I hope you guys enjoy this story. I love ancient history, that's why I thought writing a Levi x Eren fanfiction in this setting would be enjoyable for me! Hopefully you'll like it as much as I do!

Pulcher Puer means Pretty boy in Latin. Correct me if I'm wrong !

Pulcher Puer

Chapter 1

" Eren! How many times did I tell you to fetch water for the master!" An old lady yelled. The lady wasn't usually that fussy, but today was a special day. The Caesar had organised a ball, and rumours spread that the Caesar was actually seeking for concubines. Many rich Roman families were busy dolling their daughters up for the ball, in order to increase their chances of succes.

" I apologise, I shall fetch it immediately" Eren bowed lightly as he walked off in order to do as instructed. On his way he could see a few women heading to the bathhouses, surely to prepare themselves for the ball. Every citizen of the Roman empire was invited, except for the slaves. Eren didn't mind, he wouldn't go even if they offered him an invite.

" Caesar is the most graceful being on earth, yet so young!" One of the women exclaimed.

"I heard that he had conquered Germania in one nightfall, such brave accomplishments" another woman complimented.

Eren honestly felt envious of the Caesar. He had never seen him before but the stories that kept circling around were obviously those of praise.

" Ah, look at that child, blessed by Venus he is" one of the women whispered, eyeing Eren. However Eren was too busy pumping water into the wooden bucket, and thus he didn't notice the compliments he was receiving.

Several minutes later Eren pushed the door open with his hip, carrying the heavy bucket of water. Since it was summer in Rome, the water was lukewarm.

" You sure did take your time " the old lady sighed.

" Take the water and fill the bath, now speed! Master doesn't like waiting!" She took off, leaving Eren by himself. The teen carried the heavy bucket to the bathing chamber, filling the bath with the lukewarm water. He was lucky that his master wasn't back yet, or else he would have received a whipping for being late.

"Where is the oil.." Eren thought, inspecting all the bottles and pots in the bathing chamber. He knew how much the master loved a scented bath, and he also knew how mad his master could be if it his bath wasn't prepared in the way he'd wish.

" Eren, hurry, master is home!" one of the cleaning ladies shouted. Eren felt a shot of fear go through his spine. His master wasn't a person you would like to see angry.

" Gods, please help.." Eren whispered as his trembling hands were seeking for the bath oil.

" I see my bath has not been prepared yet " Eren could hear a deep voice behind him. He turned around and immediately felt his heart pound loudly.

" I apologise, master "

" Juliana, give me the whip" The man told one of the cleaning ladies. She nodded slowly and grabbed Eren from his wrist.

" Boy, why don't you be more careful " the woman called Juliana sighed whilst cooling his wounds down. Eren remained silent. He was used to the pain he had to endure.

"Such a pity" Juliana said as she trailed her fingers on Eren's back, which made him shudder lightly.

" You are a beautiful boy, don't give them the chance to scar you like this" she smiled.

An hour passed, and Eren could hear the chariot leave. At least he didn't have to face his master anymore, which was a relief on its own. He had to make his escape, but how? He was a mere slave that was bought on the market.

"First I need to get out of here" Eren waited until all the ladies and men were nowhere to be seen. He had to escape, there was no other choice. He hated the life of a slave, but what else could he do?

After a few minutes , Eren managed to wrap some bread and meat in a rag, which he took along, to the outside. He walked and walked, through the forest in order to reach the small city next to Rome. He wasn't sure where he was, but at least he was out of that villa.

" Freshly slaughtered cows, 5 copper coins!" A merchant shouted. It startled Eren, the city was so crowded. He was never allowed to go outside from his master, only he was prohibited from doing so. He never understood why.

Eren was deep in thoughts when he could feel a hand being placed on his shoulder. He yelped loudly and turned around, hoping that it wasn't anyone from the villa. Luckily, it wasn't.

"Boy, would you like a job?" An old man said with a warm smile. Eren felt surprised, his escape was going better than he thought, and now he was even being offered a job.

"Sir, I would love to but I cannot read nor write" Eren said with a half smile. The old man laughed and patted Eren's back. Making Eren feel surprised.

"This job doesn't require you to do so, boy" the old man said and pointed his wooden cane to a shop a few metres away.

"Really?!" Eren nearly shouted, this was a great chance for him. He could make money and then flee to Rome. This way he won't ever be caught by his Master, plus he could buy a place for his own. Eren followed the old man into the shop, mentally noting the rarity of the fabrics that were being sold there.

'' It's beautiful'' Eren smiled as he looked at a deep purple rug, which was neatly folded next to a pair of boxes.

'' Hoho, yes it is! If you'd follow me downstairs, I could show you your job'' The old man smiled as he gestured for Eren to follow him. Eren did as the old man asked him, whilst looking around in the beautiful fabric shop. He had never seen things like these before. He lived with his Master since he was 12 years old, now he was 18. Eren started to descend the stairs, the old man right behind him.

'' Sir, I am really happy that I may work here!''

'' I am happy as well ''

'' It's a great honour for me to receive a job like thi-'' Eren's eyes widened. He felt a blunt object hit the back of his head, his knees giving in to the sudden shock. He tumbled down the stairs and hit his head against the ground.

'' Fool '' The old man cackled.