Chapter 35: Gaius Julius Caesar (1)
Chapter 35: Gaius Julius Caesar (1)
Marcus stared at the parchment for a long time.
The name on it was Gaius Julius Caesar.
To Marcus, that name held various meanings.
Caesar was not just an exceptional politician and strategist; he was also a brilliant writer. His military prowess rivaled Pompey’s, and his literary talent matched Cicero’s.
Despite his extraordinary skills, Caesar used all his abilities—and even wars—for political gain, as a consummate politician.
It was rare to find someone who excelled in every field like Caesar did. In short, he was a genius, one of the greatest in history.
The last book Marcus had read in his previous life was also a heroic tale about Caesar. Perhaps that was why he felt a unique emotion when he saw the name.
‘Come to think of it, Caesar was also one of Rome’s most famous debtors.’
Marcus had entrusted all his money-lending business to others and only realized it later.
Danae, misunderstanding Marcus’s prolonged silence, assumed it was due to the amount Caesar had borrowed.
She apologized, sounding dejected.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t realize the extent of the loans. I’ll find a way to recover the money.”
“No, it’s fine. Lending him money was actually a good move.”
“Really? But the amount he borrowed is excessive…”
“Well, yes, but I’ll manage to recover it later.”
Marcus calmly reviewed the loan amount and briefly wondered if he had read it incorrectly, so he counted the digits again.
‘Is he really sane?’
Marcus’s eyes twitched slightly as he tried to remain calm. He understood Danae’s concern upon seeing the amount.
Debt was not uncommon among Roman politicians. Most people had debts before achieving success. Elections in Rome were practically bought with money, and politicians often spent lavishly to gain public favor. It was common to sponsor gladiator games or road repairs with personal funds.
So, considerable debt was not unusual for a politician. The problem was that Caesar, at 30, was still an inexperienced newcomer about to run for his first election. How could he have such a staggering amount of debt?
‘He borrowed almost 20 million sesterces and is asking for more?’
To put it in perspective, Cicero was demanding 40 million sesterces in compensation from Verres for embezzlement. Yet a rookie who hadn’t even started his political career was already in half that debt. This wasn’t normal.
It was almost impressive that Caesar had the audacity to ask for more money despite his massive debt.
“What did he spend all the borrowed money on?”
It was more of a rhetorical question, but Danae immediately responded.
“He mainly spends it on books, luxury items, and gifts for his lovers.”
“That’s remarkable in many ways.”
“He mentioned he would use the money for the election and asked me to lend it as soon as possible…”
Danae’s disbelief was evident. It was absurd that Caesar wasn’t begging for the money but demanding it urgently.
“He seems to be more confident than I expected.”
“Confident? Isn’t he just brazen?”
“Rather, he must have confidence in his ability to repay. That’s why he’s so bold.”
“…He certainly appeared very self-assured.”
“But did he mention anything else? Was that all he said, just asking for money?”
Danae, surprised, added,
“He expressed his gratitude for the loan and said he’d treat me once. He asked me to pass that message on to you.”
“Does he want to meet in person? I’ll have to consider it.”
Marcus paused, organizing his thoughts. He had already decided what kind of relationship he would have with Caesar. The timing was the issue.
He wasn’t sure if meeting Caesar now would be beneficial or not. This meeting would be different from those with Pompey or Cicero. It was crucial not to reveal his true identity.
‘Well, delaying it won’t make much difference.’
Marcus had to go to Sicily with Cicero soon to collect evidence. He wanted to resolve everything that concerned him before that.
Marcus decided and handed the parchment with Caesar’s name back to Danae.
“Continue lending him as much money as he needs. I’ll meet him before I leave for Sicily.”
“Yes. I’ll arrange that.”
Danae left quickly, and Marcus sighed lightly, returning to his work.
The scheduled meeting day arrived swiftly. Caesar had chosen a large tavern for their meeting, rather than his own home.
In Rome, the upper class typically hosted banquets at their homes. Taverns were considered lower-class establishments, and many nobles avoided them. This social perception meant that high-end taverns or restaurants were rare in Rome.
Most taverns offered simple meals or drinks, along with gambling and other entertainments. A few luxurious taverns existed to cater to the upper class.
The tavern Caesar chose was one of the most splendid in Rome.
Marcus and Septimus headed to the designated location. Although he initially planned to leave Danae behind due to the venue, she insisted on joining, and he relented.
“There it is. That’s Tullius’s tavern. It’s the most popular among the upper class.”
“Does that mean it’s high quality?”
“Not in terms of food and drink—Zephyrus’s tavern across the street is better for that. This place is known for its beautiful girls and excellent entertainment.”
“I understand the type of place it is.”
Marcus chuckled and followed Septimus inside. Upon entering, they were greeted loudly by a row of slaves.
“Take us to the fourth floor.”
A middle-aged man bowed politely and replied,
“I’m sorry, but the fourth floor is rented out by a VIP. There are seats available on the second and third floors if you’d like to sit there.”
“Oh, that’s fine. We have an appointment with the VIP on the fourth floor.”
“Oh, you’re his guests. I apologize for not recognizing you. I’ll take you upstairs immediately.”
They received a grand welcome from the slaves as they climbed the stairs. Laughter and music filled the air.
‘So he rents an entire floor and lives it up like this? No wonder his debts are piling up.’
Although Caesar wasn’t known for always indulging in such luxury, his extravagant spending was evident from this setup.
Marcus and his party reached the fourth floor. Women in revealing attire danced, and musicians played tibia and lyra. It was clear Caesar was enjoying a private party.
When Marcus arrived, the music stopped, and the women ceased dancing. Across the room, a man reclined in a decadent manner, his toga neatly arranged amid the mess.
He looked up, his gaze both intellectual and wild. His eyes locked onto Marcus.
A languid yet authoritative voice emerged from his lips.
“Is this our first meeting in person? You’re more handsome than I imagined, moneylender.”
He spoke with such confidence, not like a debtor at all.
Marcus’s eyes sparkled.
The man continued,
“Nice to meet you. I’m Gaius Julius Caesar.”
Marcus nodded and took a seat across from Caesar.
“I’m Marcus Licinius Crassus II. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
Caesar smiled and signaled to a woman next to him, who poured wine into Marcus’s cup.
“I’m glad to see you too. You might not remember, but we met once before.”
“Really?”
“Yes. When I went to borrow money from the Crassus family, I ran into you. You’re quite different now.”
Caesar’s tone carried an intriguing nuance. He couldn’t know Marcus’s soul had changed, but he seemed perceptive about something.
“I hear that often. I’ve grown and matured a lot.”
“Not just in personality, but also in capability. Rome is buzzing about your innovations.”
“Are you referring to the carriage and harness?”
“Yes, but I was even more impressed by the stirrups and horseshoes.”
Marcus froze for a moment, almost spilling his wine.
The stirrups and horseshoes were not officially his inventions. To avoid drawing too much attention to military innovations, he had credited Crassus.
Pompey had doubted Crassus’s talent but dismissed it as coincidence.
Yet Caesar had identified Marcus as the true inventor of the stirrups and horseshoes.
‘Is he bluffing?’
Marcus tried to stay calm and tilted his head.
“Those were created by my father and Septimus. I merely assisted them.”
“Ah, I see. Since those are military items, it makes sense you’d avoid drawing attention. You’re very considerate.”
A shiver ran through Marcus. Caesar wasn’t bluffing. It felt like Caesar had unraveled all his intentions in a single conversation.
Marcus was awed by Caesar’s insight, feeling a strange new sensation.
He maintained his composure, focusing entirely on Caesar.
He had always worked hard to keep his expression and voice steady, and now it paid off, even if inwardly he was unsettled.
“What makes you so certain of this deduction?”
Despite hitting the mark, Marcus remained relaxed.
Caesar’s eyes reflected admiration.
He smiled and lifted his cup.
“I know your father well. He’s a capable politician and businessman, but his military understanding is lacking. The stirrups and horseshoes are beyond his grasp.”
“But one doesn’t need deep knowledge to invent such items.”
“No, but invention requires understanding. Without it, you can’t create something new. I’ve spoken to your father after the slave revolt and was certain the stirrups and horseshoes were your work.”
“……”
“Moreover, you were involved in suppressing the rebels, despite your youth. You likely wanted to test and improve your inventions, didn’t you?”
Caesar’s confidence felt as if he had seen it all firsthand.
Marcus chuckled inwardly and nodded.
“That’s impressive.”
“I was very intrigued by you. Your innovations at such a young age were fascinating. And seeing your work on the carriage and harness added to my curiosity.”
Caesar finished his drink and asked with an unwavering smile,
“You, how far can you see?”