Chapter 239: Conspiracy 3
< 239. Conspiracy 3 >
Cassius was startled by Catos fierce reaction and stood up awkwardly from his seat.
Why are you doing this? Dont you want the republic to survive more than anyone else?
Of course I do! Im confident that there are not more than a handful of people in Rome who love the republic more than I do!
Cato pounded the table with his rough voice.
He looked so angry that Cassius thought he might even smash his head with the cup he was holding.
Unless Caesar dies, the republic cannot return to its original state. He clearly wants to be king. This is our last chance while Marcus is still in Rome. If we let Caesar live, he will start his movement for establishing a monarchy after Marcus leaves for the East. By then, it will be too late!
That might be true. No, I have a similar thought. Do you think Im a fool? I know Caesars ambition better than anyone. Ive been warning about it for more than ten years. Do you remember what the Senate said every time? Thats too extreme, youre exaggerating because of your personal feelings. Thats what they poured out.
Cato glanced at Cicero.
Cicero, who belonged to the moderate faction among the aristocrats, coughed and avoided Catos gaze as if he felt guilty.
He did not think that Caesar, ambitious as he was, would completely destroy the republic, and he still had no change in that opinion.
Maybe he had a desire to rise to a position like a lifelong dictator and wield power as he pleased.
But establishing a monarchy?
He couldnt shake off the suspicion that Cassius and Cato were overinterpreting it too much.
On the other hand, Cassius was puzzled by Cato, who opposed the assassination even though he had the same thought.
Why do you oppose the plan if you know all that? Do you intend to impeach Caesar fairly and squarely?
Any intention, however noble, is meaningless if the means of achieving it are illegitimate. You think you can restore the purity of the republic by conspiring behind closed doors? I doubt your mental state very much.
So theres no other way. We cant do anything politically to Caesar now. He is superior to us in every way. The support of the citizens, the political capacity, and the ability to use the system. The aristocrats cant keep up with Caesar in anything.
Cato snorted.
He shook his head with a look of contempt as he looked at Cassius.
So you want to kill him? What youre saying is that you want to kill him because you cant handle him. Do you really not know how this will look to a third party?
Thats not it. Its for eliminating the threat to the republic and restoring the republic.
Nonsense!
Catos voice rose even higher.
He gritted his teeth with a fiery look as if he were going to war.
You want to break the law to deal with someone who might break the law? And kill a former consul and a hero of Rome? You care about the purity of the republic, but not about the rights of the Roman citizens? How can someone who does not respect citizenship restore the purity of the republic?
Cassius could not argue back and just fidgeted with his mouth.
He wanted to persuade him somehow, but he couldnt think of anything.
As he fell silent, Cato turned to Cicero and said.
Im very disappointed. I dont care about anyone else, but I cant believe that Cicero would agree with such an absurd argument. How am I supposed to accept that the best lawyer in Rome is leading the way in breaking the law?
You misunderstand. Im not saying we should blindly assassinate Caesar. If you calm down and listen to me, youll see that
I dont want to hear it. Just pack your things and get out. I have no intention of getting involved in this dirty business, whatever the reason. Peace achieved by unjust means can never last long. Youre no different from Sulla, who tried to strengthen the republic with dictatorship. Even if you rebuild the republic by assassination, it will collapse again in a few years.
Cato closed his ears and went into his room.
Sensing that there was no room for persuasion, Cassius and Cicero sighed and left Catos house.
Wed better exclude Cato from the plan.
Its a pity. I thought he would be our most reliable supporter.
Hes a self-proclaimed defender of freedom. In both good and bad ways, he does not compromise with anything that goes against his aesthetics.
I think its our duty as lovers of the republic to take risks to cut off the sprout of tyranny. Dont you think I want to walk only on clean paths like Cato?
Cassius muttered resentfully.
Cicero did not agree or disagree with him.
Anyway, what now? We couldnt get Catos cooperation, so who else should we bring in?
We need someone who can be a symbol for us. Theres no one more suitable for this role than my friend Brutus. Especially since we cant get Catos help, we need his assistance more than ever.
Brutus is not only Catos nephew, but he also married Catos daughter recently, didnt he? And hes personally close to Caesar. It would be a relief if he just opposed the assassination, but theres also a possibility that he might run to Caesar and spill everything.
No. His love for the republic is genuine. Ive known him for a long time, so Im sure of it. Ill go and see his reaction first.
Fine. Do as you please. I dont have much hope, but Ill wait anyway.
With Ciceros permission, Cassius went straight to Brutus house.
He greeted his brother-in-law warmly and asked him his opinion in a roundabout way.
What do you think of the future of the republic?
What do I think of the future Thats a difficult question. Only the gods know the future, dont they?
But it is us humans who must seize that future. What would you do if you had to shoulder evil yourself to bring down a greater evil? Do you think it is right to maintain a lofty attitude that cannot tolerate even a bit of injustice?
Well But I think it would be hard to get a proper result if you go through an illegitimate process. Isnt this a universal truth that applies at any time, regardless of the era?
Brutuss clear answer made Cassius realize that he could not persuade him.
In the end, what he said was the same as Cato.
It was too much for Cassius to change his friends mind alone.
Unlike the original history, Brutus had a trustworthy ally in Marcus, and more importantly, he did not have to suffer from his wife Porcias persuasion.
Originally, Porcia, who hated Caesar extremely, did not show so much hostility towards Caesar now.
That was because the event that caused her hatred, Catos suicide, did not happen at all.
It would be useless to try to persuade him half-heartedly, and it could even leak the plan to Caesar.
Cassius left a word of understanding and stumbled out.
Its so hard to cut off the sprout of tyranny.
But he had no intention of giving up.
He already had twenty reliable comrades by his side.
If he could only make Caesars ambition to become king clear, Cato and Brutuss thoughts might change.
He walked back with more strength in his steps, thinking about his future plans.
Cassiuss unexpected visit also gave Brutus a lot of things to think about.
Brutus was not a person who lacked sense or was foolish.
He roughly guessed what Cassiuss question meant to him.
Cassius Youre not really going to do such a foolish thing, are you?
If he really wanted to assassinate him, Cassius would not act alone.
He had to assume that at least dozens of people were with him in his intention.
He wondered if there were many people who had such foolish ideas, but on the other hand, he also thought it was possible.
Caesar has many enemies. Among the radical aristocratic senators, there must be many who would rather kill him.
Brutus was convinced as he recalled Cassiuss expression just before.
That was not the face of someone who was just about to make a plan.
It was the face of someone who had a firm conviction in his heart.
Cassius Why did you make such a stupid choice?
Cassius was Brutuss close friend and at the same time his brother-in-law.
If he did something stupid and something went wrong, he himself would also be in trouble.
His family could also be shaken as a whole.
Brutus, who was intelligent but not very bold, did not know what to do with the sudden anxiety.
He had no idea how far Cassius had talked about this matter.
He didnt seem like someone who would talk rashly, but this was not an ordinary matter.
If it leaked out even a little bit, a bloodbath would blow in Rome right away.
He hurriedly left the house and headed for the Crassus mansion where Marcus was staying.
Im sorry for coming so suddenly.
What are you sorry for? Come on in, Brutus.
Brutus, who was led into the reception room, looked at Marcus, who was leisurely sipping tea, with interest.
There was a young man sitting in front of him who looked like he had just become an adult, and for some reason his eyes kept going to him.
Marcus noticed his gaze and smiled softly and introduced them to each other.
Have you never seen him before? Octavius, you must have heard his name well. This is the famous Brutus. Brutus, say hello. This is Gaius Octavius Im taking care of. Hes a very talented and smart young man, so we talk often.
Oh, yes. Nice to meet you, Octavius. Im very happy to meet another brilliant young man.
Im honored to meet the successor of the great family that founded the republic.
Brutus did not look down on the young commoner who was much younger than him.
He thought it would be good to get along with him if he was such a talented person that Marcus praised so much.
He sat down and looked at the tea cups that Marcus and Octavius were sipping and blinked his eyes.
Is that the tea thing thats popular these days?
Yes. Do you want to try some?
Ive heard that its a luxury item enjoyed by the nobles of the East. Id be honored if I could taste it.
He politely received the cup and carefully put it to his mouth and tilted his head.
Marcus chuckled and slowly brought the tea cup to his mouth.
It must be unfamiliar to you because youve never tasted or smelled it before. By the way, you must not have tried coffee, which is being distributed these days.
Ive heard of it. You mean that black liquid? I heard its a miraculous drink that keeps you from falling asleep.
Yes. Next time you come, Ill give you some coffee. It might taste too bitter at first, so Ill give it to you with a lot of sugar.
Thank you for your kind hospitality.
Brutus said that and cautiously looked at Marcus.
Do you have something to say?
Yes. It might be a trivial matter, but
He hesitated and glanced at Octavius who was sitting next to him.
He was reluctant to speak rashly in front of someone else, but if he asked to avoid the place, he might arouse unnecessary suspicion.
He thought it would be better to just casually bring up the topic as if nothing was wrong.
He made up his mind and asked in a tone that was as natural as possible.
Did Cassius ever come by?
< 239. Conspiracy > End
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