Proclaimed Emperor by the Senate, Caesar pronounces the war over, and prepares for five days of feasting and games. No longer an enlisted soldier, Pullo eyes a pastoral future with Eirene; Vorenus runs for municipal magistrate, with Posca's help; Octavian retrieves Octavia from her exile; and Servilia invites Quintus Pompey into her home, to Brutus's dismay.

Pullo and Vorenus have become heroes, causing Caesar to reward those he normally would punish. Pullo's return to Vorenus's household is not appreciated by his former slave Eirene. Caesar overhauls the Senate by adding some unexpected new faces. Servilia crosses the final hurdle in her ambitious revenge plan, at Niobe's expense.