Rome Must Perish

Clatens, a prominent figure in the Sulla Faction, was not only well-connected with Crassus but also the most formidable lawyer in Rome. The Senate sent him, hoping he could persuade the stubborn Crassus.

Crassus was not in a hurry to inquire but instead warmly entertained Clatens. Only after the meal did he ask about the Senate’s deliberations.

Unhurriedly wiping the food residue from his mouth and straightening the creases in his clothes, Clatens looked at Crassus with piercing eyes and said in a deep, resonant voice, "Crassus, there’s no need for pretenses between us. Though you’ve been in the camp, your men have been quite active in Rome. I don’t believe you’re unaware of the Senate’s discussions."

Crassus immediately changed his expression, sneering coldly, "Clatens, are you hesitant to speak out of guilt?"

"Crassus, is this how you treat someone truly defending you!" Clatens retorted confidently, "If not for Catullus and my persistence, the Senate wouldn’t have debated for so many days! Even though the proposal for a Triumph wasn’t passed, you still received a Minor Triumph as compensation; wouldn’t you say I had a hand in that?"

"A Minor Triumph..." Crassus scoffed and stopped glaring at Clatens, but the resentment in his words remained unabated: "The Senate swiftly agreed to hold a Triumph for Pompey but stingily gave me only a Minor Triumph. Others ride in carriages, wear laurel crowns, with soldiers following, and sacrifice bulls...

But I must walk, with no soldiers accompanying me, only civilians, and sacrifice sheep at the temple... Compared to Pompey, I appear a fool in the eyes of the Romans. The Senate treats a hero who risked his life to protect the country so unfairly!"

"I understand your feelings; it is indeed somewhat unfair, considering last year, when the rebellion was at its peak, you alone stood up and stabilized the situation in Italy..."

Clatens, aligning with Crassus’ grievances, expressed his sympathy and, seeing the other’s demeanor slightly improve, softly said, "But you should also know that many Romans always consider slaves as our dogs. When a dog bites its master and is killed, it’s just an ordinary occurrence. They don’t see it as an equal war, whereas Pompey fought against the rebels of our Roman Civilian Faction, not only wiping them out but also conquering territories of many barbarian tribes in Spain, which won more favor from the elders..."

Crassus angrily replied, "Fighting the slave rebels was just a lesson to a bunch of dogs?! Have they forgotten how these despised dogs repeatedly defeated our Roman Army, killing and wounding over 100,000 Roman soldiers, with Legal Officer Crabo dying in battle, Valerius defeated, Governor of Northern Italy Casius defeated, Governors Publius Crassus and Crodianus defeated, and the Roman citizens trembling in fear, with no elder daring to lead soldiers into battle...

Have they forgotten the disgrace they displayed under the threat of these slave rebels last year? Rome has not faced such danger in decades. If this isn’t considered a fierce war, then what is!"

In Crassus’ roars, Clatens remained calm and sighed, "That’s precisely why the Senate doesn’t wish to make a big deal of it; it’s not only for Rome’s dignity but also for the country’s stability, keeping the slaves in check.