Chapter 80: The Opening of the Play (1)
Chapter 80: The Opening of the Play (1)
Every day, the senators gathered at Cato’s mansion to thoroughly analyze Caesar’s land reform bill. Although nearly all aristocrats attended these meetings, Marcus could not. His duties as a aedile kept him busy, and he had another significant task: preparing for the opening of his bank, a project he had been working on for nearly two years.
The bank's opening day was approaching, but Marcus still had many issues to address. He planned to open branches not only in Rome but also in major cities and provinces throughout Italy. This involved introducing new systems and resolving conflicts that his subordinates couldn't handle alone.
Given a law that prohibited senators from engaging in direct trade, Marcus knew he wouldn't be able to manage the bank fully after it opened. Thus, he appointed Septimus as the nominal head of the bank. However, Marcus had no intention of relinquishing control. He modeled the bank after the societas publicanorum, a commercial organization in Rome that resembled modern corporations. This organization accepted investments with limited liability and traded partes, akin to stocks.
Marcus persuaded the Senate that his bank required numerous investors due to the substantial amount of money involved. The Senate agreed and passed a law permitting senators to become major shareholders, partly because they saw financial opportunity in the bank. Many senators were eager to buy partes and receive dividends.
Marcus retained the largest shareholding to ensure he could influence the bank’s operations. However, he still needed to teach Septimus how to manage daily operations and frequently lectured him.
Currently, Marcus was addressing Septimus’s questions about the bank’s policies.
“Are you saying that you will pay interest to customers who deposit money instead of charging them storage fees?” Septimus asked.
“Yes. But the interest rate will be much lower than the loan interest rate. I’m thinking of a simple interest rate of five li per year—just enough to make depositors happy.”
“I don’t understand. You could charge storage fees without any issue, but instead, you’re giving up that profit and even paying interest on deposits? Aren’t you just losing money?”
Septimus struggled to grasp the concept of paying interest on deposits. In that era, people expected to pay storage fees to bankers to keep their money safe. Without many guards at home, they felt insecure storing silver coins at home and preferred paying a small fee for safety. Bankers would then lend out this money at interest, making a profit.
Septimus assumed Marcus’s bank would follow this model on a larger scale and didn’t understand why Marcus would pay interest on deposits.
“Maximizing profits is important, but that’s not my only goal. To address the serious liquidity shortage Rome is facing, we need to encourage investment and lending to ensure money circulates. Of course, I mean sound investments and stable loans.”
“So you want to secure as many deposits as possible?”
“Yes, and there’s more to it. Once branches are established in key cities and provinces, I plan to implement various systems to stimulate trade.”
Rome’s road network connected major hubs more effectively than in the Middle Ages, with good security along these roads. Adding a bank could facilitate numerous financial policies.
Although Marcus’s timeline deviated from history, he was prepared to introduce a system of bills and bills of exchange. If successful, Rome’s financial system would be dominated by the Crassus family—or rather, Marcus himself.
While it would take another ten years for the system to fully develop, this pace suited Marcus. Rapid advancement could lead to imbalance, which would be detrimental to both him and Rome. An overemphasis on financial development could overshadow other critical issues.
Despite the flourishing trade, Rome’s foundation lay in agriculture. With improvements to the sanitation system, population growth would exceed historical rates. However, if agricultural technology didn’t advance adequately, it could result in dire consequences.
‘I guess it’s not enough to just spread the four-crop rotation system in Italy.’
He needed to pass the land reform bill and fully utilize the fertile land in Gaul.
‘Actually, it’s not just about land. To support the surge in iron production, I need to find more mines, and I also require silver mines for minting coins…’
Every time he resolved one issue, another arose. Sometimes he wondered if he had taken on too much.
“Sir, are you listening?”
Marcus, lost in thought, snapped back to reality at Septimus’s voice.
“Yes, I’m listening. Please continue.”
“Didn’t you agree to give a speech at the final match of the gladiator tournament in two days? Are you planning to stay for all the matches until then?”
“Oh, right. I completely forgot. I would love to stay until the end, but my schedule is too packed. I’ll just give my speech and then leave.”
“But Spartacus will be making an appearance in the arena for the first time in a long time, right?”
“I can’t help it. The senior senators are insisting that I make an appearance. I’ll make sure to apologize to Spartacus in advance.”
Septimus shook his head with a wry smile.
“Why don’t you take a break after your term as aedile ends? Your wife is very worried about you.”
“I’ll be able to enjoy some rest later. For now, I need to make the most of my time and do what I can. I’m fine for now, so let’s focus on making the final match perfect. Are you ready?”
“Of course. I’ve already prepared the silk robes for the gladiators representing Rome. Here are the documents summarizing the progress.”
Marcus skimmed through the documents Septimus provided and yawned deeply.
“Everything looks good. I’ll take a short nap now, so wake me up when it’s time.”
“Understood. Please rest for a bit. And…”
“······.”
Before Septimus could finish his sentence, Marcus had fallen asleep almost instantly.
Septimus looked at his exhausted lord with sympathy. Marcus’s schedule had been so demanding lately that it was impressive he could handle it all.
Septimus wanted to help alleviate some of the burden, but there was only so much he could do. Danae also had her limitations. The only significant help had come from Julia, but she had temporarily stepped back to care for the twins.
‘I’ll have to talk to Danae or the lady.’
Concerned for Marcus’s health, Septimus began to organize the documents while his lord slept.
Despite the ongoing conflicts and chaos in Rome, the gladiator games were a tremendous success.
The popularity of the games had steadily increased since the introduction of the regional competition system.
This was a natural outcome. Most notably, the creation of a revenue model from gladiatorial matches was a significant achievement.
Originally, the gladiator games were part of Rome’s populist policies, known as bread and circuses. Politicians held these matches to pacify or attract the populace, with little expectation of financial gain.
Many people had lost money on gladiator games except for those who operated the training centers. However, the improvements Marcus made transformed the gladiator matches into a lucrative venture. The commissions from betting alone far exceeded the costs of holding the matches.
The treatment of gladiators had also greatly improved. What was once a perilous occupation was now seen as a path to significant wealth and fame. Spartacus was especially pleased with these changes. Despite fighting only once a year, his legendary status endured. He was set to represent Rome in the final match, and tickets had been sold out for days.
“I think I can finally speak to Crixus with pride. I did my best,” Spartacus said.
“It’s not just your best. You’re the one who made all this possible. No one else could have achieved what you did,” Marcus replied.
“But ultimately, it was you who made this happen, my lord.”
Since Marcus had become a father of twins, his family no longer referred to him as "young master." Septimus, Danae, Spartacus, and everyone else in his family now called him their master. This change held significant meaning.
Crassus was the head of the family, but it was clear that Marcus was effectively leading them.
“If I were to do everything myself, I couldn't implement my plans without skilled people like you. Your position is something you’ve earned through your efforts. Be proud of it. You kept your promise to your friend, didn’t you?”
“Yes. But now that I’ve achieved everything I set out to as a gladiator, I’m planning to retire after this match. It’s time for me to step aside.”
Spartacus spoke sincerely. He had been an undefeated gladiator for ten years, creating a legend. However, a predictable match would no longer excite the audience. Marcus had managed to keep Spartacus's appearances rare by delaying his matches and using him as a representative in the regional competition. But now, it was time for Spartacus to retire.
The departure of such a legendary figure would leave the top gladiator spot vacant, intensifying competition among the remaining gladiators.
Marcus respected Spartacus’s decision and planned to honor his retirement fittingly. “The retirement of an undefeated gladiator after ten years should be made spectacular. But what will you do after you retire? Do you have any plans?”
“Yes. I want to formally study military strategy. I’ve learned that my tactics are lacking. I’ve also realized that I’m not suited to be a commander-in-chief. However, don’t you think there might come a time when you’ll need to lead an army as well, my lord? I want to be prepared and capable of serving as a centurion.”
“I understand. If that’s what you wish, I’ll ask Pompey to introduce you to someone who has served as a chief centurion.”
“Thank you.”
Marcus encouraged Spartacus one last time before leaving the arena. The stands were packed, and temporary towers around the arena were also filled. The popularity of the gladiator games was set to increase.
Marcus was also considering introducing new forms of entertainment, such as chariot racing or bullfighting, and felt the need for a new arena. The Colosseum, a symbol of Rome, had not yet been built. He might need to start its construction earlier than in history.
With these thoughts in mind, Marcus boarded his carriage.
The eagle, adorned with a shield pattern, glided smoothly along the road to Cato’s mansion.
Upon arrival, Marcus was promptly escorted to the reception room. The meeting had just begun, and the muffled sound of discussion could be heard from outside.
“Sorry for the delay,” Marcus announced as he entered the room.
The room fell silent as the elders, who had been engaged in conversation, turned their attention to Marcus. Cato, the host, warmly welcomed him and rose from his seat.
“Welcome, Marcus. I apologize for having you come here despite your busy schedule. How is Crassus? Has his condition improved?”
“Yes, he’s much better now. The doctor expects him to recover with some rest,” Marcus replied.
“Phew… It’s unfortunate that he fell ill at such a critical time. On the other hand, perhaps Caesar is taking advantage of Crassus’s absence to pursue his agenda unchecked.”
Marcus managed a wry smile. In reality, Crassus was in excellent health. Marcus had fabricated the story of Crassus's illness to justify his absence from the meeting.
Crassus, now fifty-five, had been feigning sickness for several months, and his condition was widely believed to be grave. In this era, many people of his age had chronic ailments, so no one questioned his illness.
The fact that Caesar had become more active during Crassus’s absence only reinforced the belief in Crassus’s ill health. The elders had assumed that Crassus had been controlling Caesar, the populist. Caesar had been relatively subdued while Crassus was influential. However, Marcus’s youth meant he could not exert the same control.
Bibulus, with a hopeful look, spoke up. “Aren’t you Caesar’s son-in-law? If you visit him with your wife and talk to him, might that influence Caesar?”
“I’ve already tried that approach, but it wasn’t enough to change his mind. However, I believe that the worst-case scenario of a violent clash between the populists and the aristocrats is unlikely, given our familial connection.”
“That’s true. Caesar is not so fearsome, but if he provokes Pompey and calls upon the veterans, we could face serious trouble. It was fortunate that we agreed to avoid using force against each other.”
“Don’t forget that I was the one who mediated that agreement,” Marcus reminded them.
Cicero, who had been reading the law article, joined the discussion. “Indeed, it was your achievement. But why don’t you consider my perspective? I am confident that no one in Rome knows the law better than I do. In my view, this land law is a remarkable bill. It deserves serious consideration for passage.”
“I must reiterate, I will exercise my veto as consul, no matter the consensus,” Bibulus responded firmly.
Cicero rubbed his temples in frustration. “This issue cannot be handled emotionally. Caesar’s remarks from the last meeting are posted on the Forum Romanum. By now, most Romans understand the severity of the land problem. If we oppose this bill forcefully, consider the potential backlash.
Imagine the reaction if the veterans across Italy hear about our opposition.”
Bibulus hesitated, unable to counter Cicero’s argument effectively. Marcus sensed the tension in the room and was about to speak when Cato intervened.
“Cicero makes a valid point. Opposing the bill would indeed bring significant political pressure on the Senate. However, I believe we should oppose it even more vigorously.”
“Why do you think so?” asked Cicero.
“Consider the name of the bill: the Julius Land Law. If we oppose it, the veterans and the city’s poor will be angry with the Senate, as Cicero said. That’s true. But if it passes, they will laud Julius Caesar, who proposed it, as their savior.
Caesar, already a populist leader, would gain immense popularity. Even if Crassus recovers, he might no longer be able to control Caesar.”
The mood of the elders, initially swayed by Cicero, began to shift back toward Cato’s perspective. They realized they could later address public discontent with grain distributions or by proposing a land law under Senate auspices.
However, they felt that granting Caesar the masses' popularity would be a mistake they could never undo.
This fear was largely due to the sense of urgency that Cato had cultivated regarding Caesar. While they perceived Caesar as less immediate a threat than Pompey, they all acknowledged his potential to become one.
Bibulus, now supported by Cato, made a bold declaration. “At the next meeting, we will firmly refuse Caesar’s proposal. If anyone fears public backlash, don’t worry. I, Bibulus, will put my honor on the line and be the first to oppose!”
The senators who wanted to resist but hesitated to lead applauded Bibulus’s resolve. Cicero, however, felt a sinking dread as if he were getting deeper into a quagmire.
Marcus clapped his hands in approval, masking his true thoughts with a neutral expression.
With the policy decided, the elders dispersed, their faces filled with anticipation. None of them had bothered to read the draft of the bill.
And so, the day of the Senate meeting, as set by Caesar, finally arrived.