The palace officials release Valeria with the counted payment and a sealed demonstration record. Marcus remains beside her as the Praetorian Captain watches them depart.
They proceed through the Palatine streets toward the Colosseum. The tablet stays wrapped and visible, while Valeria’s family remains at home and Murmilla stays behind to recover.
In the Colosseum quarters, Decimus Severus waits beside the assigned fighter. The Retiaria is an older, lean woman with weathered sun-browned features, gray-streaked dark hair, and patched brown leather armor.
Decimus Severus
Myrina, this is your opponent. Veteran Retiaria has fought before crowded stands and palace eyes, and she has agreed to the recorded terms.
Retiaria
I carry a weathered net and trident, but I do not spill blood for applause. Before training begins, settle one practical question with me.
Retiaria lifts the worn net from its peg and tests a frayed edge between her fingers. Her trident rests nearby, its points dulled for practice but carefully balanced.
Retiaria
If I take your feet with the net, or you disarm me cleanly, do we call the exchange there, or do you insist on proving more?
✓ Quest Accepted
Establish workable terms with the Retiaria
+ New Item Acquired
Sealed demonstration record
+ New Item Acquired
Demonstration payment
“"I will concede if you immobilize me with the net. There would be no point in continuing."”
SUCCESS (Legendary Oratory, rolled +0)
Valeria Asiaticus
If your net immobilizes me, I will concede. There would be no point in continuing.
Retiaria
A practical answer. Then the net decides the exchange when it truly holds you, not when it merely brushes your legs.
Retiaria lays the net flat across the practice sand and checks its weighted edges. Decimus watches without comment, while the sealed terms remain visible beside him.
Decimus Severus
The concession will be recorded as agreed. Immobilization means the net has taken her feet and denied immediate recovery.
Retiaria
Good. I will not mistake courtesy for weakness, and you will not mistake a clean concession for defeat without honor.
She gathers the net’s cords in practiced hands and steps back, leaving clear space between the trident and the marked boundary. The lesson is ready to begin.
Quest Complete
Establish workable terms with the Retiaria