In the corner of the slums.
"Pronius, Yug—"
"It's you, isn't it? I heard you're the leader of this street."
"What do you want?"
"Here are 25 aurei. I need you to do something for me."
With those words bag of gold coins was thrown directly in front of Pronius.
The sound of coins hitting the ground, clinking against one another, made the man's heart race with excitement.
But he quickly suppressed his greed, becoming wary:
"Tell me what it is first!"
As the leader of the gangsters in this area, it wasn't uncommon for some nobles to send their servants to seek his help—
To do some dirty work.
But aurei weren't that easy to come by.
Not to mention, 25 aurei could buy a few strong slave bodyguards.
Such a hefty reward usually meant significant risks.
But what the employer asked for next completely left him stunned.
"I need you to gather all your brothers and comrades within ten minutes.
Only those who have served on the battlefield."
"This isn't something you can decide on your own.
The 25 aurei are just for gathering the men.
Whether or not you agree to the next job, you can keep this money."
What?!!
A whole 25 coins, and it's not even considered a down payment, just a fee to gather men?!
What does it mean to be ridiculously wealthy—?
Pronius finally understood today.
He'd seen rich people before, but never someone this extravagant.
...Gulp...
Pronius and his lackeys swallowed their saliva in unison, a bit of unease creeping in.
What kind of job needed such a large force?
Surely it wasn't to overthrow Rome itself.
Pronius felt silly for even entertaining the thought, completely unaware that while it wasn't about overthrowing Rome, it was pretty close.
Their enemy would be the top aristocrats who controlled Rome's vast power—the Senate.
And their employer standing before them was, of course, Night.
Some matters were so crucial that Night and Tiberius had to personally handle them, ensuring no leaks.
Night waited quietly for a response, confident that they wouldn't refuse.
Or rather, he had already investigated thoroughly before coming here.
The group was in dire need of money and so, they would never reject his offer.
Just gathering a group of people for 25 aurei?
Only a fool would pass up such easy money.
As expected—
Unable to resist the temptation, Pronius agreed.
Though he said ten minutes, it actually took him fifteen to gather his men.
He was actually worried that he might be penalized for the delay and lose the 25 aurei.
But Night, unfazed, reassured him that the money was theirs, urging them to go ahead and split it.
The retired Roman soldiers, overjoyed at the prospect of free money, eagerly divided the coins.
Was there really such a thing as easy money?
This was amazing.
Meanwhile, Pronius's lackeys could only watch enviously, drooling at the sight.
The employer had specifically asked for retired soldiers; otherwise, they would have gotten a share too.
Once all the money had been handed out and everyone's expressions were noted,
Night said, "Send the others away... The job I have next is just for you."
Motivated by money, Pronius enthusiastically ushered the others out.
After the last bystander was gone,
Night said, "Good.
Given your excellent performance, I'm satisfied.
Here's another 10 aurei as a tip just for you."
With that, he casually tossed out another bag of gold coins.
This act of boundless generosity completely won Pronius over.
As his eyes turned red with excitement and he breathed heavily, asking in disbelief,
"M-Master, is this really for me?"
As the leader of a gang of slum dwellers, he was usually defiant and arrogant, but ever since meeting this man, he hadn't had a chance to show it.
The relentless shower of gold quickly turned him into a compliant dog.
Night replied, "Of course…"
As soon as his words fell, Pronius excitedly picked up the money bag on the ground and quickly opened it.
Sure enough, there were 10 aurei inside.
Seeing his thrilled expression, Night's lips curved slightly.
....
"You're truly generous… I've never encountered such a lavish client like you.
Go ahead—are we supposed to rough someone up?
For this much money, even killing someone wouldn't be a problem, as long as the price is right!"
Proniua had a vicious, eager smile on his face and he was already preparing to trample over Rome's laws.
However, Night didn't want to do that...no he didn't want to do just that.
"No, I don't need you to kill anyone. Your task is to protect someone's life.
When the job is done, I'll reward you with a fortune that'll last you a lifetime."
Hearing this, Pronius's face froze in disbelief. "A fortune… for just protecting someone? Is it really that simple?"
The surrounding thugs also found it hard to breathe, shocked at the thought.
Were they supposed to be protecting a prince or a princess from some other kingdom?
If the person was really that important, why would they hire retired soldiers like them instead of the country's own army?
But Night continued:
"Simple? What if I ask you to protect that person for a lifetime?"
"You must be joking.
Are you planning to employ us for life?" one of the burly men couldn't help but growl angrily, feeling as though they were being mocked.
A lifetime fortune? It must be a scam.
Were they being bought as slaves to serve someone for life?
As the men's expressions grew more hostile, Night said: "Don't rush to get angry. How about hearing me out first?
The choice is yours.
After I explain, whether you accept or decline, I won't force you to take the job."
Hearing this, the men calmed down, but they were determined not to sell themselves out, no matter how much money Night offered.
In this world, nothing is more precious than freedom.
Especially in Rome, where slavery is rampant—having seen how miserable the lives of slaves are, they would never sell their freedom.
However—
None of the men present could have predicted that soon they would willingly offer up that very freedom.
It all came down to what Night would say next.
Words that would completely change their lives and awaken their muddled existences.
.
.
.