The army's control over the province of Campania was very strict, and due to the recent civil war, most merchants or wanderers were very cautious and traveled little.
On the other hand, Septimus planned to gradually lift the blockade of the region until the region was completely stabilized and full integration between the former population and the clones was achieved.
Due to the lack of globalization and the complications of communication, Septimus's plans for the integration of the clones within the region were progressing well.
It should be emphasized that although communication between nobles, elites, or merchants could be fluid, among the common population it was usually not accessible.
But unfortunately, those few figures lived obsessed with pursuing their own goals of power or chasing their ambitions without truly caring about what happened in the region of Campania controlled by Septimus.
Septimus also understood that the great number of clones would generate doubts, but all of those doubts could be answered by obtaining total control of the region of Campania.
The entire region had a population of between 1.4 and 1.5 million inhabitants, enough to justify the origin of Septimus's legionaries.
Setting aside unnecessary thoughts, Septimus directed his concentration toward the triumphal procession.
The clone army polished their armor diligently until it was completely shining.
The triumphal procession in the city of Rome was like a military parade where the victorious army displayed its trophies before a euphoric crowd of people.
Perhaps Sulla and the Senate were extremely dissatisfied with Septimus, since they only gave him one day to prepare.
However, this time was enough for the efficient clone soldiers. On the third day, just at dawn, a great crowd had already gathered in the Forum of Mars, outside the city.
Triumphal processions were divided into great and small ones; the smaller ones were always carried out on foot or horseback.
Septimus organized a grand triumphal procession, which began at the Forum of Mars, outside the city, and ended after a procession to the Capitol, where the priests of Jupiter performed a ceremony, culminating in the sacrifice of a war prisoner to the gods.
It should be emphasized that this ritual originated with the Etruscans, who fought against the Romans. Only those who achieved a decisive victory against an enemy, killing more than 5,000 enemies and bringing back at least one squadron of prisoners, were qualified to organize a triumphal procession, and the person organizing it had to possess the "imperium," that is, supreme and independent military authority, such as that of a consul, praetor, or dictator.
Triumphal processions were quite numerous during the era of the Republic. Between 220 B.C. and 70 B.C., a total of 100 triumphal processions were celebrated, approximately two every three years.
The triumphal procession of Septimus Novius was so remarkable for two reasons: first, he was young, only 21 years old, and second, he did not possess supreme and independent military authority.
According to the strict description of Roman norms, the clone legions were illegally recruited troops.
Precisely because of these controversies, so many people came to witness it.
Septimus, dressed in a red cloak, sat in a golden chariot pulled by four white horses.
Behind Septimus marched clone soldiers, fully equipped and ready to depart, and in front of him were war prisoners and chests filled with captured money.
It was obvious that the prisoners were bandits captured in the African province, warriors from rebellious tribes, and prisoners from the army of Enobarbus.
The prisoners from the battle of the Sahara fed the vast desert.
Some of the war elephants provoked screams from the crowd. Almost all Romans had heard of them, but very few had seen one. Septimus had brought the 10 elephants after overcoming great difficulties!
Septimus changed his usual indifferent expression and instead overflowed with pride; without a doubt, today would be an unparalleled triumphal celebration.
"We may begin," said an elderly man with a stern expression.
Septimus nodded indifferently, but inwardly he knew that many people were dissatisfied with him.
A loud horn sounded, and the vanguard of prisoners slowly advanced.
The head of Hiarbas impaled on a spear was carried by a clone soldier, followed by another clone soldier carrying a wooden plaque with his title: King of Numidia.
His wife and children were also among the prisoners.
Behind them marched Numidian nobles, surviving rebellious tribal chiefs, soldiers, war elephants, and valuable spoils of war.
The Roman plebeians cheered and booed upon seeing the head of Hiarbas and the Numidian nobles.
The war elephants and the lions, however, provoked screams among the Romans.
Near the city gate, the two Purchel sisters together with a young woman observed the scene among the crowd. The two sisters wore brightly colored dresses, while the other young woman wore the attire of a Vestal Virgins. The other spectators looked at the Vestal Virgin in astonishment, automatically making way for them.
"Sister, look at Septimus, so young and handsome, and such a good warrior! I wish he would marry me," said Claudia Minor with an infatuated expression.
"Unfortunately, no matter how much we suggested it, in the end he firmly refused," said Claudia Manor with a trace of resentment. They had made it very clear many times during sexual activities in bed, but Septimus remained unmoved, bluntly rejecting marriage.
"It doesn't matter. If he does not want to marry us, we can continue being his lovers," said Claudia Minor with a smile.
"Be careful, there are many people here, do not let anyone hear you. Besides, you are already engaged, can't you be a little more dignified?" said Claudia Manor speechlessly upon hearing her younger sister.
"Alright." Claudia Minor nodded without giving it much importance.
Just at that moment, Septimus's chariot passed by. Upon seeing the three beautiful women and recognizing the Purchel sisters, he smiled and greeted them, which caused cheers from both sisters, slightly startling Septimus.
Pompey observed all of this with envy. Regardless of the effort he dedicated to war, Septimus's glory was greater than his own.
However, Septimus's achievements far surpassed his own; not only did he defeat more enemy armies, but he also obtained triumphal honors at the age of 21.
Pompey devoted his life to relentlessly pursuing honors. In the original history, he was willing to confront Sulla for the honor of celebrating a triumphal procession and, later, in order to command a great army in an expedition to the East, he broke ties with Lucullus. After Julius Caesar attained greater glory, Pompey decided to declare war on him, demonstrating the intensity of his jealousy.
At that moment, Pompey could no longer hide his envy. He did not want to be overshadowed by Septimus; he was determined to surpass his honors.
"Do you know what I heard among the crowd a moment ago? Someone said that Septimus is the greatest general of Rome. He is fearless and dared to challenge Sulla," said Marcus Licinius Crassus, accompanied by several guards, as he pushed through the crowd and stopped in front of Pompey.
"Did you come to mock me?" said Pompey while looking coldly at Crassus.
Crassus's provocation was so obvious that anyone could hear it.
Crassus smiled sarcastically and said nothing more.
There are things better left unsaid; speaking too much is counterproductive.
Since the conquest of the city of Rome, Crassus had purchased too many expensive Roman properties at low prices.
This greatly increased his power, but what frustrated him was that Septimus had acquired even more properties because he was wealthier.
Many properties that he coveted had been snatched away by Septimus, which filled him with jealousy.
Therefore, upon seeing Pompey, he could not resist the temptation to provoke him.