Emperor's Bane

Chapter 1028 An Unbreakable Alliance

"Before we officially begin."

"I have a gift for you, brother."

After leading his Caliban relatives into the simple yet imposing private meeting room, Guilliman immediately strode toward a display case on one side of the room.

Through several brightly lit glass walls, the Lord of Macragge solemnly took out a golden object.

Standing behind him, Zhuang Sen seized the opportunity to survey the entire room, his emerald green eyes darting like venomous snakes across several key corners.

There were no surveillance cameras, no hidden doors, and no signs of anyone having their ears heard.

This is a small conference room. Apart from the table and chairs in the middle and the counters under the surrounding walls, there is no room for anything else. The four walls, made of granite, are square and enclosed, with no windows. The only light source is the embedded lighting.

On the long table carved from megaliths and on the equally simple granite walls, Johnson saw none of the familiar and tiresome Macuracian style: no gold and blue statues deliberately piled up to flaunt national power, nor any rare flowers and herbs specially picked and urgently transported from the most remote and wild world.

The only things that could be called decorations were the two legion flags hanging on one wall and the huge Far Eastern star map hanging on the opposite wall. Two small flags were also stuck on the stone table, indicating in advance where the lion of Caliban would need to sit.

This softened the lion's originally serious expression.

Emperor Above: During his several meetings with the Macurag brothers, Johnson was thoroughly disgusted by this so-called highbrow artistic taste.

At least he doesn't have to suffer anymore today.

"Look, brother."

While the Caliban were celebrating his good fortune, Guilliman carefully opened the glass cabinet door, then turned around with a joyful expression, presenting the gift to Johnson as if it were a treasure.

It was a treasure that seemed completely out of place in this extremely simple conference room.

The lion heard the sound of his temples dancing.

Because of the treasure's dazzling golden light, the Primarch had to symbolically squint to see it clearly.

This gift looks like two very similar branches found in the forests of Caliban, then filled with almost identical leaves, painted gold, bent, and then joined end to end to make a wreath.

What kind of gift is this?
The lion muttered to himself.

“This is called the Laurel Crown, my brother.”

Guilliman noticed the fleeting confusion on Johnson's face: after Macbeth's experience, he naturally didn't expect his wild brother to understand his somewhat literary gesture of goodwill.

So the Makulaq people patiently explained.

"In ancient Rome, the Romans would hold a grand celebration called the triumphal procession for military commanders who achieved great victories on the battlefield and made unparalleled contributions to the country and the people. This was regarded as the highest honor that Roman generals could receive."

"During the triumphal procession, these distinguished generals were regarded by the Romans as 'gods for a day'."

"They would wear purple triumphal robes, paint their faces red, and wear golden laurel wreaths, like the one in my hand: in the eyes of the Romans, this was a symbol of the victor, and the general wearing the laurel wreath was a great hero who would make the gods in heaven jealous, whose name and achievements would be as enduring as Rome and the nation."

At this point, the Primarch chuckled.

"Of course, we all know that even if the great Roman Empire lasted for a thousand years, it was all that remained."

"No country or name can stand forever."

"But at least, we can ensure that those heroes receive the glory they deserve."

"That's what I wanted to say, brother."

Guilliman presented the golden laurel wreath to Johnson with both hands.

"I don't know how people in other places determine who the War General belongs to, or how they deduce who the so-called 'First Person of the Great Expedition' should actually be?"

"But here with me, Johnson, I have seen with my own eyes and heard from Mogen describe your achievements in the Great Expedition."

“I know, brother. If any of us has ever made unparalleled contributions to the Empire on the battlefield, then that person is definitely you, Zhuang Sen. You may not be the one who has killed the most enemies among us, and your legion may not have conquered the most worlds among all legions, but without you, this great expedition would not have been so successful.”

"It won't succeed now, at least not now."

"You have given more than anyone else, but the glory you have received is not like that: even though you have never mentioned it."

"In this respect, you are a true hero."

At this point, the Lord of Macragge looked directly into his brother's eyes, while Johnson's face was tense, his eyes seeming to dart away, unable to meet Guilliman's gaze.

The Primarch paid no attention, instead bringing the golden laurel wreath even closer.

"So, the Zhuang brothers."

"This is a gift, and also a token of gratitude."

"It's a pity that our support back then didn't help you ascend to the throne of War General."

"If, after the Emperor's departure, it were you, not Horus, who was in charge of ruling the galaxy, then perhaps everything today would be very different."

"But at least on this land, in the five hundred worlds and even the entire Far East, you are the hero in our hearts, Zhuang Sen."

"Wear it, you deserve it."

"And please remember: Macurag will always remember you and your legion for everything you and your legion have done for us."

"We may not be able to give you a triumphant celebration."

"It also won't make you a god for a day."

"But your name and that of your legion will forever be etched in our history."

……

What sincere words!

What a beautiful sound!

If the person who said all this wasn't Guilliman.

He will definitely choose to believe.

The Caliban bowed their heads, as if their souls had been stolen by the golden crown before them.

But a barely suppressed sneer on his face had to be avoided by Guilliman's gaze.

His Macurag brother went to great lengths to please him before the conversation even began.

If this had happened decades ago, he would never have imagined that Guilliman would say such words.

He has improved... but it's still far from enough.

Zhuang Sen slightly raised his gaze, looking into those typical Mackula-style eyes: kind, pure, mixed with a touch of arrogance and nauseating innocence.

Did Guilliman really think that way?

He really thought that this pitiful little thing—a laurel wreath that even a child could make, and a story from tens of thousands of years ago, whose authenticity was anyone's guess—could soften an executioner's heart and make Zhuang Sen turn a blind eye to his underhanded actions.

Can that really make them friends? Or brothers?

Such enthusiasm and politeness would barely be enough to fool Magnus.

But when faced with him...

The Primarch sneered inwardly, but outwardly maintained his composure, responding to the Lord of Macragge with a slightly arrogant attitude.

……

"Of course, my dear brother."

"I am delighted to accept this honor and thank you and your people for your generosity."

……

At this point, he cannot openly turn against the entire Macurag.

Zhuang Sen found justification for his actions in his mind.

“That’s fantastic, Johnson.”

Upon hearing this news, Guilliman indeed revealed that annoying, idiotic smile on his face.

Then, without saying a word, he shoved the glittering, vulgar golden object into Zhuang Sen's hands.

The crown felt very soft to the touch: Johnson couldn't help but admire its exquisite craftsmanship.

But other than that, there's nothing special.

The Primarch gave the gift a low rating.

But when he raised his head again, maintaining a forced smile and a respectable demeanor with his brother, Zhuang Sen's attention seemed to be somewhat distracted: every now and then, his gaze would drift to his hands, drawn to the dazzling golden light.

The words Guilliman uttered lingered in his mind like musical notes that resonated for days.

General of War, Hero, Unparalleled Achievements...

……

"If you were the War Commander, everything today would be very different."

This may be the only philosophical statement that came out of Guilliman's vulgar mouth.

……

"Quick, brother."

Unaware of Zhuang Sen's inner turmoil, the Lord of Macurag continued to urge him on with a beaming smile.

"Try it on and see how it looks: if it doesn't fit, I can have them alter it."

Put it on?

The male lion looked at his brother with slight displeasure.

His acceptance of this "gift" is the best proof of the Caliban Knight's good upbringing.

Don't these country bumpkins in their breeches understand the etiquette of knowing when to stop?

The Primarch muttered to himself: Although he admitted it was a nice little gadget, was it really worth it for him to wear such a tacky, glittering thing?
His aesthetic sense isn't as useless as Phoenix's.

Did Guilliman really think he wanted to be the hero of the so-called 500th century?

He doesn't care: just like he doesn't care about this thing.

……

"So, Robert, do we click?"

"Absolutely flawless, Johnson!"

When the Lord of Macurag saw the golden laurel wreath placed on Zhuang Sen's head, he even felt his eyes well up with tears.

This was for himself, for the entire 500-year world, and even for the Far Eastern frontier.

This scene proves that even though there is no second Lord of Avalon to mediate between them, the brotherhood between him and Johnsen remains strong.

The Caliban were still willing to accept his friendship and the respect and reverence of the entire 500 worlds:
Therefore, the alliance between Avalon and Makula, which has lasted for over a century, should not be greatly affected by the change in leadership.

They can still navigate smoothly.

Thinking of this, Guilliman's eyes stung as he looked at the stone table in the center of the room.

"Alright, bro."

He coughed softly.

"Sorry for the delay, I think we can get down to business now."

"okay."

Zhuang Sen paused for a moment: he was still thoughtfully stroking his hair, which was intertwined with golden laurel leaves, with his fingers.

It seems he liked the gift even more than he expected.

Guilliman thought so.

What he saw was that even after Zhuang Sen had taken his seat, he still hadn't taken off the laurel wreath and continued to wear it: even when leaning back against the chair back where it might touch the wreath, the lion's movements were very careful.

This made Guilliman find it somewhat amusing.

So, after he sat down, he tried to remind Zhuang Sen in the most tactful way possible.

“You can take it off first, brother. I don’t think it’s impolite.”

"..."

These words stunned Zhuang Sen.

His appearance was like that of a child caught by their parents while secretly reading pornographic books, feeling embarrassed.

But soon, the battle-hardened lord of Caliban regained his arrogant demeanor, offering no response, but instead speaking in a deep, authoritative tone that left no room for argument.

"I think we can begin our talks now."

"..."

Guilliman glanced at the laurel wreath still intact on the lion's mane and could only nod helplessly.

"Ok."

He closed his eyes, adjusted his voice and the thoughts in his mind: when he opened his eyes again, the emotional fluctuations of reality were gone, and the political machine that could control the entire five hundred worlds appeared in front of Zhuang Sen.

Even the Lord of Caliban showed a serious expression on his face.

He may not have liked Guilliman that much, and in some ways even despised him: but even Johnson would not deny Guilliman's political abilities.

The lion did not speak first, but waited quietly for Guilliman to preside over the two-person meeting.

"First, before we begin."

Sure enough: as soon as he opened his mouth, his official tone that made people frown immediately hit them.

“I want to thank you again for coming, brothers Zhuang Sen.”

"At the same time, I would also like to thank you for valuing the century-old cooperative relationship between Avalon and the Five Hundred Worlds, and..."

"Alright, Robert."

Zhuang Sen quickly raised one hand.

"I have no interest in hearing a 10,000-word opening statement."

"What's the most important topic, brother?"

"Um……"

Guilliman was a little uncomfortable with being interrupted: in the Five Hundred Worlds, no one dared to interrupt the Primarch's conversation, but he wasn't angry.

"I think our most urgent task right now is to issue a joint statement to reaffirm Avalon's stance of standing together with the Five Hundred Worlds. At the same time, we should also contact Nostramo as soon as possible and ask them to respond to our joint statement to the outside world, so as to consolidate the unbreakable unity of the Far East as a whole and deter all unstable factors inside and outside the galaxy."

"In this increasingly chaotic era, the entire Far East should be more united than ever before."

"I have no objection to this."

Zhuang Sen nodded, crossing his arms. "But please allow me to ask one question: This means that the Five Hundred Worlds won't be hiding things from Avalon and acting alone, right?"

"of course."

Guilliman did not hesitate at all, and Johnson did not see any guilt on his face.

"Since the alliance was established, we have always adhered to the principle that any important issue requiring internal consultations among the leadership of the three Far Eastern countries must be passed unanimously: if any one of the three countries objects, the proposal cannot be passed."

"This is enshrined in our respective constitutions."

The Primarch tapped his fingers on the table, emphasizing the point.

"In other words, Johnson."

"If I were to declare war without first reaching an agreement with Avalon, even my domestic parliament would object."

"Similarly, Johnson: this situation will also happen to you, and Avalon will question any important proposals that have not been agreed upon with the Five Hundred Worlds."

"Ok, I know."

Johnson appeared serious, but inwardly he scoffed at Guilliman's words.

This Robert is quite the actor; he's really good at disguising himself.

And what's with the claim that Parliament would oppose it?

Is Guilliman the kind of person who would change his strategy based on the opinions of his civilian subordinates?

No, no one in the Primarch would be that naive.

The lion said to himself.

Robert's statement was undoubtedly a veiled challenge to him, implying that he had the ability to interfere with Johnson's own policies in Avalon.

This is something he's capable of doing.

At this moment, the lion of Caliban couldn't help but recall an experience he had before arriving here: the elite Dark Angels he had brought to Avalon made an unexpected discovery during several routine inspections, successfully digging out several "nails" hidden in Avalon.

Their master was the seemingly kind and harmless Lord of Macurag before them.

To avoid alerting Morgan, Johnson did not send anyone to remove the spies: he suspected Morgan was doing so for the same reason.

But how do they treat their owners...?

The Caliban laughed.

"So, Robert, you're saying that the Five Hundred Worlds can't accomplish anything significant without Avalon's consent?"

"Yes... that's true from a legal point of view."

Guilliman nodded in agreement, but his furrowed brow hinted at a mental storm raging within him.

What does Zhuang Sen mean by this?
Is it a provocation? Or a warning?

No, given the customs of that rural area of Caliban, perhaps he was expressing cooperation, or perhaps...

A thousand thoughts flashed through his mind, and the Macurag man tapped his temples, trying to ignore them with some irritation.

"That's why, Johnson: I think we should have more open and honest conversations, which would be beneficial for our cooperation."

"This is my responsibility to the five hundred worlds."

"At the same time, you wouldn't want Morgan's Far Eastern frontier to suffer significant losses in your hands, would you?"

"..."

Was he being sarcastic? Or threatening?
Zhuang Sen pondered this in his heart, but the smile on his face did not fade.

"How do you want to be open and honest?"

"Is such that."

Guilliman pointed to the star map.

"Morgan and I have a habit that you may not know."

How do you know I don't know?

“This is a habit when governing a country, Zhuang Sen.”

Guilliman's gaze remained fixed on the star map, not even glancing at the Caliban.

"..."

The lion fell silent.

He felt very frustrated, but had nothing to say.

“Every few years, Morgan and I would privately update each other on the situation in our respective countries.”

"Including the approximate population, the number of troops that can be mobilized, and the amount of supplies that can be used to support the enemy, etc."

"At critical moments, these are matters of life and death."

At this point, Guilliman looked at Johnson again.

“I noticed that you appointed Ahriman as your adjutant.”

“He should know this: after all, he had attended several similar meetings before.”

"Is it?"

Zhuang Sen expressed his doubts.

“He never told me about this.”

The Makulaq man just smiled.

“It’s alright, brother. Open the file folder that Ahriman gave you before you came in: it definitely contains the information we need when we’re having a frank discussion.”

"This is a tradition within the Far East, and there's no need to specifically instruct the people at the meeting about it."

"Ariman may have forgotten that you are not a true Far Easterner."

"..."

For some reason, looking at Guilliman's smiling face, Zhuang Sen suddenly had the urge to punch him.

He grunted, especially after discovering that the folder actually contained the things Guilliman had mentioned.

Ok……

It's time to consider Ahriman's research funding.

The Kaliban did not rush to open these documents.

Instead, he leaned back in his chair, adopting the posture of a superior facing a subordinate.

"Okay, bro."

"But shouldn't you show some sincerity?"

"Ah, of course."

Guilliman also took out his own documents.

"Shall I go first?"

"can."

Zhuang Sen nodded as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

“I grant permission, Robert.”

"Tell me about your work achievements over the years in the 500 Worlds of Altramah."

Guilliman's fingers stiffened.

He looked at his brother with some surprise.

permit?

report?

Was the job a success?

What is this guy saying?!

He looked at Zhuang Sen with surprise, but soon discovered something even more surprising: there was no malice on Zhuang Sen's face, only a sense of entitlement and an arrogance that made him completely unaware that what he had done was wrong.

In that instant, an absurd idea seized Guilliman's mind.

……

Before this,

How exactly did Morgan deal with this bastard?
……

But absurd as it may be, after a few seconds of astonishment, the Primarch lowered his head and began to speak in a calm tone.

Zhuang Sen listened quietly.

Hundreds of space battleships, tens of thousands of Astartes warriors, hundreds of millions of auxiliary troops, and millions of ordinary armed psionicists...

Zhuang Sen closed his eyes and listened quietly.

The more he listened, the more his brows furrowed.

Something's wrong, something's very wrong.

It's not too little; it's too much.

Even with the rich land of Avalon in his hands, the figures Guilliman reported still struck Johnson, who was already accustomed to Avalon's wealth, as absurd.

Is it even possible for such a number to exist?

It was too much, absurdly so: he had never received so many supplies during the Great Expedition.

Hmm... except for those few Ran Dan.

"Robert."

Finally, the lion couldn't help but interrupt.

"What you're talking about, is it all the wealth of the entire Five Hundred Worlds, or something you can offer to support us?"

"Of course it's for supporting you."

This question puzzled Guilliman.

But when he saw Zhuang Sen give him an expression that seemed to indicate some disagreement, he also began to think.

The Primarch first glanced at the numbers, then at Zhuang Sen sitting in front of him, and then suddenly realized.

Yes.

How could he have forgotten about this?

If what Valentus said is true, and Johnson was hired by Morgan to help her guard Avalon, then the Spider Queen must have already spoken to the Lion about the situation: Johnson must know very well how much power the Five Hundred Worlds can support him.

As for Guilliman, because Johnson's reputation was so formidable, he did not include all of his strength in this report.

In other words, the figures for support that Lord Macragge just mentioned were underestimated: the Five Hundred Worlds actually have much more to offer.

Will Zhuang Sen find out about this?

Will he think I'm not sincere?
Guilliman shuddered.

Time was of the essence, so he quickly added a few more words to his own words and those of his five hundred worlds.

He certainly can't reveal the specific figures, as that would expose his inconsistency on this issue.

Then...

Then let's show their passion: and the unbreakable bond between Avalon and the Five Hundred Worlds, blood is thicker than water!
Guilliman made a decision immediately.

"Don't worry, brother, I can't guarantee that this number is absolutely accurate: there are definitely errors."

"That's it..."

Zhuang Sen breathed a sigh of relief.

That's perfectly normal.

He said it himself, how could there be so many...

"But I can assure you."

Guilliman clenched his fist.

“If necessary, Makula can mobilize an army larger than Avalon and march north.”

"……what?"

"Rest assured, brother, we have long been familiar with the land of Avalon through our cooperation over the past hundred years. When the people of Makula look at the Far Eastern frontier, they look at it with the same affection as they would their own homeland: we have long regarded Avalon as an inseparable part of the Five Hundred Worlds since ancient times."

"……Um?"

"We are familiar with all your important worlds and know which worlds should be defended. Our army can enter those worlds at the fastest speed to help you defend them. If you are short of troops, just say the word and at least 100,000 Ultramarines can be mobilized immediately."

"……How many?"

“And our government officials, and even the entire administrative system, can temporarily replace the system left by Morgan in the shortest possible time to keep Avalon running: there will be no changes on the Far Eastern frontier, and the people there will not feel that they are under the rule of others.”

"……What did you say?"

"Anyway."

Guilliman concluded with a broad smile.

"All I need to do is sign an order here: the enthusiasm and friendship of Makula will overwhelm the entire Far Eastern frontier."

"..."

Zhuang Sen's eyes widened.

He stared blankly ahead.

He looked at the Lord of the Five Hundred Worlds who was giving him a stupid smile.

And his...enthusiastic remarks?

An absurd idea slowly rose in my mind.

……

Before this.