Chapter 589: Prayer

⟬ Head Magistrate's Residence, Underground Level. ⟭ 

Antonidus placed his handkerchief to his mouth, coughing wetly as his chest convulsed with pain. There was more blood than usual... 

It was the damned smoke in the air... or the fluctuating weather... or maybe... allergies? ...Arena sand? Maybe when that damned Decanus assaulted him in the coliseum stands a year prior... 

There were dozens of people in his home. 

For years he'd been criticized for having so many commoners in his employ... or for the nepotism amongst his administrative staff. It was 'flippant' usage of city taxes, they'd say. 

Several high personalities were noted to frequent the administration building, as well. In Antonidus' time as a politican, he'd made plenty of powerful allies... veteran merchants, aged guild leaders, corrupt bishops. Many of them sought sanctuary in the walls of his home.