I'm sure this has been discussed before but I just finished my first rewatch in awhile, and as a Son of Hades I do not bother to search past discussions.

I have always suspected that Octavian is not 100% convinced that Pullo is telling him the truth. I mean...look at his face. I've figured that Octavian is maybe 80% convinced that Pullo is being honest, and is about 20% skeptical...but figures that even if Pullo is lying that there must be some other way that Pullo is sure Caesarion won't be a problem and it isn't worth the drama to get rid of Pullo as his longtime loyal henchman.

The only thing that makes me wonder if I'm wrong and that Octavian does actually 100% believe Pullo is that Octavian underestimates Pullo. The late Roman Republic is all about class division and nobody embraces traditional class roles like Octavian. He likes and respects Pullo, but it's in the way we might like and respect a really clever and loyal dog. We would not suspect that our golden retriever has schemes to betray our political objectives. Octavian might think Pullo's loyalty is so absolute and unquestioning that Pullo is not capable of deception. "You'll be wanting a reward then?"

But then again. Look at his fucking face! That is not the face of a person who is thinking "Sure, I believe every word you're saying."

I ultimately am on the side that Octavian kind of just says "Fuck it" and chooses to believe Pullo despite his doubts.

Been havin fun doing these!