Emperor's Bane

Chapter 807 Safe Word

The seal bearer.

It's never a pleasant term to use: especially when it's used by someone else to refer to yourself.

At least in Morgan's opinion, even if you look at the filth of the entire galaxy, there are few things that make people feel sick more than this: being honored as the Sigillite by others? How different is this from being promoted to the Trident of Perturabo?

No, there is a difference.

After all, Perturabo's Trident is no longer a high-risk job: ever since the Lord of Iron and his two blood relatives wiped out the Hrud aliens, and then experienced many meditations and enlightenments in the Emperor's Dream and Ullanor, let alone whether his inner thoughts have been sublimated, his temperament alone has improved a lot.

The external manifestation of this change is the steadily increasing number of the Fourth Legion and the declining casualty rate: it is now only slightly higher than the average level of all legions, which is generally considered to be very controllable.

Olympia, the home planet of the Legion, is experiencing its first baby boom in nearly a hundred years.

As for the Trident, which was originally no different in essence from a suspended death sentence, it has become a fairly stable position in recent years: in the past fifty years, the Trident has only been replaced four times, two of whom died in battle, and one was deprived of his position by a collective vote of the Legion Council due to a major command error.

Another died in a construction site accident.

Although the rotation rate is somewhat high for a working team with only three vacancies in total, compared with the glorious history of the Iron Warriors in previous years, it still reveals a clear color of human rights progress: at least Morgan believes that it is much more humane than the title of "Seal Bearer".

In the eyes of the Spider Queen, what does the title of Stigma Bearer mean?
It represents history and wisdom, represents the madness of ancient times, represents how the tyrants who held top power in the early days of the universe, when the emperor had not yet brought stability and peace to mankind, acted recklessly, enriched themselves by impoverishing the world, and built their own kingdoms on the blood and bones of their own kind.

Morgan's comments on the Sigillite were not groundless: even a clumsy fellow like Horus could, after several inquiries, dig up the origin of the title of Sigillite and its numerous crimes. Then how could the Spider Queen, who was the first among all the Primarchs to compete with Malcador, know nothing about it?

She knew better than anyone that Malcador's name as Sigillite came from an organization he once belonged to, the Sigillites, an organization that had existed on Holy Terra for more than ten thousand years, dedicated to collecting the most precious art and the most advanced weapon technology, in order, they said, to return it to all of humanity when the time came.

But Morgan knew that if the Sigillite organization was really so harmless, the Emperor would have no reason to let it disappear: no one really thought that an organization that had collected so many priceless treasures in the Dark Age of Technology and the Era of Conflict would be a white lotus?
You know, its last descendant, Malcador, is a master of espionage, conspiracy and assassination known throughout the galaxy. Just from a glimpse of him, we can see the true meaning of the Sigillite organization.

And these are just its advantages.

Advantages in Morgan's eyes

In the Spider Queen's value system, if the Sigillite represented simple antiquity, greed, plunder, blood, and conspiracy, then she would be happy to be called the Sigillite by outsiders: these are not bad reputations in the eyes of the Queen of Avalon.

But Malcador ruined all that. He added a new colour to the title of Sigillite, a colour of loyalty and devotion, a colour that made the Primarch sick to the point of wanting to vomit: this was also the reason why the previous Twister Marlowhurst would make the Spider Queen feel very uncomfortable.

He is so much like Malcador, he is simply the Sigillite of Horus: Both Malcador and Malohurst have outstanding talents. If they were placed on a lower stage, they would have the qualifications to be kings and build a foundation. Even if they are not with Horus or the Emperor, they can still have a wonderful life.

A wonderful and free life.

This complete right to choose one's own life can be described as cool. Even today, after Morgan has experienced more than a hundred years of ups and downs in her heart, it is still a treasure that she longs for but cannot reach: Although the Dark Prince has temporarily stayed away from the Primarch's neck and back since the incident on the Thorn Star, the Spider Queen can clearly feel it.

He didn't go far.

And there is no talk of her freedom.

In the face of such embarrassment, the two seal holders, Malohurst and Malcador, were willing to give up their free choice and devote their entire lives to the king they followed. This was extremely glaring in Morgan's eyes: As the saying goes, the most hated thing is that the treasure you cannot get is worthless in the eyes of others.

What right do these two bastards have to devote everything to another person when they could live a better life themselves?

To this day, the Lord of Avalon cannot fully understand this.

And putting herself in his shoes, she was very sure that she couldn't do the same thing.

Want her to burn everything she has for another person's dream?
That is absolutely impossible.

This is not a lie, nor is it an exaggeration: it is indeed completely impossible.

Even if they were blood relatives like Jonson, Conrad or Guilliman, Morgan might be willing to suffer losses for them, do something thankless, or rush into a dangerous situation where there was almost no chance of survival: this kind of thing had happened before.

But it is absolutely impossible for her to become the leader of these people.

Jonson couldn't do that: Even if the Caliban people took the initiative to ask Morgan to become his sigil, and their attitude was firm and unquestionable, Morgan could only send her good brother to become Sleeping Beauty with tears of brotherly love.

At worst, I can just help him take care of the First Legion in the future. Luther and Costner accepted it well anyway.

Conrad can't do it: let alone whether this kid has the courage to mention such a thing, the psychological burden of making him into Sleeping Beauty is much lighter than making Jonson into Sleeping Beauty. The Eighth Legion is also much easier to manage than the First Legion, and the relevant experience is also richer.

You know, when the Midnight Haunter took his cubs to the dangerous places of the Ghoul Stars every few days, the important documents of the Eighth Legion and the countries under its rule would habitually be placed on Morgan's desk.

This act of confusing right and wrong subsequently produced a ridiculous consequence: in Nostramo's government agencies, Avalon Gothic is the official language and office language, while Nostramo is an optional local dialect.

In Guilliman's words, this situation is the most standard form of cultural colonization.

As for Guilliman, he can't do it either.

Although Morgan and Guilliman had always had a pleasant collaboration, Lord Macragge had also mentioned it very obscurely: When the Great Crusade comes to an end, the Emperor and the Primarchs have completed the routine transformation of the Empire, and the elites of the various legions can retire peacefully, in order to better coordinate the work, can the Five Hundred Worlds and the Far Eastern Frontier [go a step further]?
After all, by that time, Morgan and Guilliman would have retired: being ambitious was a matter for mortals.

As for how far it would go: Guilliman's only answer was a smile.

Guilliman even joked that Morgan's name would definitely be among the beneficiaries on the list of his political legacy, which was indeed a great favor: although Morgan had always been curious about what kind of identity he had in being listed on the beneficiary list.

You know, the only one above her is Euden.

【……hiss!】

I remembered that damn nickname again.

No: next time I see Sanguinius I must give him a good beating.

Thinking of this, the Lord of Avalon's eyes unconsciously became gloomy.

And when such a gloomy gaze instantly glanced at Horus: the warmaster, who had just poured a glass of wine for his blood relative and expressed his carefully prepared lofty ambitions, and whose butt had not yet completely landed on the cushion, suddenly felt as if his face was stabbed.

When he looked up, he found that his sister's originally pretty face was now as gloomy as Mortarion.

"……What's wrong?"

In the face of crisis, the Wolf God proved that he was more worthy of the title of Warmaster than Jonson: From the outside, Horus was just stunned for a moment, then he regained his calm smile, sat leisurely in the chair opposite Morgan, and even took a sip of wine.

Then, those eyes, famous for their sincerity, turned to Morgan.

【nothing. 】

The Spider Queen's voice was deep.

[Horus, you just said: You want me to be your sigil? ]

"Ah, it's just a description..."

[You still desire my loyalty? ]

"Well, this sentence is a bit inappropriate..."

[And the previous bunch: It doesn't sound like something a wolf god would say. ]

[At least it doesn’t sound like something the Wolf Shepherd God would say to me.]

"..."

Horus was silent: even if he was a slow-witted person, he could still recover from Morgan's uncharacteristic rapid-fire attack.

"Morgan."

The Warmaster chuckled, setting his glass aside and leaning forward, his arms resting on his knees, his broad shoulders forming a pleasing arc in front of the Lord of Avalon.

"You're angry?"

【Not really.】

Morgan swallowed the wine, leaving Horus with a slender neck.

The Wolf God thought for a moment, and the scene in front of him began to become blurred. A golden figure gradually appeared. Little by little, the Archangel of Baal in the Warmaster's memory and the Lord of Avalon in front of him formed a perfect fusion.

Well, he is angry indeed.

The Wolf God, who had extensive experience with Sanguinius, made his conclusion.

"Actually..."

【You tell me first. 】

Morgan put the glass down gently.

[Horus: What exactly do you want to do by inviting me here this time? ]

"I just want to have a good chat with you about our future cooperation."

The Warmaster puffed out his chest, and his decisive words were enough to convince anyone, but Morgan still had to go through some twists and turns: The Lord of Avalon looked at Horus seriously, and the psychic power in his heart began to surge, carefully considering the sincerity of the Wolf God.

From the very beginning, Morgan could feel everyone's true heart: she benefited a lot from this ability in her early years, and she didn't expect that she would have the opportunity to pick it up again today.

Hmm...are you really sincere?
The Primarch's brow twitched.

[You just want to talk to me...? ]

"of course."

Horus nodded quickly.

"I have been preparing for this for a long time, and even consulted Fulgrim and Sanguinius."

【What do you want to consult? 】

"Talking skills."

[Talking skills...wait? ]

Morgan thought of something.

【Did Fulgrim teach you the treasures, trust, and desires you just mentioned?】

Horus did not respond, but the hesitation on his face betrayed him. The Spider Queen nodded: That's not surprising.

[Very attentive, brother.]

The primarch smiled.

[But don’t do this next time: let’s just keep it simple for the two of us. ]

"In fact, it's not just Fulgrim."

The Warmaster spoke cautiously, with a hint of nostalgia in his voice.

"And my father: he used to say these things to me when he was affectionate with me."

【…】

The Lord of Avalon suddenly lost interest in continuing the discussion.

She coughed.

So, what do you want to talk to me about?

"I've said this many times."

Horus finally stopped bending over, he sat up straight and spread his hands.

"I just want to talk about our future partnership, in great detail."

【That's it...】

Morgan licked his neat teeth.

[Horus: You seem to be confident about our cooperation? ]

"if not?"

The Warmaster responded somewhat bitterly.

"And how can I talk to my brothers who stood on the other side on Ullanor?"

"Are we looking for Jonson? Leman Russ? Or Guilliman?"

"Let's not talk about the first two: I talked to Guilliman during the Badab Crisis, and he told me very clearly that your attitude and thoughts towards the outside world are his attitude and thoughts, and asked me to come to you directly to discuss it."

"According to Guilliman, the tacit agreement I reached with him cannot affect Jonson, but the one I reached with you can."

[It's a bit pitiful. ]

Morgan smiled.

[So, the great war commander was forced in front of me? 】

"Okay, stop teasing me."

Horus continued to lean back, lazily leaning on the chair.

"Actually, after what happened in Badab, I thought a lot about it."

“I’ve figured out a lot.”

The Warmaster looked at her.

"Perhaps you think that what I am going to say next is just pretense, Morgan, but I want to say this: I come to talk to you not only to maintain harmony between the Primarchs, but also to enable the Great Crusade to continue its previous situation after the Emperor leaves the front line."

"This is not only for myself, but also a common obligation between you and me."

【obligation?】

Morgan didn't like the word: especially when it affected her.

【According to what you said, I must come to cooperate with you? 】

"Yes."

The War Marshal did not deny it. He nodded calmly.

"Okay, I admit that what I said before is indeed likely to be misunderstood, but you should be aware of the meaning: Morgan, have you ever thought about what you mean to the Emperor, the Empire and the Great Crusade? What do you mean to the entire galaxy?"

[You know, a small-time person like me wouldn’t think about such a big picture thing.]

"Stop putting yourself down."

The wolf-shepherd god glanced at her.

"If it were in the past, I would have believed in your weakness and innocence."

"After all, I wasn't smart before."

The War Marshal shook his head with some emotion.

"But it's different now: I have gradually figured out a lot of things in the past two years."

"Especially you, Morgan."

【Me?】

The Spider Queen also leaned back: She had to admit that this Horus did interest her a little.

Compared to those brothers who were already so familiar that there was nothing new about them, the Wolf Shepherd God in front of him had some new mystery.

[For example? 】

"For example..."

Horus stood up.

"Let me make this clear first. You may not be willing to accept what I am going to say next."

Oh?
Morgan's eyes flashed with gold.

Is that right? How can the Wolf God’s methods be without a show of force?
【It doesn't matter. 】

The Spider Queen raised her chin.

[I have endured far more horrible torture than you can imagine, brother.]

Morgan didn't want to admit that she was smiling even more excitedly than she intended.

Torture? Come and try it.

Just think of it as reminiscing about childhood.

"Ok."

Horus lowered his head and looked at her so seriously that before the wolf god even opened his mouth, Morgan was already certain that every word he said next was true and must have come from his heart.

"Morgan."

【Um. 】

Unspeakable expectations were hidden in the snort of the Lord of Avalon.

"You are very important."

【Um? 】

"You are smart, kind, and compassionate to all living beings. Even Vulkan cannot compare to you among the Primarchs. You are one of the brothers who values ​​family ties the most: you have always protected everyone from the bottom of your heart, no matter how close they are to you."

"We should have seen your dedication to Magnus, Mortarion, and Lorgar."

[No...wait...]

"I can fully understand our father's love and trust in you. Anyone in his position would do the same, because you are his most outstanding offspring, because you are one of the foundations of the Great Crusade, and you are an important magic weapon for the success of our cause."

[Stop... You stop first...]

"Believe me, no matter which brother becomes the Warmaster in the end, he must stand before you and hope to get your help, because you are the most important piece of the puzzle of the Great Crusade. Your ability is one of the underlying logics of the Great Crusade to this day. Without you, Jonson would not have gone so far in the competition for the Warmaster."

【…】

“No one can refuse you.”

"To reject you is to reject the Great Crusade."

"Of all our brothers, you are the one who has sacrificed the most for the Empire and humanity."

"He is also the one who has contributed the most to our big family."

【…】

"What's wrong with you? Morgan, your face doesn't look right..."

【Shut up! 】

------

damn it.

She should have set a safe word first.

(End of this chapter)