"So he's just an idiot trying to use his family's influence," Septimus said mockingly.
Septimus calmed down a little; he was truly surprised by the stupidity of this young noble, boasting about his family's weak influence.
"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 am clearly talking about you. Why are you behaving like an idiot?" Septimus spoke 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, stopped him.
"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 had taken his place at the banquet. Who would have thought that Licinius would be so idiotic as 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 homes. For example, the most famous family of the Scipiones—the statues of Scipio and his consuls, along with other historical figures—were kept for the purpose of making anyone feel the profound heritage of top-tier nobility.
"Septimus, wait! I swear by the gods of Olympus that I will ruin your family and make you my slave!" Licinius shouted furiously while being restrained.
Upon hearing this, the crowd of nobles erupted into an uproar.
Was it really necessary? What grudge did Licinius hold against Septimus to swear an oath to the gods?
A cold glint flashed in Septimus' eyes.
"Really? I hope you keep your oath when I torture you," Septimus said with a playful smile.
The nobles who heard Septimus' threat fell silent. They were also surprised by Licinius' stupidity. It was known within the aristocratic circle that after the death of his wife, Licinius' father treated his only son as if he were a treasure. Now, because of Licinius' stupidity, they had gained an enemy.
They were all nobles with deep roots in Capua. They knew that Septimus had murdered the prefect and taken the admiral of Campania prisoner, later negotiating with Rome and reaching a deal that none of them knew about.
Some nobles believed that Septimus was a confidant of Lucius Cornelius Cinna in Capua. In fact, they also envied Septimus' enormous wealth and despised his humble origins.
Some nobles took Licinius elsewhere.
"Licinius was just drunk; I hope you did not take his words seriously," Cornelia said in a soft voice.
Cornelia had been welcoming the noblewomen and was busy; upon hearing about the commotion between Licinius and Septimus, she quickly approached to try to ease the situation.
Marcus was also uneasy about the situation and Septimus' words. Licinius' father was a friend who supported him in his position as prefect of the city, and the current conflict did not benefit him.
"Licinius is young and speaks imprudently; do not take him seriously," Marcus said with a forced smile.
"Do not worry, I do not take the words of a dead man seriously," Septimus said calmly.
Septimus was not angry over the provocation of a clown, but he was not going to forgive the offense. An insignificant noble had dared to threaten and insult his name in public.
Marcus and Cornelia knew that Septimus was going to kill Licinius when they heard his words.
Cornelia signaled to her husband while taking Septimus' arm and guiding him toward a group of noble ladies.
Marcus understood that his wife planned to use the young noblewomen to appease Septimus and stepped aside, 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 corner of the hall, Cornelia and Septimus kissed while the two clone guards kept watch.
After some time, Cornelia, pressed against the wall, let out a moan while Septimus firmly gripped her soft buttocks.
Cornelia turned around and embraced Septimus.
"Spare Licinius' life; he is an arrogant and stupid young man, but he is harmless. His family also supports my husband," Cornelia spoke while Septimus' hands groped her buttocks.
Septimus stopped and looked at the charming Cornelia.
"Fine, but you need to make an effort," Septimus said while turning Cornelia around and lifting her skirt to leave her white buttocks exposed.
Septimus would fulfill his promise because he had no intention of killing him so easily. Since that stupid noble had offended him, he had thought of thousands of ways to torture Licinius.
For Septimus, death was too easy for Licinius.
He was going to castrate him, skin him alive, and cut him into pieces until turning him into a pet that he would display to everyone.
After the intense exercise, Septimus carried the exhausted Cornelia and left her resting on a piece of furniture while he walked back to the hall.
Septimus found Marcus, and they walked together toward 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 welcomed 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 am very sorry, Licinius was drunk," Marcus apologized.
Septimus remained silent and only nodded his head.
Aulus hesitated for a moment but finally stepped forward.
He called Septimus aside and said, "My family has businesses in Egypt and Africa. I believe the candies have great potential. Are you interested in developing the African market with me?"
Seeing Septimus' frown, Aulus hurriedly added, "Could you sell me the candies at a low price? I am not seeking your formula."
Make a fortune selling candies in Africa? As a modern person, Septimus found it somewhat amusing.
Without a doubt, it would be a good idea. Consumer goods, such as candies, require large-scale distribution; only then can the market be opened quickly.
"I can sell you white sugar candies at a discount, and you can sell them using your family's trade channels in Africa," Septimus replied after thinking for a moment.
Aulus smiled broadly. "Really? That is wonderful. Besides, I have heard that you have 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," Septimus said.
Aulus' smile widened. Septimus' 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 broad smile.
A short time later, several performers were already dancing in the garden, and the sons of the rich and powerful enjoyed the show while eating.
Among them were cakes made with white sugar and candies that Septimus had just brought; many praised the exquisite taste of the candies.
After a while, Fulvia, dressed in a red gown, approached.
"I heard that you also made the candies."
"That is right. Do you like them?" Septimus asked with a smile.
"Of course I love them! Who would not like something so sweet? It drives all the girls crazy!" Fulvia said, pointing at the girls. Some enjoyed the cakes, others licked the candies and laughed together from time to time.
"It sells like hotcakes, but the price is extremely expensive," Fulvia complained. Although she came from a wealthy family, white sugar and candies seemed extremely expensive to her.
"If you like them, I can give you some as a wedding gift," Septimus said with a smile.
"That is wonderful! I will 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 are welcome whenever you wish."
After Fulvia left, Septimus watched the young noblewoman's rear sway as she walked away.
They could have a few sexual encounters; Fulvia could become a lover.