Once, he wouldn't have considered it proper to be alone with her with no witnesses around or nearby, for he is a married man with many enemies, and she a young woman of lesser rank than he. Things are different here: people seem to think nothing of being alone with someone of the opposite gender, and rank is nonexistent except by way of reputation. But when she suggests they sit outside instead, he nods and settles himself onto the steps of the storehouse, placing the basket down beside him.

"'Rules' is not the best word. The people meet to vote on things that have been suggested, and if they are approved, they must be done. Often the tribunus who suggested it would be responsible for making sure it was done, or the people would decide who should do it, or it might be decided by chance. I made many things happen. I helped distribute land to the people, and I made sure they got their allotment of grain, and that the roads I proposed were built."

Much has happened to him since then, and he doubts that many of his reforms will survive Opimius' campaign against them. But there's still a pride in the way he holds his head, because he had done great things, had carried on his brother's work and his legacy, although he had faced the Senate's opposition.