Emperor's Bane

Chapter 858 The Comatose Daughter

【I am sure that I have given you enough time. 】

[So, I hope to get an accurate answer: Lord Dantioch. ]

Very rarely, today the Spider Queen was not sitting behind her desk, struggling with the endless documents she would review.

Perhaps, the Lord of Avalon finally realized a reality: paperwork is something that even the Primarch cannot defeat.

Moreover, in the foreseeable and not-too-distant future, even the most important paperwork would no longer occupy Morgan's time: she could feel that moment was getting closer and closer.

Twenty years?
No, maybe ten years, or even shorter?
After all, many people have begun discussing the uncertainty of the Emperor's life or death.

That's more alarming than the smell of gunpowder in the air, isn't it?
The Primarch asked himself this question in his heart.

Even she herself is no exception: although she had started preparing for decades, although she was fully aware of the logical context, and although things had developed to this point, it was inseparable from the Spider Queen's behind-the-scenes planning and her selfish motives.

However, when things really developed to the point of success, when the mediocre ones were still rejoicing, the idealists were still looking forward, and the truly ambitious and wise men were already sharpening their knives behind the scenes: even the Lord of Avalon, who had long been as hard as stone, felt a sense of reunion after a long separation.

Is it fear?
Or a hint of regret?
This is not surprising. Anyone who sees the raging waves and the impending flood that they have stirred up will inevitably feel worried in their hearts: because they know that when the torrent comes, even they, the planners, will not be able to escape unscathed.

For someone like Morgan, her most wonderful moment is before the event, when she hides under the system of the old era, embracing the ambitions of the new era, stirring up the situation and planning for her future bit by bit. But when the game starts, she is no different from those participants who know nothing from beginning to end.

What's more, if the fate that even the gods cannot take care of does not take care of her, it is not impossible that she will shoot herself in the foot and be hit in the throat of the future by her own plan a hundred years ago: When the star gods pulled the fearful ones out of the abyss, did they ever think that these pathetic slaves trembling at their feet would one day bury them all?

Today, the Spider Queen is caught in the same dilemma.

When she no longer has to worry about the increasingly congested bureaucracy on the Far Eastern frontier, the strange atmosphere surging outside the border, and the Dawnbreakers' inability to increase their military strength, the Primarch will become even more melancholy.

Because a periodic self-doubt began to torment her unconsciously.

Sensing that the moment of her destiny was getting closer and closer, Morgan became more and more anxious, and she began to carefully recall and review the day she decided to leave her home planet and join the Empire, until the moment the Emperor left for the Great Crusade: at that moment, she could no longer control the fate of the galaxy.

She was back at the chessboard: or rather she had never left.

Now, she can only pray
It is not wrong to pray for the decisions and changes you have made in the past.

She hoped that her choice to bring Konrad and Angron back on track, to transform them and their legions from visible rebellion reserves to at least not having to worry about falling into the warp and becoming pure enemies of humanity, would be a move that would do more good than harm.

She believed that the Night Lords, after being trained by Conrad, would fight for the Empire: at least for her. As for the World Eaters, their loyalty was still unclear, but with the example of the Gene-Father by their side, the inner circle that actually controlled the power of the Twelfth Legion should not fall into the realm of Chaos again.

She had met Kahn and had full confidence in the young man.

That's good: but is it enough?

Morgan couldn't help but think of the regicide chess game that father and daughter would play every time they met when the Emperor was still on the Great Crusade: they used the foreseeable great rebellion as a blueprint and deduced every conceivable possibility.

Some of these scenarios were so ridiculous that no one would believe them, but in general, the number of legions that chose to become enemies of the Empire was usually nine, and occasionally less: but the Spider Queen was not in the habit of placing her speculations on the lucky minority.

So: nine?

It will be nine anyway?

Well, the problem is coming.

If their enemies were powerful enough to ignore the Primarch's efforts, would the Spider Queen be doing more harm than good? If she allowed the Night Lords and the World Eaters to be dragged into darkness, then given their own madness and distortion, the threat posed by these two legions would be less than great.

A group of lunatics who believe in the Blood God and a legion of villains led by a cynical Inquisitor of Hell. If they become the backbone of the future rebellion, it will be a great benefit to the loyalists: at least they can preserve two more reliable and powerful legions.

But now, the situation is different, the madmen and villains have avoided their tragedy and become potential allies of the Empire: but does this mean that some legions that would have remained loyal will fall into darkness instead?

For example: a renegade Blood Angel or a renegade Salamander?
It’s terrifying to think about.

Morgan closed her eyes and sighed in annoyance. This feeling of knowing the whole story but being powerless to do anything about it was really upsetting: she would probably never be able to just accept her fate.

The inner boredom made the Principal lack the energy for everything in the outside world. After deciding not to take care of the documents, she wanted to do something more relaxing to numb herself: such as lining up her pets (except Conrad) and placing them together with the new plants she had recently raised.

Patting the head of the little man in the robe, or gently scratching the chin of the Warmaster, or casually looking at the water droplets that Virgo had just sprayed on the broad green leaves, would always make the Spider Queen feel a little more relaxed: although she knew that this was most likely just an illusion.

She was still upset and worried about every decision she had made.

And if the Night Lords and the World Eaters are just annoying, then some other things are really scary.

For example: Luo Jia.

Morgan knew better than anyone that the Lord of the Word Bearers had not changed at all. He was still the Lorgar who had built the perfect city. Morgan had merely preserved the city and asked the Emperor to give the Seventeenth Legion some benefits so that they would not be completely disheartened.

But these actions are not even a temporary solution. Both Lorgar and his Word Bearers are still a group of fanatical believers. As long as the Emperor does not personally step forward to guide them in the direction of progress out of fear of the Dark Lord, these fanatics will sooner or later go astray.

If they believed in the Four Gods, or Chaos as a whole, it wouldn't even be the worst outcome: Lorgar had witnessed the thing on Nikaea, and if he regained his memory in the Eye of Terror and realized that there was actually another side to the Emperor, then his choice might be even worse.

After all, even Morgan and even the Emperor himself could not explain one question clearly: What is the relationship between the Emperor and the Dark Lord? Is the Dark Lord the Emperor's destined future, or the dark side of his soul?
Morgan didn't know: but she knew the question was enough to drive Lorgar crazy.

However, a mad Lorgar and the unimaginable army under his command were irresistible to the Dawnbreakers. The gap in strength was too despairing: the number of people in just one of the main expeditionary fleets of the Word Bearers in the Far East was more than the entire family of the Second Legion put together.

Of course, this is also not the most worrying issue. Although Lorgar and his Word Bearers Legion are terrifying, they alone cannot start this rebellion.

No one would choose to follow a group of fanatics: the real threat lies among the most prestigious of the Primarchs.

And Morgan had already identified her target: she had known it long before Ullanor.

The answer can only be Horus.

The Warmaster is the only choice.

Regardless of whether the Wolf God would succumb under the pressure of the Four Chaos Gods, the Warp would choose the Warmaster of the Empire as the sharpest blade to pierce the Lord of Mankind: it was a pity that the strong feelings bound the Emperor, and he was always unwilling to believe that the Warmaster would betray him.

Morgan could only hope that her genetic father wasn't lying about this at least.

But considering the Emperor's reputation...

Forget it, just despair.

In addition to this despair, there is more despair waiting for her not far away.

Konrad, Angron, Lorgar and Horus were not the ones to worry about the most: there was the Dark Lord who had once shown his edge, the Four Chaos Gods who were lurking in the shadows, watching for their prey including Morgan, and even the Webway that was draining the Empire's blood and hearts at a speed visible to the naked eye.

Any one of them would be a lament that made Morgan despair.

She had worked so hard for so long, but nothing seemed to have changed.

When the rebellion was about to come: she only hoped that her efforts would not be in vain.

【…】

【Hi……】

The Spider Queen sighed and ruffled the green hair on the Warmaster's head in annoyance: the once old and frail Strong-Brain Cat had now regained the vitality of his youth, but its character had also become more docile. Even in the face of pressure from its master, it only rubbed against the chest and abdomen of the Lord of Avalon to please him.

With the demonstration in advance, the little man in the robe, who was originally just holding the vase in a daze, also moved his buttocks over little by little, and carefully held one of Morgan's fingers: I don’t know if it’s a psychological effect, but when it got closer, the original body found that the turbulent and depressed mood in his heart had dissipated a lot.

【Thank you. 】

Morgan smiled and poked the invisible face of the robed man, then saw this magical elf of Caliban fall exaggeratedly on the table, swaying from side to side, and soon started playing with the Warmaster's tail.

The Spider Queen, on the other hand, took advantage of the fact that her thoughts had become clearer and hurried to deal with the matters at hand.

For example, a war blacksmith who has been left alone in front of the Primarch for five or six minutes.

[So, have you made up your mind, Lord Dantioch? ]

Morgan always maintained aloof courtesy in the face of this distinguished guest who had made great contributions to the establishment of the Far Eastern Frontier: but perhaps it was because of the common problem of the Iron Warriors, Dantioch was always in a restrained state in front of the Primarch.

Now think about it, he has been in this land for nearly a hundred years, but this old habit has never changed.

Of course, it could also be because the topic they were discussing today was serious.

In a sense, it can even be understood as a showdown between Morgan and Dantic.

What they wanted to mention was the document that Dantioch was holding in his hand.

The Warsmith bowed his head deeply.

"It's all here, my lord."

"Thank you for your long-term protection of the Fourteenth Battalion."

[It can’t be called asylum, we are just taking what we need. ]

Morgan blinked and gave his best gentle smile.

[From now on, Avalon will still rely on your help in all aspects. 】

"my pleasure."

Dantioch sighed. He knew that these words were meant to comfort him, and were equivalent to giving him a reassurance.

Although the 14th Battalion, which was nicknamed the Dawnbreakers, had been staying in the Far East for longer and longer, its main force had long been replaced by recruits from Salamas, which had led to them actually getting used to getting along with the Dawnbreakers like brothers, and feeling at ease considering themselves to be a part of Avalon.

But the subordinates can think this way, and the new recruits can be close to each other, but in the hearts of some old soldiers who have experienced a lot of ups and downs, led by Dantioch, they still remain cautious and restrained.

They did not forget: they were just guests.

This is especially true of the Warsmith.

【Actually, I do have a question. 】

After Dantioch respectfully placed the document on Morgan's desk, the Spider Queen did not open it and read it immediately. Instead, she looked at her Grand Duke Salamas with a little curiosity: Morgan still admired this distinguished guest with whom she had never been familiar.

[I heard from them that you returned to the Fourth Legion not long ago? ]

"Yes, my lord."

Dantioch nodded.

"I met my father and visited Olympia today."

[Then have you ever thought about returning to your roots and spending the rest of your life on the Iron Blood? ]

[Like an old soldier of mine named Olpersson: he is now growing potatoes in a valley in a garden world.]

Morgan tilted his head: She was really just curious.

[After all, Perturabo and the Fourth Legion can't be said to be bad right now. ]

Dantioch was silent.

"They...are not bad indeed."

The Warsmith opened his mouth. He seemed to be choosing his words, or he just couldn't express what he was thinking.

"But I always feel that they haven't actually gotten better. Especially when I refer to my situation in Avalon and observe my legion and the world under the rule of Lord Perturabo as objectively as possible, I always have an indescribable strange feeling."

[Strange feeling?] Morgan raised his eyebrows.

【Tell me. 】

"that is……"

Dantioch took a deep breath.

"I personally think that the Iron Warriors and Olympia have not gotten better. No matter how hard Lady Kennyfenny has worked to govern her hometown, no matter how prosperous the Fourth Legion seems to be, in essence: their fate is not in their own hands."

"They just got the opportunity under Lord Perturabo's personality change, picked up the grace left from his fingers, and developed the beauty of today: they did not have the ability to break away from Lord Perturabo and control their own destiny alone. Lord Perturabo, he makes me feel uneasy."

"He is pursuing something that is too noble for us."

"And for his pursuit, I'm not sure if he would mind sacrificing this beauty."

【disturbed? 】

Morgan whispered, his tone odd.

I think he has changed.

“It has definitely changed.”

Dantioch nodded.

"But deep down, I still fear him more than I respect him."

"His changes are superficial, and I don't know when he will change back."

"So, I'm sorry, but I can't bet on these boys I have."

"From now on, I will have to trouble you."

【it does not matter. 】

Morgan laughed and regarded this as Dantioch's token of allegiance.

[You have already earned my respect with your abilities and loyalty, my dear Lord Dantioch. If you are willing to stay, I will welcome you with open arms: the Far Eastern Frontier will always have a place for the Fourteenth Battalion.]

【of course. 】

The Primarch's tone suddenly changed.

[If you must give me a personal reward, I do have a question and hope to get your help.]

"Speaking?"

Dantioch looked up.

[If I remember correctly: You and Lord Ahriman are friends, right? ]

“He’s a great mentor and friend.”

The Warsmith did not argue.

【Can you help me persuade him? 】

"Persuade...him?"

Dantioch was a little surprised.

"What's up with him?"

Now that he thought about it, he hadn't seen Ahriman for some time. Although they were good friends, they each had their own responsibilities: Dantioch had endless work to do in Salamas, and Ahriman's main battlefield was in the center of Avalon. It was difficult for them to see each other on a daily basis.

【how to say……】

Morgan sighed: She had sighed so much recently that she began to wonder if she was getting old.

[He works so hard, so hard, that I have to worry about his physical and mental health.]

[You know, Dantioch, I trust Ahriman very much. I have given him full authority over many psychic issues, including the management of the Psychic Academy and the promotion and maintenance of the think tank's production. But I have always been careful not to let him bear a burden that exceeds his ability limit.]

[But after Nikaea, everything changed. Ahriman became even more desperate at work. He worked all day and all night without rest at his post. Rana even reported to me that Ahriman once did not close his eyes for three whole months.]

[It is true that both the Psionic Academy and the Think Tank system have made rapid progress under Ahriman's hard work, but if the Empire loses the most outstanding Eldar researchers for these, it will undoubtedly be a loss of the greater for the smaller: Ahriman's hard work is not because of his enthusiasm, but to urge himself to accumulate merits. ]

Having said this, Dantioch suddenly felt that the room had become a little colder.

[Show enough merit to redeem the Thousand Sons' folly on Nikaea.]

[And I am afraid that he will die of this worry before he can impress the Emperor with his achievements.]

"Then you..."

I have advised him many times.

Morgan turned her head away, her face hidden in the darkness where Dantioch could not see.

[But he didn't listen. I tried to forcibly stop his position, but this couldn't erase the worries in his heart, and I couldn't erase his memory of the Thousand Sons: I can only try to use a stupider method, and let friends like you to relieve Ahriman's pressure little by little. ]

[In fact, I am also his friend, but things are very different now. ]

【Maybe to him, I am more like his superior now.】

"..."

Dantioch was sure that in the Spider Queen's cold voice, he heard a hint of melancholy that did not belong to the Primarch.

So he nodded solemnly.

"I will do my best, my Lord."

[Then I'll leave it to you. ]

Morgan did not look back, but continued to absentmindedly arrange the lush green potted plants on the table without saying anything else. The Warsmith knew what this meant, and he bent over and left the room respectfully.

After he closed the door, Morgan turned his head slightly and glanced in the direction where the warsmith left. Then, the Primarch's eyes fell on the table, where there were the documents presented by Dantioch.

The Primarch opened it and found the information he wanted among the dense numbers and historical records.

[Is this the number of people you personally counted and recorded, Dantioch?]

【One hundred and fifty thousand?】

A strange laugh echoed quietly in the quiet room.

[What a safe number! It fits your usual style.]

Then, the Primarch threw the document on the table. He knew that there was no need for Dantioch to lie about this matter. According to various intelligence sources, the total number of Dawnbreakers active in the Far Eastern frontier was around 150,000 as stated in the document.

Doesn’t sound like much?
But considering the strength of the Dawnbreakers, this is actually a lot: no matter how magnanimous Morgan is, she will not allow the Dawnbreakers to have much more troops than the Dawnbreakers.

[But if that's the case, does that mean I also have 300,000 people? ]

The Primarch asked her the question, and the only answer she got was the bitterness in the air, which was the smell emitted by the plants on the table.

[Three hundred thousand people: can they barely cope with the war ten years later? ]

[No, maybe…]

The Primarch muttered to herself as she disappeared behind the secret door of the room.

Following a secret passage known only to three or five people, the Spider Queen entered a pure white laboratory, where a light pink figure was waiting for her: that was the Primarch's most trusted eldest daughter, Virgo, who was dressed as a scientist and standing guard by a bed.

【How's it going? 】

The Primarch glanced at the items on the bed and asked her eldest daughter.

“Nothing has changed.”

Virgo shook her head.

"Everything is the same as it was twelve years ago."

【Is it. 】

The Primarch was not upset: or rather she had become numb to it.

Morgan looked over at the person on the bed, his eyes moving quietly over her torso.

The body as delicate as that of a little girl, the carefully groomed long black hair, the silent red pupils under the tightly closed eyelids, the even breathing, and the quiet face.

【Lucy.】

Morgan whispered her name: and the man's name.

【What happened to you? 】

[What on earth have you encountered: People have begun to doubt your safety. ]

【…】

【me too. 】

[Malcador did not respond to me, and the golden sword in my heart did not respond to me either.]

[He just said: This is for the safety of all of us. ]

The Primarch shook his head, not sure whether to laugh or sigh.

She only knew one thing.

------

Twelve years ago. In the twenty-eighth year after the Emperor left the Great Crusade, two months after the strange transfer of the Imperial Fists, and shortly after the earthquake on Holy Terra.

Morgan's youngest daughter, the embodiment of her father's will, was found one morning in a coma that could not be explained by any reason: her life was not threatened, but she herself did not want to be awakened.

She slept as if her soul had been called away.

Just like that, since twelve years ago.

Until today.

The moment came when the entire galaxy held its breath for his safety: today.

(End of this chapter)