"The gods reigned, Caesar was in Gaul, and defeated an army of two hundred and fifty thousand barbarians. Pen? Interesting? Pavilion wWw. ｂiquge。 infoThis is really a big thing to celebrate. Cato. ”

"Worth celebrating? Are you kidding? Luceris. You know, the more power a person has, the greater his desire. The barbarian's desire was by no means simply to be satisfied with the conquest of a Gaul. Gaul, perhaps, was just a stepping stone for him, and his real purpose was in Rome. In this holy republic, in the marble halls of the Senate. ”

The news of Caesar's defeat of the Gauls reached Rome, however, many in the Roman Senate were not very willing to hear the news. For example, Marcus Cato. As a loyal supporter of the Roman Republic, Marcus? During Caesar's conquest of Gaul, Cato repeatedly rebuked the nouveau riche and expressed his dissatisfaction. Because Caesar was once the mastermind and leader of the Triumvirate. He trampled on the very foundation of the republic - democracy. Moreover, Caesar's extensive bribery over the years, **Roman politics, was also one of the things that Cato was most indignant about.

"No beast can escape the arena fence, no matter how strong it is. Your worries may not be worth worrying about. Marcus. ”

In the face of the anger of Cato Jr., Lucerys, who was also a member of the Senate, returned calmly.

"No, you underestimate Caesar's prowess too much. Looking at the streets and alleys of Rome now, people are talking about not the future of the republic, but Caesar's every move in Gaul and the benefits Caesar brought to them. The free booty, the wine, food, household goods, and even luxuries brought from Gaul, were all given to the common people. The people even carved Caesar's name on the walls of the streets and alleys, and then leaned over to kiss him. I do not believe that this Roman 'hero' did what he did without a trace of personal purpose and ambition. ”

Little Cato said, his thin fingers lifted the crude wine beside him, slowly dipped it, and continued-

"Let's take a look at the nominees for various official positions in Rome this year, who are they? Attorney Bartinius? Inspector Tibius? And tribunes Karnus, Azumius, Appis? Who are these people? They were all supporters of Caesar! Look at the new tribune Appis, who even held a military position in Caesar's legion, and was a complete ruffian, who was about to be elected by our sacred citizens' assembly and enter the Senate of the Roman Republic with great grandeur! And who else will manipulate them into the Roman Senate besides Caesar? ”

Marcus? The more Cato spoke, the more agitated he became. I can't help but dance with my hands. He is like an orator who gives passionate speeches to an audience of very few people.

"Even so, Caesar's plan is unlikely to go as smoothly as it used to be, rest assured, we still have Pompey. The first general of the republic was dissatisfied with Caesar day by day, and even more so than we did. ”

In Luceris's private villa, the senator lay on his chaise longue and spoke comfortably. Compared with Cato's nervousness, the older senator was obviously not so anxious about the path Caesar was about to take, because he knew that it was not only the gates of the Senate that stood in Caesar's way, but also other forces.

"Pompey? I don't trust him. He's a scoundrel, look at the good things he's done over the years, look at how he got to the throne he is today, deceit, deception and lies are what he does all the time, he's not much better than Caesar, Luceris, you know. ”

From the mouth of Luceris, the first general of the republic, Cato the Younger did not agree. Perhaps, in his eyes, there is not much difference between Pompey and Caesar. It's just that one has already got everything he wants, and the other, ambition is just beginning to swell. In Cato Jr.'s view, forming an alliance with Pompey was a last resort. Pompeo was not a trustworthy partner.

……

Before the end of spring, Apis, with his little luggage and a few retinues, rushed to Rome to attend the election of tribunes in the Roman Civic Forum in the summer. Even though he hadn't voted yet, Appis knew that he was bound to win this time, but he still had to go through the motions. Caesar had already arranged everything, and Apis only had to go to the market and square of the city of Rome and give an enthusiastic speech, and the rest of the votes did not need to worry about it at all, and those voters might have already received Caesar's bounty.

"Are you sure you're only taking the three of them?"

Before leaving, Caesar met with Appis alone. Looking at the three "guards" beside Appis, it was obvious that Caesar was a little surprised.

A veteran veteran, a slave cook, and a Germanic maid. Of the three people, there was only one guard by Apys's side. The journey to Rome may have been perilous, as Caesar's request to the Senate was to run for consulship next year. This request was apparently rejected by the Senate, and the attitude towards the people sent out by Caesar was not very friendly. Apis is running for the tribune of Rome, although the tribune enjoys the privilege of personal safety and inviolability, but after all, the election has not yet begun, and Appis only brought three people back, which still makes Caesar a little uneasy.

"Yes, Caesar. I think the three of them are enough to cope with everything on the road, and as long as we get to Rome, we will be safe. ”

Appis stood in front of Caesar and said calmly. Compared to the amusement he had when he first met Caesar three years ago, Appis felt that it was so natural for him to stand in front of Caesar now, to talk to him, to look at him.

"Well, be careful on your way. When you arrive in Rome, go to Batinhos, I know that you have had a holiday before, but now that he is my man, you should put aside all your personal feelings and cooperate with him. Appis, you're a smart man, and that's what I admire the most, and you know to put yourself in the right place. So, don't let me down. You know what to do. ”

Caesar said, his face full of appreciation and seriousness. He looked forward to the growth of a right-hand man he had discovered by surprise, and at the same time felt vaguely uneasy that Apis had never been involved in politics. This young man may have a certain talent in military affairs, but the turbulence of Roman politics will not be safer and calmer than the Gallic battlefield.

"Courage and glory. Caesar. ”

After saluting Caesar with the standard military salute, Apis withdrew from the tent. In front of them, the Roman legionnaires were preparing for a celebration feast, and the whole barracks was full of celebratory fever, but Apis did not have time to participate, for Apis, his life had just begun. Rome, the place known as the Eternal City, is now up to conquer it for real. (To be continued.) )