"Please follow me, Caesar."
We were led inside Crassus's mansion.
The tablinum, where guests waited, was crowded with slaves.
From those sweeping the floor to those carrying precious bronze statues, the house was packed.
It was exactly what you'd expect from Crassus, who made a fortune through his slave trade.
"There are so many slaves here. I doubt the master even recognizes them all."
"At this rate, some slaves probably don't even know what their master looks like."
Felix and I looked around the mansion.
Marcus Licinius Crassus.
He was a former subordinate of Sulla, the dictator who ruled Rome decades ago.
Back then, Sulla wrote the names of his political enemies on proscription lists to eliminate them, confiscated their property, and auctioned it off.
Crassus was the man who had amassed his wealth most viciously under Sulla's regime.
He would put people on the proscription list and have them killed simply because they were wealthy.
Having been reborn as Rome's richest man through such means, Crassus now dominated Rome's slave and real estate markets.
And I had come to borrow money from that very man.
But it wasn't just about the money.
It was also to make an impression on Crassus, who would later become a member of the First Triumvirate.
As I steeled myself, a man walked into the tablinum.
Balding head, distinct features, and a perfectly kind, gentle expression.
It was Crassus.
"Look who it is! To think you would visit my humble abode. What a delight! Did your father leave for Hispania safely this morning?"
He took my hand warmly and asked.
"I was so busy with work that I couldn't attend the farewell party yesterday. But even Jupiter knows that I sincerely wish for your father's success."
"Of course. My father often expressed his gratitude towards you as well."
"Gratitude? I haven't done anything to deserve such thanks."
After shaking my hand, he extended his hand to Felix standing beside me.
"I am merely a slave serving Master Caesar."
"Then you are my friend as well. Is there any reason a slave cannot shake hands?"
Felix hesitated, then shook his hand.
That was unusual.
For a prominent Roman politician to be so kind to a slave.
But I already knew that Crassus's outward appearance was different from his true nature.
"This is the first time I've spoken with you like this since the banquet at Hybridas's house last month. So, what brings you to see me?"
"I will be direct. I would like to borrow some money."
"You want to borrow money? From me?"
"Yes."
His gentle gaze turned sharp for a split second.
It was gone in an instant—but I caught it.
"You are the son of my dearest friend. I cannot refuse a request from you. So, how much do you need?"
"A hundred thousand sestertii."
Hearing my answer, he stroked his chin with interest.
100,000 sestertii.
It was by no means a small sum, but to Crassus, the richest man in Rome, it was pocket change.
"Sure. For you, lending 100,000 sestertii is nothing at all."
He smiled broadly.
"Asking me for this favor means there's a reason you can't tell your parents, doesn't it?"
"Actually, I'm planning to start a business."
"A business?"
Crassus looked surprised at my words.
"A business at your young age. I don't mean to underestimate you, but that is quite surprising. I thought you were here to get money for a gift for your lover!"
He burst into hearty laughter.
"So, what kind of business are you planning?"
"I apologize, given that I am the one borrowing money..."
I said.
"But I cannot disclose the details of the business yet. I'll repay you on time—no matter what."
"Hahaha. When I saw you as a child, I thought you had the eyes of a puppy. But now I see you are a wolf, not a puppy."
Crassus turned his head and shouted behind him.
"Hey, Pollio! Take 100,000 sestertii out of the safe and give it to this friend here. Record it in the ledger too!"
"Yes, Master."
A slave who appeared to be his secretary nodded.
Crassus looked back at me and said.
"I'll give you a generous repayment period of six months. And of course, since you are the son of a friend, I won't charge any interest."
"Thank you, sir."
Saying he wouldn't charge interest was essentially him doing me a favor for show.
Crassus wasn't a loan shark.
He always lent money interest-free to senators who were short on cash.
Debt was a means for him to exert influence over powerful figures.
Debt was a leash—one he could yank whenever he pleased.
Him lending me money so readily now was probably for the same reason.
"Even if the business fails, don't be too discouraged. Actually, why don't you come to my house and learn about business if that happens?"
He said with an infinitely benevolent smile.
"You won't find a better business school anywhere in Rome than right here."
"If this business fails, I will consider it then."
"Yes, yes. A passionate talent like you is always welcome here."
A brief chat followed, but I had achieved my goal.
Crassus walked us to the main gate of the mansion.
At the gate, he suddenly looked at Felix and spoke.
"Hmm... By the way, your slave has a good physique and looks quite capable. Would you consider selling him to me? I'll buy him for 10,000 sestertii."
Hearing that, Felix's face went white as a sheet.
10,000 sestertii was a huge sum, nearly three times the average market price for an adult slave.
But I refused the offer without hesitation.
"I apologize, but I cannot sell Felix even if you offer ten times that amount."
"That's a shame. Such sturdy slaves are rare these days. Well, if you don't want to, there's nothing I can do. Farewell then, young Caesar. I don't know what your business is, but I hope you succeed."
After exchanging goodbyes, I walked down the hill with Felix.
Only after we were far from the mansion did Felix break his silence.
"Why did you refuse Crassus's offer? 10,000 sestertii would have been three times my market value."
"Crassus probably intended to find out what business I'm planning through you."
"But I don't know anything about your plan yet, Young Master."
"Crassus doesn't know that."
"...."
"Besides, you're my friend, Felix. I can't even imagine selling a friend for a bargain price."
"Young Master..."
Felix looked genuinely touched.
"Although, if it was 100,000 sestertii, I might have considered it."
"...."
"That's enough joking."
I said with a laugh.
Actually, what I told Felix was the truth.
Having lived together for over ten years since childhood, Felix was more like a friend or family to me than a slave.
Selling a friend wasn't an attractive option, no matter how desperate I was for money.
"Aren't you coming?"
Felix, who had stopped for a moment, hurried after me again.
"By the way, what exactly is this business you're planning? Since we got the money, surely you can tell me now."
"Insurance!"
"Insurance?"
Seeing Felix tilt his head in confusion, I couldn't help but laugh.
"I'll explain slowly on the way."
***
In Rome, everything revolves around politics.
Conquering foreign territories to incorporate them into the Roman Republic, offering sacrifices and prayers at temples, welfare and donation projects for citizens.
Politics was the Alpha and the Omega, the driving force governing the daily lives of all Romans.
It was a belief, a faith, a religion in itself.
If so, business must be the same.
Business had to be approached from a political perspective, not just as a means to make money.
A business that would gain the support of Roman citizens and spread the name of Lucius Julius Caesar far and wide.
Insurance was the perfect business for that purpose.
The problem was how to execute it.
"The core of insurance is statistics and probability."
Setting the premiums at the right level to make a profit was key.
But I had a cheat code.
A powerful tool that no one else in this era possessed.
"Right, this should be enough."
I put down the books I had been reading.
Books on early Roman insurance—collegia, bottomry, and the like.
And various statistical methods perfected in the 21st century.
The preparation was sufficient.
As I focused my mind, the scenery of the temple gradually blurred.
Before I knew it, I was back in Rome.
"It's time to get started."