Chapter 34: Truth comes out
The air in Caesar's house was heavy with concern. Though the assailants had been held off from her husband's door, discomfort filled the air in dark lingers that hung over those contained indoors. Caesar paced on his great hall, his hands held behind his back; frowning, his brow furred by thought. Calpurnia sat beside him, her color wan and drawn, worrisome lines etched along each feature of her.
Leo stood there silently, leaning on his sword. Antony stood next to him, his arms crossed, eyes fixed on Caesar, waiting for the storm that would soon break out.
Finally, Caesar stopped and turned to Leo and Antony. "Enough. Speak plainly. What do you know?
Antony turned to Leo, who nodded, stepped forward, and declared, "No use trying to hide it any longer, Caesar. Today's attack wasn't an accident or just some lucky shot by chance. It was orchestrated by enemies you know-men you trust.".
Caesar narrowed his eyes. His face hardened. "Name them.".
Leo paused, feeling the weight of his words pressing down on him. Now he could not turn back. "They are led by Cassius Longinus. Besides him are Brutus, Decimus Brutus, Cinna, Casca, Trebonius, Metellus Cimber, and many more. They aim to kill you, Caesar. They fear your power, thinking that Rome would be better off without you.".
The room fell silent; his words hung in the air like a death knell. Calpurnia gasped for her chest, while a darker expression spread over Caesar's face, his eyes blazing with fury.
"Brutus?" Caesar's voice cracked with incredulity. "My Brutus? You dare accuse him?"
Leo looked at Caesar, his voice unyielding. "I saw it with my own eyes. Brutus and Cassius hatching a plot, turning others to their cause. They were going to stab the Senate, kill you, end your reign.
Caesar's fists clenched; his whole body was shaking with suppressed rage. "Traitors. All of them." His voice grew loud, ringing in the hall. "Cassius, I suspected. But Brutus? Decimus? Daring to betray me? They'll pay for this treachery!
Antony stepped forward, his voice firm but stern. "Caesar, this means everything. The people must see the truth. Rome should see these conspirators as they are: enemies to the state.".
Caesar looked at him, with a face of ice calculation. "The people love me, Antony. They would not rise up against me. We shall clear them out and show the world for what they are.".
Leo shifted uncomfortably. "Caesar, they will not give up easily. Cassius is cunning, and Brutus has the sympathy of the public. They will spin this, try to make you out to be the tyrant you are supposed to be killing.".
Caesar curled his lips in a cruel smile. "Let them try. No man in Rome has ever challenged me and lived to tell of it. I will teach them why Caesar's name is spoken in fear."
Calpurnia stood there shaking. "Julius, have mercy. This is too dangerous a road. Leave it to the gods; don't sully your hands with blood.".
He turned to her, and for a moment his face relaxed. "Calpurnia, my love, it is not about revenge. It is about survival—mine and Rome's. These men would tear the Republic apart if they had their way.".
He turned to Leo and Antony and his words grew sharp again. "Proclaim this man, he ordered. Cassius, Brutus, all of them are Rome's enemies. Bring them here and take them from us lifeless traitors to Rome.".
Antony nodded, his face grim. "It shall be done,".
System Notification: Quest Updated: The Wrath of Caesar
Defend Caesar against the conspirators.
Ensure their capture or elimination.
As the notification blinked in the corner of Leo's vision, he could not help but feel a chill run down his spine. This was the game once again and this time around, fully aware of the stakes, the game had shifted with Caesar.
The full wrath of Rome's greatest leader now let loose on them, but soon would they know how to resist the mighty Caesar.
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