Chapter 33: A Rain of Silver (2)
Chapter 33: A Rain of Silver (2)
The new carriage Marcus was so proud of didn’t look structurally different from the old one.
Septimus and Seline, who had been called to give their opinions, and Danae, who joined them later, couldn’t immediately see what had changed.
After examining the carriage for a while, Danae spoke with some uncertainty.
“Um… It seems a bit heavier than the one you used before?”
“That’s right. A lighter carriage might increase speed but can reduce stability. On paved roads, a heavier carriage offers a smoother ride and better stability. Of course, if it’s too heavy, it will be slower, so finding the right balance is crucial.”
This new carriage was designed with a focus on luxury for wealthy nobles.
The added weight allowed for a sturdier door and more comfortable seats.
Seline and Danae, after sitting in the carriage, commented on its comfort and luxurious feel.
However, Septimus, inspecting the carriage closely, still had doubts.
“It’s clear that increasing the weight enhances stability. But doesn’t that put a heavier load on the horses? Maybe other craftsmen avoided increasing the weight for a reason?”
“That’s a valid concern. You can’t just add weight without ensuring that the horses can handle it. This is where the real innovation lies.”
Marcus signaled Vitruvius, who then connected the horses to the new carriage. Septimus soon understood the change.
“Did you alter the connection between the carriage and the horses?”
“Yes, exactly. I’ve completely redesigned the harness. I plan to patent this as well.”
“The rope that used to hang around their necks is now attached to their chests.”
“Exactly. I moved the towing point from their necks to above their shoulders. This change eliminates pressure on their necks, allowing them to pull with greater power. This new harness is a significant innovation for both carriages and goods transportation.”
In ancient times, harnesses were rudimentary, often causing discomfort. Romans tried to reduce pressure by using yokes on horse collars, but it wasn’t very effective.
Marcus saw the outdated design and realized it needed improvement along with the carriage.
While not difficult with the right concept, similar harnesses became widespread in the West from medieval times onward.
The improvement wasn’t just about better pulling power. The increased labor efficiency made horses more useful for both transportation and agriculture, a game-changer.
Though it would take time for the new carriage to become widespread in Rome, the harness would soon replace existing designs.
The carriage itself was not lacking in impact.
Septimus, Danae, and Seline, after experiencing the improved ride, were impressed.
“Oh my, this is so comfortable!”
“With this, I wouldn’t mind traveling to another city by carriage. I could just close my eyes when tired.”
“I understand why you were so confident, Young Master. Nobles and knights will definitely want this. It’s bound to be highly profitable.”
Even though the suspension was still in its early stages, the difference was evident. The added weight improved stability, making it clear that the carriage was a significant advancement.
Marcus planned to incorporate coil springs as technology advanced but was satisfied with this current innovation.
He also added a unique touch to promote sales: a large eagle-shaped shield logo stamped on the carriage.
Initially, this detail went unnoticed, as it seemed like mere decoration.
Seline, upon examining the intricately engraved logo, asked,
“Young Master, what does this symbol mean?”
“It’s a brand mark—well, a nota mark. It signifies that this is a high-quality carriage made by our family.”
Danae asked with curiosity,
“Does this mark not appear on other carriages?”
“Correct. While I’ll include a family inscription on standard carriages to indicate superior quality, the eagle-shaped shield mark will only be used for premium products. It’s meant to signify exclusivity.”
Though Seline still seemed puzzled, Septimus and Danae understood and admired the branding strategy.
Symbols of authority, like the Roman eagle emblem, were common, but branding for product authenticity was not yet established.
Marcus’s goal was to make his brand synonymous with high-quality carriages, particularly appealing to the vanity of the wealthy.
He decided to gift the initial batch of high-end carriages to Pompey, a prestigious noble known for his vanity.
Pompey’s reaction confirmed Marcus’s strategy.
“This special carriage is the only one in Rome right now. You are the first noble to ride in it, Pompey.”
“Hahaha, I don’t know if I should accept this.”
Pompey, enjoying the unparalleled ride quality, was thrilled by both the comfort and the exclusivity.
Following Marcus’s plan, Pompey boasted about the carriage’s excellence to other nobles, leading to a surge in orders.
The high demand quickly outstripped supply, creating a long waiting list.
Nobles who missed out on early orders were left eagerly waiting for their turn.
“Have you tried the new carriage?”
“No. I ordered it, but there’s a long wait.”
“Hehe, mine is coming next week. I’m really looking forward to it.”
“Really? I wish I’d ordered sooner… My wife is complaining about not having the new carriage.”
“People say it’s worth the wait. Once you try it, you can’t go back to the old ones.”
“Huh… Is it really that good? I hope I get it soon.”
In just a few months, the carriage with the eagle-shaped shield logo became a symbol of envy among the Romans.
Crassus upheld his promise to Marcus.
“I’ve heard of your success. You continue to impress me… I’m tired of repeating it. I’ll just watch with pleasure as you achieve even more.”
“Thank you. I’ll continue to do my best.”
“I have some reservations about the wheat monopoly… but I’ll refrain from interfering. Do as you see fit.”
“Yes. I’ll prove your trust with results.”
Crassus, trusting Marcus’s capabilities, stepped back from the day-to-day management, leaving Marcus in control.
Most key personnel were now loyal to Marcus, making Crassus’s return potentially awkward. He planned to pass his position to his son.
Marcus, now fully in charge, continued expanding the wheat monopoly.
He had identified a suitable proxy, a young merchant named Tadius, who was quick-witted and prudent.
Tadius agreed to the contract with full awareness of its terms.
“You have to take risks to make money. As long as I follow your instructions, there’s no downside for me, and the potential rewards are significant. What’s the catch?”
This approach built trust while minimizing Marcus’s risk.
With many tasks on his plate, Marcus continued to oversee operations closely.
One day, while returning from a workshop visit, Marcus noticed a crowd gathered on the street.
“There are a lot of people gathered. Is there an event?”
“I don’t know. I haven’t heard anything.”
The crowd seemed agitated, and their shouts were intense.
Marcus stopped the carriage to listen.
The protesters were Sicilians, speaking in a thick southern dialect.
Their earnest pleas were directed at the Roman citizens.
“…Dear Roman citizens! We Sicilian residents strongly condemn the former governor of Sicily, Gaius Verres. Sicily can no longer endure this. We ask for your attention!”
Marcus recalled a major event he had momentarily forgotten.
‘Gaius Verres… I nearly overlooked it.’
The trial of Gaius Verres, which would make Cicero famous, was approaching. This unprecedented trial of a former governor by the subjugated people was set to shake Rome.
Marcus’s eyes lit up as he considered the implications.