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Chapter fifteen: The future's price
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Earth -1847 I. dies Solis ad V Kal Iun. MCLXXV a.u.c.
(29th of Mai of the year 422 B.C.)
10th of March 1844
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Earth -1819 IR0. dies Veneris ad VII Id. Sept. DCCLXVII a.u.c.
(5th of September of the year 14)
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Rome – Augustus' apartments
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- You are the British God, aren't you?
Livia Iulia Augusta didn't look surprised to see Charles stepping out of the wall.
- The British part is right, for the rest, we lean towards denying having any Godlihood.
Livia nodded and took a long breath.
- I wanted to thank you, said she finally.
- You are welcome, answered Charles. I did it more to save his life and to preserve Rome's future than to avoid you to commit murder.
- Still, I would have killed him for nothing.
- You wouldn't have killed him for nothing, you would have killed him to preserve what you consider your blood's right to rule. One could probably find worse reasons to kill a husband.
He looked her in the eyes.
- But your husband is also the emperor and killing an Emperor is, I believe the worst possible crime in an Empire, wouldn't you agree?
- I killed nobody…
- Let's accept your argument but we both know that you wanted to, and you would have done, we both know it too. So, please spare me the non-existing regrets. You made a call for power in the name of your son.
- I did nothing, I just reminded you…
- There is, in certain civilizations, guilt by intention. And I could punish you for it.
- I don't fear death…
- You should because what's awaiting you is scary but that's not how we would have punished you. We would have slain the rest of your family, erased every trace of that blood you would have killed for, and we would have granted you a very long time to regret your deeds.
He smiled at her while pointing at the seats standing in a corner of the chamber.
- Would you be so kind as to summon your husband, your son Tiberius and your grandson Germanicus? We have a few things to talk about.
She nodded and turned around towards the door of the chamber.
- As you wish… Do you wish me to return?
- Ask your husband, he is the Master within these walls, it's up to him. I'm only a guest.
She nodded and soon disappeared.
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- Sorry for the delay…
Charles made a smoothing hand movement to indicate that it was alright but didn't stop his camera and went on filming the Eternal City from up there. He was on Augustus' balcony remotely driving his camera drone.
- No problem, I'm in no hurry and I love making pictures from Rome. Under the mild September sun it is a gorgeous city, indeed.
He snap-closed the drone holder when the drone was parked, turned around and made a slight bow in the direction of the quartet.
Augustus didn't look peeved or upset, Tiberius' frown was conveying a different message and Germanicus looked clearly shocked.
- You wanted to see us?
- Indeed, said Charles, but not only. I wanted to ask you a few questions and depending on some of the answers the presence of your Heirs will facilitate everybody's life.
He looked at Augustus who invited everybody to sit down.
Livia, who had accompanied her husband, sat at his side.
- I'm sorry if it seemed a little forced but I need you to decide and I need you to make it today.
- A decision about what?
- A decision about your Heirs.
Charles took out of his satchel the hypno-injector he had used on Augustus. He didn't say a word more, but Augustus' nod told him the old man knew what it meant.
His next question gave him another layer of proof.
- Is it reversible?
- Not in the normal sense of the word. Once you've got your little guests here they are with you for quite a long time. Time they will use to fight aging and illnesses. You can still have the treated people beheaded, though, said Charles with a smile. They do not grant invulnerability. But they help staying alive…
He smiled at Livia.
- We thought that with the poisoning epidemy Rome is currently witnessing, a few more efficient precautions would be welcome. And if you are sure that those are the men you need at your side to warrant the Empire's future, there's no excuse not to take the same precaution with them than what we did with you. As said beheading is still an efficient way to put an end to what I'm about to do.
Charles didn't consider it useful to signal that nanites could be also be used as weapons coming from within. It could perhaps become handy should they decide that one of said heirs wasn't at par with what they needed.
Augustus nodded and Charles was rather surprised to see that Tiberius had understood while Germanicus was still frowning at him. Livia, clearly, had known the truth after his first sentence.
Augustus pointed a discreet finger at his wife.
- What about her?
- She too, but she's as dangerous as an African scorpion and you know it! Are you ready to let a woman who would have killed you without a second's hesitation stay at your side for, if you are unlucky, the next fifty years?
- She's my scorpion, Charles, and it was partly my fault that she would have reacted badly. I should have spoken with her before going to Agrippa's home. I didn't do it because I knew that the subject would annoy her. Byt when all is said and told, she's among the very few people I respect. I perhaps even love her -should I be able to love which I doubt- because she's the only person in the whole Empire who's always been able to tell me the truth about me and my goals.
He looked at Tiberius.
- I would love to see such courage in my Heirs but they just can't stop being scared of me. She isn't and never was, so I need her for that. I need her even more than before.
He smiled at Charles.
- And if you told me the truth, poison is no longer an issue, isn't it?
- Everything outside of beheading or burning you to a crisp is no longer an issue, admitted Charles. Avoid sharp swords and active volcanoes and you should be all right.
He looked at Livia who looked back with a rather satisfied smile on her lips.
- But you don't know her inner daemons as we do, I wouldn't trust her not to try to behead you should she decide that she's better off without you around. She would gladly have accepted to be throttled in exchange of her son becoming Emperor.
Augustus grabbed his wife's hand and whispered a kiss on it.
- I know her quite well, Charles, and almost all of my best decisions came out of talks with her. You know that I'm a cold fish. I need her passion and I need her courage. I'm ready to take the risk…
Charles nodded, walked at Livia's side. He placed the injector at Livia's throat and pushed the first button. The injector took a drop of blood, analyzed it and began to reprogram the nanos he needed to treat the chosen recipient.
The injector finally beeped and blinked green.
Charles looked at Augustus.
- Last chance to evade fifty years of marital grumpiness.
- Do it, I won't regret it.
Once more Charles nodded and looked Livia in the eyes.
- You should lay down after I altered your blood, the process is hurtful, and it will last half an eternity before it is finished. You are in for a real torture.
Her smile didn't waver.
- In the eyes of the Gods, I probably deserve it, do it and Tiberius will carry me to my bed.
- As you wish, my Lady.
He pressed the injector once more against the side of her throat and the green blinking light stopped to blink and finally switched off.
Within seconds Livia began to sweat and tremble.
Charles looked at Tiberius.
- Carry her to her bed and have a few servants look after her with cold water and lots of towels. It won't be pleasant. If you have a trusted medic get him and have him take notes about what she has to tell about her hurts.
Tiberius did what he was told and disappeared through a discreet hidden door with his mother in his arms.
- One decision taken, said Charles. Two to come.
Germanicus who had finally understood what was going on made a sign to his grandfather. Like the youngling he still was when in his Grandfather's presence.
- Speak up, son, said Augustus with an upset voice. You are my Heir, and you are my grandson, stop behaving like a schoolboy afraid to speak up. Have you not listened? I need courage and honesty a lot more than abject loyalty and obedience!
- You want us to become like Grandfather?
The question was for Charles, but he still looked at his Grandfather.
- What we want is a lot more complicated than that but let say that the proposal is on the desk, but it won't be me who's going to make the decision.
He turned at Germanicus.
- You must get all the facts, here! If we do it, you will live a lot longer than all the people surrounding you. Your Grandfather and even Tiberius have already used up quite a chunk of their vitality. You are a young man, not yet out of your youth. There is the real possibility that you won't become Emperor for at least fifty years! Because your grandfather will at least live another twelve and your father Tiberius who's a lot younger and who will benefit a lot more from the change in blood will have his life expectancy at least doubled!
Charles' eyes became as hard as flint.
- Are you ready to have been the Heir in 800 a. U. c? Are you ready to spend a whole lifetime being the Heir before getting access to the Throne? Do you have enough patience to wait until your turn comes? Are you mature enough to accept the inevitable consequences of what is about to happen?
Charles turned around and looked at Augustus.
- Tiberius is Germanicus's father by adoption but let us be honest with each other your adopted son doesn't like your Grandson. He doesn't even respect him which in my eyes is a lot worse! He believes him foolish and spoiled and he foolishly thinks that Drusus, his own son, would be a better Heir. Which is as stupid as it can be since only paternal blindness has excluded Tiberius from seeing that Drusus is a petty tyrant who liked to strike defenseless people around him. And since he is at least as spoiled as Germanicus there nothing very positive to say about him.
- He's, as you've said, very blind when it comes to his and Vipsania's son, said the Emperor.
Charles nodded and avoided to point at Octavian's responsibility in Tiberius' divorce from said Vipsania.
- And as you well know and as you have reminded him, the day Tiberius becomes Emperor, he will have the power and the lawful right to change his Heir and, as I said, beheading is still very efficient even against people whose blood has been upgraded.
- So, you advise me not to make that decision?
- I advise nothing at all, your Majesty. Without this shot Tiberius will still live at least twenty-five years. You won't live that long, that's a given! So, Germanicus could find himself in a dire position because even if Tiberius is loyal and obedient, his loyalty is to you and surely won't last after your death.
- You could warrant Germanicus' safety.
Charles sighed and shook his head.
- Let's be very clear here, I don't support the Gens Iulia! I support Octavian the man who has shown that he is an astounding Manager, a superb politician, an insightful reformer and a powerful -if reckless- ruler. I don't give a damn about your family or about your blood ties. I want the Empire to last and to get that result I want it to be ruled by the best.
He pointed at the door where Tiberius had disappeared.
- I already know, whatever Tiberius hopes, that Drusus, his son will never become Emperor. He's not good enough, too petty and he will never mature into something we find acceptable.
He looked at Germanicus.
- He wouldn't be as bad as Caligula, but he would probably be as mediocre as his father, who, I repeat it, will never be a good Emperor but since he shares the conviction that Augustus' goals are good ones, he'll follow them without hesitation. So, with a few timely reminders from our side, it should still be a good period for the Empire. But if this changes Tiberius' blood, this period will last for at least fifty or sixty years.
Once more he turned to look at Germanicus.
- And I really don't think that you will find in yourself the patience to wait half a century to wear the purple.
Augustus couldn't help but speak out his fears.
- You fear a civil war?
- No, but only because we won't let that happen. We have built the means to deal with any attempt to overthrow the rightful Emperor. And it will happen when the very thought about rebellion blossoms in the would-be rebel's mind. I spoke to you about beheading but only because it is probably the last possibility, you will have to get rid of one of those we have granted a longer life. That doesn't mean that we have the same restrictions. You won't probably be surprised if I confess that we do have a few very effective means to get rid of people who have proven to be nuisances. Some very discreet ones and other a lot more spectacular…
Charles couldn't help but laugh at Germanicus' upset face.
- Yes, it's a pain in the ass when you discover that you no longer are free to do -or even think- what you want.
He looked at Germanicus and laughed once more.
- I'll give you the answer to the question that just blossomed in your mind. Why now and why not having intervened forty years ago when Iulius was still alive and useful? Why spoil your life now?
Charles took a long breath before turning around to look at the Emperor.
- First please remember that without our intervention the emperor and grandfather would have died and you would be dead in five years' time. So, you cannot really complain about us spoiling your life. You are already a big winner within the new rules of the game.
He shrugged.
- The fact is that forty years ago we weren't around!
That brought a surprised expression on both Augustus and Germanicus' faces.
- Let's say that we are roaming entities and that we stumbled on your planet only a few years ago just before you nominated Varus to be the new Governor of your new German Provinces. Considering the fact that Varus' failed campaign hadn't yet occurred our man on site decided to use the opportunity and to save the Roman troopers who were about to be exterminated.
- You could have saved us the humiliation of a major military blunder.
- You could have done that just by listening to Varus' advice concerning the Germans, my dear Emperor. And your Legions had better things to do than be slaughtered by insurgents.
Germanicus was immediately interested.
- What happened to them?
- We offered them a chance to save the Roman Empire and they used that chance to do the job…
He smiled at Germanicus.
- So, to be honest with you, they did the job and showed to the world that Augustus' Legions were the best fighting force in the world. They were, in the end, able to save the failing Empire and Varus has become an important figure in said saved Empire.
Seeing Germanicus' frown, Charles shook his head.
- Let's just say that Rome exists in a lot of different worlds and this world is only one of three where we intervene to save Rome. It could even be that we could, in the future, organize meetings between emperors coming from different worlds.
Augustus frowned at Charles.
- You are sure about that? I am not quite sure to be able to even accept the possibility of another emperor of Rome at the same time than me…
- The Universe is full of marvels and from what we know there could even be the possibility for you to meet another Octavian coming from somewhere else…There are an infinite number of timelines that have been created and each day new ones are probably created. In the beginning, all have a predestined path they can follow. And only those that are considered by us to justify a little meddling have a storyline that differs from the usual pattern.
He let out a long sigh.
- We aren't very numerous even if, when we find people we deem worthy of it, we can bestow a few features to them to give them better chances to succeed. But even with that it takes time to look after a civilization and we are still not numerous enough to be everywhere.
- How did you find us?
- My nephew took an interest in one of the later Roman Timelines and decided that, to stop the incoming catastrophe, he would need an army to give him the means to succeed. And since he had found your timeline first, he took the time to save Varus and his three Legions to turn the tides of a Roman end of times catastrophe.
He chuckled.
- Saving Varus had various consequences. One of them being me speaking with him about Augustus. So, when I visited my nephew and encountered Varus, I learned about what he was thinking of Augustus.
He looked Augustus in the eyes.
- Varus would have been your perfect Heir, said he finally. An astounding manager and a man totally aware of the risks too much power could mean for a weak-willed man.
He shrugged.
- And when my nephew finally spoke with me about the timeline where you still were alive, I couldn't resist the temptation to meet you and once met, to meddle! So here I am and since I do love Rome and the Romans, I decided that I would dedicate time and resources to this -your- timeline and twist History a little bit. I should be able to deal with what happens here at least for the next century.
- What is your ultimate goal?
The question came from a surprising angle and Charles nodded at the returning Tiberius.
- Ensure the Empire's survival over the usual five hundred years it usually lasts. To do that I'll enforce a few changes that should be done at the very beginning of the Empire. I've already launched the new tax policy, I've done what I could to get the Romans out of the Greeks' influence and I will, in the years to come, nag at the Emperor in charge to see slavery disappear from the Empire.
- You are against slavery?
The question came out of Germanicus' mouth, but Charles could see that Tiberius was about to ask the same. Augustus? He wasn't sure…
- Why does it amaze you? For us you are all the same! Even your slaves worship the Gods. Some even worship the Gods of Rome. And whatever you think about the Romans' natural superiority let me just remind you that within one century it would have been your Greek slaves' point of view who would have ruled your Empire! So, let us not forget that in the scheme of all things one human is at the same level as another! And since it is so, why not just get rid of slavery? And don't nag me with fallacious arguments about the necessity of slaves to make the Empire work. There are other methods to have things done, believe me. That's why, in a not-so-distant future we would like to see Rome becoming a beacon of freedom and equality of opportunity.
- Won't be easy, whispered Germanicus.
- We will find Emperors who are ready to embrace our ideas, said Charles with a mischievous smile. Not immediately, of course, but we will do what must be done to share the message that slavery is frowned upon and condemned by some powerful and vengeful creatures and that dabbling in slave trade is a good way to incur their wrath.
Charles looked up and smiled at Germanicus.
- You do know Astius Terminus Apex, don't you? Also known on other shores as Aristophaios Chimereos! He's one of your favorite providers of fresh flesh, isn't he?
Germanicus nodded while visibly not at ease at all.
- I do fear that you will need to find a new provider in the extremely near future. He just run out of luck and had an accident… Some badass creatures just siphoned his soul out of his body while he was about to teach a new slave a lesson in obedience. You should look at what's left of him and listen to the slave's story about how it happened. It should help to open some eyes and make a lot of people fathom that benevolence and malevolence are often hand in hand in the same creatures.
Having said that, Charles turned around and looked at Augustus.
- Let's go back to our survival problem.
He pointed at Tiberius and Germanicus.
- Do you want me to change their blood or not?
- Indeed, said Augustus, benevolence and malevolence do come hand in hand.
- That's always the case, your Majesty. The good things rarely don't come without some bad after-effects. Just consider the positive fact that if I treat your Heir, he will be very well immune to poison, infections and other deadly ailments. He will still be able to die of old age or heavy iron poisoning by beheading, but he would feel safer. And you would prove him that you trust him, and both combined would, I'm sure of it, give him a confidence he usually often lacks.
Augustus took a long breath and nodded.
- If he agrees, do it…
Tiberius, and that spoke clearly in his favor, did hesitate.
- How long would I live without that change?
- At least twenty-five more years, answered Charles, accidents and murder attempts not considered.
Tiberius looked at his adoptive father.
- You sure about that?
- I always was and even the demonic trickster facing us hasn't undermined my conviction that, considering the people I already lost, you are the most trusted Heir currently available.
Tiberius nodded once, turned around and nodded once more while facing Charles.
Two minutes later the hype-syringe beeped his green approval.
And while Tiberius was beginning to sweat and tremble he whispered in Charles ear.
- I suppose this blood change doesn't protect me against bad-ass soul eating creatures.
- Nothing's able to protect against bad-ass soul eating creatures. Wherever their target tries to hide they still will be able to find them and feast.
A last time Tiberius nodded before calling Germanicus at his side.
- Help me to a bed or some other means to lie down, son. Meanwhile my father and that bad-ass creature will be free to speak about you like they did about me.
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- You could have avoided this whole drama…
- I could have but I needed both to understand that I'm nobody's friend and that I'll never let them do things or make decisions that will hurt the Empire. I have nothing against protecting them against poison, illnesses or infections and nothing either about giving them a life that will last three or four more decades. The Roman Empire like any other Nation needs stability more than anything else. And I really believe that your Heirs were in need to get their minds straightened-up. Hopefully it will help them to get the right perspective about their role and missions. And the fine harangue you gave them a few days ago should have helped them too!
- You listened?
- Not while you said it but one of my helpers signaled it to me and I listened to it later. A good speech and a speech that convinced me that the time to enter a new phase's come up. A phase when everybody knows the odds and has received the necessary improvements to be at its best.
- So, you believe I should have Germanicus treated like Tiberius?
- You have no longer a choice there, not if you don't want him to believe that you don't trust him. And he probably needs it to survive his incoming German campaign. War is a risky stage of life, and he will be warring in Germany. Odds are that he will be injured more than once. If he is treated, he will survive even the most serious injuries. Just for that he should be treated. And there's always the possibility that he will mature and that he will become the man the Empire needs at his top.
- Are you speaking about me?
They turned and looked at Germanicus.
- We did indeed, said Augustus. I'm still not totally sure that you won't become a liability. When I look at you, I see my Uncle as he was when he still was an ambitious and foolish man who denied being a mortal. From what I have heard from family he was always quick to make foolish decisions. And it went on to the day of his death when he refused Marcus Antonius' proposal to escort him on his way to the Senate. It was Hubris at its heights. And he paid the price by being killed way too soon.
- His death opened you the way to power, whispered Germanicus.
- I didn't want power…
He smiled ruefully.
- Then, at least. I was totally happy to let my Uncle go on reshaping the world for my benefit. I wasn't ready and without Marcus Antonius' rebellion I would have been a very bad ruler. It was the civil war campaign that opened my eyes and gave me the right perspective. And I really hope that your German Campaign will do the same for you. You are young, you are ambitious, and you are a very efficient leader of men. Which is what Roman Generals need to be. Your most awful problem is that you are convinced that you are a mix of my Uncle's strategic flair and my qualities as a ruthless manager. Which is perhaps true but has still to be verified!
- What about the new blood?
- Do you want it? Do you have considered everything that it is bringing in your life? A longer life with, should your children not be worth the purple, seeing them die before you? Seeing your wife become an old hag before your eyes…
Germanicus looked at Charles.
- He's done it to Livia, he could do it to Agrippina.
- I could, said Charles, but I certainly will not!
Charles could see Germanicus' frown and since he knew about the young man's powerful attachment -and love- for his wife, he had no problem to understand his current anger.
- Let's say that we know what would have happened after your death in Syria. And in that history your wife would have become an even more dangerous snake than Livia. She does not look the part, but she has an appetite for power and is very ready to do whatever it takes to get it.
He looked at Augustus.
- By excluding your women from the race to the Throne you've created monsters who will do whatever is needed to get a crumb of power. Agrippina will not hesitate to kill multiple times to be sure to get one of her sons on the Throne. I wouldn't trust her with serving me water.
- She's a faithful wife, protested Germanicus, and I love her. I ask that you do for her as you did for Livia.
- You can ask whatever you want, young man, but in the end, I will do what I want.
Charles turned around and looked at Augustus.
- It's up to you, your Majesty. I'll do it for your grandson, but I won't do it for his wife. At least not before I had a lengthy conversation with her.
He stopped Germanicus' outburst.
- You can still refuse; I won't force it upon you.
- I can understand Germanicus' point of view, Charles. I know that he dearly loves his wife who's dearly loving him. Remember that the Agrippina you remember has been stripped of the man she loved early in her life while under the stress to protect her already numerous brood. Since Germanicus won't die in a few years and while at his side Agrippina will probably not become the monster you remember from that other timeline. Give them both a chance…
Charles took the time to consider Augustus' argument.
- You are right, I'll come back later this week, and I'll talk with Agrippina herself. Perhaps it was her beloved husband's premature death that has transformed her in the monster History describes. If she's still a decent human being, I'll do what you ask me to do.
He turned towards Germanicus.
- She won't be able to lie to me, you know that, I hope? I will know her deepest thoughts and her most hidden secrets. Ask her if she's ready for that before I make my little house call. And whatever happens be ready to be disappointed.
He shook his head and looked at Augustus.
- Is there something else, your Majesty?
- There is but it can wait until your return.
- Then, goodbye to both of you. See you later.
As the other time, there was a shadow that appeared behind him and a loud bang when he disappeared.
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- I need her…
- I know and I don't doubt that she loves you and that she is a faithful wife, but you must consider that your death could have woken up a part of her that you never had to know. Great sorrow does weird things to people.
Augustus took his grandson by the shoulders.
- She's ambitious, isn't she?
- Of course, she is, all the women of the Gens are ambitious and scheming, you have your own daughter as a testimony for that.
- Don't remind me, Charles has pointed that out with great vigor. The Gods do not seem to like how we treat our women.
- How do we treat our women?
- Like possessions, it seems. But that's a problem for another time, we need to get at the bottom of the problem your wife's causing.
- She's doing nothing at all! It's me who refuse to not have her at my side.
- Which is a good thing since it's born out of love but still the Gods' memories about her and what she would have done seem to make them mistrust her.
- Why shall we believe them, Grandfather? Couldn't what they say be only lies?
Augustus frowned at his grandson.
- Look at me, son, what do you see?
- I see my grandfather…
- And what differences do you see when you think about me one year ago.
- You're fitter than ever. To say the truth the whole of my life I've never seen you in better shape and better health.
- You are right and when I say that it was a God's gift would you believe me?
- I have no problems believing you, grandfather. I see the result before my eyes and nobody, but a God could have altered your life in such a positive way.
- And still you wonder if what he said could be lies. Why do you have no doubts about his divinity when it comes to my miraculous rejuvenation and still consider his words with mistrust when what he says doesn't agree with what you think? Would you be as mistrustful if he would have told you about a woman you had no feelings for?
Germanicus couldn't immediately answer. He knew his grandfather was right. He was making excuses to clear his wife.
- I…
- You must stop making that sort of mental construct. You will, one day, if you survive till then, be Emperor and an Emperor cannot afford letting feelings get in the way of facts. And the facts are clear: even if they spend their time denying it, they are Gods and they have powers and knowledge only Gods can have. Why would they lie to us on such trivial matters? I know that Livia would have killed me to protect her son's pretentions on the Throne. I have a few very good investigators and they have found plenty evidence that Livia was planning to poison the figs on my father's preferred fig-tree. And yet without Him pointing me at what was about to happen I wouldn't have suspected anything.
He snickered.
- Because I didn't want to see. I didn't want to consider that my beloved wife could decide to see me dead rather than seeing her son bereft of what she considered his birthright. So, we must accept, because we are logical beings that if he was right with Livia, he is probably right with all the rest too. Including Agrippina's abysmal behavior in the future.
- In a future that will never exist, grandfather…
- That's very true, son, that's very true, but that doesn't change a thing at the truth of his revelations. It will never happen but in the timeline he remembers, it did occur and it has shown a picture of your wife that, even if you don't like it, still exists and reveals an important facet of her character.
Augustus couldn't help but snicker.
- And it isn't a facet I really want to condemn. In a certain way I like it to know that our wives will go to great lengths to protect the interests of our Gens. I think it is a very Roman thing to do.
Germanicus couldn't help but agree with his grandfather. It was indeed a very Roman thing to do.
Augustus couldn't help but snicker.
- But still, added he, it is a mistake, even a fault, to refuse to look at the truth, because of feelings you have. The truth is the truth even if you don't like what said truth shows! And should you, one day, be at my place, you cannot afford to forget that vital law of good rulership! The day you begin to set aside a part of the facts to accommodate what you want to believe, that day you cease to be a ruler to become someone else's fool or, which is worse, a tyrant.
Germanicus took a long breath and nodded.
It was clearly a week full of rulership lessons.
- Do you want the blood change, asked finally Augustus.
- Who wouldn't, answered his grandson. But I will not look at my wife's decay while I stay young and healthy. It's the both of us or I renounce.
Augustus nodded but Germanicus could see that he wasn't very satisfied. And he knew exactly why.
- If necessary, I'll renounce to my Heirloom. I see that an Emperor must overcome feelings to think only about the Empire's well-being. But I'm not yet Emperor and it is perhaps not too late for you to find another Heir.
- Don't throw the towel too fast, son! There is still a chance that they will see the truth in your wife's heart and grant you to stay together.
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