"This is impossible!"
The Senate erupted in chaos over the drastic proposal presented.
Senators encircling the central podium shouted and protested vehemently.
"It's been only 10 years since Sulla enacted the law to strengthen Senate authority—barely a quarter of a century! And now you want to nullify it already?"
"Pompey! How dare you disregard the Senate like this!"
"This is outrageous tyranny. The Senate will never agree to this!"
Pompey remained unfazed by the torrent of criticism. He appeared relaxed and confident.
He spoke calmly.
"My dear senators, when did I ever propose nullifying Sulla's reform?"
"You are doing it right now!"
"Reviving the Hortensius law that Sulla abolished would weaken Senate authority!"
Counterarguments erupted from all corners.
Pompey, though not known for his oratory skills, was prepared for this and had a ready rebuttal.
"The core of Sulla's reform was increasing the number of senators from 300 to 600 and enhancing Senate control over provincial governors. Beyond that, it's more about suppressing the assembly than strengthening the Senate."
"Suppressing? That's too harsh a term."
"That's how the people perceive it. Don't you know how the citizens are reacting?"
Pompey's remark silenced the room.
In Rome, offices were elective, so senators were highly attuned to public opinion. This was a flaw in Sulla's reform.
A republican system needed popular support to function. No matter how much the people's rights were suppressed, officials still needed their votes.
This structural issue kept senators under public scrutiny. No senator aimed to avoid becoming praetor or consul.
Pompey surveyed the room and continued with a tone of triumph.
"If you wish to oppose me, do so. But the assembly is keenly watching today's Senate meeting, so they will hear your arguments. Lentulus, do you still believe the Senate will never agree?"
Lentulus, who had been vociferous moments earlier, fell silent, realizing he couldn't speak recklessly while eyeing next year's consul election.
The other senators hesitated, exchanging glances.
Metellus Pius, a seasoned senator who had helped suppress Sertorius' rebellion with Pompey, cautiously rose to speak.
He came from an old senatorial family, but his nature was rather cautious.
He didn't view the situation as a mere political struggle.
"My dear senators, the consul's argument has merit. There is some truth in his words."
"Truth? So you suggest we should pass this bill?"
"We can't oppose it blindly. The assembly's status is at a low point. Regardless of public dissatisfaction, this is an unbalanced situation."
Metellus' opinion echoed the sentiments of moderate republicans.
Many senators took great pride in the Roman system. They feared the populists would lead to demagoguery like Athens, while the aristocrats might turn it into a commonplace political system.
They believed the Roman republic was ideal and resented Sulla's reform for damaging the balance too severely.
Especially those well-versed in law felt this way.
Cicero, a lawyer, supported Metellus and stepped forward.
"The assembly's right to legislate was a tradition lasting over 200 years. Reviving this tradition merits discussion. Restoring the jury system to its original state is also worth considering."
The Roman judicial system depended on the jury system and the right of appeal.
All Romans had the right to appeal and were judged by jurors. Originally, only aristocrats served as jurors, but the Gracchi brothers' reform included aristocrats, equestrians, and plebeians equally.
Sulla's dictatorship reverted this system, giving immunity to aristocrats.
Cicero, disillusioned by this injustice, passionately spoke.
"When an aristocrat and a plebeian face off in court, the aristocrat often wins, even with overwhelming evidence. This fosters serious distrust in Rome's judicial system. The citizens' distrust is already mounting."
"But what if someone like the Gracchi brothers rises again?"
"Did the Gracchi brothers succeed in overthrowing the Senate? They failed twice. Moreover, the Senate now has greater authority. We need not fear."
"But still…"
As opinions divided within the Senate, Pompey smiled with satisfaction.
He even proposed a bill to restore the jury system to its previous state.
The hardliners were furious but could not openly oppose it.
Their best option was to delay the vote until the following day.
Pompey threatened to reveal this to the assembly and left his seat.
Frustrated, the hardline senators turned to Crassus, another consul, seeking his veto power.
"Please, use your veto. If this continues, the bill will pass."
"Heh… Are you asking me to use coercion? That's not feasible. This bill has massive public support. What will happen to my position if I veto it?"
"Then, are you going to do nothing?"
"First, you should raise your voices and express your opposition. Only then will I consider it. It's irresponsible to place all the responsibility on me without that."
Crassus had no intention of vetoing the bill. Though he appeared to support the Senate, he actually represented the equestrian class, which stood to benefit from the Hortensius law and jury system reforms.
Crassus needed an excuse to avoid opposing the bill, while appearing to be a loyal Senate partner. He argued that he'd have a reason to cooperate if other senators voiced strong opposition.
No senator volunteered to do so.
Crassus was their only hope.
They persisted, demanding action.
"You promised to challenge Pompey. You must keep your word."
"Haha… Are you asking me to use force now? This bill enjoys overwhelming public support. What will happen to my position if I veto it?"
"Then, are you going to sit back and watch?"
"Calm down. I never said I'd let Pompey go. I just have no reason to oppose the bill he proposed right now. Let's use a strategy of giving some and taking some."
Crassus' proposal gave the senators a glimmer of hope.
They weren't inclined to simply lose.
They resolved to at least extract some concessions from their opponents.
The aristocrats reached a consensus to secure at least some gains.
The Senate's opinion shifted within a day, and they declared support for Pompey's proposal.
Pompey, reveling in his victory, faced a surprisingly painful counterattack.
Knowing the bill would pass, senators delivered lengthy speeches to gain public support.
Aristocratic promises to restore citizens' rights were met with applause from the assembly.
Former consul Aurelius seized the moment, advocating for Pompey to handle the chaotic southern region due to the slave rebellion.
Although Crassus had quelled the rebellion, the situation was unresolved. Over 100,000 had died, and the survivors faced harsh consequences.
Aurelius stoked fears about potential troublemakers in Sicily, suggesting Pompey's leadership was necessary.
The citizens, still haunted by the slave rebellion, eagerly supported Aurelius' argument.
Consuls and praetors served as provincial governors for a year post-term, and Pompey was assigned to Sicily.
The Senate and assembly overwhelmingly approved this decision.
Pompey, though outwardly calm, was frustrated. He had secretly planned to go to the east, where Lucullus was making significant progress against Pontus.
Pompey had hoped to achieve military glory before Mithridates VI surrendered.
However, he had to accept Sicily when both the Senate and assembly favored it.
Refusing to go to Sicily would suggest he prioritized personal glory over Rome's safety.
Suppressing his anger, Pompey declared he would fulfill the citizens' expectations.
Senators who had lost Sicily were relieved by Pompey's frustration.
Objectively, Pompey lost nothing; he simply had to adjust his plans.
He sought feats comparable to Alexander the Great and was dissatisfied with only two triumphs.
"Why are you so anxious?"
"You wouldn't understand, but Lucullus' ability in the east is unmatched. Given his talent, he could easily defeat Mithridates by next year."
"That may be true for his military skill, but you need not worry."
"What do you mean?"
Lucullus, praised for his talent under Sulla, was a formidable commander and had won numerous victories against Mithridates.
This news was less pleasant for Pompey, who sought an opportunity to shine.
Marcus, aware of future developments, remained unconcerned.
"Lucullus may be skilled, but he struggles with winning soldiers' hearts. Reports from the eastern provinces suggest this."
"He fails to win their hearts? Is that true?"
"Yes. He forbids looting after victories and distributes spoils sparingly. While not against the rules, it fails to satisfy the soldiers."
Roman soldiers had a strong desire for loot. If looting was prohibited, commanders needed to provide adequate spoils.
Lucullus' stinginess and near-monopoly on spoils created discontent.
Hearing this, Pompey sneered with satisfaction.
"If that's the case, Lucullus won't last long. I suppose I worried for nothing."
"Yes. Go to Sicily, appease the people, and return to Rome. If Lucullus fails, the opportunity will naturally come to you."
"Hahaha, I feel relieved hearing that. I'll also send someone to monitor the east. If it's as you say, I'll gladly accept Sicily."
"Thank you."
"Thank you? I should thank you. Crassus values you highly. I've never envied him before, but I do now. I wish my son had your talent."
Despite Pompey's praise, Marcus merely bowed politely.
He was pleased things were going well but felt a bit bitter.
'A genius talent…'
How nice it would be if Marcus truly had such a gift.
While everyone viewed him as a genius, reality was different.
Marcus wore the mask of a genius to maintain trust and command.
He was not the genius he portrayed but worked tirelessly to maintain the facade.
He considered countless scenarios, devised countermeasures, and practiced his public persona extensively.
This act was his ideal future, and he would continue it until he became the real deal.
Having composed himself, Marcus bade Pompey farewell and left the mansion.
Things were proceeding as planned, and he had a task ahead.
'Pompey's concern about Lucullus indicates the time is ripe.'
In Rome, optimism about the eastern situation would soon lower wheat prices.
An opportunity to make a fortune was on the horizon.
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