Simulate the universe, starting with speedrunning Greek.

It's unacceptable that the so-called law is merely a product used by nobles to bully and oppress commoners, only applying its own rules to them.

If that's the explanation, just imagining Strabo makes it clear how explosive the scene would be.

He would probably be torn to shreds by the civilians in the square in an instant, who would love to devour his flesh, drink his blood, pull out his tendons, and grind his bones to dust.

Strapo was getting anxious.

"You...!! Nonsense! I absolutely did not mean that. Lord Lista, you are deliberately misinterpreting my words. Do you really want to escalate this completely?"

"Who exactly is trying to escalate this issue?"

Your Excellency Strabo, or are you saying that everyone here misheard you?

Please do not mislead. In this sacred Roman Forum, we swear an oath to the gods…

Do you dare say you never said such humiliating things before?

It's unbelievable that I would hear such vulgar language from your mouth, as a rising star of the Pompeii family.

He even denied his sacred words spoken before the statues of gods in full view of the public.

If you don't understand the law, I can teach you; but if you intend to trample on the law and treat Roman law as a plaything, are you prepared to bear the wrath of the people?

Meanwhile, the civilians who had been watching the situation closely were thoroughly entertained by this juicy gossip.

murmurs arose, and comments like, "I never imagined Lord Strabo was this kind of person," could be heard constantly.

'Slandering others is a capital offense.'

'That's so tasteless!'

The murmurs of the crowd transformed into bayonets that bolstered the night's momentum, relentlessly attacking Strabo.

Night's calm words dealt a blow to Comet Strabo.

His face suddenly turned pale. It was all over!

If the rumors of ignoring Roman law were to come true, even if he, as a nobleman, wouldn't actually be executed, he would still suffer greatly.

Most importantly, after this incident, his approval rating among the public may drop significantly.

How can you trust someone who doesn't obey the law to protect the interests of ordinary people?

Strabo finally realized he had made a formalistic mistake and immediately tried to salvage the situation and prove his innocence.

“I didn’t mean that, Lord Lista.”

I apologize for my inappropriate words and am willing to pay you the so-called...

Hmm, spirit..."

Night: "Compensation for emotional distress..."

"Yes, I am willing to pay this fee to you as an apology. Please forgive my unintentional mistake."

My personal mistakes absolutely do not presume to represent the entire Pompeii family.

Strabo used a strategy of retreat to advance, and at this point he simply and sincerely admitted his mistake, showing his sincerity, but deep down he was extremely frustrated.

Night: "And there's also damage to reputation, and protection money for personal safety..."

Strapo Pompeii, barely suppressing his anger, said, "...Just tell me how much you want."

These are all sorts of miscellaneous fees that I've never even heard of.

He wouldn't have spent a single penny if it weren't for maintaining his image in the public eye.

Night: "Ten Towers".

Strapo: "Are you crazy?! So many?"

As mentioned earlier, this was the currency unit in Rome, and one tower could fill a chest of gold, so ten towers meant at least ten chests of gold coins.

He just said something rude, and he has to pay so much money?

If the Pompey family finds out, even if he is the most outstanding young man in the family this generation, he will definitely suffer severe punishment when he returns.

I originally just wanted to spend a little money on Oris to get by, but I didn't expect the other party to ask for such an exorbitant amount.

Night: "Lord Strabo Pompeii - I think ten towers are not much compared to your life."

You may choose to refuse peace talks, but I also have the right to use Roman law to protect my rights.

I believe the court will give us a reasonable outcome.

If you think this amount of money is too much—

Tiberius—If you were kidnapped by pirates and they wanted you to write to your family demanding a ransom, what price would you consider yourself worth?

Tiberius: "...Uh."

Tiberius, who already knew the gist of what Ye meant, hesitated. He wanted to say more to Ye, but he didn't have the nerve to do so.

Tiberius did behave himself after all, but just then, a cold, forceful voice suddenly rang out—

"At least fifty towerants! The name Gragu alone is worth five hundred million!"

My elder brother is not good with words, so I answered this question for him.

And these fifty towers are just the price set by Gaius Gracchus.

As my brother, Tiberius Sempronius Gracchus's price should at least double.

His talent far surpasses mine.

Just then, a figure emerged from the crowd, and the surrounding civilians quickly made way for him.

The newcomer had a face very similar to Tiberius, but his demeanor was much more domineering and cold.

His sharp gaze was fixed on Strapo Pompeii...

At this moment, Strabo called out his name: "Gaius Sempronius Gracchus...you...how did you come back?"

night:? ? ?

It's Tiberius's brother! Perfect timing—!

Fifty towers? Goodness, that's the same price as the Gaius Caesar.

It's no wonder they're both named 'Gaius'; their confidence is so similar.

At the same time, on the other side——

The Gracchu brothers actually showed up together today!

A look of confusion crossed Strapo's face.

Shouldn't the enemy be on the Spanish battlefield? How come they're here?

Strabo could never have imagined, even if he racked his brains, what earth-shattering event the Gracchu brothers were plotting after their reunion.

but--

That's not the problem.

Strapo's expression turned somewhat grim as he recalled what Gaius Gracchus had just said.

Chapter Ninety-Four: The Gods Teach Us Not to Speak Wildly

Gracchus demanded a ransom of fifty talents, while Tiberius Gracchus doubled it to 100 talents.

Are the lives of members of the Gracchus family so valuable...?

If he can't even produce ten towers, doesn't that prove he considers himself inferior to the Grag brothers?

They couldn't even afford one-fifth or one-tenth of the other party's price.

This is a case of flattery to kill! Strabo-Pompeo, who was in the midst of an election campaign and absolutely could not afford to lose face, felt caught in a dilemma.

Damn it, am I really just supposed to obediently give them ten towers of gold?!

Strapo Pompeii took a deep breath and decided to stop dwelling on the matter, otherwise he feared he might die of anger if he continued.

It's alright—endure, endure, endure—once today is over, once I become the protector of the people, I'll have plenty of time to get my revenge.

"Alright, ten towerants. I'll give you every penny, and I'll send them to you in a few days."

You all know how much that is; I definitely can't just hand it over right now.

"I just hope you remember that the Pompeii family's money isn't so easy to take," Strabo said coldly.

However, no one present cared at all.

Gaius Gracchus glanced at Strabo with disdain and contempt, and replied indifferently, "Gracchus is never afraid of trouble."

The Pompeii family's money makes us feel better about spending it than our own.

The night laughed too.

"Get lost, you little wench."

From the moment they met, Strabo's hostility was as clear to Ye's life force as a torch in the darkness. If he felt interested, he would play along...

But that's all. Strabo-Pompey is too young and inexperienced to be an enemy on their path forward.

Neither the night nor the Gracchu brothers took it seriously.

If the other party can stand firm to the end, Ye might actually think more highly of him.

However, not everyone has the courage to overturn the table like him, nor the confidence to be so sure about the future.

The last word of the night, "little girl," completely broke Strapo's nerves.

He was so angry that his face turned purple!

In Rome, calling a strong man a woman was almost the most humiliating term one could use.

Driven by intense humiliation—

Strapopompey's forehead veins bulged with excitement, and he suddenly exclaimed, "Wait, Lista Night—! According to the Twelve Tables, you have now verbally humiliated me as well!"

Then I also have the right to demand that you compensate me with the corresponding amount of money.

In that case, the previous ten towers cancel each other out!

Strapo spoke louder and louder, as if he wanted everyone to hear him and to witness it for him.

Leveraging public influence and overwhelming force—this is exactly the tactic I just learned from the other party.