Emperor's Bane

Chapter 702: Is there anyone who doesn’t take a rest on Saturday?

Chapter 702: No one would not take a rest on Saturday, right?

"Are you serious? Robert?"

"Are you really willing to use your Macragge to tell a lie that no one will believe?"

"And Mortarion didn't tell you to your face: he was very gentle."

"Shut up, Conrad."

"It's not you who made me like this."

He took off the ceremonial armor that was only used in diplomacy, carefully placed the gift from Barbarus in the safest room of the Macragge's Glory, and carefully put away the fragile treaty in his hand: when he had settled all the matters, Guilliman finally set foot on the land of Nicaea.

There is no doubt that Nikea is a beautiful and wonderful world, with black land and thousands of towering chimneys. The magma flowing like blood vessels pushes the cobalt blue volcanic rocks until they are all completely solidified into terraces and whirlpools by the wild hot winds on the volcanic plains.

Thousands of such magnificent natural transformations gave birth to countless living and dead volcanoes, and the latter was the natural site for the entire Nikea Conference: among the bizarre magma extrusions, the Iron Warriors' Primarch led his descendants to hollow out the base of an entire volcano and built a magnificent amphitheater, as well as thousands of small rooms that could be used for other purposes.

The marvelous technology of the Mechanicum protected these buildings from the long-raging storms, volcanic debris, and gravitational electromagnetic waves on Nikaea. Large environmental control machines allowed even the most fragile mortals to survive for a long time on this primitive world where there was not even oxygen.

Everything on Nikaia seemed to confirm the development of its ruler from the beginning to the present, reenacting how the human empire relied on pure strength and technology to open up a base for its fragile race to stand on and a dream of splendor in a chaotic world.

Perhaps, this is why the Lord of Mankind finally chose this place?

Guilliman did not think about it, he did not even stop to appreciate the unique beauty of this planet: in a few days, the opening ceremony of the entire Nikea Conference alone would last almost a week and consume the taxes of an entire star zone. By then, he would have plenty of time to lament this waste.

Now, he just wanted to take a rest to relieve the fatigue accumulated in his brain: for the Lord of Macragge, communicating with most of his blood brothers was a hard job no easier than commanding a war, but fortunately, there were still a few brothers who could give Guilliman real relaxation.

He knew who he was going to find.

After dismissing most of the guards and parting ways with Morgan, who still had work to do, Guilliman followed the instructions on the communicator and moved briskly through the halls of Nikea. It took him only a few minutes to reach his destination: a public lounge that looked quite secret. The luxurious door and the flags on the corridor indicated that it now belonged to several Primarchs.

Including him.

The Macragge man pushed the door open and saw a certain midnight ghost sitting lazily on the ground with a shirt draped over his shoulders, a pair of pajamas curled between his legs, and bare feet. He leaned against the sofa, with a cushion under his buttocks, and held a straw with water dripping from it between his sharp teeth, which made his words sound unclear.

"Hey, you're here?"

But the smile is still very clear.

"That's great, come here quickly: Corax and I are almost at the end of the level."

Following the guidance of his gaze, Guilliman saw a dark figure on the sofa again. It was a Conrad who looked more seriously dressed: the Primarch of the Raven Guard was dressed neatly in home casual clothes. Although he was also barefoot, he was at least sitting intact on the sofa, smiling and nodding at him.

His voice was soft.

"The team is still short of a support position: do you want to cut in, Robert?"

"decide as things go."

Before Guilliman noticed, a smile was already on his face.

"Who are we going to fight today?"

"Where are the big shots?"

Midnight Haunter's happy humming brought Guilliman back to reality: when he reacted, he was already sitting next to Corax, his feet kept dodging Conrad's randomly flying hair, and his mouth was already chewing the afternoon tea snacks that Midnight Haunter had taken from Morgan's ship.

Just as he swallowed it: Conrad suddenly began to ask about the meeting.

Then there was the previous exchange: and Midnight Haunter was obviously not happy with this.

"Did I hurt?"

Conrad shouted in a strange voice, knocked down the last monster blocking his way, and threw the blood bottle he found to Corax.

"What does this have to do with me?"

"Asking knowingly."

Guilliman's brow twitched.

"If you hadn't sworn on your precious Nostramo in front of me for decades, and had deceived me many times, how could I have learned this sentence without knowing it? And the situation happened to be urgent at that time. If I swore on something else, Mortarion might not believe it."

"So it's my fault: you are really good at accusing people, great politician."

While the three of them were waiting for the next electronic map to load, Conrad casually threw his controller onto the cushion next to him, turned his head, and looked up and down at Guilliman with a strange expression, squinting his eyes, trying to figure out what he had just said.

"So you really used Macragge to tell a lie that no one believed?"

"what is the relationship."

Guilliman looked relaxed.

"Mortarion is lying too."

"how do you know?"

"You were not there: we both knew that our vows to each other were binding."

"Then why are you bothering with this? If two people lie at the same time, won't the conversation fail?"

"On the contrary, we came to an agreement."

Guilliman shook his head smugly and took the drink from Corax.

"In the final analysis, there is room for temporary cooperation between me, Morgan and Mortarion, so we can reach a cooperation: negotiation is only a result of cooperation, not a necessary part of cooperation. As for the oath, it is just to reiterate our position."

"What is Mortarion's position?"

“Even if Magnus wins, he will not give up his efforts to abolish the think tank system.”

"And yours?"

Corax then asked.

"I just told him: I don't intend to let the outcome of Nikea affect my Five Hundred Worlds."

"Even if he wins a great victory, the think tank of the Ultramarines will be preserved. At most, their development will be curbed on paper to give Mortarion a victory. If he doesn't even want this face, then let's see what means he can use to shake my country."

“What an arrogant statement.”

Conrad's laughter drowned out the soft humming coming from the corner of the room.

"That's unexpected, Guilliman."

Midnight Haunter wiped his eyes.

"You have become so arrogant."

"I didn't learn it from you."

Guilliman swallowed his drink and pretended to look ferocious.

"I used to be a bad liar: at least not about my Macragge."

"People change: especially after spending so much time with a jerk like you, Conrad."

"It's a good thing, man, trust me."

Conrad blinked, curled up on the floor, crossed his legs, stretched his arms to the limit, trying to hook the drink not far away: but it was not until Corax kindly handed him the poor drink that the Night Haunter got what he wanted.

At this time, the progress bar has reached the final stage.

"So, Morgan means the same thing?"

"Yes, we stand together."

Guilliman nodded.

"She is responsible for informing Sanguinius, Jaghatai Khan and others of the results of the negotiations."

"Will the Khan agree to give up Magnus?"

"In fact, he agreed."

The Macragge rubbed his chin.

"In the past period of time, or on Ullanor, he had several private talks with Morgan and Magnus. I don't know what they talked about. But after he talked to both of them, Chagatai told us his position in private."

"The Khan does not mind remaining neutral if it guarantees the fundamental rights and freedoms of Magnus and the Thousand Sons Legion: as long as Magnus is not slandered beyond his responsibility at the meeting in Nikaea, the Khan will not interfere with the Emperor's final judgment."

"That is to say..."

"Jaghatai also thought it would be a good idea to temporarily imprison Magnus."

Guilliman smiled: even he himself couldn't believe it.

"Or rather, even the Khan feels that Magnus must calm down."

"And what does he think of Mortarion?"

"He doesn't care."

Guilliman shook his head.

"Jaghatai Khan did not think Mortarion could accomplish anything."

"Isn't this too arrogant?"

The Crow King next to him was a little worried.

"Mortarion has been planning his anti-psychic cause for a hundred years."

"Yes, a hundred years."

Conrad grinned: he had evidently reached an understanding with Chagatai Khan.

"One hundred years without action: do you expect such a man to achieve victory?"

Corax did not reply, but his expression was still filled with worry. Guilliman patted the younger brother on the shoulder to comfort him, then leaned back and lazily leaned on the soft sofa: it had only been a few minutes since he entered the lounge, but his body and mind had already been completely free from fatigue.

Even better than his drink.

The Macragge man smiled and shook his head bitterly: It's a pity that the brothers have been spending less and less time together over the years, otherwise even if one of them could stay in Macragge for a long time, his mental state would definitely improve greatly, and Ms. Yuton and others would not have to worry about him.

The Primarch's sigh ended with the sound of swords rubbing against each other at the opening of the video game.

"Has it started yet?"

Guilliman looked up and raised his brows in slight surprise.

"What are you doing?"

"We're going to fight Morgan this time?"

Looking at the white shadow floating in the air like a god on the electronic screen, Guilliman felt a sense of pressure for no reason.

"is there a problem?"

Conrad didn't even look back.

"It's rare that she's not here: how about we try the newly developed lion DLC?"

"Forget it, Morgan."

Hearing another muffled groan, Guilliman could only frown and pick up the handle.

"At least I don't have to worry about the near...shit!"

The words were still lingering in his throat when Guilliman felt that the electronic screen in front of him seemed to be flashed by a strong white light: when he focused his attention, all that was left for the Primarch was a gray and yellow countdown.

"I am dead?"

"You need to hide first after entering the venue: I forgot to tell you in advance."

Corax scratched his head.

"Count it in: it's okay, we've been stuck here in Morgan for four hours."

"It's not...this..."

The Macragge man hesitated to speak: this was not the first time he had played this kind of game, so Guilliman was well aware that Konrad's game was often designed according to the physical qualities and combat methods that each Primarch could actually and theoretically achieve. It was a kind of bloodless brotherly combat, which was why he was willing to waste his time here.

But to put it this way...

"Are you mistaken, Conrad?"

Guilliman watched as Konrad and Corax's respective characters dodged back and forth under Morgan's psychic onslaught.

"I was wearing Terminator armor, armed from head to toe: how could Morgan cut me down as soon as we met: she was only holding a one-handed sword?"

"That sword is a divine weapon."

Corax explained.

“One of the most powerful equipment in the game: although I don’t know why it was designed this way.”

"Don't be surprised, brother." Only after his character fell to the ground without warning due to a frenzy of water birds did Conrad drop his controller. While waiting for the resurrection time, he drank a drink and turned to explain to Guilliman.

"Morgan can certainly do that."

"Cut my Terminator apart with one sword?"

"Is this difficult?"

"Not really...but can you kill me with one sword?"

Guilliman even laughed out loud.

"Nothing else to say: can our sisters of Avalon have such strength?"

"Of course she does."

This time, it was neither Konrad nor Corax who answered Guilliman, but the hitherto silent voice in the corner: the Macragge looked in the direction of the voice, surprised that his brother could actually speak.

"What do you mean, Jonson?"

“I said: Of course she does.”

The Lord of Caliban was the only guy in the whole room who was fully armed. He was like a cold sculpture, placed in the corner of the lounge, revealing his unpopularity in the semi-dark light: Jonson was disdainful of the relaxed behavior of his blood brothers. He just slightly opened his tightly closed eyes and answered Guilliman's confusion in an unquestionable tone.

"If Morgan wants, she can use her psychic powers to enhance her physical strength. She has demonstrated this many times during our sparring. However, in most cases, this temporary enhancement will affect her other physical qualities, such as speed and reaction ability. But if you stand there and let her hit you, you may indeed be facing a frail Vulcan."

Guilliman was stunned for a moment.

"How come I don't know this?"

"Maybe it's because someone prefers discussing math and philosophy with Morgan."

Zhuang Sen grinned, and a rare hint of sarcasm appeared on his lion-like face.

"There's nothing wrong with that."

After hearing this, although he was unsure, Guilliman gritted his teeth and managed to utter a counterattack because of the deep friendship between him and Zhuangsen.

"At least I am an ally worth looking forward to in serious diplomatic occasions."

The lion smiled and was not angered.

“The Galaxy can be without diplomacy: but the Galaxy cannot be without war.”

"Don't be too full of yourself."

Guilliman raised his head proudly.

"Perhaps in fifty years, we will be able to bring permanent peace to the Empire."

"You really think so, Guilliman?"

Jonson seemed to hesitate, looking at his brother in a new light.

"is there a problem?"

"It's a big problem."

The lion shook his head, his words as certain as a prophet.

"If everyone holds the same idea as you: then the war will definitely continue."

"A person who longs for peace is the one who is least likely to get it, because the galaxy is full of shameless jackals. Praising peace loudly is tantamount to telling these potential opponents your inner weakness: Listen to me, Brother Guilliman, only those brave men who always hold their weapons tightly, are always ready to fight, and are always willing to die with the enemy, can win true peace in the glory of victory and the fear of the enemy."

“Since ancient times, peace has been won through fighting, not shouting.”

"..."

"Whatever you say."

Guilliman was silent for a moment, finding that he had no coherent logical chain to refute such words, so the Macragge wisely withdrew from the argument: there was no need for him to dwell on something, which was another thing that his brotherhood with Morgan and Konrad had taught him.

Well… a few positive cases.

The Primarch admitted reluctantly, then counted down the numbers on the electronic screen, taking the opportunity to stuff a handful of snacks into his mouth.

"..."

Even after all these years, Morgan's sweet hobbies haven't changed at all...

But he clearly remembered that the Spider Queen seemed to be right in front of him, asking her daughter, Virgo, not to make the food too spicy in the future: Could it be that Virgo just forgot this time? That shouldn't be the case? Isn't she a precision-structured mobile wetware?

Guilliman was in distress, his face twisted because of the things in his mouth that he couldn't spit out easily: until Krax stood up on purpose, poured him another drink, and then put it in his hand considerately.

"Thanks, bro."

Guilliman looked at him gratefully.

"You're welcome."

The Raven King hesitated.

"Robert, can you tell me what kind of person Brother Mortarion is?"

"I haven't seen much of him."

"He."

The Macragge thought for a moment.

"In a sense: you could think of Mortarion as a kind of mirror image of Morgan."

"Mirror image?"

"That's how I feel, anyway."

Guilliman rubbed his chin, the memories of his dying coming suddenly assaulting him.

------

【Your threats are worthless.】

[My dear brother: You don't really expect that little help from Terra? ]

Morgan crossed his legs and leaned lazily on the dark green stone chair, with an arrogant demeanor as if this was the throne room of the Aurora and Mortarion was a guest who had something to ask of her: ever since the three negotiators set the initial tone and began the exact bargaining, this arrogant attitude became the best shield for the Spider Queen.

When Mortarion's harsh conditions and sharp words always left the more moderate Guilliman speechless, Morgan's arrogant legion would strike, forcing the Lord of Death back to the negotiating table again and again: because Mortarion did not have many cards to threaten Morgan, and the most he could rely on was [the firm attitude of the Emperor and Holy Terra].

And these things that he regarded as his killer moves only brought Morgan's intimate smile.

[Are you qualified to talk to me about Tyra? Are you qualified to talk to me about Tyra? ]

After sending everyone out, Morgan's attitude could only be described as arrogant, at least that's what Guilliman thought: he was always worried that the weapons on the round table between the three of them would be impatient to be stained with the blood of his brothers in the next moment.

Mortarion's expression is very dangerous...

"Watch your attitude, Morgan."

The Lord of Death stared closely at his relative whose attitude suddenly changed: although he knew that this was a means of bargaining, Mortarion still found it difficult to suppress the anger in his heart. Under the urging of the desire to win, he decided to play some of the cards that he had originally held back.

"I know much more about the Emperor and Terra than you do."

【How do you know? 】

Mortarion smiled contemptuously.

"How do you know? Because I know the deepest secrets of the entire human empire!"

"Have you ever been to the palace? Do you know..."

[You didn't know a few days ago that the Emperor dreamed of becoming a super hamster? ]

"..."

The Lord of Death paused, his expression showing obvious daze and surprise.

But it recovered quickly.

"So what! You have no idea of the harm that psychic power can bring! In the midst of fear..."

[Guess who discovered that those black stones could suppress the fluctuations of the sea of soul? ]

"..."

"But what about the Eye of Terror? Even if it is so close to the solar system..."

【Ah: That's where our great hamster father buried his golden shovel. 】

【Guess again, who helped him find it? 】

Morgan chuckled, watching Mortarion's turbulent face with satisfaction.

[If you don't want to guess, you can also go back and read the history books of the Great Crusade carefully to see who helped the Emperor solve those difficult cases that he had to solve personally: war is not the only service to mankind, idiot, and even in war, the service you provided was not very good, poor Mortarion.]

The Spider Queen stood up with her hands on her hips, looking down at Mortarion's shadow proudly.

"..."

Mortarion was completely silent.

The same goes for Guilliman.

He looked left and right, his brain, which could handle all administrative issues of the entire Five Hundred Worlds at the same time, working rapidly, trying his best to understand what his two blood relatives had just said in that simple dialogue: What is the tunnel under Terra? What is the Emperor's dream of becoming a hamster? What is the Emperor's special galaxy to bury his shovel?

Is this some new secret code?
"Um, you two..."

After thinking it over again and again, Guilliman rubbed his hands as he could not come up with any result.

"Can you tell me where you are..."

【Shut up!】/“Shut up!”

【This is none of your business! 】/“This is none of your business!”

------

"What's wrong, brother?"

The Raven King blinked in confusion.

"You've been silent for a minute."

"How do I put it?"

Guilliman was silent, Guilliman sighed, Guilliman gritted his teeth, Guilliman shook his head.

"Let's put it this way."