Chapter 36 Gaius Julius Caesar (2) "How far can you see?" Caesar asked.
It was a simple question, but it carried deeper implications.
Marcus smiled faintly and responded, "That's what I want to ask you. How far can you see through everything?"
"Answering a question with a question… That means you don't want to answer. Well, it doesn't matter. I got the answer I needed from your reaction."
"Coincidentally, I feel the same way. I think I've learned everything I needed to from this conversation."
"Oh? Like what?"
"Your political orientation, for example."
Marcus's words made a glint of realization pass through Caesar's eyes.
It was a half-truth mixed with a bit of bluff. Marcus was satisfied as he sipped his wine and avoided Caesar's probing gaze. He didn't want to be the only one being scrutinized. He had to make Caesar feel uncertain too, to balance the scales.
Of course, it was impossible to judge Caesar's exact political leanings from their conversation so far. But Marcus already knew everything about Caesar's personality and history. It was easy to pretend he had just discovered what he already knew.
Caesar pretended not to know and tilted his head slightly. "What political orientation? There's nothing special about it. Everyone in Rome knows I'm a populist."
Caesar's family was one of Rome's most prestigious noble families, yet they were classified as populists. This was due to Marius, the hero of the commoners and symbol of the populists. Caesar's uncle was Marius' father-in-law, and Caesar himself married Cinna, Marius' ally. Though Marius and Cinna were long dead and their relatives eliminated by Sulla, Caesar claimed to inherit Marius' legacy, making him a prominent figure among the populists, even at his young age.
But Marcus was not referring to just that. He glanced at Danae and Septimus behind him and whispered, "I have something important to discuss. Please excuse us for a moment."
"Yes."
"Understood."
The two left the room with the dancing women and musicians and went downstairs. The room grew quiet, leaving only the two men.
Marcus poured more wine into his cup with a sound that echoed like thunder. "What do you think of the republic?"
It seemed like a random question, but Caesar calmly shrugged and answered, "The republic is the foundation of Rome's political system. It's what made Rome a great empire."
"Yes, but you're speaking in the past tense."
Caesar's frown showed his emotional disturbance for the first time. Marcus whispered, barely audible, "Aren't you considering change?"
"You… Do you realize how dangerous that question is?"
"Of course. That's why I sent everyone away."
The republic was Rome's core, and denying it was akin to denying Rome itself. Even a dictator had to respect the republic. Those who spoke against it were executed without trial by the Senate's final decree.
Caesar had to be cautious about this topic, especially now.
"I don't understand how you arrived at such a ridiculous idea. Is it because I don't seem to get along well with the republicans?"
"Why judge a person by a single factor alone?"
"There must be something more."
"If I had to choose, I'd say it's your nature. You can't hide your potential to be an emperor. It seems you don't intend to hide it either. In a few years, many will see you as I do."
Caesar's gaze pierced through Marcus with intense scrutiny, as if he could read his innermost thoughts. Marcus understood why many were fanatically loyal to Caesar or tried to deny him—Caesar had an overwhelming charisma that forced a binary choice by his mere existence. He was a natural-born leader.
Marcus continued, "I don't intend to do anything to you. On the contrary, I hope you remain as you are."
"As I am now?"
"Yes. I'll lend you as much money as you need in the future. I informed Danae in advance. Just tell me how much you need, and I'll provide it on the spot."
"You'll keep lending me money?"
Caesar was surprised by this unexpected favor and smiled slightly. The offer of money despite his political stance implied an interest in maintaining a good relationship.
He drank some wine and ate some snacks, then spoke with amusement, "Is this an offer to join forces?"
"I'm a merchant. I prefer to observe from a safe distance rather than get directly involved."
"What if the amount I borrow in the future is several times more than now?"
"My family's wealth is growing steadily, so it's manageable. It's better to borrow from me than deal with many creditors. I'll offer a low interest rate."
Caesar's curiosity was piqued. He was confident he would rise to the top of Rome, but Marcus's intentions were unclear. Was this an insurance policy or a strategic move?
Marcus answered, "Yes, it's a precaution, ensuring stability for my family. It's a strategic move, similar to what my father did."
Caesar considered Marcus's words. Crassus had noted Caesar's potential since his youth. Marius had seized power, then it shifted to Sulla. The future was uncertain, but Crassus had planned for various outcomes, including a friendly relationship with Caesar.
Caesar's debt had ballooned from 20 million to nearly 100 million. In this situation, Caesar was the one in control. If he went bankrupt, creditors like Marcus would face ruin as well.
Marcus concluded, "It's not much different. I prefer a more aggressive investment strategy. I trust my judgment in people. If I can erase my debt by aiding someone with future potential, it's a win-win."
"A person with future potential… That's not a bad compliment."
"I might have spoken grandly, but nothing will change. You keep borrowing, and I'll lend. You'll repay with interest later."
Caesar felt he understood Marcus's character. Many had good business sense, but not everyone had a vision for a new era.
"Why reveal this to me? To showcase your abilities? You're warning me not to try to manipulate you?"
"Interpret it as you wish. If you think that's the right conclusion, then it is."
"Haha, impressive. You're only sixteen, but you're more intriguing than any senator I've met. I was much more clumsy at your age."
Despite his genius, Caesar made mistakes due to a lack of experience. His early attempts at law and rhetoric had failed. He was confident but overestimated himself. His experience would later temper his overconfidence.
Caesar and Pompey's experiences were valuable lessons for Marcus. Caesar, though admiring, had privately assessed Marcus's capabilities with a hint of envy.
"Then I hope we continue our good relationship."
"Likewise. It's reassuring to have a reliable sponsor. By the way, do you have a fiancée? You'll be an adult next year, so it's time to consider marriage."
"No, not yet."
"That's too bad."
Caesar made a meaningful expression and then remembered something.
"Since you're sponsoring me, can I ask one more favor?"
"Of course. What is it?"
"I ordered a carriage that's all the rage these days, but it won't be available for three months. Can you get it sooner? My wife and daughter are eager to ride it."
"That's quite an expensive carriage."
"Indeed. I ordered it as soon as it was available. But I had to borrow money for it, so I'm waiting."
Marcus laughed at the irony of Caesar borrowing money for a carriage. Despite his immense power and ambition, Caesar had a human vanity that was both amusing and relatable.
"I'll make sure you get it by next week."
"Wow! Thank you very much. I'll repay this favor with a party after the election. Please attend."
"Of course. I'll be glad to."
"Haha, great. How about one more drink to celebrate our relationship?"
Caesar laughed heartily and poured wine into Marcus's cup. Marcus offered a final piece of advice.
"Excessive drinking isn't good for hair loss."
"······?"
Caesar froze, holding his cup. He slowly set it down and asked, "Is that true?"
"Yes. That's what the doctor said."
"Really? If I don't drink, will my hair loss improve?"
Marcus observed Caesar's hair. It wasn't severely thinning yet, but he had an M-shaped baldness progressing. Historically, Caesar tried various remedies, including wearing a laurel wreath to cover his baldness.
Marcus shook his head, revealing the harsh reality. "There's no way to completely prevent it. You can only manage it and slow the progression. Accepting some degree of loss is inevitable."
Caesar was shocked, losing his composure. "That's ridiculous… Do you mean I'll have to watch my hair fall out completely?"
"Well, there might be some methods to prevent it, but I need to investigate further."
"Please do."
Caesar gripped Marcus's hand with a desperate look, sparking a business idea in Marcus's mind.
'Improving wigs could be highly profitable.'
In Egypt, wigs were common due to the hot weather. If Marcus could make wigs look more natural, it could be a lucrative market.
He resolved to explore this idea further.
After discussing the matters at hand, Marcus called the others back and enjoyed a pleasant drinking party. Caesar, however, abstained from alcohol for the rest of the evening.
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