"So he is just an imbecile trying to use family influence," said Septimus mockingly.
Septimus calmed down a bit; he was truly surprised by the stupidity of this young noble boasting about the weak influence of his family.
"What did you say...?" Licinius was furious. How dared Septimus, a mere elite, speak to him like that? "Are you slandering the glory of my family?"
"Are you deaf? I'm clearly talking about you. Why are you behaving like an idiot?" said Septimus mockingly, treating Licinius like a clown.
"Bastard, I'm going to kill you!" Licinius was about to lunge forward, but the other nobles, noticing the situation, held him back.
"Licinius, calm down! Calm down!"
"Don't do this..."
"..."
Marcus was also bewildered. He did not expect Licinius to be so stupid; his father was ill, and as his son he took his place at the banquet. Who would have thought that Licinius would be foolish enough to offend the sadistic Septimus?
Septimus found the situation amusing. At first he was angry, but after analyzing Licinius, he considered him a funny clown; he was truly surprised that there were still people capable of speaking to him with such arrogance.
But considering that the arrogance of the nobility was deeply rooted, it was normal for idiots to exist who relied only on family reputation. They liked to display statues of their ancestors in their houses. For example, the most famous family of the Scipios—the statues of Scipio and his consuls, along with other historical figures—were kept with the purpose of making anyone feel the deep heritage of top-level nobility.
"Septimus, just wait! I swear by the gods of Olympus that I will ruin your family and make you my slave!" shouted Licinius furiously while being restrained.
Upon hearing this, the crowd of nobles erupted in an uproar.
Was it really necessary? What grudge did Licinius have against Septimus to make such an oath to the gods?
A cold glint flashed in Septimus's eyes.
"Really? I hope you keep your oath when I torture you," said Septimus with a playful smile.
The nobles who heard Septimus's threat fell silent; they were also surprised by Licinius's stupidity. It was known within the aristocratic circle that Licinius's father, after the death of his wife, treated his only son like a treasure. Now, because of Licinius's stupidity, they had gained an enemy.
They were all nobles with deep roots in Capua. They knew that Septimus had murdered the prefect and captured the admiral of Campania, later negotiating with Rome and reaching a deal that none of them knew.
Some nobles believed that Septimus was a confidant of Cinna in Capua. In fact, they also envied Septimus's enormous wealth and despised his humble origins.
Some nobles took Licinius away to another place.
"Licinius was only drunk, I hope you didn't take his words seriously," said Cornelia in a soft voice.
Cornelia was welcoming the noblewomen and was busy; upon hearing of the commotion between Licinius and Septimus, she quickly approached to try to ease the situation.
Marcus was also uneasy about the situation and Septimus's words. Licinius's father was a friend who supported him in his bid for the position of prefect of the city, and this conflict did not benefit him.
"Licinius is young and speaks recklessly; don't take him seriously," said Marcus with a forced smile.
"Don't worry, I do not take seriously the words of a dead man," said Septimus calmly.
Septimus was not angry at the provocation of a clown, but he was not going to forgive the offense. An insignificant noble dared to threaten and insult his name in public.
Marcus and Cornelia knew that Septimus was going to kill Licinius upon hearing his words.
Cornelia signaled to her husband while taking Septimus's arm and guiding him toward a group of noble ladies.
Marcus understood that his wife planned to use the young noble ladies to appease Septimus and moved away, heading to the other side of the hall.
After walking for a while, Cornelia noticed that her husband was busy with the guests and pulled Septimus to a discreet place.
In a discreet place in the hall, Cornelia and Septimus kissed while the two clone guards kept watch.
After a while, Cornelia, pressed against the wall, let out a moan while Septimus firmly grabbed her soft buttocks.
Cornelia turned around and embraced Septimus.
"Spare Licinius's life; he is an arrogant and foolish young man, but he is harmless. His family also supports my husband," said Cornelia while Septimus's hands groped her buttocks.
Septimus stopped and looked at the charming Cornelia.
"All right, but you need to make an effort," said Septimus while turning Cornelia around and lifting her skirt to expose her white buttocks.
Septimus would keep his promise because he had no intention of killing him so easily. Since that foolish noble offended him, he had thought of thousands of ways to torture Licinius.
For Septimus, death was too easy for Licinius.
He would castrate him, skin him, and cut him into pieces until turning him into a pet that he would show to everyone.
After the intense activity, Septimus carried the exhausted Cornelia and left her to rest on a couch while he walked back to the hall.
Septimus found Marcus, and they went together to the center of the banquet.
The nobles present knew about the conflict between Septimus and Licinius.
However, no one wanted to offend Septimus; they all saw his potential and cruelty.
Barring unforeseen circumstances, Septimus was destined to become a powerful figure in Rome.
Therefore, everyone received him with smiles, neither too intimate nor distant.
Several young noblewomen approached Septimus intimately; they wished to have a relationship with this promising young man.
"I'm very sorry, Licinius was drunk," Marcus apologized.
Septimus remained silent and only nodded.
Aulus hesitated for a moment, but finally stepped forward.
He called Septimus to a secluded place and said, "My family has businesses in Egypt and Africa. I think candy has great potential. Are you interested in developing the African market with me?"
Seeing Septimus frown, Aulus quickly added, "Could you sell me the candy at a low price? I'm not seeking your formula."
Make a fortune selling candy in Africa? Septimus, as a modern person, found it a bit amusing.
It would undoubtedly be a good idea. Consumer goods such as candy require large-scale distribution; only in this way can the market be opened quickly.
"I can sell you white sugar candy at a discount, and you can sell it using your family's trade channels in Africa," replied Septimus after thinking for a moment.
Aulus smiled broadly. "Really? That's wonderful. Also, I've heard you've been buying large quantities of stone, cement, and bricks."
"I have already acquired some workshops related to construction materials, but I will still need a large quantity of materials," said Septimus.
Aulus's smile widened. Septimus's appetite for construction materials was well known throughout Capua; he hoped to make a fortune in this sector.
Septimus and Aulus negotiated the acquisition of a large quantity of materials.
After talking for a while, Aulus finally left with a big smile.
A while later, several performers were already dancing in the garden, and the sons of the rich and powerful enjoyed the spectacle while eating.
Among them were cakes made with white sugar and candies that Septimus had just brought; many praised the exquisite taste of the candy.
After a while, Fulvia, dressed in a red dress, approached.
"I've heard you also made the candy."
"That's right, do you like it?" asked Septimus with a smile.
"Of course I love it! Who wouldn't like something so sweet? It drives all of them crazy!" said Fulvia, pointing at the girls. Some enjoyed the cakes, others licked the candy and laughed together from time to time.
"This sells like hot bread, but the price is extremely expensive," complained Fulvia. Although she came from a wealthy family, white sugar and candy seemed extremely expensive to her.
"If you like it, I can give you some as a wedding gift," said Septimus with a smile.
"That's wonderful! I'll go to your villa to pick it up myself when I have time!" Fulvia licked her red lips and then gave Septimus a seductive look.
Septimus understood the meaning of the look. "You're welcome anytime."
After Fulvia left, Septimus watched the young noblewoman's hips sway as she walked away.
They could have a few encounters; Fulvia could become a lover.