Emperor's Bane

Chapter 1029 The Rules of the Far East

"So, that's what he told you?"

"That's right!"

“That’s not surprising, Lord Johnson.”

"This is just an alliance... uh... that you can't understand yet."

Ahriman held a glass of wine in his hand, pondering his next words with some distress.

The private meeting between the two Primarchs ended much faster than he had imagined.

After a series of wonderful interactions and not-so-wonderful language, the two Primarchs, having fully exchanged their opinions, agreed on the beneficial nature of the meeting while each retaining their own perspective, and immediately and fully implemented the only suggestion they had reached a high degree of consensus on.

That is: recess.

The conversation, which was originally expected to last at least ten hours, was completed in less than a tenth of its duration before the two parties impatiently left the room one after the other.

They both needed a break to adjust to the conversation that had gradually gone off track, or to prepare for their next words and arguments, and most importantly: to temporarily avoid seeing each other's annoying faces.

As it turned out, no matter how much the two brothers missed each other or how strong their feelings were for each other during the half-century that followed their parting in Ulano, all that lingering goodwill melted away like ice and snow after they sat down face to face and chatted intimately for less than half an hour.

That bastard is still as despicable as ever!

With this thought in mind, the two Primarchs breathed a sigh of relief when they were able to leave the meeting room temporarily.

For the Macurag, he needed to hurry up and prepare a new data list to list the total resources of the Five Hundred Worlds and the share that could support Avalon: regardless of whether he was truly willing to help Zhuangsen, he had to at least pretend to be very willing, so the consideration of this data had to be extremely careful.

This was a sudden problem that made the sensitive and thoughtful Guilliman scratch his scalp raw.

Zhuang Sen's situation was not much better than his brother's.

As he walked out of the conference room, the Caliban used his sharp gaze to instantly deter all the Ultramarines and mortals who wanted to come forward. Then, taking advantage of the fact that no one dared to look him in the eye, he quickly circled the area around him with his superior vision.

He quickly identified his target.

Ahriman: The legendary swordsman, with a power sword personally crafted by Morgan at his waist, is having a pleasant conversation with Orpheus, another legendary swordsman from the Thirteenth Legion.

Without hesitation, Johnson strode forward, and just as Ahriman felt a gust of wind behind him, the Primarch's large hand gripped his shoulder tightly.

The former company commander of the Thousand Sons Legion had no time to react. He could only cry out in his heart, "Oh no!" before being grabbed by the lion and instantly refined. Under the astonished gazes of everyone around, he was dragged to a secluded secret place where he was questioned in detail.

After scareing away the eavesdroppers with his eyes, the Caliban made no attempt to hide anything and recounted his conversation with Guilliman in detail, as if pouring out soybeans. He emphasized the arrogance and haughtiness of the Makulaq people, who acted as if they were the rulers of the Far East.

But he didn't notice that although Ahriman nodded frequently as he spoke, the Thousand-Child Sword Saint's gaze slowly drifted in another direction.

"grown ups."

Finally, after a brief pause by Johnson, Ahriman's curiosity reached its peak.

His trembling finger pointed to the golden laurel wreath atop the Primarch's head.

"What it is?"

"..."

Zhuang Sen then noticed the strange thing above his head.

No wonder when he came out earlier, all those Ultra Warriors were all beaming and crowding around him.

Thinking of this, an inexplicable sense of shame surged through the Caliban, making his blood boil and rush to his head. Without hesitation, he reached out and pulled the golden crown leaf off.

But when he touched the soft branch, this ruthless general inexplicably stopped.

His eyes flickered a few times, his gaze shifting uncertainly.

But they did nothing.

Finally, when he looked at Ahriman, Johnson simply retorted with a fierce tone.

"It's none of your business!"

"answer my question!"

"Okay, my lord."

Ahriman nodded obediently without asking any further questions.

He didn't really care about this matter; he just used it to buy himself time to think.

Now, he has made up his mind.

After gesturing for Zhuang Sen to remove his hand, Aliman stood up again, coughed, and cleared his throat.

"So, Lord Johnson, are you worried about what Lord Guilliman said to you in the meeting?"

"You think...their statements sound like those of ambitious people?"

Zhuang Sen nodded.

"Ok."

But Ahriman laughed instead.

"This is my fault; I should have told you beforehand."

"But I forgot who you are..."

Ahriman scratched his head.

"how to say."

"Actually, you don't need to take Lord Guilliman's words to heart at all; he wasn't serious."

"how do you know?"

Zhuang Sen's tone was icy.

"Because he's always been like that."

Ahriman, on the other hand, spoke as if he had been through it all.

"When negotiating with Lord Morgan in the past, Lord Guilliman would occasionally use this tone as well."

"Especially frequent in recent years."

"This is just the way the two adults...get along."

"At the same time, it also reflects the national conditions in the Far East."

"National conditions?"

Zhuang Sen glanced around once more.

“Tell me everything you know, Ahriman.”

He paused for a moment, then added a sentence.

"Then, I can forgive your previous negligence."

"Thank you for your generosity, sir."

Ahriman's eyes darted around.

"To put it simply: you and those who think Lord Guilliman's remarks are ambitious have made the same mistake."

“You have imagined Avalon and the Five Hundred Worlds as two separate countries, and this has led to misunderstandings.”

"misunderstanding?"

Zhuang Sen listened attentively and thought things through, preventing his anger from consuming him again.

Without Morgan, without Luther, without Coswayne.

He has to rely on himself for some things now.

Yes, it's a misunderstanding.

Ahriman confirmed this again.

"My lord, do you know when the alliance between the Far Eastern frontier and the Five Hundred Worlds was signed?"

"Around... before Conrad's return?"

“That’s right, at least 120 years ago, or even 130 years ago.”

Do you know what this string of numbers means?

"One hundred and twenty years is more than a century. For the short lifespan of ordinary people, this is at least four or five generations."

"In other words, starting from their great-great-grandfather's generation, the Far Eastern frontier and the Five Hundred Worlds have been an unbreakable alliance. Over the past century, this alliance has continued to expand in depth and breadth, and has now become a closely connected and almost inseparable union in every field."

"Moreover, over the course of four to five generations, neither the Far Eastern Frontier nor the five hundred worlds of Altramar have ever betrayed each other: the two Primarchs have carefully maintained this alliance with their astonishing wisdom and patience, and the people of both places have not felt any aversion to this covenant; they have long regarded this blood-is-thicker-than-water alliance as a part of their lives."

"In other words, the alliance in the Far East is as common sense as humanity belonging to a human empire."

"You could even say that the reason we still call ourselves the Far East Frontier and the Five Hundred Worlds is purely because the combination of these two behemoths is enough to completely overturn the balance of the entire galaxy. For this reason, the two great powers have not formally united their kingdoms: but this is only a formality."

"Perhaps within the official government and military, we can still analyze each other relatively clearly, but among the common people, in the areas of livelihood and trade, the entire Far East has long since lost its clear boundaries. People living in different regions of the Far East do not consider themselves to be living in several completely different countries."

"Lord Guilliman's words are indeed biased, but fundamentally he is not wrong."

“In the eyes of the Makulaq people, the people of Avalon are indeed of the same origin as them: and vice versa.”

“A Macurag person would not regard an Avalon person as a stranger from a foreign land, but as a brother or compatriot who is loyal to the same homeland as himself, only that they live far apart from each other: there are no shortage of intermarriages between Avalon and Macurag, and there are many mixed-race people living in both lands.”

"And once you understand this, you can probably understand what Lord Guilliman was saying."

"That's not ambition, sir: it's just fulfilling one's duties in accordance with the current national conditions in the Far East."

"Um……"

Zhuang Sen listened patiently.

"In other words: Guilliman claims that the Five Hundred Worlds consider Avalon as part of its territory, that the Ultramarines can take over all the key worlds on the Far East frontier at any time, and that the bureaucracy of Macragge can replace the rule of the Dawnbreakers at any time. Is this all just him doing his job?"

"Okay, I know this sounds wrong."

Ahriman shook his head helplessly.

"But don't view this as an activity between two countries."

“Just as I said, it makes much more sense for you to consider Avalon and Macurag as two provinces under the same country, or as two states coexisting in a federation: Doesn’t Lord Guilliman’s statement make more sense?”

"It's just a matter of one province temporarily sending government agencies and personnel to another province in difficulty."

"And then again, it's not unheard of for people in one province to think that the capital of the neighboring province is actually their capital."

At this point, Ahriman glanced at Zhuang Sen.

The Primarch's face was still somewhat stiff: the Caliban country folk clearly had a hard time adapting to it quickly.

"If you really can't understand it."

Chiko sighed helplessly.

"I have a suggestion that will put your mind at ease."

"explain."

"When negotiations resume later, you can make a few demands on the spot, just like Lord Guilliman did."

"For example, deploying a large Dawnbreaker fleet to the Five Hundred Worlds and demanding that all starports, including Macragge, open their doors to it and provide it with all the supplies it needs, without exception; and this fleet will have partial sovereignty over every port it passes through, including Macragge."

"Or, you could request to intervene in the forging worlds directly managed by Lord Guilliman, and transfer away the important sages or the army of apostles there, requiring them to be completely under your leadership for a period of time."

"If all else fails, you can have Lord Guilliman hand over the rare resource production of the Five Hundred Worlds in the last quarter, and according to your own requirements, take a share of it, and let the Macragans load it onto their ships and send it over: these taken resources do not need to be returned by default."

"Believe me, he will agree to all of these."

"Are you... sure?"

Zhuang Sen's tone was somewhat unsteady, and his face showed an unconcealable fear.

Even the slow-witted lion would think these demands were a bit too much.
"Don't worry, sir."

Ahriman waved his hand.

"It's not like we haven't done it before."

After saying that, he seemed somewhat apologetic.

“Ultimately, it’s my fault.” “I forgot that you are just like those who don’t know much about Lord Guilliman and the situation in the Far East.”

“You are not a true Far Easterner: you do not understand the rules and circumstances of this land.”

"..."

To Zhuang Sen, these words were very jarring.

But after a moment of hesitation, the Primarch held back.

He knew that Ahriman was right: to this land called the Far East, Johnson was indeed still an outsider who knew nothing.

He cannot get angry because of this fact.

He needed to be patient and then learn: even if the person he was seeking help from was just an Astartes.

"So, from what you're saying, that's the whole reason?"

Suppressing their rising anger, the Caliban tried to maintain a calm tone.

"Hmm...you can't say that."

Ahriman thought for a moment.

"Although I have inadvertently forgotten about this, it is unlikely that Lord Guilliman would make such a basic mistake."

"According to your description, he went to great lengths to get along with you."

"Something must have happened in the middle: perhaps a misunderstanding arose between you and him?"

"Misunderstand?"

"simply put."

Ahriman and Johnson stared directly at each other.

Although it's hard to imagine what the conversation between the two Primarchs would be like, Ahriman had at least eaten and seen things around Morgan. Based on the few words the Spider Queen had previously told him, this former Thousand Sons could roughly figure out the reason.

"My lord, what tone of voice did you use when you spoke with Lord Guilliman?"

"It was just a normal tone."

"Really? You didn't offend him?"

"Of course not. The same way I talked to Morgan is the same way I talked to Guilliman."

"Then it seems you have indeed offended him."

Ahriman nodded firmly.

"If you were to ask Lord Guilliman to report to you on the situation in the Five Hundred Worlds in that tone."

"Perhaps he deliberately responded in this way to demonstrate a tough stance in front of you."

"You mean: he did it on purpose?"

"That's right: he wants to maintain the independence of Macurag."

"At least he didn't want to appear weak in front of you: he was using these words to remind you that the connection between Macurag and Avalon is far beyond your personal power to shake, and that you don't understand the rules of this land, and that acting recklessly will only cause trouble for everyone."

"But believe me, sir, this is merely a warning: fundamentally, Lord Guilliman is certainly looking forward to cooperating with you."

“I have no doubt about that.”

Zhuang Sen nodded sullenly and snorted coldly.

"But I also have my doubts: his reasons for doing this are probably not just to intimidate others."

“Guilliman probably forgot that I am not like Morgan: I am not as soft-hearted as Morgan.”

"He'd better not act like he does in front of Morgan."

"One guy like Conrad is enough."

Ahriman simply smiled and did not respond.

He knew he had passed this hurdle.

Regardless of the Makula Khan's true intentions in uttering these inappropriate words, one thing is undeniable: these words cannot change the fact that the Far Eastern nations are already highly united, nor can they stop Johnson and Guilliman from continuing their talks.

When the Kaliban learn the reason and the truth from Ahriman, he will convince himself to prioritize the greater good.

No, perhaps even the current situation is under the control of that Lord of Macragge.

He may have realized Ahriman's oversight the moment Johnson spoke, and gave him a chance to make amends.

……

That's it.

Ahriman shook his head, making one last check to confirm that Zhuang Sen in front of him was indeed not enraged.

In any case, this matter is over.

Moreover, judging from Johnson's performance, it's not like he and Guilliman can't reach an agreement: the two sides still have a lot of common interests. There may be some bumps along the way, but the alliance will definitely be reached in the end.

Again.

It took Morgan and Guilliman a full 120 years to forge an unbreakable alliance among the nations of the Far East. This bond of blood ties cannot be easily broken in a short time by any individual, force, or method.

This is also a major reason why the Lord of Avalon dared to leave his kingdom.

"In that case, the talks will continue, sir."

Ahriman bowed slowly to Zhuang Sen.

"I believe you will achieve a good result."

Zhuang Sen nodded, tentatively acknowledging the statement.

But at the same time, he added a sinister remark.

"But that will be very difficult, Master of Psionic Power."

"I am always ready to offer my help."

Ahriman smiled.

"If you want to find me, you can go to the temporary arena in this fortress."

"Orfeo and I had a date there: it involved wonderful swordsmanship and a bloodless contest."

Orpheus.

Zhuang Sen knew this name.

"He's very powerful: can you compete with him?"

"He is indeed very capable."

A hint of confidence flashed across Aliman's face.

"But in my eyes: he is not always the winner."

------

In other words, he will lose sometimes.

"Even if he is... Horus?"

Melos felt like he was suffocating when he said such things in front of the Primarch.

Regardless of what others said, he never doubted the friendship between Baal, the Archangel, and the Wolf God.

What surprised him was that it was his own primal being who had led him to say those words.

Now, he nodded in agreement.

"You can say that."

Saint Gilles turned the pages of the book before her, more elegant than any noblewoman enjoying afternoon tea.

It was a book about biology, so obscure that even Magnus had never heard of it: ever since those “minor problems” arose within the Ninth Legion, the archangel had paid particular attention to this kind of knowledge that he had never noticed before.

He searched for hope within it, like searching for a special grain of sand in a vast ocean.

This impossible task would cause immense anxiety for anyone who embarked on it, but even in the presence of his most ordinary children, Saint Gilles maintained a gentle and welcoming demeanor.

His smile can calm anyone down, no matter what he's saying at that moment.

Even a war commander is not invincible.

"Human history has proven that there has never been a general who is invincible: never."

"This applies to both us and the Emperor."

"And how could Horus be an exception?"

Melos remained silent and nodded.

"So, in your words, the victory or defeat of the Wolf God is closely related to the continuation of our legion?"

“I don’t want to admit it: but yes.”

The archangel put down his book and sighed.

"You don't really think our blockade of the Ninth Legion and Baal has been very successful, do you, Melos?"

"The reason why the outside world hasn't spied on us yet is simply because their attention is focused on this war. Every move of the Wolf God and Terra is currently affecting the nerves of the entire galaxy. Compared to their major actions, our neutrality and internal blockade are just minor details. So for the time being, no one cares about us."

"But if this war ends, whether the victor is Shepherd God or Terra, their victory will shift the world's attention elsewhere."

“For example… Baal.”

Saint Gilles sighed.

"That's why I took the risk and was willing to come to the Far Eastern frontier at this time."

"We don't have as much time as we seem: we must seize every opportunity now to break the deadlock."

"Indeed, sir."

Melos wholeheartedly agreed.

"So, according to you, the key to breaking this deadlock is Ahriman?"

"He is a backup option."

A flicker of pain crossed Saint Gilles's brow.

"Ariman is far inferior to Morgan."

"But the others are far inferior to Ahriman."