016: That Will Burn Everything, The Young and Ferocious Star
Having just returned from exile not long ago, Seneca had finished today's task and was walking through the grand Roman palace, composed of white marble palaces and fluttering red banners.
"Rome under the sunlight looks quite different, doesn't it?"
Hearing this, Seneca turned around and respectfully bowed.
A silver-haired boy wearing a plain white robe stood on a protruding rock behind him, bathed in the beauty of the warm afternoon. His skin glowed ruddily under the sun.
"Greetings, Lord Novia."
"Seneca, how are the two young masters progressing in their studies?"
"Exceptionally well."
"You've worked hard."
Novia nodded with satisfaction and sat down on a nearby chair, and Seneca followed suit.
"Prince Britannicus is only seven years old, and Octavia is merely nine. Both are still quite young, so their education still requires your careful guidance."
Seneca nodded silently. At fifty years old, ever since meeting the boy before him, he had been astonished—or perhaps one should say, deeply admiring.
At the age of fifteen, he had gained the trust of Emperor Claudius and was in charge of the three major departments: the Secretariat overseeing internal affairs, foreign affairs, and military affairs; the Finance Department managing the treasury; and the Justice Department handling legal matters. Emperor Claudius not only personally supervised these departments but also frequently sought his opinion. Moreover, when provincial nobles sought to enter the Senate and assume high-ranking positions, the emperor would also inquire about his views.
He was, quite literally, second only to one person and above ten thousand others. Additionally, he was actively promoting the rapidly developing Christian sect.
Unlike several previous secretaries, he was completely free from corruption and graft, and he did not amass wealth.
All of this earned Seneca's admiration. Of course, there was also the fact that his exile had ended because of Novia, which naturally labeled him as part of Novia's faction. Moreover, Seneca himself was a Christian, albeit of the original Christian doctrine.
As a veteran of three dynasties, Seneca had long been distrusted due to his talents. Were it not for various unexpected events, he would have been executed long ago. By the time of Claudius's reign, he had been ruthlessly exiled to the island of Corsica for seven years.
Initially, when Novia asked him to instruct Octavia and Britannicus, Seneca was greatly surprised. After all, barring any unforeseen circumstances, Britannicus was destined to become the next emperor. Yet Novia was entrusting him with the honor and power of being the emperor's teacher...
Although Novia left the education to Seneca, he still personally taught the two his innovative Christian doctrines every day.
"Your Excellency is right."
The old man and the youth took a sip of water from the table, then another.
The sound of a gentle breeze whispered in their ears. What could Novia have come to see him about?
Seneca vaguely pondered this as he took a third sip.
"I heard Agrippina came to see you today."
Without looking up, the youth spoke with a smile as he drank his water.
Hearing this, the old man's drowsy eyes blinked, not yet fully open, before he abruptly straightened up in his chair.
"No, no, Your Excellency, don't misunderstand. That woman only came to ask me to be her child's teacher. I didn't agree—"
"It's fine, I was just asking." Novia reached out and patted the old man's shoulder. "Her child? What do you think of them?"
Agrippina's child was Nero, who, according to historical developments, would ascend to the Roman throne six years later.
From Novia's memories of the Fate universe, Seneca was forced to commit suicide by Nero. Before his death, his final words to his disciple Nero were:
"A small gem that once shone brightly has now become a malevolent star. The disasters pouring down are like meteors, turning into flames that consume everything. I, who helped unearth your talents, also bear responsibility."
Perhaps out of some caution, Seneca now told Novia that Agrippina's child was less talented than Octavia and Britannicus.
"By the way, Agrippina also said, 'Please convey my greetings to Your Excellency Novia.'"
"I see." Novia narrowed his eyes and headed toward the palace. "Thank you for your trouble, Seneca. You may rest now."
"Your Excellency, where are you going?"
"Since she asked you to convey her greetings, I naturally must meet this Agrippina."
Somewhere in the Roman palace.
A woman seemed deeply lost in thought. Petals drifted lightly from the branches, but she only glanced briefly before quietly closing her eyes. The sunlight was faint yet heartwarming.
"Mother, my head hurts."
Perhaps stirred by the soft voice of the young girl in her arms, the woman suddenly opened her clear blue eyes. Although the surroundings remained unchanged, she looked around as if searching for someone.
"Because something very important for our future will happen today, so bear with it, Domitius."
The mother's words were somewhat unfeeling. The golden-haired girl trembled slightly like a small animal, turned her gaze to the ground, and after a moment, whispered, "Okay." She seemed somewhat dejected.
Domitius was Nero's original name. The name "Nero" was only adopted after her mother married Emperor Claudius I. She lost her father at three, and her mother, Agrippina, was exiled, so she was raised by her aunt's family, the Lepidas.
Agrippina was also growing anxious. The main reason she dared to bring her child to see Seneca today was not merely to say those words but to secure a meeting with Novia, who now wielded immense power in Rome. Since the death of the previous empress, she had been trying to meet this fifteen-year-old youth but had been unsuccessful, forcing her to resort to this strategy.
Time passed slowly, heightening Agrippina's anxiety. If she failed to meet Novia today, how could she, as the emperor's niece, enter the palace to assist with household affairs...?
"You must be Agrippina. I am Novia."
The sudden voice finally eased Agrippina's mood slightly. She fixed her gaze on the silver-haired youth approaching her.
"Greetings, Your Excellency. I am Agrippina, granddaughter of Augustus, sister of Caligula, and niece of His Majesty Claudius."
Novia was not easily intimidated. He turned his azure gaze to Agrippina. His expression, even when smiling, remained inscrutable.
"Agrippina," the silver-haired youth said, uttering the woman's name calmly yet respectfully. "Such external titles are meaningless. Under God, all are equal."
"I see, my apologies. I was merely introducing my family background to Your Excellency, nothing more..."
"Ah."
Suddenly, Domitius let out a soft exclamation but quickly fell silent, covering her mouth with one hand as if not wanting to be noticed. She seemed to have something to say but soon realized it was pointless and refrained.
Occasionally, her self-control could not suppress her headaches, and such moments would arise from time to time.
"Haha, this child has suffered from headaches since she was young. I apologize. I have heard that Your Excellency Novia is a messenger of God. I wonder if you could alleviate this child's pain."
At the same time, Agrippina subtly pinched the child in her arms, signaling her to speak.
"Your Excellency Novia, I—"
Just as Domitius was about to speak, Novia interrupted her. The silver-haired youth spoke with a faint, enigmatic smile.
"That won't be necessary. As her mother, you surely understand this condition far better than I do."
Note: I'm new to translating so please be kind and tell me any mistakes you all find, I will try to release a chapter a day but don't expect much
Please support the original author: 式模式
Raw: 型月,小开也算开?