Ask Veritex how the estates themselves are doing.

"Tell me, Veritex, how are things on my estates? Is all well there? Are the crops coming along as planned?"

Veritex raises an eyebrow, looking surprised and slightly impressed. "Well, my lord. I had no idea you had taken a personal interest in your family's lands. Your father never did."

"To tell the truth, I haven't done so before either," you admit ruefully. "But then, I'm not my father, am I? We each will have to lead the family in our own way, and I want to apply a careful hand. That requires knowing what is going on in my own lands."

Veritex nods. "I must admit that I am impressed, my lord. And truth be told, there is something rather...unfortunate going on there." He pulls a wax tablet toward him. "Just yesterday, I received this missive from Cyrus Junius, your family's deputy who runs the land itself. He's been there for years - started his service under your father, as I did. He tells me that although the crops are coming along well, the entire area, both your estate and others nearby, have been plagued by robbers lately. While they have not yet struck directly at your family's farms, he fears that they will, and that they will badly impact your harvest this year."

You frown. "How on earth is that possible? I know my family's farms aren't exactly in Rome itself, but they're well within the peninsula. Shouldn't the local legionnaires swat these bandits down like flies?"

Veritex spreads his hands. "I do not know the details, my lord. Junius mentioned something about the local soldiers being stymied, but I could not tell you why."

You nod. "Thanks, Veritex. I shall...think on how to address this." He nods back to you.

"Of course, Lord Gaius. Is there anything else?"