029: A Grand Deed Dedicated to My Teacher
"Little Novia, tell me... isn't this child Nero a bit too outstanding..."
In the Roman palace, Novia sat facing Emperor Claudius. White petals drifted from a nearby tree, covering the ground.
Since Agrippina became empress, under her influence, Claudius adopted Domitius and gave her the clan name "Nero."
Though Claudius had acted foolishly, he quickly realized the trouble in his deal with Agrippina. His fundamental reason for stubbornly making Agrippina empress was that he needed her bloodline and background as tools to solidify his legitimate rule.
But this approach was clearly drinking poison to quench thirst. Because once he admitted that marrying Agrippina made his rule most legitimate, it was almost admitting his own rule wasn't fully legitimate to begin with. Then his own son by "the ill-reputed Messalina," Britannicus, had even less legal legitimacy than Agrippina's child Nero. Nero was older than Britannicus and should rank first in succession. Moreover, she was a descendant of Germanicus, Augustus, and Antony, making her bloodline even more illustrious.
This was somewhat similar to Tiberius's situation facing Germanicus. But Claudius was more unfortunate than Tiberius—he wasn't even the legally recognized successor approved by the dynasty's founder. Facing Agrippina, who was skilled at using her advantages, he had virtually no chance of winning in terms of principle.
Moreover, after this, Nero herself displayed her talents. As a capable magistrate, she was greatly admired, delivering speeches in both Latin and Greek in the Senate multiple times. Known for her fairness and competence, she was frequently involved in important lawsuits. Even though Emperor Claudius, citing her youth, repeatedly banned her from important cases, he couldn't stop her from gradually gaining immense popularity—especially since she was already known among the Roman populace as Novia's disciple.
"Your Majesty, I advised you before. Agrippina needed more observation, but you insisted, even willing to amend the law."
The biggest issue with Claudius marrying Agrippina was their uncle-niece relationship, which, once made public, violated Roman law on incest.
So, what to do?
Finally, Claudius found a solution: he issued an order to amend the marriage law.
Thus, the Senate drafted an edict according to the emperor's wishes, permitting the emperor to marry close relatives.
Though some senators disagreed, to avoid offending the emperor, they mostly turned a blind eye and didn't interfere much.
One could only say that since Claudius couldn't control his former empress Messalina, he certainly couldn't control the more cunning Agrippina.
"Sigh... As their teacher, you must assist them more..."
"Naturally, Your Majesty. Please rest early."
However, Claudius probably still believed the Praetorian Guard, led by his trusted Burrus, would support his own children. But the old emperor didn't know that in a few months, Agrippina would repeat her old trick, using her charms to win over the Praetorian prefect Burrus and strike a pillow-talk agreement—henceforth, Burrus would follow Agrippina's commands.
After leaving the imperial palace, Novia first returned home to grab a few things before heading toward the Colosseum. It had been about a year and a half since he took Nero as his disciple, and this was the first time she had invited him anywhere, so he accepted—though he declined her offer to personally come and pick him up.
The sky was clear and bright. Though the afternoon sun shone, a chilly wind still swept through. People walking on the stone-paved roads would bow or salute to some extent upon seeing the silver-haired boy, and Novia, as always, responded with a gentle smile.
The Roman Colosseum was located on the outskirts of Rome, facing the sea.
The massive stadium exuded an overwhelming presence, making the surrounding buildings seem small in comparison. Arches as tall as multi-story buildings were stacked three or four layers high, forming a thick elliptical wall that enclosed the vast arena within.
This space was built solely for humans to compete against one another. In ancient Rome, this "entertainment" was considered a legitimate right granted to citizens. An ancient Roman poet once referred to it as "bread and circuses," and the Colosseum stood as its most iconic symbol.
In theory, the Roman crowds flocking to watch the games should have been massive. In Novia's memory, over the past few years, whenever similar events were held, the Colosseum would be packed to the brim. Even with multiple entrances, each would have long, chaotic queues.
For some reason, however, it now seemed as if the place had been reserved for him alone—or rather, reserved by Nero.
Just as Novia took his designated seat, the volume of the music inside the arena suddenly swelled, playing an exhilarating tune.
It was as if they had been waiting specifically for his arrival to begin.
Soon, the music quieted down. Seizing the moment of silence, a petite figure walked onto the extended stage ahead, bowed to the only spectator in the audience, and Nero's voice rang out:
"Today's event is hosted by none other than myself—a charioteer rivaling the Sun God, an artist matching the Muse Apollo."
"In ancient times, gladiatorial duels held in the arena were rituals dedicated to the Roman gods. But I belong to the Lord's Christianity."
Her words, amplified to a tremendous volume, echoed throughout the Colosseum. Had there been any other spectators besides Novia, they would likely have responded with thunderous cheers, as if to showcase their excitement. But the silver-haired boy merely smiled and clapped softly.
"And so today, I shall imitate the legendary feats of the great Hercules, dedicating them to my baptizer and mentor, Novia—"
As she spoke, the girl revealed a slightly brutal smile under the sunlight. Then, dressed in her "Crimson Noble" attire, Nero snapped her fingers. The sound of a cage door being pulled open followed.
"Namely, the naked chokehold to slay a lion."
Note: I'm new to translating so please be kind and tell me any mistakes you all find, I will try to release a chapter a day but don't expect much
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