After walking around for half a day, talking to some friends and observing the city, Marcus finally returned home. The atmosphere between him and his mother was slightly subdued but there was no bad blood between them. Towards the evening Livia tried to convince Marcus of her perspective again to which Marcus mostly stayed silent. Although he didn't reveal his own thoughts, Livia naturally knew her son's opinions.
This way the day ended slowly. The sun set and rose to welcome a new dawn. Thick clouds hung in the sky, only allowing the occasional sunray to reach the ground. Although the weather was not great, life in Veron was unaffected. Livia was already feeling much better than yesterday and thus decided to get back to work. With his mother gone, Marcus also didn't stay at home. He met with some people working for Edil Energus, trying to win their favor.
Thus, the day for the little family was uneventful. Since Iulius had often been absent for a long time due to his job, his death didn't change much in their daily lives. Only the sadness they carried in their hearts would always remain from now on.
When evening came Marcus and Livia both returned home. But they didn't eat dinner right away as Livia wanted to thank Remus and Petuna for their care. Thus, Marcus went over to their house and invited the family of three to dinner. At first their neighbors wanted to politely decline but Marcus knew his mother was serious and remained adamant until Remus and his parents agreed.
Thus, the group of five went over to Marcus's home. As soon as the door opened, Livia thanked Petuna with a sincere expression.
"Thank you, Petuna, for treating me so well. I don't know how I would have fared without you!"
"Livia, why are you so serious? We have known each other for so long. How could I just watch while you are in pain?"
With those words the two women smiled at each other and the atmosphere became harmonious. But what Petuna said was true. The two families had known each other for years and have always been on good terms. There was no need for Livia to be so formal. Thus, the group sat down and began to eat.
Romus's father was a brawny farrier, a man of few words. Marcus didn't know if he had always been like that or if it was the consequence of marrying Petuna. Once the resolute woman began talking, she would continue without pause, making it difficult for others to get a word in.
"… oh, you won't believe how cute Marius is! My little grandchild. Renna has really done well. Her man is working day and night to provide for the young family. I'm relieved that Renna is living a good life now. That's one less child to worry about. Although I have to say that I do miss her. Now Remus is still at home to keep me company but who knows for how long? He is sixteen as well. In the blink of an eye my little baby has become a grown man. It is time to find a job and start a family. It all happens so sudden. Remus wants to enlist in the army tomorrow. Who knows, if everything goes well, he could already move out in a week. Let me tell you…"
"What?! You want to enlist?"
A sudden shout interrupted Petuna. Everyone turned towards Marcus, noticing the shock in his eyes as he stared at Remus. The latter was slightly intimidated by the intense gaze.
"Yes… I want to. I heard they have recently increased the benefits. Furthermore, nothing is as prestigious as being in the army. It is the best way for us from an ordinary family to increase our status in the future."
"But you need to be alive to enjoy all those benefits…"
"Marcus!"
Livia let out an angry bellow, prompting her son to shut his mouth. Remus and his parents felt somewhat awkward. By now they naturally knew that Iulius had died in the recent campaign. Thus, they couldn't get angry at Marcus. They could hardly fathom how the young man must feel at the moment. Remus let out a sigh thinking that Marcus was only worried for him while Petuna felt embarrassed considering it her blunder that she mentioned the topic.
From that point on the atmosphere turned pretty awkward. Remus and his family didn't stay much longer. Livia wished them farewell and closed the door. As she turned around, she watched Marcus disappear into his bedroom. She could only sigh. Her thoughts were a mess.
Meanwhile Marcus threw himself onto his bed in a similarly chaotic mood. He hated the army. In his opinion they sacrificed brave men for the greed of the senate. But on the side, the people closest to him all thought the opposite. His father didn't need to be mentioned. As a veteran he stayed in the army even after his compulsory service had already ended. His mother had always admired the army for defending the prosperity of the empire.
However, Marcus didn't expect that even Remus would plan to join the army. So far, the young man never seemed to have a strong opinion on the topic. Since his father was a farrier Marcus always assumed Remus would learn the trade from him. So why would Remus suddenly want to join the army? Was it really because of the increased benefits?
Marcus balled his fists, his fingernails piercing his palm. A single tear rolled down his cheek. He had just lost his father. The pain was still there. Was he about to lose one of his best friends as well? He hated it! This feeling of powerlessness!
Marcus planned to pursue a career in administration. He wanted to gain enough influence to stop these kinds of senseless sacrifices of young men like Remus. However, even if he could achieve his goal in the future the help would be too late for Remus. He could already foresee that the current campaign in the north would cost countless lives. Enlisting at this moment was basically gambling with one's life.
"No! I need to convince Remus not to enlist! I don't want to see another close one die!"
Finally, Marcus made a decision. Night gradually set in, but Marcus found it difficult to find some sleep. The next morning, he dragged his groggy body up, ate a quick breakfast, and rushed out of the house. He waited at a corner not far away. It didn't take long for Remus to come. With his strong body and determined expression he did indeed look like someone suited for the army. Yet Marcus didn't give up hope.
"Remus!"
"Marcus? What are you doing here?"
"I have been waiting for you. See, I wanted to apologize for yesterday. My remarks were too harsh."
"Ah, don't worry. I didn't take it to heart."
"That's good. That's good. See, it was just… you know I just lost my father. And when I heard you wanted to enlist, I couldn't help but think about it. I was afraid that you might… meet with misfortune… as well. Remus, perhaps I'm overreaching a little bit. But please, I hope you can think about it again. Please don't join the army. It is too dangerous!"
Marcus tried to relay his worries as genuinely as possible. He didn't pressure Remus or talked down on him. He hoped that his friend would come around by himself.
Seeing his friend like this and feeling the genuine worry Remus couldn't get angry. He indeed thought about it again. However, his decision had already been made. His reason for going to the army was just as he mentioned yesterday. The army was the best place to rise in status for people like them from ordinary families.
"I'm sorry, Marucs. But I have to try it. Did you know that my grandpa was originally a slave? But he worked hard and was eventually freed. Through his own efforts he improved his status. He wished for his son to do the same. My father thus became a farrier, which was a great improvement. It was my grandfather's biggest wish that the family rises with each generation. And now it is my turn."
"You… never told me that."
"Well, it's not something we are that proud of. Usually, my parents don't like to mention it. Now that I told you I hope you can understand my decision."
"Yes…"
What was Marcus supposed to say? With such a family background, no argument could change Remus's decision.
Remus let out a sigh watching his best friend. He patted Marcus's shoulder, nodded, and left for the registration point.
Marcus balled his fists. He felt a stabbing pain in his heart. Watching Remus's back, he had the feeling that he might never see his friend again. Could this be it? Was he about to lose his friend?
Marcus was unwilling. He roared inwardly. At this point he even considered enlisting himself just so he could look over Remus and protect him. But with his scrawny body it would hardly be him protecting others.
"What can I do…?"