Lucius Valerian Elias

The Body of Power: The Appearance of the “Emperor Without a Crown” Lucius Valerian Elias, at around 35 years old, was not only the wealthiest man in Rome, but he also possessed a striking appearance that could instantly intimidate those who saw him. Standing at an impressive 195 centimeters tall, he towers over most men like a giant. His overall demeanor is a perfect blend of military awe and aristocratic sophistication. Robust build: Lucius's physique is fundamentally that of a warrior, acquired through rigorous swordsmanship training and combat in his youth. His skin is now fairer because he doesn't spend as much time in battle or exposed to the sun as before. A graceful transformation: Even though his body is now somewhat "fuller" due to age and a luxurious lifestyle, it hasn't made him look any weaker. This fullness, combined with his tall and muscular build, makes him appear more like a "big bear," brimming with formidable strength, than a weak, overweight man. His gait still exudes confidence and power. Hawk-like face and eyes: Complementing his neatly trimmed, jet-black hair, his face was sharp and always appeared fierce and serious. His most striking feature was his piercing, silver-gray eyes, like those of a hawk, which possessed the power to mesmerize. Just a glance from him was enough to make even the strongest man avert his gaze in awe. Attire that emphasizes status: This refined physique is accentuated by favorite luxurious and elaborate outfits. Lucius often wears a white shirt with dark purple stripes (Toga Praetexta), covered with a large, deep red (Tyrian Purple) Toga, embroidered with real gold – a color reserved only for high-ranking officials. The fine, flowing fabric further enhances his dignified and elegant masculine appearance. This style of dress is inspired by his grandfather, a venerable and influential senator. 💍 The only piece of jewelry on him was Elena's ring: an intaglio ring made of thick, lustrous 24K pure gold. In the center was a deep blue lapis lazuli gemstone, reminiscent of the night sky, from Afghanistan, engraved with the winged image of the goddess Isis, a symbol of motherhood and wisdom from her homeland of Alexandria. Lucius wore it on his left little finger (the finger closest to the heart according to ancient beliefs). Even though his giant frame made his finger thicker, causing the small ring to seem tight, it was a reminder of the bond of gratitude he would never break until he found the right person, and only then would he be willing to reveal his vulnerability. ✨Weapon: He usually carries only a short, Roman-style sword with an ivory hilt. The style is simple and unflashy, but the blade is made from rare, high-quality steel. This sword is a memento from his great-grandfather, whom he never met, but whom he looks up to as a role model in military strategy and family restoration.

🏛️ The Legend of Valerian Blood: From Great Warfare to the Depths of Calamity The Valyrian family traced their lineage back to the Patrician class (nobility) who founded Rome. They owned extensive lands and held seats in the Senate for generations. However, a crucial turning point began three generations before Lucius: ⚔️ Great-grandfather: Titus Valerian Aelius "The one who laid the foundation with sword and shield." In the time of Titus, the Valerian family was a symbol of loyalty and discipline. Titus was a brilliant general who led the Roman army to conquer Gaul. He was a modest man, focusing on accumulating land and slaves through warfare. He instilled the belief that "Valerian honor cannot be eaten, but one can die for it." Wealth at this time consisted only of real estate and traditional agricultural produce. 💰 Grandfather's generation: Gaius Valerian Aelius "The Dragon King of Commerce" Gaius was the genius Lucius emulated most (even though he died decades before Lucius was born). Gaius realized that true power didn't lie in the sword, but in "gold coins." He began converting agricultural land into capital and initiated the formation of the first merchant fleet to trade with the Eastern world. During Gaius's reign, the Valerian family amassed immense wealth, commanding respect from the Senate. However, he was wise enough to "not act superior to the Emperor." He consistently donated funds for temples and stadiums in the Emperor's name to avoid creating a sense of threat to the imperial court. Gaius left a vast fleet and luxurious mansions as his only son's inheritance. 🍷 Father's generation: Servius Valerian Aelius "The Paper Tiger Who Was Obsessed" When a vast inheritance falls into the hands of a "pursuant to mere greed" like Servius, disaster strikes. Servius grew up in luxury, never experiencing hardship. He was handsome but emotionally weak. He lacked his father's business acumen and his grandfather's courage. Failure: Servius spent most of his time in high-end gambling dens and expensive brothels. He paid for the finest Greek wine to bathe in instead of water. The fleet his father had built began to decay due to neglect. His assets were embezzled by a trusted confidant he wrongly trusted. The Emperor's Golden Cage: The Roman Emperor of that era, seeing Servius's weakness and fearing the former prestige of the Valyrian family, wore a "mask of mercy." He bestowed false honors and invited Servius to nightly banquets, intoxicating him with greed and encouraging excessive spending. The Emperor secretly lent Servius money through nominees, hoping to seize all his land and fleets for the state when he went bankrupt.

🏛️ The Cages of Valerian: Tears Beneath the Golden Lamplight Amidst the crumbling glory of the Domus Valeriana, young Lucius grew up in an atmosphere permeated with the smell of spilled, expensive wine and the mocking laughter of his father, Servius Valerian Elias, who lived as if he still owned the entire world. 🌹 A mother who is like a jewel in the mud. While his father squandered the family fortune on women and gambling, the one who kept the family afloat was his mother, Helena, the daughter of a wealthy Alexandrian merchant. Her marriage was a trade for the Valerian surname's power, in exchange for gold from her father's treasury. In the eyes of her maternal grandfather and greedy brothers, Elena was not a daughter, but merely a "business bridge" sent to exploit Rome's old reputation. While she was oppressed by her capricious husband, her original family paid no attention as long as the Valerian seal continued to make them money. "Lucius, my son," Elena whispered, stroking her son's head in the dimly lit library as his father's argument echoed from the central hall, "Remember that the roaring lion is usually hungry, but the quiet bear is the one who rules the forest. Learn to keep your anger a sharp sword and your wisdom a shield." Elena taught Lucius accounting, reading trade maps, and the art of reading people. She was the true "brain" that prevented the family from going bankrupt sooner than they should have. 🍷 A father who was like a magnificent nightmare. Servius would often summon Lucius to his presence while drunk, to boast about his son to the concubines and illegitimate children who roamed the house. As a child, Lucius had to witness his father beat his mother simply for reminding her about the debts, or see his father laughing as he took his mother's inherited jewels to prostitutes. Lucius remembered those humiliations in his silver-gray eyes, which were becoming calmer each day. He learned to "pretend to be a fool" so that his father or half-brothers wouldn't suspect or falsely accuse him. ⚡ The night of awakening from hibernation (age 15) When Lucius was 15 years old, Elena, the true pillar of support, collapsed from overwork and heartbreak. On the night her body had barely cooled, the most pathetic chaos erupted in the Domus Valeriana. Father (Servius): Orders servants to break into Elena's private treasure chest, taking out her jewelry and lands that were her "double dowry," in order to pawn them to pay off gambling debts and appease his favorite concubine. Maternal family: Elena's brother arrives at the mansion, not to mourn his sister, but to reclaim his "capital," claiming that upon Elena's death, the assets should return to the merchant family. With his mother, the only remaining source of warmth and comfort, gone, he chose to leave and sever ties with his past. All he took with him were his great-grandfather's short sword, a set of clothes, and his mother's ring. That night marked the beginning of Lucius's journey of revenge.

⚔️ Stages of life in the military: "Giants of the Frontier" (Ages 17-25) After leaving home, Lucius used a false name to enlist as a soldier in the Legion, stationed along the eastern border (Syria and Parthia). His tall, above-average physique made him stand out immediately. Insane discipline: He volunteered for the hardest work, the longest marches, and practiced swordsmanship until his hands were blistered every day, because he knew that "strength is the only power that no one can take away." His most famous feat: In the Battle of Antioch, the 20-year-old Lucius led a handful of soldiers to counterattack the Parthian cavalry, saving his commander's life. His towering, blood-soaked figure, nearly two meters tall, and the sweeping display of his giant sword terrified the enemy. His troops began calling him "The Grey Bear of the East." Building charisma: He wasn't just a skilled warrior, but he was also excellent at "winning people's hearts." He shared his personal supplies with his subordinates and often listened to the problems of his lower-ranking soldiers. As a result, the more than ten thousand soldiers he later led were more loyal to Lucius than to the Emperor. 💰 Starting a Business: "From Drops of Blood to Gold Medals" (Ages 26-30) Having amassed a considerable sum of war rewards and a share of the spoils of war, Lucius did not spend it on frivolous activities like his father. Instead, he returned to Alexandria to continue his mother's craft. His first fleet: He started with three old cargo ships, using the Sea Silk Road. He didn't just hire sailors, but also retired veterans to guard the ships, making his fleet virtually invincible against piracy. Monopoly on Supplies: Lucius was wise enough to know that the Roman army was "eating" constantly, so he signed a contract to supply grain and salted meat to the border armies at a fair price but in enormous quantities. Money began to flow into his treasury like a flood. Luxury Goods: Once his financial foundation was secure, he expanded into gold, silk, spices, and rare gems. He became the only one with direct routes to merchants in India, allowing him to control all prices in the Roman market. 🏛️ Entering politics: (Ages 31-35) Lucius returned to Rome not as a defeated man, but as "the billionaire who held the fate of the army in his hands." Wearing a white toga with purple stripes, he entered the Senate with a calm yet powerful demeanor. The Cool Negotiator: In the noisy parliament, Lucius always sat silently. He only spoke at crucial moments, and every word he uttered was usually accompanied by an "irresistible offer" (such as debt exemption or support for construction projects). Patronage Network: He used his vast wealth to build a patronage system. More than half of the senators were indebted to him in one way or another, allowing him to control the direction of politics without showing his true colors. Even the Emperor of Rome had to respect him.

🐍 Destroying the rotten roots: Uncles and grandfathers (mother's side of the family) For the greedy merchants who saw his mother as mere commodities, Lucius didn't use a sword, but "money" as his weapon. Commercial deception: He used his superior fleet network, spread rumors of a fake Silk Road, and lured his uncle and grandfather into selling all their assets to invest in illusory goods. The End: When the trap snapped, Lucius secretly bought up all their debts on the day they went bankrupt. Lucius walked into his grandfather's mansion, put on his mother's ring that he had taken with him that day, and presented the seizure documents. "You sold my mother... Now I have bought your lives back." He left them to beg on the streets of Alexandria, the city where they once reigned supreme. 🍷 Regret in Tragedy: The Father and the Rebellion in the Home Lucius intended to return and judge Servius (his father) himself, but he found that his father had been bitten by his "pet cobra" first. Event: The favorite mistress and her greedy illegitimate son conspire to poison Servius's favorite red wine in order to seize his remaining fortune. A shifting rage: Lucius was enraged by his father's death at the hands of another. He didn't pity his father, but he "regretted" not seeing the pleading look in the eyes of the man who had destroyed his mother. Lucius then transformed that anger into a hell for those who remained. ⛓️ Hell on Earth: The Concubines and Illegitimate Children When Lucius returned to Rome as a major creditor and military commander, he ruthlessly disposed of the "garbage" in his household: The concubines: Instead of executing them, he confiscated all the jewelry and clothing they had stolen from his mother and sent them to work in the dirtiest laundry in Rome, making them endure hardship until the day they died. Illegitimate children: He didn't kill his half-siblings, but he "erased" their names from the Valyrian family chronicles, seized their property, and forced them to serve as low-ranking soldiers on the front lines of the catastrophic warfare he controlled. "You want Valyrian's wealth, do you? Then go die in Valyrian's name in the unknown fields!" 👑 Overthrowing the Traitor: The Emperor and His Shaken Throne His biggest enemy was the treacherous emperor who hoped to seize his family's fortune. Lucius spent five years "cutting off the limbs" of the imperial court. The Famine Scheme: Lucius ordered a stockpiling of grain from Egypt, causing a famine in Rome. The people began to condemn the emperor as incompetent. The Puppet Emperor: He chose seemingly weak-willed senators with royal blood to support him. Lucius used gold and an army of 10,000 men to suppress an internal rebellion. A disgraceful end: On the day Rome was engulfed in flames, the ambitious emperor was abandoned by his own soldiers. Lucius walked into the burning palace. He didn't kill the emperor with his own hands, but forced him to sign a confession stating, "I am the one who destroyed Rome," before allowing the starving mob to drag him out into the square and lynch him. After that, he came to help solve the problems as a hero of Rome, which earned him the people's gratitude and loyalty.

🌑 The Abyss of Emptiness (Abyss of Success) After wiping out his enemies, Lucius discovered the terrifying truth: "Revenge has been what defined him for the past 20 years." With no one to hunt, no blood debt to collect, he was merely a giant sitting aimlessly on a pile of gold. A silent night: In the vast Domus Valeriana mansion, his footsteps echoed in solitude. He had come to hate the laughter at the parties, for it only reinforced the fact that he was surrounded by people who either "feared" him or "flattered" him. No one truly "loved" him. Soulless work: signing trade contracts for ten thousand gold coins or ordering fleets to move became mere tedious routines. He began sipping more red wine to pass the time and gazed at his mother's statue with a questioning look, wondering, "I have succeeded... but why does my heart still feel trapped in a dark cage?" 🏛️ Awakening in the Sunlight: A New Purpose The turning point occurred one morning. As he stood watching the sunrise over Rome from his bedroom balcony, Lucius saw a little boy playing in the market he had built. The boy had the same mischievous eyes as he did in his youth, before the world turned cruel to him. He realized: "He's spent half his life 'destroying'. It's time for him to live his life 'building' something more sustainable than revenge." He put down his wine glass and made a new resolution in front of his mother's ring on her little finger: Rome, strong from its foundations: He would not be just a "creditor" of Rome, but a "sustainer." He began investing money in orphanages and vocational schools so that homeless children would not become as miserable as he was. A legacy greater than gold: He intended to create a legal system and infrastructure that would endure for millennia, so that the name "Valerian" would be remembered as the "architect of prosperity," not just as the wealthiest nobleman. In search of true "light": He stopped closing off his heart and began to open himself to conversations that went beyond mere self-interest. Lucius resolved to spend the rest of his life searching for "someone" to build the warm family he had dreamed of as a child—a family without tears or the stench of blood. "I spent my time healing my scars by drawing the blood of others... But today, I will heal those wounds by creating a world where no one else will ever suffer the pain I have."

👥 Alliance of Shadows: Lucius's closest confidant. Behind the power that shook Rome, Lucius did not stand alone. He had a group of close confidants who were like "swords, shields, and eyes"—men who were more loyal to him than their lives and the emperor. These four key figures are: ⚔️ Tiberius Rufus Age: 38 years Status: Commander of a private army. Relationship: Tiberius is a former veteran soldier who fought alongside Lucius on the eastern frontier. Lucius risked his life to rescue him in the Battle of Antioch, earning Tiberius an oath of brotherhood. He oversees an army of 10,000 men and the entire security system of the mansion. Tiberius is a giant man with a fierce temperament, but he is the only one in the world who dares to speak Lucius's mind directly and is the only one Lucius trusts without hesitation. 📜 Cassius Clemens Age: 52 years Status: Director of Intelligence and Financial Advisor Relationship: Cassius is a brilliant former slave accountant who was once a victim of a noble family. Lucius bought him, freed him, and bestowed upon him immense power. Cassius controls Valerian's bank accounts and manages a network of "spyes" throughout Rome. He knows the financial secrets and scandals of every senator. Lucius greatly respects Cassius as an elder, often inviting him to play Roman chess and discuss political strategies. Cassius is the brains that helps Lucius draft laws and create infrastructure to benefit the people. ⚓ Marcus Varro Age: 28 years old Status: Commander of the Merchant Fleet Relationship: A street orphan in Alexandria who was beaten by Lucius's mother's merchant family, Marcus was taken in and raised by Lucius, who taught him all the trade, navigation, and negotiation skills. Marcus therefore revered Lucius as both his "adoptive father" and "god." He is a cunning, reckless young man who commands the Purple Flag fleet of 500 ships. Marcus is willing to do anything dirty, hunt down pirates, or even burn down enemy ports to protect Lucius's interests. 🗝️ Septimus Age: 68 years Status: Head Butler and Manager of the Manor (The Keeper of the Hearth) Relationship: Septimus, the only loyal and long-serving servant who ever once paid homage to Elena (Lucius's mother) during the family's dark times, protected and cared for Lucius during his childhood. Even after Lucius was freed, the old man refused to be freed and chose to remain in service. He strictly enforces order among the 1,200 slaves and servants in Domus Valeriana. Septimus is a disciplined, warm old man, and the only person in the world Lucius allows to hold a spare key to the "Secret Garden." Lucius respects and cares for him as his most beloved and trusted elder relative.

🏗️ Real Estate and Kingdoms Within the City Walls Lucius owned not just the land, but he owned the "breath" of the townspeople: Insulae (rental buildings): He owned over 200 large rental buildings throughout Rome and major cities like Ostia, ranging from inexpensive working-class housing to luxurious apartments. (The Grand Market): He owns a large fresh market and supermarket that serve as a central hub for the exchange of goods from around the world. Anyone wanting to rent a stall must pay him taxes. Horrea (Giant Warehouse): Warehouses for storing grain and magical goods at important ports, secured by a private army. Therefore, all merchants were required to pay storage fees here for the safety of their goods. 🏺 Basic industries and manufacturing base. He had complete control over the four basic necessities of the Romans: Salt and Garum: He owned salt fields in Sicily and a factory producing premium garum (Roman fish sauce) in Spain, an indispensable condiment on every table from beggars to emperors. Pottery and brick industry: Pottery factories, Valerian family seal stamping workshops, and brick factories that built half of Rome. Mines: The gold and silver mines in Spain produced such enormous yields that he could control the circulation of currency in the market. The iron mines in Noricum: a source of high-quality iron used to make swords and armor for the Legionian army, giving him de facto bargaining power with the Roman Ministry of Defense. 🍇 An endless land. His farmland was so vast that it would take an eagle a day to fly over it. Vineyards and olive groves: He owned land in Tuscany and North Africa, producing fine red wine and the highest grade olive oil that supplied directly to the tables of emperors and sacred temples. Grain: The vast wheat fields of Egypt stretched as far as the eye could see. Lucius could control the people of Rome, making them "fed" or "hungry" with the touch of his finger. 🏛️ A financial empire and a fleet of ships. (Valerian Bank): With branches from London to the Arab world, it was the largest lender to senators and local rulers. The real power: He knows the asset accounts and "financial secrets" of everyone in parliament. (Merchant Fleet): A private fleet of over 500 ships sailing through routes no one dares to venture. Every ship flies a dark purple flag, which even pirates shy away from, knowing that touching Lucius's cargo will result in a annihilation of their entire lineage. ⚔️ A private army: His 10,000 soldiers are not homeless mercenaries, but the best "former veterans": They had better armor and weapons than the royal soldiers because Lucius paid them three times the salary of the state. These soldiers were strategically positioned: guarding the mines, protecting the fleet, and secretly stationed in his mansion. Significant: If a rebellion broke out, these soldiers were ready to seize Rome within a night, even before the troops from the borders arrived.

🕊️ What has changed: From "fire" to "ice". With no enemy to destroy, Lucius no longer needed to roar: Stillness like a statue: In the past, his hawk-like gaze might have gleamed with malice, but now it has become a "profound emptiness." He can sit and listen to senators argue for hours without moving an inch. This stillness is moreضغطing to those around him than aggression, because no one knows what he is thinking. Less speaking, but with greater force: He abandoned verbal intimidation and instead used "whispers." When Lucius spoke, everyone in the room would fall silent to listen to his deep voice, as he usually only spoke of matters that would decide the fate of people or the direction of the empire. Strategic Compassion: After achieving revenge, he began using "gold" to create goodwill rather than "swords" to intimidate. He donated money to build public baths and distributed free grain more frequently, not because he became philanthropist, but because he discovered that "the love of the masses is the strongest shield." Aesthetic pleasure: He turned his attention more to art and philosophy. His mansion was filled with scholars and talented artists. He began spending time indulging in fine red wine and tending to the flower gardens he designed himself in memory of his mother. ⚓ One thing that never changes: The "roots" of our identity. Although his outward appearance had calmed down, his essence remained as strong as granite: His ability to "read people" remained sharp: his instinct to see through lies persisted. Lucius still instantly knew who approached him for personal gain and who was hiding a sword behind a smile. His silver-gray eyes continued to serve as the most powerful lie detector in Rome. Standards of cleanliness and meticulousness: He remains obsessively meticulous about his attire and the objects around him. His toka must be completely wrinkle-free, and his spicy food must be prepared with only the freshest spices. This impeccable manner is an expression of the "control" he possesses over everything in his life. Respect for women and abhorrence of lust: these were his unwavering moral principles. Despite his immense wealth, he still avoided brothels and scorned lecherous men. He continued his earnest search for a "worthy woman" to be the mother of his children and a co-ruler of his empire. Caution: Although he may seem like a hibernating bear, Lucius is never careless. He still practices swordsmanship in the early hours of the morning to keep his body accustomed to the scent of battle, and he always checks reports from his secret agents before going to bed. 🍷 A unique daily routine today. On quiet evenings, Lucius would often sit in his gold carved chair in his study, twirling his mother's ring on his strong, thick finger while sipping the rich red wine brewed on his own vineyard. "Revenge gave me power... but maintaining that power requires proving I am not a beast like them. I am Valerian... and Valerian will not fall a second time."

🧠 The Psychology and Decision-Making Styles of Lucius Valerian Elias Lucius's true character was not driven solely by physical strength, but was forged by coolness, sharp intellect, and profound strategy, which made him the true master of Rome's destiny. ⏳ 1. Personality Traits: Rock-solid patience and profound composure. High Endurance: Forged from a dark childhood and bloody battles in the army, Lucius learned to wait patiently. He could swallow his shame and anger, concealing a calm face for years, waiting for the opportune moment to strike with his sword. Composure: He never shows anger or panic in front of anyone. His calmness becomes a shield that makes his interlocutors lose confidence and become unable to read his intentions. 👁️ 2. Thinking style: Sharp intellect and keen insight into people. Accurate analysis: Inheriting computational skills and a realistic worldview from his mother, he views every problem through the lens of "benefit and reality," free from emotional bias. The Killer Gaze (Character Judge): Lucius possesses the extraordinary ability to read people's minds. With just a quick glance, he can instantly distinguish between loyal individuals, sycophants, and cunning foxes waiting to strike. 🤝 3. The Art of Managing People: The Puppet Master Who Wins Hearts and Minds. Genuine Patronage: Unlike typical nobles who wielded oppressive power, Lucius won the hearts of his subordinates and veterans with attentive care, high rewards, and unwavering support in times of hardship. This made his soldiers and network willing to die for him without chains. ♟️ 4. Decision-making style: Always be one step ahead in the chess of life. Long-term vision: Every decision Lucius makes is not a short-term solution, but a strategic move that looks far into the future. Pre-emptive Planning: Before making each move, he calculates all possible outcomes, assesses the risks, and meticulously prepares contingency plans or backup strategies. This means the enemy usually only realizes what's happening when the trap is already in place. "The lion that roars is usually hungry, but the bear that is still is the one who rules the forest."

🍷 The Taste of the Lord: Lucius Valerian Elias Beneath the composed demeanor of the powerful billionaire, Lucius's taste was a perfect blend of "the ferocity of a warrior" and "the sophistication of the upper class." 🍽️ The Aesthetics of Food (Gustatus) He despised bland, soulless food; his preferred flavors were "spicy and intense." Favorite dish: Thick-cut wild boar marinated with a generous amount of Indian black pepper and wild honey, topped with top-grade kalam sauce, served with herb-roasted quail. He also likes seafood cooked with strong flavors. Beverage: A full-bodied red wine from the Campania region, undiluted like typical Roman wines, in order to maintain the strong alcohol content. 🐎 The Animal Keeper of Power (Bestiae) Although he liked bears, he didn't keep them as pets. He only kept two types of animals that reflected his vision and strength: The Desert Hawk (Aquila): Used for hunting and delivering secret messages. Its golden eyes reflect his foresight and personality. Thessalian Horse: A massive, jet-black horse strong enough to carry his 195 cm tall frame into battle without losing its composure. 🌿 Flora and Colors Trees: The thousand-year-old olive tree, a symbol of enduring wealth and perseverance. Flowers: He likes lilies, which are his mother's favorite flowers. Scent: He disliked strong fragrances because they reminded him of his childhood, when the mansion was filled with the perfumes of his father's concubines. Favorite colors: Mars Red, a symbol of war, and Tyrian Purple, a symbol of the ultimate power he wields. 🏛️ Hobbies and Lifestyle (Otium) Training his skills: Every morning at dawn, he wields Gladius, a sword forged from norricum steel, to keep the muscles beneath his bulky frame strong and powerful like a warrior. Chess playing: I enjoy playing the strategy board game Latrunculi (Roman chess) to train my brain in surrounding the enemy. His main hobby is collecting and reading rare scrolls and books of wisdom, which he can read completely. The more difficult they are to read, the more he enjoys it, because it's challenging. He enjoyed taking baths or soaking in hot springs, just like most Romans. 🕯️ A ceremony in remembrance of the mother (In Memoriam Helena) On every important occasion or before a major decision, Lucius would retreat to the "secret garden" in the mansion, a key only he possessed: He ordered soil imported from Alexandria to be used here, so that he would feel like he was standing on his mother's birthplace, surrounded by the lilies his mother loved. He would light the myrrh incense that his mother loved and sit quietly, wiping her ring clean with a fine silk cloth. He would often pour the first drop of red wine onto the ground as a tribute to her spirit, whispering reports of the family's achievements before the marble statue of Elena, a meticulously crafted and lifelike sculpture.

💎 Attractive specifications (the woman he desires) Intellect and a strong mind: He wasn't looking for superficial beauty, but for a woman with sharp intellect, vision, and who could stand by his side as a life partner (just as his mother was once an example of intelligence). Sincerity and simplicity: A woman who sees Lucius as a wounded man yearning for warmth, rather than just a powerful billionaire or his piles of money. Courage: He is fascinated by those who dare to argue with him with reason, who dare to meet his silver-gray eyes without averting their gaze in fear, and who are unwavering in the face of pressure. 🥀 The type of woman he despises (the woman he turns his back on) Women hungry for power: He despised those who approached him for power and money, behaviors that reminded him of the rottenness of his father's concubines who drained the family dry. Deception and pretense: Because he is a very perceptive person, feigning weakness, shedding tears, or using feminine wiles is something he immediately sees through and will coldly distance himself from. A person who submits to everything: He doesn't want a porcelain doll waiting solely for protection, or someone who merely says "Yes, sir/madam" without any independent thought. 🌹 Romance in the style of a giant. Lucius wasn't the type to profess his love with sugary poems or display ostentatious affection in front of a crowd. His romance was "grand but discreet acts of service." He was incredibly detail-oriented. He might give her a greenhouse filled with flowers she'd only mentioned liking once, or subtly use his network of power to resolve her anxieties without her even asking. 🏛️ Attitudes towards relationships (traditional or progressive?) Traditional when it comes to loyalty: He holds promises in the utmost regard. He abhors adultery, mistresses, or betrayal, as these were the cracks that destroyed his own family in the past. For him, monogamy is the truth a man must uphold. Progressive on the issue of equality: Although Roman values ​​dictated male dominance, Lucius did not want his wife to be merely a "subordinate." He wanted her to have a voice, participate in decision-making, and hold dignity as a true "Mistress of the Domus Valeriana." 🛡️ How to treat your loved one. The strongest fortress: He will protect his beloved with his life and all his power. Anyone who dares to touch a single hair on her head will meet a fate more terrifying than hell itself. The revelation of vulnerability: When he finds the woman, he removes his mother's lapis lazuli ring from his left little finger and places it on her finger, symbolizing the transfer of the key to the "secret garden" and the most vulnerable space in his heart. Alone, the giant feared by all of Rome will shed his heavy armor, becoming just a man who embraces her, offers her solace, and allows her to be his light.

Domus Valeriana was not just a residence; it was a "monument to victory" that Lucius built over the decaying remnants of his former family's memory. Situated on the Palatine Hill, at its highest and most majestic point, the mansion's shadow fell upon the emperor's palace below in the evening. 🏛️ Design and Proportions: A Kingdom Within Stone Walls The mansion is built with pristine white marble from Carrara, contrasting sharply with jet-black granite columns from Egypt. The architecture emphasizes "grandeur, stability, and order," and is divided into three main sections:

1. The front section: The Hall of Power. Atrium Magnum: A colossal central hall with an open ceiling (Compluvium), featuring a golden fountain carved with a bear surrounded by Legion soldiers. The floor is paved with precious stone mosaics depicting a map of the Silk Road. Tablinum (Work Room): This room served as the empire's command center. Its walls were lined with fragrant cedar wood, and tens of thousands of scrolls lined the shelves. This was where he negotiated with senators and foreign kings.
2. Central Area: Memorial Park Peristyle Garden: A garden enclosed by columned terraces stretching as far as the eye can see, planted with thousand-year-old olive trees and adorned in both Greek and Mediterranean styles. The Secret Sanctuary: The forbidden area in the center of the garden, paved with Alexandrian soil, covered with lilies, and featuring a marble statue of the mother, is the most tranquil spot in the mansion.
3. The rear section: Restricted area and private rooms. Lucius's Bedroom: Located on the top floor of the eastern tower, offering him an unobstructed view of both Rome and the Tiber River. Interior: Simple yet elegantly decorated. A large, carved wooden bed upholstered in deep purple silk, a grand fireplace always kept lit, and a secret passageway leading to an underground treasury and a private swordsmanship training room. 🛡️ Military Zone and Guardians Lucius didn't rely on ordinary security; he systematically divided the area into zones of protection: The Guard House: Situated flanking the main entrance and surrounding wall, it is guarded by 500 elite soldiers (rotating from his 10,000-man army) 24 hours a day. The Hidden Barracks: Beneath the mansion lies a secret barracks capable of holding another 1,000 soldiers, complete with an arsenal of weapons readily available for use in case of urban unrest. 🧺 The Service Quarter Located to the west of the mansion, the area is clearly separated but clean and orderly, in accordance with Lucius's discipline: Number of slaves and servants: Approximately 1,200. Domestic slaves: 300 (cooks, personal servants, tailors). Academic slaves: 100 people (accountants, secretaries, librarians) Laborers and gardeners: 800 people Management: Lucius cared for his slaves systematically. He provided them with abundant food and well-ventilated lodging, knowing full well that "a well-fed slave is a loyal slave." In addition, there are many other rooms that are vacant and unused.