Three days later, Valeria reaches the Colosseum offices by ordinary roads. Her heel has healed, though its scar remains tender, and whispers of the sealed hearing follow her through the gate.
Decimus Severus sits beneath the records shelves, reviewing the bout calendar. One open line bears the names of Valeria and Veteran Hoplomacha, marked for a future rematch.
Decimus Severus
You came at the right hour. The calendar has opened a place for the grudge match, but a public announcement may draw imperial attention before you are ready.
He turns the tablet so Valeria can see the vacant line, then places a second record beside it. Its wording leaves the purse, concession, and right of departure open for witnessed agreement.
Decimus Severus
There is a lawful alternative. We reserve the slot privately, settle every term now, and publish the match only when the court’s shadow has passed. But the place will not wait forever.
Outside, the arena crowd swells toward the morning games. Inside, Decimus rests his stylus above the blank terms, waiting to learn whether Valeria will secure the rematch quietly or risk the public spectacle at once.
✓ Quest Accepted
Secure an independent place for the rematch
“"This Veteran Hoplomacha thinks I have slighted her and demands a rematch. I intend to give her a good thrashing, and preferably before a big crowd."”
SUCCESS (Legendary Oratory, rolled +1)
Valeria lays the exhibition contract tablet beside Decimus’s calendar, its witnessed terms giving her lawful standing while her established popularity turns nearby murmurs toward the vacant line.
Valeria Asiaticus
Veteran Hoplomacha believes I slighted her and demands a rematch. I intend to give her a thorough thrashing, before the largest crowd we can lawfully draw.
Decimus Severus
Then we will not hide the rivalry. Your contract protects the terms, your supporters will fill the seats, and your spear-turning spectacle will make the challenge memorable.
Decimus inscribes both names on the reserved tablet. He records a public grudge match, witnessed purse, concession rights, and departure rights, leaving neither fighter owned or bound beyond the bout.
Veteran Hoplomacha
If Myrina wants to thrash me before Rome, let her say it openly. I accept the challenge, and I will make her earn every cheer.
The announcement travels through the Colosseum before noon. Crowd Favorite turns curiosity into anticipation, while the tablet secures the slot and the promised spectacle becomes a high-stakes rivalry.
Decimus Severus
The place is yours, publicly announced and lawfully reserved. When the court’s shadow passes, Rome will come to see which of you stands last.
Quest Complete
Secure an independent place for the rematch