Many elders felt overwhelmingly guilty in this moment.
After all, how many elders could claim to be truly innocent?
They were afraid that Night could reveal even more evidence, perhaps implicating them as well.
However, the elders did not know that the evidence on display was the extent of what Night had been able to gather.
After all, time was too short.
It wasn't feasible to uncover incriminating evidence against every senator, nor would it be wise to bring down the entire upper class at once, as it would destabilize Rome.
But—
After Night's sudden moves the night before and the intense confrontation now, the elders, who were already thrown off balance, had no time to regroup.
At this moment, Night held complete control over the situation.
The elders had been utterly dominated, and his objective was now within reach.
He began reading out names, listing the veterans involved in embezzling military funds.
With each name, the face of the corresponding elder turned ashen, and many of the more fearful ones even fainted from shock.
He knows—!!
'He really knows everything we do.'
When Night finished reading the first list of names and announced the crimes of these elders, those whose names had not been read yet breathed a sigh of relief.
But as they caught Night's meaningful gaze, their hearts skipped a beat.
The elders suddenly realized—this was only the first batch!
The list was specifically of those involved in embezzling Spanish War military funds, but there were bound to be other crimes he knew about.
They dared not gamble on how much Night had uncovered...
If he exposed everything here, all the elders would be plunged into disgrace, and their families would be shamed for generations.
At this moment, Night slowly approached Patriarch Pompey...
This was one of the remaining elders whose name had not been read.
.....
He leaned in and whispered,
"For the mercy of the gods, I can offer you a way out—and a way to protect the Pompey family.
Mr. Pompey, do you want to be remembered as infamously as Mr. Babos and the others, nailed to the pillar of shame in Roman history, dragging your family's reputation down with you?
Or would you prefer a path of mutual benefit?"
...
Hearing his words, Pompey, elder of the Pompey clan, narrowed his eyes slightly.
He hadn't expected Night to come over and whisper such an offer.
Despite their differences, Night was offering him a choice.
"Why would you want to help me?" Old Pompey asked through gritted teeth, with a dark expression.
....
"There are no eternal enemies, only eternal interests.
Cooperation is mutually beneficial.
Your family still holds some influence and position within the Roman army.
If you step over and stand with me, our power will only grow stronger.
If more elders join us, the road to reform will be much smoother, and we can avoid unnecessary bloodshed and losses."
Night's words, while delivered with complete seriousness, were nothing more than carefully crafted persuasion.
....
In reality, although he held some evidence, he had no information incriminating the Pompey family.
But could he be blamed for the elders' readiness to believe him?
Night had delivered so many surprises over recent days, projecting an image of a man who could uncover anything.
Patriarch Pompey didn't dare to take the risk...
With a dark, shifting expression, he finally gritted his teeth and came to a decision.
He understood that Night was giving him a warning, forcing him to pick a side.
However even though he knew it, Old Pompey found himself buying into Night's words, even feeling a twinge of pride.
After all, the Pompey family's influence was too big—otherwise, why would some one lawless like Night seek him out instead of someone else?
There are no eternal enemies, only eternal interests.
This sentence struck a chord with him, elevating his opinion of Night.
At that moment, he began to realize how truly formidable this man was.
It was an astute observation.
Only someone with ambition and vision could climb higher and go further.
Gaining the friendship of such a man seemed far more valuable than the past conflicts between Strabo and Pompey.
"Very well, I agree. But what do you need from me?
I'll be clear upfront—I won't do anything that tarnishes the Pompey family name,"
Old Pompey said in a low voice.
...
Night's face lit up with a smile.
"A wise choice! If you'd refused just now, I would have exposed every shred of evidence of the elders' crimes, announcing to all that it was you who turned to me and helped expose them.
Of course, people would question how you alone managed to investigate so many elders, which would inevitably bring scrutiny to the family behind you.
You are a smart man, and you've seized an opportunity.
I enjoy working with sharp minds like yours.
I need you to cooperate with me by coming forward with the crimes you know the other elders are guilty of. You know what to do."
..
What?!!!
Old Pompey's heart suddenly sank, leaving him stunned.
He widened his eyes in disbelief, looking at Night in horror.
As he thought about his words Pompey could already imagine the aftermath if he dared reject this offer: the inevitable slander, the inescapable disgrace.
No matter how he explained, it would be futile.
If the seeds of suspicion took root among the senators, the Pompey family would surely be targeted once this was all over.
Despicable!
Pompey was horrified by Night's ruthless, calculating nature.
Fear gripped him deeply…
Taking a shaky breath, he lowered his voice, filled with despair and anger. "What is it you want, Lista...
How is this any different from slandering me if I refuse?"
...
"If I report the elders' crimes, they would—"
"They would see you as a traitor, a thorn in their side, and would do everything in their power to eliminate you.
And the Pompey family would be dragged down as well, wouldn't it?
But you are naive, Mr. Pompey—
Do you think just by expressing support without action, you're aligning yourself with me?
Have you ever heard of a letter of loyalty?
If you can't prove your sincerity, I'll throw you and the Pompey family into the abyss without needing any other senator's help.
I'll ensure you're nailed to the pillar of shame.
Even if you refuse to cooperate, I'm certain there are families who would eagerly join me.
Believe me, sir, I am an honest man. I would never harm you.
I guarantee that after this, the Pompey family won't suffer under the elders but might even reach new heights.
So, will you stand with the people and be a messenger of justice, or will you oppose me and become my enemy?"
.....
Night's final word, enemy, echoed with deliberate weight.
As Old Pompey shuddered, snapping back to reality.
Despair, pain, and a hint of awe filled his heart.
He would never have imagined that he, the dignified patriarch of the Pompey family and a top-ranking senator, would one day be coerced, threatened, and manipulated by a young man at least three or four decades his junior.
But....
Did he even have a choice?