Chapter 37: The Trial of Verres (1) While Marcus was securing his alliance with Caesar, Verres was preoccupied with preparing for his trial.
Despite his confidence in his background, Verres took every possible measure to ensure his defense. He was cautioned by his defense lawyer, Hortensius, not to underestimate Cicero. Known for his work as a defense attorney rather than a prosecutor, Cicero's role as the prosecutor suggested he had a few tricks up his sleeve.
Verres was particularly convinced that Pompey was behind Cicero's prosecution. Pompey, already in conflict with the Senate and even more so than Crassus, kept Verres on high alert.
The butterfly effect Marcus had feared unfolded in an unexpected direction.
At a meeting in his mansion with Hortensius and his brother-in-law Quintus, Verres, his face haggard from stress, pressed Hortensius.
"Didn't you promise to disqualify Cicero as prosecutor? Why was he accepted?"
"The judges were swayed by Cicero's eloquence. With Pompey's influence, things didn't go as planned."
Hortensius, a stern-faced middle-aged man, licked his lips. He still believed they would win the trial but acknowledged a slim chance of losing.
Quintus, sitting across from Verres, sneered.
"But you had your own plans, didn't you? Pompey is clearly behind this. He wants to weaken our family's power by bribing Cicero."
Verres nodded angrily.
"That's the only explanation. Damn Pompey… A rising star who thinks he can crush me and become governor of Sicily to gain popularity. Not going to happen. Hortensius, I trust you completely. I'll pay you generously."
"Don't worry about the trial. If you've been truthful with me, we shouldn't lose. But just to be sure, are you absolutely certain that none of Cicero's charges are true?"
"Of course. I admit I took bribes, but I didn't embezzle as much as they claim. This is all slander by those who want to see me impeached. Look at Syracuse and Messana—they didn't join the prosecution. If I really stole that much, they'd have condemned me too."
In truth, those cities were complicit in Verres's crimes and shared the profits. But Hortensius, unaware of this, took Verres's words at face value.
"Good. We need to revise our strategy. First, we can no longer pursue the disqualification of Cicero. Our immediate goal is to postpone the trial until next year. Quintus and I are almost certain to be elected as praetors."
"And my brother-in-law will be a quaestor. If we delay until next year, we should be safe. But they won't be ignorant of this. They'll try to start the trial before the year ends."
"I agree. It usually takes at least six months to investigate a case involving regions far from Rome. Cicero is running for aedile this election, so he must be in Rome by July. He won't find solid evidence if he tries to push the trial this year."
"I've already sent a letter to Lucius, the current governor, asking him to obstruct Cicero's evidence collection in Sicily. But if he persists with the trial, I'll rely on your skills as Rome's best lawyer."
Hortensius smiled confidently.
"Leave it to me. I don't plan to lose to a novice lawyer who hasn't even been an aedile."
"Hahaha, you truly are the best lawyer and will be Rome's next praetor. I trust you."
"I'll review my defense strategy thoroughly."
Hortensius stood up, leaving his wine glass untouched.
"I won't forget your support. I promise to cooperate fully in running the state next year."
"You don't need to remind me, but avoid actions that could get you caught until the trial."
Hortensius crossed the garden and departed from view. Verres and Quintus remained silent for a while before Verres raised his wine glass. A slave quickly filled it.
"We don't need to worry about the defense with Hortensius on our side."
"But do you think Pompey will remain idle?"
"Of course not. If he's backing Cicero, he must have other plans."
"If Pompey uses his influence as the next governor, there's a risk that Sicilian landowners might ignore Lucius. Pompey's name carries significant weight."
Quintus, aware of the extent of Verres's embezzlement, looked anxious. The Metellus family had shared in Verres's profits, and a trial loss would harm both Verres and the Metellus family.
"Don't worry, Quintus. I'll handle the rest myself."
"The rest means… hiding or obstructing evidence?"
"Normally, that would suffice. But with Pompey involved, I might need to take more drastic measures. This is a fight he started; defending myself is justified."
Verres's eyes gleamed with a dangerous light.
He had many enemies in Sicily who would suffer if he was arrested. His involvement with pirates and plundering during his governorship added to the risk. Despite the potential end of his political career, he had the means to fight back.
In history, Verres had been easily defeated by Cicero due to his reluctance to take risks. But now, seeing Pompey as the true opponent, Verres was determined to hold onto his wealth and power.
He drank his wine in one gulp. As the alcohol warmed him, his simmering anger intensified. His eyes shone with a cold, greedy light.
Marcus kept his promise to Cicero. He secured the fastest ship to Sicily and boarded the galley with Cicero. As the galley slowly departed the harbor, Marcus gazed nostalgically at the receding land. This was his first voyage in this era, and he had little experience with ships from his previous life. He tolerated the rocking of the ship and felt a refreshing sense of liberation.
Spartacus, who accompanied Marcus for protection, smiled softly.
"You look relieved."
"Yes. I didn't realize how beautiful the view from the ship would be. I feel almost liberated."
"Perhaps it's because you've been freed from recent intense work?"
"Maybe."
Marcus felt like he was on vacation. Despite his self-imposed busy schedule and lack of sleep, the change of scenery felt liberating. He felt some guilt for leaving Danae and Septimus behind but planned to give them time off upon his return.
Marcus's trip to Sicily wasn't just for relaxation. He aimed to solidify his friendship with Cicero by assisting him and address any potential issues if Verres's trial didn't go as expected. He also wanted to explore shipbuilding technology firsthand.
The ship, a galley with its long, narrow hull and reliance on oars, had limitations. The Mediterranean's fickle weather and the galley's design meant long voyages were impractical. Marcus realized that transporting crops like potatoes from the New World would be impossible with the current ships.
'Improving agricultural technology seems like the only solution.'
Agriculture was critical to Rome, and while Marcus had advanced ironmaking technology, he had little knowledge of agriculture. He anticipated trial and error in improving farming techniques.
His thoughts were interrupted by Cicero's voice.
"What are you thinking about?"
"Nothing much. Just contemplating my future plans."
"Well, it won't be easy in Sicily. The current governor is Verres's brother-in-law, so interference is likely."
Marcus didn't correct Cicero's misunderstanding about his plans.
"It will be challenging, but I've arranged for local assistance in evidence collection and secured a carriage. I've also prepared for emergencies."
Cicero glanced at Spartacus, known as Rome's strongest gladiator, and smiled confidently.
"I'm glad to have him with us. But we shouldn't be complacent. Verres and the Metellus family have immense wealth. They might bribe witnesses or hide evidence, putting us at a disadvantage."
"That would actually help us."
Marcus chuckled, revealing his confidence.
"Even combined, Verres and the Metellus family's wealth is dwarfed by ours."
Cicero, momentarily surprised, nodded in agreement.
"I've never heard a more reassuring statement."
It was a genuine remark.
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