(Titus's (Tacitus) POV)
Not many folks turned up for Claudia Octavia's funeral, given her reputation as a timid queen in the Roman Empire.
"I've never even met her, yet here I am, helping Seneca and some workers dig her grave," I mused. Nero was conspicuously absent, tangled in managing the empire's chaos, perhaps unwilling to face his wife's lifeless body. Ministers and Nero's supporters were busy holding the empire together.
Octavia's family had perished at the hands of Nero's mother, Agrippina, and the Senate showed no remorse for her demise. A local priest offered prayers as we laid Octavia's coffin to rest.
After the service, I compensated the laborers and strolled out of the graveyard with Seneca. The news of the queen's demise had left him speechless. I couldn't help but think, "He's on a similar path."
Seneca's fate would likely mirror those grim events: joining the revolt and ending his own life.
"Should I intervene and alter his destiny?" Initially, I hadn't considered altering historical events since they didn't align with my objectives. But my admiration for Seneca and the bond we'd formed gave me pause.
"Forget it for now," I decided, focusing on the present. Seneca's demise was marked for 65 AD, providing some time.
As we prepared to leave the graveyard, a man in his twenties, adorned in lavish attire and a golden laurel wreath, approached us. Despite his charm, his air exuded arrogance.
"Sir Seneca, it's unfortunate you're involved in burying such a repugnant creature," he remarked.
I anticipated Seneca's response, but he remained silent, a surprising omission in defense of the late queen. The man turned to me with a smile.
"Allow me to introduce myself to the young advisor," he said. "I am Gaius Calpurnius Piso, a humble senator and writer, much like yourself."
"Gaius Calpurnius Piso," I pondered. The name sparked recognition.
Gaius Calpurnius Piso, the instigator of the Pisonian conspiracy in 65 AD, aimed to overthrow Emperor Nero and seize the throne. His rebellion ended in failure, leading to his suicide and that of his associates, including Seneca. Even without historical knowledge, his manner of speaking would have revealed his identity in due course.
"I'm Publius Cornelius Tacitus, one of the advisors to our emperor," I introduced myself with a friendly smile. Despite the potential future rebellion against Nero, there was no need to be hostile.
"Oh my," Piso responded mockingly, "but sadly, the new advisor must partake in such unpleasant tasks."
It was evident that Piso had no intention of showing respect to the late queen.
"Although I do hope Seneca finds some stability," Piso remarked, glancing at Seneca, before walking away with his entourage.
I glanced at Seneca, who remained silent. Finding it peculiar, I left him to his thoughts and resumed my work. In this reality, my focus lay solely on Nero.
---
"Lord Tacitus, could you take food to her majesty's chambers? She hasn't eaten for almost three days."
"Again? Sigh..."
A maid approached me because Nero had refused to eat since Octavia's death. She had been working tirelessly for the past two days but had locked herself in her room today, succumbing to stress.
I had no insight into Seneca's thoughts either. He wasn't fulfilling his duties properly, leaving me to manage the entire castle.
"Alright, I'll handle it. Also, prepare the kitchen. Today, I'll cook for our emperor," I said.
"Very well," the maid replied with a smile.
I couldn't fathom how Nero managed the castle's affairs. A single day at court had exhausted me. Most decisions required Nero's approval, and with Nero's absence from court, ministers continually criticized my management abilities as an advisor.
Bringing Nero back to her usual self was crucial for my mission and the empire's survival.
Expecting Nero to resist with words, I employed the Emiya method. I prepared a meal and entered Nero's chamber. However, I didn't find her there.
Sighing, I placed the food tray on a nearby table and walked to her large bath, where I found her submerged in rose petals, staring blankly at the ceiling.
"Oh, it's you, Tacitus," she said softly, her tone subdued.
"Why haven't you been eating, your majesty?" I raised an eyebrow, trying to ignore her exposed body.
"It's none of your business. Get lost," she replied.
"Alright then. Get out of the water. I've brought your dinner," I said firmly.
"I SAID, GET-"
"Get out of the water. NOW!"
Nero leaped out, brandishing a short sword she had concealed. "Don't order me around!" she growled.
I didn't avert my gaze, knowing that any lapse in attention might lead to my demise. Even as a young girl, Nero possessed formidable strength.
Taking a deep breath, I maintained my focus. In an instant, I disarmed her and pinned her wrists against the wall.
"Look at you. Are you Emperor Nero, the beloved ruler of Rome?"
"U-unhand me..."
"Really, what do you hope to achieve by not eating and acting like a spoiled child?"
"You dare to..." She glared at me but couldn't do more.
Despite her strength, Nero was still human and hadn't eaten for three days. At this point, even I could overpower her.
After a few seconds, I released her, and she slumped to the floor, her eyes vacant.
"Your majesty, I'll be waiting for you in your bed. The dinner is still warm, so please return to your chambers as soon as possible. You can reprimand me for my rudeness tomorrow," I said, returning to her bedroom and taking a seat.
After a minute or so, Nero entered the room, draped in a silk cloth that barely concealed her. I averted my gaze, determined not to let my emotions take control.
She silently sat on her bed, and I fed her the various dishes I had prepared.
"Hmm~! I've never tasted these before. What are they?" Nero asked.
"The main dish is curry, and the dessert is pineapple cake. I learned this from a traveling merchant from the east," I explained.
Nero smiled and nodded. "I like it!"
"I'm glad, your majesty," I replied, continuing to feed her.
As I fed her, Nero watched me with a warmth in her eyes. I couldn't fathom her thoughts, but it warmed my heart.
Once she had finished eating, I decided to leave.
"Ah..." Nero seemed to want to say something but remained silent, a pout forming on her face.
I controlled my emotions and left, silently hoping for a return to normalcy in the days ahead.
---
(Nero's POV)
"AAAAA! Why did I act like a maiden in love?!!!"
"I should be the supreme beauty master of everything who stands above all, yet why do I lose my cool when it comes to Tacitus?!!!" I couldn't help but blush, my face turning deep red.
I had a rule: when you consider yourself perfect, everything should go your way. That's how I managed this country without help from those Senate jerks. However, my mind went into a whirlwind when Tacitus stood on the other side of the challenge. Unlike other cabinet ministers, he didn't push back much or complain. But when he asked for something, I couldn't help but nod in his favor. I didn't know how to face him.
"Am I… Am I in love with him?"
Tacitus was the one person who cared for me more than anyone else in this world. Over the past few months, his suggestions had not only improved our management procedures but also fostered a healthier environment in the court. He fulfilled my every demand promptly and consistently achieved his goals. He was even more efficient than Seneca. He was probably the most talented Roman in this empire.
And so, he had found a special place in my heart. Whenever I talked to Tacitus, I felt good and refreshed. Though he sometimes crossed the line by addressing me as Nero directly, I didn't dislike it. Tacitus was the one person I wanted to get close to. Nearly every night, when I recalled his 'smooch,' my body ignited.
"But I don't want to hurt him…."
Deep down, I knew he would suffer if he got close to me. Of course, I could easily force him into my bed, but Tacitus wouldn't like it. Even though I was strong enough to defend myself, news of me bearing Tacitus's child would cause him great trouble since he wasn't as powerful.
Besides, I had killed my blood-related mother with my own hands; how could I raise my own child with these hands?
But the big question remained: did he love me? Nah, I loved all of Rome equally. I couldn't love just one person... maybe.
---
(Titus's (Tacitus) POV)
I waited for Nero at the main court, and when she arrived, her charisma was undeniable.
"Huhuhu! My, my, look at you all. I was out of commission for three days, and you are slacking off!" Nero came forward with a smile. "Now, we must get back to work! Rome shall always smile and bloom under my watch!"
I and all the other office ministers breathed a sigh of relief and smiled. "As you wish, your majesty!"
Nero then looked at me and expressed her gratitude with a smile. I returned the gesture, and we got back to work. However, our peace was fleeting. A sudden revolt would erupt after Queen Octavia's death, and the perpetrator would be none other than Nero's mentor and advisor, Seneca.
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