pleasant, isn't it?"

"It's probably because he have more confidence than that. He is confident that he will pay back the money unconditionally."

"... certainly, one confidence seemed great."

"By the way, did he say anything else? Is that all he asked you to lend him money?"

Danae sputtered with a sorry expression.

"Thank you for lending me the money, so he asked me to tell you that he would treat you once."

"Is he asking me to meet him in person? I need to think about it."

Marcus paused for a moment to gather his thoughts.

He had already decided what kind of relationship he would have with Caesar.

The problem is timing.

He wasn't sure whether meeting now would be the way or the anger.

The meeting with Caesar must be different from Pompeius or Cicero.

The most important thing is not to be seen through the funds.

'Yes, it won't make any difference if you drag on the time anyway.'

He and Cicero must go to Sicily to collect evidence in a few days. He wanted to finish all the things that bothered him before then.

Determined, Marcus returned the parchment with Caesar's name to Danae.

"Please continue to lend this person as much as he want in the future. And you also told him that I have to go to Sicily soon, so I'll see him before then."

"Yes, I will do as you are told."

Danae didn't delay and disappeared outside, taking frequent steps.

Marcus sighed lightly and held up a reed pen to deal with the backlog.

* * *

The date of the appointment came quickly. Caesar unusually set up a large taberna, not his own house, as his meeting place.

The upper classes of Rome usually hold banquets at their homes when they entertain someone.

Many people did not enter the taberna at all because they thought it was a low-level place.

In the past, Marcus was criticized for frequent visits to tabernas because of this background.

Perhaps because of this social perspective, the best tabernas and restaurants in Rome did not develop very well.

The restaurants were popular among Romans, such as Popina, where you can simply eat or pack food, and Taberna, where you can solve alcohol and food, gambling and prostitution at once.

Of course, there was no place among Tabernas with a luxurious atmosphere.

No fewer aristocrats or upper class prefer to stay outside than at home. Several luxurious tabernas in Rome met their needs.

The place Caesar held as the meeting place was also a Tullio Taberna that was second only to splendor in Rome.

Marcus headed to the designated place with Septimus, as always.

He tried to leave it in Danae because it was a place, but she said she wanted to go with me, so he allowed her to accompany him.

"There it is. That is the taberna run by Tullio. After looking into it, they said it was the best place for the upper class."

"You mean that good?"

"If good means luxury, then no. The taste of alcohol and food is said to be better in the Zephyrus taverna across the street. They say the girls here are the prettiest. And they are said to be very good at entertaining."

"I understood roughly what kind of place it was."

Marcus smirked and followed Septimus.

Entering the splendidly decorated building, a row of slaves greeted loudly.

"Take us to the fourth floor."

A middle-aged man politely bowed to Septimus' words.

"I'm sorry. A VIP rented the fourth floor. There are seats on the second and third floors, so why don't you enjoy there?"

"Ah, that's fine. I have an appointment with the VIP on the fourth floor."

"Oh, you were in the party. I'm sorry I didn't recognize you. I'll bring you up right away."

Markus went up the stairs, greeted by the slaves. The women's chatter and music sound were coming from up there.

'You're going to rent a house on a floor basis and enjoy it, right? I can guess why the debt is going up so much.'

There was no record of Caesar drinking with women all the time. However, it is possible to indirectly guess what spending is like in lightening this level of spending.

It was simply surprising that such a man was an ascetic in public.

Marcus and the others reached the 4th floor.

Women in thin transparent clothes danced, and musicians played Tibia and Lyre.

At this point, it is no exaggeration to say he is enjoying his banquet.

When Marcus arrived, the music stopped, and the women stopped dancing.

Across from him was a man obliquely lying, exuding a decadent atmosphere.

Even in the cluttered landscape, the elegantly refined toga's hem caught his eye.

He slowly raises his face while talking to the woman sitting next to him.

It was not a beautiful appearance like Pompeius. He was not a handsome man with thick lines like Marcus.

However, there was something that caught the attention of the eyes, which were intelligent and wild.

Two mysterious eyes stare at Marcus as he trudges along.

A languid yet powerful voice came out through the thin lips drawn on the line.

"Is it my first time seeing your face in person? You're a much more handsome man than I thought you'd."

It was a confident tone that could not be seen as a debtor. Marcus's eyes glanced at him.

The man's voice continued slowly.

"Nice to meet you. I am Gaius Julius Caesar."

Marcus nodded lightly and sat down on the seat across from Caesar.

"I am Marcus Licinius Crassus. Nice to meet you in person."

Caesar smiled and gestured to the woman sitting next to him. She poured the wine into the glass in front of Marcus.

"I'm also glad to see you grown up like this. You may not remember because you were young, but I've seen you once before."

"Is that so?"

"Yes, it was when I went to borrow money from the Crassus family, and I ran into you once when you was young. But looking at it like this, you became a completely different person from then."

There was a strange echo in Caesar's words. In fact, he couldn't have said it is knowing that Marcus' soul had changed, but he definitely had a different perspective.

"I often hear such stories. I've grown up a lot."

"It's not just that your personality has matured, but I think there's no fault in your ability. The whole of Rome is shaking with the things you made."

"Do you mean a carriage and harness?"

"Of course that is, but by my standards the stirrups and horseshoes are more surprising."

Abruptly.

Marcus' body, which was trying to lift the wine and take it to his mouth, hardened at the moment.

Marcus did not ostensibly make the stirrups and horseshoes. Since he had no intention of receiving military attention yet, he had given all the credit for production to Crassus.

Pompeius also doubted Crassus' talent but dismissed it as a product of coincidence.

Caesar, however, was so calm that he saw that the stirrups and horseshoes were inventions of Marcus.

'Are you trying to figure it out?'

Marcus tilted his head, pretending to look as insignificant as possible.

"It's not me, it's my father and Septimus behind me here. I only helped it from the side."

"I see. You don't want to draw too much attention because it's a military item unlike a carriage. You has a very thoughtful personality."

A ray of goosebumps passed through Marcus' body.

It wasn't just asking. Just by exchanging conversations once, it feels like all the intentions underneath are being dug up.

An unfamiliar sensation that he has never felt in his life.

Marcus's mouth dried up at the horrifying insight of his opponent.

It's totally different from the people he has met so far.

He was unaware of Septimus and Danae's gaze from behind.

Marcus concentrated all his attention on the opponent in front of him.

He has tried hard not to let his facial expressions and voices collapse in any situation.

Thanks to this, even if he was confused inside, he was able to pretend to maintain his composure without showing anything on the outside.

"Can I hear on what basis you made that inference?"

Marcus's attitude still seemed relaxed despite being hit by the nail on the head. A little admiration passed through Caesar's eyes.

He smiled contentedly and raised his glass.

"I know your father very well. He's a good politician and a good businessman. But unfortunately, military understanding is hopeless...…. No, it's a little disappointing."

"However, even without such in-depth knowledge, stirrups and horseshoes can be developed sufficiently."

"No. It's an object that can't even be conceived if you don't have a good understanding of words. Inventions can never come out without the knowledge to support them. After the slave revolt ended, I sometimes met your father and talked to him, and he was convinced. The stirrup and the horseshoe are not his works."

"...."

"In addition, you followed the rebels even though you were not old enough. That's why I'm so sure you made that thing. Wasn't it to observe the performance of the object you introduced and to find possible improvements?"

He confidently spoke as if he had seen it in person. Marcus nodded his head with an inward smile.

"That's incredible."

"So I was very interested in you. I wondered how he could come up with such a thing even though he was still young. However, seeing that the carriage and harness were completely repaired this time, I was even more impressed and questioned."

Caesar emptied his glass and asked without erasing his smile.

"How far are you looking this?"

How far are you looking?

It seems simple, but considering its meaning, it is a tricky question.

Marcus smiled lightly and opened his mouth.

"That's the question I want to ask. How far do you see through it?"

"Answer questions with questions.... You mean you won't answer. Well, it doesn't matter. The response alone has given us the necessary answers."

"It's a coincidence. I'm glad I came here because I feel like I've found everything I need."

"Ho, for example?"

"There must be at least Caesar's political orientation."

At Marcus' words, a flash of light flashed in Caesar's eyes.

It was a truth mixed with some bluff. Marcus satisfactorily sipped the wine and passed Caesar's searching gaze.

It's not his taste to just be unilaterally beaten.

As much as this side felt agitated, wouldn't it make sense for the other side to be confused?

Of course, it is impossible to guess Caesar's political orientation only from the conversations so far.

However, Marcus already knew all of Caesar's character and deeds beforehand.

It was simple to make up the knowledge you already knew as if you had found it now.

Caesar tilted his head, pretending not to know, looking at Marcus.

"What is the political orientation? There must be no one in Rome who does not know that I am a populist."

Caesar's family was one of the most prestigious aristocrats in Rome, but it was uniquely classified as a member of the populares.

This is because of the existence of Marius, who is a hero and symbol of the populares.

Caesar's uncle was Marius' father-in-law, and Caesar also made Cinna, a close aide to Marius.

Marius and Cinna died a long time ago, and no blood relationship was left because Sulla killed all of their relatives.

In other words, Caesar was the only one who could say he succeeded Marius. Besides, he made no secret of this fact.

Perhaps that's why, though only 30 years old, Caesar was considered secretly the head of the populares.

But Marcus wasn't just trying to say that much.

He looked back at Danae and Septimus, who was standing behind him and said in a small voice.

"I'm going to talk about something important for a while, so please leave."

"Yes."

"All right."

The two went downstairs with dancing women and musicians.

The sound of footsteps died down, and only the two of them were left in the spacious room.

Squeak.

The sound of Marcus filling his glass sounded as loud as thunder.

"What do you think of the Republic?"

It sounded rather out of the blue, but Caesar answered with a nonchalant shrug.

"Isn't the republic the root of the Roman political system? The reason why Rome was able to become such a great power was because of the excellence of the republic system."

"That's right, but you're talking in the past tense."

Caesar, who showed his first emotional agitation, frowned.

Marcus whispered in a small voice that seemed to be audible or not.

"Aren't you thinking about a change?"

"You... Are you aware of what a scary story you are talking about?"

"Of course. That's why I bit everyone around me."

Republic is the core of Rome and the foundation of the political system.

No matter how he wielded dictatorial powers, no one denied this.

Denying a republic is tantamount to denying Rome.

All Romans shared that perception.

Even if they do not have the heart to deny the republic, those who seem to be harmful to the system are mercilessly stamped out.

Moreover, there is nothing more to see in the case of someone who says such a thing in person.

It will invoke the Senate's final recommendation immediately, and they will take his life without even a trial process.

No matter how Caesar was, it was a subject that he had to be cautious about for now.

"I don't understand where I saw such an absurd idea. Is it because I don't seem to get along with republicans?"

"How can you say only one factor in evaluating a person?"

"But there's always something that stands out the most."

"If I have to pick one, it's Caesar's temperament. The vessel to be king is not hidden just because you try to hide it. Of course, you don't seem to want to hide it, so in a few years, many people will feel the same way as I do."

Caesar's gaze came back, sweeping all over Marcus' eyes.

It's those eyes.

There is an intense and frightening gaze that delves into a person's inner self.

Marcus could see why many of his men showed fanatical loyalty to him, and many of his political opponents denied him with all their might.

That man was a natural king.

It's not finished yet, but everyone will feel it in ten years.

Whether to go under or thoroughly resist and overthrow.

An overwhelming charisma forced him to choose between the two by his existence alone. He was a man who could not even express himself in other words.

Marcus might have surrendered to the urge to follow this person if he had not been prepared.

He spoke again.

"I'm not really trying to do anything about Caesar. Rather, I hope that you will continue to be like now."

"What if it's like now?"

"I will continue to lend you as much money as you want. I told Danae in advance, so you can just come and call the amount you want. I'll give you the money on the spot."

"You're going to keep lending me money?"

Caesar seemed surprised for a moment by the unexpected favor and soon smiled around his mouth.

Even after predicting that he would rebel against the republic, he lends money as before.

After all, there was only one answer.

Caesar, who had been drinking wine and eating snacks, opened his mouth with the voice of fun.

"It's okay to understand that we're on the same boat, right?"

"I'm a merchant, so I'm reluctant to get on the ship directly to the front line. I'd appreciate it if you understand that I'm trying to watch from the side safely."

"How many times will you have to borrow from now on?"

"My family's wealth is steadily increasing, so it doesn't matter. It would be better to borrow from one of my creditors than to owe it to several creditors. I'll also make the interest rate cheaper."

Caesar couldn't hide his wonder.

He was confident that he would reach the peak of Rome, but it was only personal confidence.

But why is Marcus so willing to look behind?

Caesar is worth it. But it is difficult simply for that reason.

Crassus, who has recently emerged as the head of Optimates, could become a Sulla if he decides.

It may still be impossible now, but in the long run, the possibility was sufficient.

"Oh... I see. the aristocracy and the populares. Is it some kind of insurance money? No, it wouldn't have been much different until now."

"Yes. It must have been about insurance until now. Even if the regime was handed over to the populares, it would have been only a safety device that guarantees the stability of the family."

"Then you have something else to aim for. Is it a different target than your father?"

Crassus paid attention to Caesar's symbolism since he was young.

Just as Marius took power and they handed it over to Sulla again, no one knows which direction the wheel of history will turn.

Crassus, who is quick to calculate, took measures to be safe even if the populares prevailed. That was the friendly relationship with Caesar, the representative of the populares.

Moreover, Crassus thought he could control Caesar, who was still young.

Of course, Caesar was not a very easygoing person.

Since then, his debt has been not only 20 million but close to 100 million. At this point, an unfunny situation arises in which the creditor does not become the first, but the debtor, Caesar, becomes the second.

This is because if he goes bankrupt with a huge debt, creditors who lent money will also go bankrupt one after another.

Of course, Marcus didn't want to be dragged around like that.

"It's not much different. I just prefer more aggressive investments. I'm more confident than anyone else in terms of seeing people. What better thing is there if you can pay off your debt as if you are generous to the big man who will lead the new era?"

"He's a person who will lead the new era...…. It's not a hateful flattery."

"Even if I spoke grandly, it won't be different from before. They borrow money hard, and I lend it. And you can steadily pay off the debt with the interest that has been delayed in the future."

Caesar finally felt like he could figure out what kind of man Marcus was.

Even if there are many people with excellent business skills, the idea of supporting the owner of a new era cannot be done by anyone.

It occurred to him that he might be a person with much greater ambition than expected.

"Was the reason you said this to me to show your ability? I'll push you, but it sounds like a warning to abandon the idea that you can swing it because you're not an easy person."

"Whatever you think, it's Caesar's freedom. If you felt that way, that's the answer."

"Haha, that's great. You are only 16, but you are more interesting than any senator. I was much more clumsy when I was your age."

No matter how genius you are, you often make mistakes when you don't have years of experience. Caesar also had two disastrous failures when he opened a law in his early 20s.

The reason was that the defense style did not fit with Rome.

Caesar was a genius, but he was not a genius who did not know failure like Pompeius.

However, he had positive thinking that did not regard failure as failure. There were times when it was a little too much, and he became overconfident, but the problem got a little better as the experience accumulated.

This Caesar and Pompeius case was a perfect antidote to Marcus.

Caesar, who could not know such a fact, shook his mouth at Marcus's shrewd appearance.

If he were about the same age, he might have felt threatened instead of admiring.

It was a great fortune for each other that the two had a big age difference.

"Then I hope we can continue to have a good relationship like now."

"Me, too. I'm so reassured to have a reliable sponsor. Oh, by the way, do you have an arranged marriage? Next year, as an adult, it must be time to start thinking about getting married."

"No. No one has been decided yet."

"Is that so? I mean, there is none."

Caesar shook his head with a meaningful expression.

Then, as if he had remembered something he had forgotten, he continued by snapping his fingers.

"Since you're sponsoring me, can you do me one more favor?"

"Yes. Say anything."

"I ordered the carriage, which is well-known these days, and I received an answer that I could not get it until three months later. Can't you get it right away? My wife and daughter really want to ride it."

"It must be quite expensive. Did you order it?"

"Of course. I decided to buy it as soon as it came out. However, my order was delayed because I was taking out a loan, so I had to wait this long."

Marcus smirked when he heard he had bought a carriage with the borrowed money.

He is the incarnation of boundless lust for power and ambition but also human vanity.

In a way, he thought he was more self-flaunting than Pompeius.

Perhaps it is also an excuse to say that the wife and daughter want to ride.

The difference between his previous appearance, which boasted transcendent knowledge, and this human aspect was very pleasant.

Marcus nodded willingly.

"I'll take care of it so that you can get it within next week."

"Oh! Thank you very much. To repay this favor, I will hold a banquet after the election, so please attend."

"Of course, I'll be glad to attend."

"Haha, good. Then shall we have another drink to celebrate our relationship?"

Caesar grinned and poured wine into his glass.

Marcus, who was watching, gave a word of advice.

"Too much drinking is not good for hair loss."

"...?"

Caesar hardened like a plaster in his glass-holding posture.

Slowly putting down the glass again, he asked, pretending to be as calm as possible.

"...really?"

"Yes. The doctor said so."

"Ho, so if I don't drink alcohol, will my hair loss be cured?"

Marcus examined Caesar's head with subtle eyes.

Although his hair has not yet fallen out to the point of seriousness, it was clearly obvious that M-shaped hair loss was in progress.

If you reach your 40s in this state, the top of your head will definitely be empty.

Historically, Caesar has used all kinds of folk remedies to hide this hair loss.

Still, it did not work, so it is said that after growing the back of the head, it was put forward and fixed with a laurel crown.

There is also a record that he smiled and passed it over even when they teased him for being gay and got extremely angry at ridicule for being bald.

Caesar studied how to look more dignified even when scratching his head.

For such a stylish man, hair loss would have been like an unacceptable curse of the gods.

Unfortunately, humans cannot conquer hair loss even with technology 2,000 years from now.

Marcus shook his head and told the cruel reality.

"There is no way to fully heal. However, it is best to maintain the status quo so that it does not get worse. Of course, even that is not easy. To some extent, you have to accept it."

Caesar was devastated to hear that he might never get better.

Even the ease that he was forced to maintain from his face disappeared completely.

"That's ridiculous... Do you mean I have to watch all my hair fall out like this?"

"Well... There must be a way to prevent it from getting worse, but I'll look for more."

"I'm begging you."

Caesar held Marcus' hand with a desperate look that he had never seen before.

A business item passed by Marcus' head as he watched it.

'Wouldn't it be a lot of money if I improved the wig?'

The weather in Egypt alone was so hot that he preferred to shave his head short and wear a wig.

However, in this era, wigs were quite obvious as well.

You can make a good profit if you improve this to look natural.

He thought it would be a perfect gift even if it didn't.

'I'll have to look into it seriously.'

Anyway, now the business to share is over.

Marcus called the others who had gone downstairs and had a pleasant drink together.

Of course, Caesar did not even touch alcohol until the end of the banquet.