The following morning, Batiatus, along with Solonius, Flaminia and Kerovas, was walking through the market, headed to a shop he knew Tullius used to buy from, because, as he said, he had studied Tullius' habits 'as any proper student would in pursuit of knowledge'. He planned to ingratiate himself to Tullius in the hopes of securing a better position for his men in the upcoming games, instead of having them stuck to the morning fights.
Tullius was nowhere to be seen, but one of his slaves was standing out of an alley and Quintus quickly approached him. "I seek your master, good Tullius. Would he be within?". The slave looked him over and gave him a flat stare, "Yeah". "I wish to express my gratitude for allowing me to purchase his slave, Crixus", the lanista said, a bit unnerved at being forced to stand outside, "The Gaul shows great promise towards the arena".
Since the slave didn't give signs of intending to move to let him pass, he turned to Flaminia, who subtly gave him a handful of coins, which he handed to the man barring his step, "Perhaps you could pass word of my presence?". The slave took the money and after receiving a bit more, he 'graciously' turned and entered the shop to deliver the message.
Solonius was not happy with the whole situation, "You owe her more each day that goes by". "A costly enterprise", Batiatus replied with a smile, "For us all". Flaminia nodded, "It is worth it, though. And I will do everything is needed to help my friends, you know this", she added. "I pray this will bring profit", Solonius commented, worried.
After a while, the slave lifted the tent up to let them enter the alley and they saw Tullius walking towards them with a smile. "Good Batiatus!". "Gods answer", Quintus whispered to his friends, but his good mood evaporated as Vettius came into view. "And fuck in turn", Solonius muttered back, clenching his teeth.
Tullius bowed his head to the young woman, "Ah, beautiful Flaminia, you bring light everywhere you go, like glorious Sun". She forced herself to look flattered, "You are too kind, good Tullius". "No. Never too kind", he replied, his smile reminding her of a snake about to strike as he turned to Batiatus, "I hope for occasion to give gratitude for relieving me of the troublesome Gaul".
"Think nothing of it!", Quintus said as cheerfully as he could manage, "A gesture of respect for a man deserving of it". "I see you had good intentions. Yet, I fear you have...Overpaid". "A common mistake", Vettius spoke up, coming to stand beside the merchant, "For those who have no head towards business".
Batiatus' lips pressed with anger at his mocking, but he stayed silent. "Fifty denarii", Tullius took a coin purse from his slave and extended it towards the older lanista, "Money's the ten of the Gaul's actual worth". "Well, I...", Batiatus hesitated, confused, "I do not ask for its return, a fair bargain was struck".
"Fair?", Vettius repeated with a mocking laugh, "A cloudy maneuver to gain position for your ill-trained men", he spat. That angered Quintus more than anything, "Ill-trained? Any one of my men could best yours fucking blindfolded, you pissy little shit!". "Listen how the rooster crows", Vettius sneered. "Let us calm ourselves...", Solonius tried to say, but his friend was beyond listening by then.
"You doubt my words? Test them!", he exclaimed, "Request a match in next month's games!". "Why delay?", the young little prat said smugly, "Let us see it here in the morning, with the people to judge who holds the better men". "And that is Quintus", Flaminia stated, placing a hand on her friend's shoulder and glaring at Vettius, "Your worthless cunts are nothing compared to his titans and you will come to regret your mistake tomorrow!".
Solonius was on the brink of despair now that both his friends were going along with that folly, "At the market? Surely the magistrate will not approve such...Disruption", he said in a reasonable tone, trying to avoid a disaster. "Good Tullius has his ear", Vettius replied with a satisfied smile and Tullius nodded.
"The magistrate could be swayed to allow it...If that is what you wish", he added, feigning concern. "It is", Batiatus stated, determined to wipe the smugness from the younger lanista's face once and for all, "It's long past due". "Tomorrow then", Tullius said with a wide, poisonous grin, "A friendly rivalry. We'll settle it", he said, leaving with his lackey.
Solonius sighed, "You pressed beyond advantage", he berated his old friend. "I don't think so", Flaminia spoke up, "Quintus' gladiators are superior in any way to those of that fucking little cock-sucking cunt and this is perfect opportunity to show the people of Capua once and for all who is the true worthy lanista among them".
Batiatus nodded enthusiastically, "Well said, dearest!", he exclaimed, throwing an arm around her shoulders and kissing her cheek, "You understand! Stupid child will be humiliated before even the magistrate!".
Solonius shook his head resignedly, "Go ahead with this madness then. I pray to Gods that everything will go well". "It will, friend, it will! How can my man lose, when I have blessing of Mars himself through this wonderful woman?". He didn't reply, but it was clear from the look on his face that he disapproved of that goddamned mess. He could only hope it would not blow up in their faces.