Chapter 4. The First World, The Roman Empire

Chapter 4. The First World, The Roman Empire

____

The Julio-Claudian dynasty was the first hereditary dynasty of the Roman Empire.

Under the prosperous dynasty founded by Gaius Octavius Augustus, Emperor Augustus successfully inherited everything from Caesar. His leadership made the Roman Empire famous overseas, spreading its prestige to the entire Mediterranean basin. The empire's influence embedded itself eastward into West Asia, northward into Central Europe, and westward into Western Europe.

On October 18, 30 AD, in the imperial palace of the Roman capital:

"Success, I succeeded!"

"The forbidden magic left by Caligula is real, and this child... this child will be my hope for the future!"

In the resplendent palace, a man was staring at the child who represented the taboo with intense eyes.

With a loud cry, Elric opened his eyes and found himself cradled in the arms of a man wearing lavish and ornate clothing.

It was the reigning emperor of the Roman Empire, Claudius IV.

[This simulation officially begins, and you are born.]

[As the fourth emperor of the Roman Empire, Claudius IV desperately sought to consolidate his power. The previous emperor, the tyrant Caligula, had left deep scars on the empire, and Claudius IV wanted to prove his worth. To do so, he studied the forbidden knowledge left behind by Caligula. Driven by ambition, he utilized forbidden magic and his own blood to create you, an existence that should never have been born.]

"Son, this is my son, the future emperor of the empire!"

Lifting Elric high, Claudius IV gazed into the baby's eyes. The light he saw within gave him a premonition that this child would become the hope for the future.

"Let me think... your name... Let's call you Reinhard."

"Reinhard Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus—yes, that will be your name... Hahahaha!"

[Your birth came at a great cost, requiring countless lives and resources. However, in the ruthless Roman Empire of this era, familial affection holds little meaning. What Claudius IV truly values is power and strength.]

"Roman Empire? Claudius IV? This is... the era of Nero?"

Elric's knowledge of the Roman Empire came only from history books. Naturally, much of it had faded from his memory. However, thanks to the Memory Hall, he could recall anything he had previously read whenever necessary.

Understanding that he had been born during a time when Claudius IV would reform the government and lead campaigns overseas, Elric could hardly believe it.

More astonishing was his new identity—a prince named Reinhard.

He knew that in recorded history, Claudius IV did not have a son named Reinhard.

Naturally, there were no accounts of forbidden magic—or magic at all!

"It must be the existence of the simulator that has altered history."

[Although you are curious about the history of the Roman Empire, you realize that becoming stronger is the path you must pursue.]

[As the sole child of Claudius IV, your unmatched talent quickly becomes evident. From princes and ministers to nobles and commoners, all recognize that the prince named Reinhard is a genius and the natural first heir to the empire.]

[Claudius IV, despite being preoccupied with political reforms and military campaigns, spares no effort in cultivating you, pouring all of his expectations into your upbringing.]

[Of course, his private life remains morally corrupt.]

[For example...]

"Rhine, Rhine, are you awake?"

As the early morning sun rose alongside the Nine Stars, a woman appeared in your bedroom.

It was Messalina, the queen, stepping gracefully into the room.

[Messalina, the third queen of Claudius IV, was the daughter of the president of the Imperial Senate and also Claudius IV's cousin.]

[After your birth, Claudius IV swiftly married Messalina to solidify his power.]

[Their relationship, however, was purely a union of interests, with both parties using each other to further their goals.]

[As for you, Reinhard, as a nobleman famous across the imperial capital, your striking beauty has made your name resonate throughout the continent.]

"Rhine, my dear child, are you awake? I'm here to have morning tea with you."

Messalina's reputation as the most infamous libertine in the entire Roman Empire was no secret; her scandalous behavior was known far and wide.

Initially, she had nothing but disdain for Claudius IV, whom she viewed as a puppet emperor propped up by her family's influence. She always looked down on him.

But now, as she observed Elric—Reinhard—on the occasion of his twelfth birthday, she found herself struck by how the boy had grown. Without her realizing it, he had become a young man.

And to her, it seemed he could now be enjoyed.

Her lustful eyes lingered on Elric. In Messalina's view, this boy was the epitome of perfection.

"Morning tea? Queen, you're too kind. I don't have a taste for sweets," Elric replied calmly.

He had lived in the Roman Empire for twelve years now, and during this time, the simulation had confirmed what he suspected: the era he inhabited was within the world of Type-Moon.

The existence of magic was undeniable, and through hints gained from other simulators, he had grown adept at identifying such phenomena.

Elric had worked tirelessly in his role. As a prince, he had access to resources beyond what most could imagine. Consequently, he had pushed his physical and mental attributes to the limits of human capacity.

Yet as Messalina's predatory gaze rested on him, Elric felt only disgust. He could not bring himself to entertain any thought of a relationship with this woman.

While the Roman Empire was known for its morally chaotic relationships—brothers and sisters, uncles and nieces, even aunts and nephews—Elric found such ties utterly abhorrent.

To him, the messiness of these relationships rivaled the myths of Greek mythology. No, it surpassed even the chaos of Zeus's exploits.

And beyond that, the people of this world seemed willing to accept anyone, which only deepened his aversion.

[Faced with your rejection, Messalina showed no regret. She simply smiled, knowing that she still had plenty of time. After all, scaring the children too soon would be counterproductive.]

[Time passed. Thanks to the Memory Hall, you retained vivid recollections of the other Empire's history. Your insights often allowed you to say things that left Claudius IV shocked and impressed.]

[As you matured, the political landscape around you began to shift. On this day in the 44th year, Claudius IV finally executed Messalina.]

[The reason was straightforward. While Claudius IV was away campaigning, Messalina dared to host a grand party in the imperial palace. At this event, she went so far as to marry her lover, Gaius Silius. Such an insult could not be tolerated by any man, much less the emperor of Rome.]

[Even with her powerful ties to the Senate, Messalina could not escape the consequences of her audacity. Her death marked the culmination of a struggle between the emperor and the Senate, signaling a decisive moment in your empire's history. You understood that this was just the beginning.]

---

Note:

The tyrant Caligula was assassinated in 41 AD, and Claudius IV succeeded him soon after. However, for narrative purposes, I've adjusted the timeline and moved events forward slightly.

This change has minimal impact, so unless you're a pedant, there's no need to worry about it.