Chapter 243: The Future of Rome 3
Chapter 243: The Future of Rome 3
Caesar was writing on a large wax tablet with a stylus, and opened his mouth.
I have given you a lot of time so far. I postponed the passage of this bill for so long because I thought that the more important the issue, the more time we need to gather diverse opinions.
But it seems that there is nothing more to say except for futile arguments. Therefore, I intend to end the debate today and pass this bill. If anyone opposes, please speak up now with a valid argument.
I will say one thing!
As soon as Caesar finished speaking, Cato jumped up from his seat.
He had no idea that the assassins were going to carry out their plan today.
He believed that they would have erased such absurd thoughts from their minds after he scolded them harshly.
Even when Cassius contacted him yesterday, he did not mention anything about the assassination.
He just said that he wanted to expose Caesars intentions and isolate him politically, and asked for his help.
Cato had no objection to this, so he readily agreed.
Anyway, if this bill passes, it will be impossible to preserve the purity of the Senate that the aristocrats wanted.
He had to stop the expansion of the Senates quorum at any cost.
I oppose this bill because Caesar, your intentions are very suspicious. The Senate has been performing its role without any problem so far. I can understand if you want to admit those who have made great contributions to Rome, such as Vercingetorix or Surenas, into the Senate. But why do you need to increase the number of senators by hundreds?
I don't know how many times you want me to repeat myself, but I have already explained enough. Rome is no longer a country that is tied to the Mediterranean.
From north to south, from Britain to Cush and Axum, from east to west, from the former Parthian territory to Bosporus. All these vast lands are Romes territory. There has never been an empire in history that boasted such a vast territory. It is incomparable even to the territory conquered by Alexander the Great.
The faces of the senators were filled with pride at the enormous achievements of their ancestors and themselves.
Caesar looked around their faces once and calmly continued his speech.
The Senate has done its best to perform its role so far. I admit that. But now our territory is too vast and the cultures and systems are complexly intertwined for us to manage with only Roman aristocrats. We need to bring in diverse voices from the localities into the Senate in order not to let our glory crumble like a sandcastle.
That is something that the provincial governors can do well enough.
No! That's not enough. This is also a kind of assimilation policy. The Senate is a core institution that symbolizes Romes politics. Everyone knows that. If we put local elites in here, we can show Romes tolerance and inclusiveness widely.
But if a large number of provincials come in, the tradition of the Senate that we have maintained so far may be shaken. imagine hearing barbaric languages in the Senate hall. How many aristocrats would be offended by that? Caesar, have you thought of any measures for these people?
That's a fair point. Of course, the Senate seats will go to those who can speak Latin perfectly and are well versed in Roman culture. When in Rome, do as the Romans do. I will make this clear here.
Caesars clear answer made Cato unable to argue further and he turned his eyes to Cicero.
It was a signal to say something instead of staying still.
Cicero cleared his throat and stood up from his seat and requested a speech.
Caesar, your words sound reasonable. I have no doubt that your policies so far have been in line with Romes interests. But you always brought yourself a lot of benefits while bringing benefits to Rome. You were very clever about it.
That's just a biased opinion based on hindsight.
No, its not. Just look at this bill alone. Its obvious that you are the one who gets the most benefit from it. What do they know about those appointed from Gaul and Britain, Hispania, and Germany?
The senators appointed from the south or east dynasties are at least from countries that have already been civilized. They have clear opinions and can objectively assess their interests, but those who come from the north are different. They will probably agree with what Caesar agrees with and disagree with what he disagrees with.
Right! They will be nothing but puppets who do whatever Caesar tells them to do.
The aristocratic senators agreed with Ciceros opinion and raised their voices.
As if they had promised, loud noises erupted everywhere and Caesar banged the tablet with a stylus and shouted.
Silence! Be quiet! Its a ridiculous insult, but I'll still answer you sincerely. Your opinion now is soaked in a serious sense of superiority and ignores other nations.
In the case of Gaul, the south has already been Romanized for a long time and there are many people who understand what civilization is.
Especially, many of the children of the local tribal chiefs have been educated in Rome. And this trend will expand to Britain and Germany in the future. Do you think they will follow someone elses opinion without thinking for themselves? This is a blatant insult to Romes education.
Its not an insult to Romes education, but an objective evaluation of your skills. Frankly, its not a big deal for you to cook young children of tribal chiefs, is it?
Huh So you're going to oppose it with your I'm agination about something that hasnt even happened yet. Why would I do that in the first place?
Cato, who thought he had seized the opportunity, jumped up from his seat again and shouted in a sharp voice.
Because you want to be king! Caesar Rex! That's what you want.
Again, that tiresome slander, Cato. I have always discouraged those who flatter me with such ridiculous words. Rome does not need a king. That would be a denial of the glorious deeds of our proud ancestors who abolished the monarchy and established the republic.
As the hall buzzed, Trebonius stood next to Cato and shouted.
That's a lie! There are plenty of evidence that Caesar has ambitions for the throne. Let me give you some examples right here.
He pretended to catch his breath and looked around.
As planned, there were no lictors in the Senate hall.
Lucius, the consul who was supposed to preside over todays meeting, must have been held up at the Colosseum by now.
The other praetors were also delayed by the emergency court that was convened.
In other words, the only ones who had weapons in the Senate were the assassins, more than twenty of them.
He finished preparing to send the signal and shouted passionately.
Look at him! Caesar is wearing boots that are different from the other senators. He has been wearing boots with a hint of purple, which is a color that symbolizes kingship, as you know. Caesar has always indirectly revealed his desire by doing so, since he couldn't say it directly.
That's the most stupid and absurd thing I've ever heard. If wearing boots with a hint of purple means hiding an ambition to be king, then all the highest consuls of Rome must have been ambitious to be king.
That's not all! You have constantly weakened the authority of the Senate and tried to expand your power. Did you do it for the benefit of Rome? Don't make me laugh. Marcus Mesopotamius, who contributed more to Rome than you, advanced his work while respecting the authority of the Senate. But you Didn't. Why? Because your ultimate goal was to dismantle the Senate!
The atmosphere in the meeting hall became noticeably restless.
The aristocrats had never openly criticized Caesar like this.
It would be understandable if they had some evidence, but their words were based entirely on speculation.
This reckless political attack could not have any meaningful impact on Caesar.
The annoyed expression on Caesars face proved that fact.
Go home and write a novel if you want to. If you keep spouting nonsense, I will consider it as interfering with the proceedings and expel you with the authority given to me.
At this point, it was normal to pretend to lose and sit down, but todays Trebonius was different.
He had a pale face as if possessed by a ghost and exchanged glances with his colleagues who had finished mocking him.
Decimus and Cassius also moved forward slowly with tense faces that showed their nervousness.
If anyone else had seen them, they would have wondered about their suspicious behavior, but no one was looking at them now.
As planned, the assassins surrounded Caesar in a fan shape.
They all took their positions and Cassius shouted loudly.
Everyone, look! Since when has someone who is not even a consul been able to kick out a senator during a meeting?
You all have seen how rude and arrogant Caesar is. There is nothing wrong with what we all said.
Caesar always wants to be king! And our Rome! We don't need any king. So whats happening now is not an illegal murder, but a rebellion for freedom.
He pulled out a dagger hidden under his cloak and walked forward quickly.
The other assassins also drew their weapons and surrounded Caesar.
Cicero did not join them, but closed his eyes and sighed deeply as if he wished the ground would swallow him up.
Cato ran to Cicero with an expression like he had seen a ghost and shook his shoulder violently.
Are you crazy? You brought knives into the Senate hall? Do you intend to insult this sacred place?
And even kill someone with a hidden knife! This is not for the republic! This is the worst crime that defiles the republic!
Catos scolding did not affect the assassins at all.
They did not blink an eye and slowly narrowed the distance to Caesar.
In fact, they did not hear Catos words at all.
They knew that this was an act that violated the tradition of Rome and the Senate.
They armed themselves with the idea that they could tolerate small dirtiness for a greater cause, but they could not shake off their guilt completely.
It was such a big deal to kill someone with a knife in the Senate hall.
They suppressed their hearts that were beating like crazy and Cassius aimed his dagger at Caesar.
Cato and Brutus clenched their hands and watched the brutal act unfolding in front of them with horror.
Only Marcus, who was sitting in the back, was watching the situation without any expression on his face.
What a foolish thing to do.
Surprisingly, Caesars face did not change at all.
The assassins were visibly flustered and looked at each other.
How could he be so calm?
It was too eerie to be a bluff.
Dont be fooled! This is our best chance to kill the tyrant!
Decimus stepped forward and calmed down his colleagues.
Caesar looked at Decimus with a calm sigh.
Is that so? Decimus Brutus, even you were involved in this stupid plan.
Not a stupid plan. This is for the liberation of Rome
Treboniuss desperate cry was cut off.
Before the assassins could take a step, the door was kicked open with a bang and hundreds of soldiers entered.
They were not lictors who accompanied the high magistrates.
They were regular soldiers armed with armor and bows.
The soldiers aimed their bows at the assassins who were frozen in place.
Drop your weapons! Well shoot if you move an inch.
Considering the skills of the elite soldiers and the distance from the assassins, there was no chance of missing their shots by mistake.
Did, did this whole plan leak out
Cassius trembled and muttered.
He had kept the secret so well, but he only wondered how it happened.
Caesar looked at him with a faint sigh and whispered in a voice that only the assassins could barely hear.
He said there was nothing to worry about even if something unexpected happened. So this is what he meant.
?
Cassius and Decimus did not fully understand Caesars words and just blinked their eyes.
But there was one thing for sure.
Someone knew about the assassination plan and warned Caesar that something unexpected might happen.
The ones who mocked the assassination were all here without exception.
There was no traitor among them.
Then there was only one candidate.
Cassius widened his eyes and shouted at Brutus who was watching the situation from behind.
You betrayed us! Brutus!
Brutus opened his mouth in a bewildered expression as if he did not know what was going on.
Betrayal?
Chapter 244: The Future of Rome 4
The assassins, who were stunned by Caesars words, gritted their teeth and glared at Brutus as they heard Cassiuss scream.
So it was you who tipped him off!
Trebonius shouted angrily.
The other assassins followed suit, hurling insults and curses at Brutus.
Shame on you for siding with the enemy who is ruining the republic, when you are a descendant of Brutus!
I thought you were just a coward who didn't have the guts to join the plan, but that was an overestimation.
Didn't I tell you? He is Caesars bastard son!
Brutus just stood there dumbfounded, with an expression of disbelief.
It took him a long time to realize that the accusations were directed at him.
You think I told Caesar about the assassination?
What nonsense was this?
The assassins kept pouring out their resentment towards Brutus, even Cato gave him a doubtful look.
Cato was also someone who openly opposed the assassination, but he didn't bother to tell Caesar about it.
He had no loyalty to him, and more importantly, he didn't even know that the assassination was planned for today.
Did you really tell Caesar?
Of course not! Come on, Cassius. What kind of evidence do you have to make such a ridiculous claim? I admit that I didn't cooperate with you, but that doesn't mean I would betray my family.
The senators, who were just screaming and running away a moment ago, were now watching the situation with keen interest.
Caesar also didn't order his soldiers to arrest the assassins right away, but deliberately let the argument escalate.
There were only two people besides us who knew about this plan: Cato and you. But Cato didn't even know that we were going to execute it today. So its obvious that you were the one who leaked it.
No, but I
Brutus tried to argue that he didn't know the schedule either, but he remembered what happened yesterday.
Cassius had said something.
Today would be a very meaningful day.
But how could he have guessed that they were going to carry out the assassination today from that?
It would make more sense to assume that they had some trick to stop the final vote on expanding the senate.
He had considered the possibility of assassination, but he never expected them to draw their swords and attack in the senate house.
Brutus noticed the strange looks from hundreds of senators around him and gave a fierce glare at the assassins.
How can you accuse me of being a traitor without thinking that you might have slipped up? I didn't cooperate with you from the start, so I have no reason to be called a traitor. But even so, I'm not so low as to sell out my friends!
Brutuss protest didn't convince the assassins that he wasn't a traitor.
This assassination plan was carried out in utmost secrecy, so they didn't even tell their families about it.
They knew they would lose their heads if they got caught, so who would risk talking about it?
Decimuss voice, filled with hatred, echoed in the senate house.
You cowardly scoundrels! You don't have the courage to stain your own hands, but you pretend to care about the future of the republic like hypocrites! You are nothing but trash with big mouths! Go ahead and keep betraying those who have a cause and worry only about your own survival. Do you think there is a future for you as Caesars slaves!
The criticism gradually spread not only to Brutus but also to others.
But the senators who were watching didn't sympathize with the assassins at all.
They just sneered coldly.
To be called cowards by those who brought weapons into the senate. You see all kinds of things in life.
Pisos chilly remark summed up everyones feelings.
No matter what argument there was, using physical means in the senate was never acceptable.
This was an absolute rule that many senators deeply agreed with.
How could they express their opinions freely if anyone could sneak in a knife and stab them?
From that point of view, this assassination attempt was an unforgivable crime that had to be prevented for the sake of preserving the senate as it should be.
No matter what happens, killing someone in the senate house is intolerable.
Wait a minute. Why didn't the consuls who should have led the lictors attend todays meeting?
The senators realized that there were more than one or two suspicious things.
And they learned belatedly that the praetors and aediles who were supposed to lead the lictors were detained by the aristocrats and couldn't come to the meeting hall.
Naturally, the senators who belonged to the populares were outraged.
They went so far as to use such vile methods to try to kill someone!
Piso, Caesars father-in-law, stomped his feet in anger.
Since when did the senate become a place where thugs plot their schemes? How dare they try to kill the former consul and current governor of Rome in the senate house?
That's right. Why do you think Roman citizens can walk around anywhere with peace of mind? Because they are guaranteed their lives as Roman citizens. No one can take away a Roman citizens life without due process. And those who know this better than anyone else are trying to do this in the senate of all places
This is not something we can just let go. We have to punish them severely so that this never happens again!
Make the assassins pay!
Hundreds of senators, filled with anger, raised their fists and demanded the punishment of the assassins.
Piso, sensing the mood, proposed to invoke the senatus consultum ultimum.
It was an extreme measure that would suspend the citizenship rights of the assassins and deprive them of the right to a trial.
As voices demanding punishment rose from all sides, Caesar pretended to give in and ordered his soldiers.
The senators requests are so severe that I will have to examine them carefully. Its hard to execute them on the spot, so I'll just lock them up somewhere for now. Take them away!
The assassins tried to resist, but they had no chance against the fully armed elite soldiers.
They were quickly subdued and dragged out of the senate house.
Some bowed their heads in resignation, while others still vented their anger with loud curses.
Cassius and Decimus were clearly among the latter.
They spat insults and spit at Brutus and Caesar alternately.
Rome should be led by our senate. We can't let it fall into the hands of an individual like Caesar!
Brutus, you have committed an unforgivable sin by staining the name of your great ancestor!
When Cassius, who was desperately trying not to be dragged away, reached near Marcus, he grabbed his toga hem with all his strength.
Marcus, help me. you're the only one who can save us. You have to make a decision for the republic here!
Marcus, who hadn't said a word until now, sighed softly and looked at his old friend.
Cassius
If you use your power to give us some mercy, we can do something
Cassiuss eyes were filled with desperation.
He was holding onto Marcuss toga hem so tightly that the soldiers couldn't drag him away without tearing Marcuss clothes.
Marcus pried Cassiuss hand off his toga hem and whispered in a low voice.
Ill try my best, so just stay calm for now.
Really? Thank you. you're the only hero of the republic.
Cassius, who believed Marcuss words as if they were carved in stone, finally relaxed and let himself be pulled out of the senate house by the soldiers.
At least Cicero wasn't arrested because he didn't wield a knife himself and just watched from behind.
He was lucky in that sense, but he didn't like Catos gaze at him.
Cicero hurriedly left the senate and returned to his mansion, fearing that he might be accused of being with Cassius.
The senate meeting on the Ides of March ended in a chaos that no one expected.
But the day of fate wasn't over yet.
This was just the beginning, not the end.
Caesar decided to meet again tomorrow and finalize the treatment of the assassins.
Of course, no one doubted what the outcome would be for them.
The maximum was death, the minimum was confiscation of all their property followed by permanent exile.
The problem was how far the punishment would extend to those who were involved with them.
It wasn't certain that it was limited to those who participated in the assassination or drew their swords themselves.
Those who interfered with the consuls attendance at the meeting were also accomplices, and there might be more who hadn't been revealed yet.
The senators tried to cut off all ties with the assassins families to avoid being caught in the net.
They couldn't afford to have any trouble, so they naturally became busy.
Only Caesar, Marcus, Spartacus and Surenas remained in the spacious senate house where everyone had left in a hurry.
Marcus looked at his confidants and pointed his finger at the entrance.
Go ahead and wait for me.
Yes.
When they were left alone, Caesar came closer with a snicker and sat next to Marcus.
I owe you my life today. I didn't expect you to have armed soldiers waiting nearby.
You seemed calm even though you must have been surprised.
You told me not to worry about anything. I didn't think it would be an assassination attempt.
Didn't you consider that possibility at all?
Marcus scratched his head as if he couldn't understand.
Caesar gave a hollow laugh and nodded.
Its one of my bad habits. Sometimes I forget how stupid they are. I thought they would stop at this point, but they always surpass my expectations with their idiocy What could they do even if they killed me? They wouldn't get anything they wanted by killing me. Did they not even calculate that much?
People don't always act rationally. There are more people who rely on their emotions and make irrational decisions. I thought you would know that.
Still, its hard to imagine that they would bring knives into the senate. But how did you know about this plan in advance? They didn't seem to suspect that you knew anything.
Contrary to the assassins assumption, Caesar had no idea how this had happened.
Of course, the one who tipped him off was not Brutus either.
I can only tell you the details after this is over, but someone I trust had already taken care of everything. I feel a bit sorry for Brutus. He seemed genuinely wronged.
Well, at least he can decide where he stands with this opportunity. That's a relief. Anyway, we just have to decide what to do with them. Do you have any thoughts?
Marcus closed his eyes slightly.
He brushed off his toga hem that Cassius had grabbed and whispered.
You already know what I think. Get rid of them.