Apostolos' agents scoured Constantinople, examining every detail for hints of conspiracy against Emperor Antonius. They patrolled the streets relentlessly, scrutinising even the use of foreign languages with suspicion. Citizens were interrogated in broad daylight about their recent activities; any hesitation or inability to respond led to further questioning in the cells. In these times, every single minute activity that seemed abnormal to them is being magnified for multiple times and brought to questions.
The old senators Andronikos and Issac, survivors of this purge, remarked, "It's the usual power consolidation by an emperor - removing old factions, instating loyalists. A familiar pattern in Roman history, absolutely nothing to be surprised about."
Despite the turmoil, life in Constantinople continued. Activities, ceremonies, and daily routines persisted.
No matter what, life must still go on.
