Emperor's Bane

Chapter 931 Gentleman’s Agreement
"grown ups."

"what happened?"

"Please forgive my bluntness: but there is one problem that has been bothering me for a long time."

"How do you ensure that the Far East will not get involved in our war with Terra?"

After suppressing the question for a long time, the Twisted One finally couldn't resist his curiosity.

After all, it's really... puzzling.

But more importantly, the answer to this question was directly related to the outcome of the entire war, and even the fate of the Sixteenth Army and the Wolf Kingdom: a perplexing little question was harmless, but a perplexing big question was fatal.

The Twisted One wanted to ask a big question.

The question is so significant that it could be the deciding factor in the war Horus has started: if Horus can find the answer and deliver a perfect response, he will have taken the most important step toward victory, and the crown of the empire will be firmly in his grasp. The only question now is when he will choose to wear it.

If the war commander cannot provide this answer, then their defeat is only a matter of time.

This is not the Twisters exaggerating: it is a fact that is accepted throughout the galaxy.

From high lords and war marshals to mortals and soldiers whose names are not even worth mentioning, anyone with even a slight understanding of the situation in the galaxy would realize what those divine-born kings east of the Great Vortex mean for the current war: given this, how could Malhohurst not know?

"So, that's what you're worried about?"

The Wolf God sat on his throne, a colossal black beast covered in spikes and irregular shapes. Its material was every rebellious nation conquered by the War General in the past: those usurpers and tyrants who tried to stop him with their bare hands. When their heads were mercilessly crushed by the Shadowmoon Wolf, their crowns, thrones, or most precious treasures, after being refined and repeatedly hammered, the surviving essence formed the foundation of the Wolf God's power.

Of course, the one on the Ruby King was just a worthless replica: the real throne was located in the palace of the Wolf God in the royal city of Konya, while the second largest had sunk with the Soul of Vengeance.

Even though it was a counterfeit among counterfeits, its dark projection under the distant star was enough to envelop Malohrist entirely. But when the Primarch slowly rose from his throne, his majestic presence, as imposing as mountains, made even the sun at the edge of his vision seem so small.

Even if the Primarch is just smiling.

"I thought you would keep your curiosity hidden for a longer time, Malohrist."

"If I could, I would like to do that too, sir."

The Twisted One was somewhat helpless.

"But as you know, I am responsible for the course and outcome of the entire war."

"And all along, you have been hiding this issue: it is the biggest bargaining chip needed to win this war."

"The biggest bargaining chip?"

The war commander almost groaned as he savored those words.

"It's quite surprising to hear such praise from you."

“I am not exaggerating.”

Twisting and bending should be used to express seriousness as much as possible.

"The three Far Eastern kingdoms, which at times can even be considered as the five Far Eastern kingdoms, are enough to turn the tide of any galactic war: the unity and independence of the three Far Eastern kingdoms alone is enough to give the entire empire a headache, not to mention that the galaxy is now torn in two by you and Holy Terra, and each of you holds less than a third of it."

"I would even assert this: in the face of the three Far Eastern kingdoms that have been confirmed to be able to advance and retreat in unison and to be of one mind, neither your Wolf Kingdom nor the Holy Terra of Makado has any advantage in any aspect, whether it is military strength, foundation, support for the war or popular support."

“Even orthodoxy, sir.”

At this point, the Twisted One paused, a rare hint of sarcasm in his voice.

"After all, the Terra crisis destroyed both your legitimacy and that of Holy Terra."

"That's right: mutual destruction."

Shepherd Wolf shook his head with a bitter expression.

“I successfully made everyone in the galaxy realize that Holy Terra was lying. They couldn’t explain where my father went or where the taxes were. But that shell also destroyed me. How am I supposed to convince my honest brothers that they would trust someone who dared to shell Terra in front of everyone?”

"What's done is done: the reasons don't matter."

Horus looked out the porthole and saw his great fleet gradually assembling, preparing to set sail once again.

“We have torn off each other’s sacred cloaks and become beasts fighting for power and security.”

"at this time."

"Whether it's me or Macado."

"Where are we superior to Morgan?"

“At least, my brothers surely remember that Morgan stood beside the Emperor on Ulano back then.”

"They will also remember that, on many occasions, when those important things happened, Morgan was the only one handpicked by the Emperor: what better indicator of your standing in the Emperor's eyes than to be present at every crisis and turning point?"

“In this respect, I am not as good as her.”

The Primarch's gaze shifted from the distance, silently observing the Legion banners on the wall.

"I am inferior to him in many ways."

"Sir, what are you..."

"Never mind, Marohurst."

Horus waved his hand.

"You go on."

"……OK."

He twisted his breathing to adjust it.

“Even if you and Terra cease hostilities now, and you lead your supporters, including the Third, Fifth, Ninth, and Fourteenth Legions, to launch an attack on the territories of the Three Kingdoms in the Far East, I do not believe that your all-out offensive will pose any fundamental threat to the rule of Morgan, Conrad, or Guilliman.”

"Similarly, even if Rogdorn could get Holy Terra's help at any cost, he still wouldn't be able to lead his army to conquer Maclag or Avalon."

"In other words, since the Terra Crisis completely ended the grand order left by the Emperor, the entire galaxy is now effectively leaderless. We must accept the fact that the once united human empire has lost a sovereign who could command the entire galaxy, and has instead split into a group of large and small vassal states and warlords."

"Among them, you, Terra, and the Far East are three core forces that go hand in hand."

"While figures like Felus, Roger, and Johnson also wield considerable power, they are far from being considered core figures in this chaotic world. Felus and Roger are unlikely to unite anyone, and Johnson is unsuitable for leadership. Moreover, he and Luther, the de facto ruler of Caliban, are both extremely inclined towards the Far East on a personal level; the only obstacle to their alliance is the vast distance between them."

"In other words, now that you are about to have a full-scale conflict with Holy Terra, whoever the Far East supports will win this war."

"Is that what you're thinking, Marlohurst?"

"That's right, my lord."

The Twisted One nodded.

“I can say that.”

"In your war with Terra, what truly determined the final outcome was not the army, intelligence, or the will of the people."

"It's diplomacy."

"It depends on who can win over more Primarchs and Legions' help between you and the Highlord Council."

"If you can win over three or four legions, you will have the confidence to wage a full-scale war against Terra. If two or three more legions join you afterward, victory will only be a matter of time. If you can win over the Far East, I think Terra and the Highlords will choose to give up resistance and use their resources to negotiate a better surrender with you."

“If the Far East supports Terra, I don’t think the Wolf Kingdom can hold out for long under the attack from both sides. But if the Far East sides with you, even without sending a single soldier, just by providing sufficient supplies, we have no less than five ways to tear Dorne’s defenses to shreds. Not to mention that with the Far East’s enormous military pressure and Lord Morgan’s silver tongue, the neutral Primarchs will all side with us.”

"Even if the Far East remains neutral, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks for us."

"We can divert defensive forces from the eastern front and concentrate all our efforts on Terra without any distractions. The neutrality of the Far East will also prove that Dorne's defense is meaningless, because apart from the Far East, there is no force in the entire galaxy that can rescue Holy Terra from your hands: the High Lords' armies will collapse once they realize this, and they cannot afford to waste their energy on a hopeless battle."

"You've hit the nail on the head."

Horus nodded.

"The reason to keep fighting is more important than troop strength or intelligence."

"Therefore, the current situation is in our favor."

"The Far East is not responding: Macado cannot expect his savior to be on the other side of the vortex."

"It certainly seems so."

The Twisted One sighed.

"But please consider this: this war has only just begun. The Holy Terra has probably only just received news of our attack. It will take at least several days for other Primarchs and Legions in the galaxy to learn of the start of the war. This raises the question: we do not know what choices these Primarchs will make."

"What if?"

"What if they decide to support Terra?"

"Especially in the Far East: we haven't deployed many strong defensive forces on the eastern front."

"When we march on Terra, the westward expedition of the Three Kings of the Far East will utterly destroy our rear."

"No, Marohurst."

The Wolf God listened patiently to the somewhat convoluted advice of his most trusted heir, and then the Lord of Shadowmoon Wolf arrogantly shook his head.

"At least in the short term: no."

"The Far East will remain neutral: they will not interfere with us as our legions march toward Holy Terra."

“I assured you this a long time ago.”

"I know."

The Twisters remain stubbornly defiant.

"And that's exactly what I'm worried about."

“You assured us from the beginning that the Far East would remain neutral in the war, and most of our war plans were based on that. But you have never explained to us in detail how you were sure that the Far East would remain neutral: even the Badakhshan crisis, which is now fifty years ago.”

Malochist took a step forward.

"Moreover, I am your diplomatic ambassador. In diplomatic activities with other Primarchs, I am more or less involved and aware of the contents: I signed the non-aggression pact between you and Lord Loka on your behalf, I was responsible for liaising between you and the Khan in private, and I have even been to Lord Felus's place a few times. He maintains an indifferent attitude towards your war with Terra."

"But the Far East is the only exception."

“You have not sent any envoys, nor have you attempted to sign any treaties.”

"But you are absolutely certain that the Far East will not interfere in your war with Terra."

“You must understand, my lord, even if you can subdue all the Primarchs except those in the Far East, the armies of Guilliman and Morgan are enough to crush us.”

"Moreover, when they march westward, I don't think some Primarchs who have already reached an understanding with us will continue to maintain their treaties with us: just as Lord Luther's current neutrality does not affect his certainty of siding with the side supported by Lord Morgan."

"Yes, that's the truth."

Shepherd Wolf God seemed to be persuaded.

"Are you worried that I'll put all my bets on Terra without any preparation?"

“That’s almost certainly true, sir.”

Indeed: [almost] true.

Horus simply stared silently at his child.

“But I’m sorry, Malochist.”

"Even though you weren't involved, and even though I didn't bring back any written treaties or agreements."

"But you can't say my guarantee is baseless."

"In fact..."

"I have friends in the Far East."

"His status and influence are beyond your imagination."

"Who is that?"

"that is……"

"grown ups!"

Horus was about to speak when Agnes, covered in sweat, pushed open the door.

“Asimand…”

"Battle report from Asimand!"

------

"..."

"Is the situation bad, sir?"

Within three seconds of Zhan Shuai receiving the document, Malohrist sensed that something was terribly wrong.

Horus's expression...

The last time he appeared was when he discovered that Zhuang Sen's votes for War General were actually neck and neck with his.

"Yes."

After a long while, Horus finally nodded.

"very bad."

"Asimand's fleet was attacked: Lemanrus himself launched the attack."

"It's in the Fenris system."

"what?"

The Twisted One's face was filled with disbelief.

"This is impossible, Lemanrus couldn't be that fast..."

"and many more!"

Halfway through his sentence, Malohrist suddenly realized a more serious problem.

"Asimand in Fenris?"

"Shouldn't he have retreated? The support fleet we sent out has clearly been repelled."

"Clearly, someone misled him and sent incorrect intelligence to Archimand's fleet."

The Warlord's face was as cold as ice, and the Twisted One could not see any color in his shadowy pupils.

"It seems that the brotherhood war in the shadows is far more intense and exciting than we imagined."

"And we will shed our blood for it."

This statement gave the Twisted One a bad feeling.

“Then, Asimand, he…”

"he died."

Horus’s tone was eerily calm.

"After capturing Fenris, Asimand and Pickman's fleets split up, which proved to be a terrible mistake, because Lemanrus soon attacked Asimand's fleet with his wolf pack, which he had somehow managed to quickly assemble and move to Fenris: our defeat was inevitable."

“Asimand made a mistake, but he also paid the price.”

"Although Pickman's army quickly returned to reinforce and repelled Lemanrus's wolf pack fleet, scattering them into disorganized small groups, and even severely damaged the Herakfin in the battle, forcing Lemanrus to abandon his Glory Queen over Fenris, these victories could not save Asimand."

"He was killed by Lemanrus, who landed himself, at the very beginning of the war."

"He tried to defend his ship: he paid for it with his life."

"Fortunately, my brother is the same as me."

"He treated the enemy's corpses with respect: Pickman and his men found Asimand's remains on the battlefield."

"But at the same time, Ruth was just like me: he left us a mess on the battlefield."

"Has Asimand's fleet suffered heavy losses?"

"Of the four hundred ships, two hundred sank and one hundred were severely damaged."

The Wolf God tossed the document to his servant.

"The fleet led by Asimand has basically lost its ability to fight. He and his entire fleet command were wiped out by Lemanrus."

"But the real loss was the Tyrant."

"It was not sunk: Pickman's quick return prevented the Wolves from completely destroying it."

"But the Tyrant is still severely damaged. According to the assessment of Pickman's technical experts, the Glory Queen will need at least five years of major repairs before it can return to the battlefield."

"Five years?"

The Twisted One raised its head.

"This means..."

"That's right: this means the Tyrant will miss the whole war: this war can't possibly last five years."

Zhan Shuai clenched his fist.

"Lemanrus traded his nearly crippled Herakfin for the Glory Queen, the most experienced warrior in my service."

"As expected of Ruth: I really underestimated him."

Horus took a deep breath.

He looked out the porthole, and no one knew what the Wolf God was thinking at that moment. "Malohrist."

"I'm here."

"Pass down the order to cancel the rest period and simultaneously order the follow-up fleet to immediately catch up with us."

"We will strike immediately."

"Ruth reminded me: we can't get complacent just because of one victory."

"Terra, Dorn, and Ruth."

"They are still very strong: they don't want to lose this deadly war at all."

"If we want to win, we have to do better than our enemies."

"Now, march on Fenris immediately."

"Also, inform Seyanus to bring over another batch of reserve troops from the eastern and southern fronts."

"Before next month arrives, I hope that we will face the defensive line of Rogdorn."

"The eastern and southern lines."

The Twisted One hesitated.

"Then, sir, what about the Far East..."

"I told you, there's no need to worry."

Horus did not look at his offspring.

"You only need to remember one thing, Malohrist."

“It’s not just us who see the High Lords as enemies.”

"As long as we continue to bleed for the overthrow of Holy Terra and the dominance of the High Lords."

"We will never lack friends in the Far East."

"The more blood we bleed here."

“Our territories in the East are even safer.”

"This is an exchange."

"It's also... an agreement."

"protocol?"

"Yes."

"An agreement."

"An agreement that was signed long ago: long before I decided to embark on this path of no return."

------

Sometime after the Ulano ceremony and before the Terra crisis.

……

"You actually came?"

Just before Horus was about to waste all his patience on this desolate desert, a sonic boom finally ended the warlord's wait: a second pair of heavy boots stepped onto the white earth.

The Wolf God turned around, and the muscles behind his ears involuntarily tightened.

"Welcome, brother."

Horus smiled.

The newcomer simply removed his hood, revealing a blank face beneath his short, golden hair.

He nodded, as a greeting.

"Welcome to the Far East, Lupecal."

"Far East?"

Horus's smile was somewhat subtle.

"In my mind, this planet does not belong to the sphere of influence of the Far East in the traditional sense."

"But you are indeed east of the vortex now."

The visitor paid no attention to this.

"Now, people have gotten used to viewing the area east of the Maelstrom as another world outside of Terra."

"Ah, how delightful!"

Horus put away his fake smile.

"Honestly, I thought you'd arrive early."

“That’s what I’m thinking of doing: but getting here without being noticed by anyone isn’t an easy thing.”

"So, what was your reason for coming out?"

"take a vacation."

"Take the opportunity to experience the local customs and culture, and explore the unique intangible cultural heritage."

"I hope you haven't been spreading this reason around."

"what happened?"

"Because the ruins of Nukelia are not far to the south."

"..."

The person who had just arrived paused noticeably.

This made Horus laugh genuinely; he liked to see these little mistakes in those close to him, as it made him feel that they were alive and well.

But the person he was talking to clearly didn't think so.

"Alright, stop beating around the bush."

His pale blue pupils stared directly at the face of the Wolf God.

“Our time is precious, Lupecal.”

"Furthermore, we cannot let others, especially those on Holy Terra, know about our meeting."

I agree with that.

Horus finally showed his seriousness.

"Honestly, I'm even quite surprised that you actually agreed to meet me."

"Your special envoy convinced me."

The person who came seemed to sigh.

"He convinced me that even though we do share the same interests in fighting the High Lords, and even though we have reached an unspoken understanding, since this matter involves the fate of the entire empire and the lives of millions of ordinary people in our territories, it is necessary for us to meet in person, even if it is only to obtain a personally verified guarantee from the other party's eyes."

"He's always so eloquent."

The Wolf God felt honored.

"He was even able to secure the lowest tax rate for my Wolf Kingdom in front of the Sealholder."

I agree with that.

The person nodded.

"In fact, I never expected that you would entrust such an important matter entirely to mortals."

“Our private communications over the years, the conditions we set for each other and the tests of our bottom line, have all been made entirely by mortals acting as intermediaries for us. Our descendants have no idea what we are doing. Perhaps you have really changed, my brother Lupecal. The Wolf God of the Great Expedition would never have done such a thing.”

"Is this really why you've chosen to support me?"

"That's not the whole reason."

The visitor continued to sigh.

"Mainly, the actions of the High Lords over the years have exceeded my limit of tolerance."

"They are pushing the empire to its end, and slowly strangling the peaceful years we have won."

“Look at those tax rates: they’re shocking.”

"They actually levied a 50% tax on the same world eight times in six years, directly exploiting what was originally the most prosperous world in the entire star sector until order collapsed and it regressed to a primitive society where people could eat each other: even those worlds that spoke the language of the Sun could not escape, some of them chose to support the Emperor at the very beginning of the Great Crusade, and their loyalty for two hundred years is evident to all."

"If we can't even escape these worlds, what reason do we have to stay out of it?"

"And now, the High Lords actually want to extend such methods to the entire galaxy?"

"Even the Xenomorphs aren't this brutal."

"And they will: millions of worlds under their rule will live worse than during the Age of Conflict."

“I cannot tolerate all of this.”

"This is wrong."

"The political landscape of the empire must undergo a reshuffle."

"The High Lords' achievements are worthy of respect, but they are no longer fit to remain in their current positions."

“We need to replace them with people more suited to lead the empire forward: even if it involves violence.”

"I'm so glad that my brother and I think so much."

Horus smiled and extended his hand.

"Well then, I won't waste any more words."

"Have my mortal representatives already covered all those other minor details far too many times over the years?"

"of course."

The newcomer grasped his hand tightly.

It was a delicate hand that seemed out of place with almost all the original genetic entities.

"The only thing we agree on is this."

"And that's the basis of cooperation: each getting what they need."

Horus nodded solemnly.

"I will march on Terra someday and demand that they cease their atrocities."

“If they are willing to let me see the Emperor, I will personally recount their actions over the years before him. But if they remain stubborn, then I will have no choice but to lead more troops and march on Terra again: although neither of us wants to see that happen.”

"But if they insist on doing so..."

"That blood can only flow on Terra."

"Perhaps a hundred billion people will die, but that's better than letting the entire galaxy be destroyed under tyranny."

"indeed so."

The visitor nodded in agreement.

"And I will assist you."

"I will not be your ally, but I will help you solve the biggest problem in your heart."

"When you march into Terra, I will guarantee that the entire Far East will not become your enemy."

"The Three Kings of the Far East agree to remain neutral in your war against Holy Terra until the final victor emerges."

"That would be me."

Horus nodded confidently.

"After we achieve victory, I will place the political crown of the empire on your head, brother."

“You will have more power than the Sealholder Macado and the entire High Lord Council combined.”

“We will stand on equal footing, brothers: we will become the Emperor’s most powerful arm.”

"You, me, and Morgan."

"The future of the galaxy needs people like us."

“You will be the de facto manager of Galaxy; no one is more suitable for this position than you.”

"That's not the most important thing."

The visitor seemed unmoved: or perhaps, even such power could not satisfy him?
"The important thing is to overthrow the rule of the High Lords."

"And...welcoming back the Emperor."

"..."

When the topic of emperors came up, both of them fell silent.

“I must remind you, Lupecal.”

After a long pause, the visitor spoke seriously.

“If the Emperor denies your legitimacy, then this agreement will be terminated immediately.”

"The Far East will not refuse the Emperor's summons, even if he orders us to attack your country."

"That makes perfect sense, brother."

Zhan Shuai nodded magnanimously.

"But you don't need to worry about that possibility."

"I hope so."

There was another moment of silence.

"..."

"so……"

Horus spoke slowly.

"Do we need to sign a gentleman's agreement?"

"no."

The person waved his hand dismissively.

"I don't want to leave you any evidence."

"A verbal agreement is still a gentleman's agreement."

"After all, we've already gotten what we wanted, haven't we, Lupecar?"

"indeed so."

Shepherd Wolf nodded.

"Then, I wish us happy cooperation."

He raised his fist.

"..."

"Pleasant to work with."

The newcomer paused for a moment before reluctantly bumping fists with the Wolf God.

"Hopefully, none of us will regret this."

"No, brother."

Horus stared silently into those eyes.

Those familiar eyes, those eyes that had once filled him with immense fear.

Those eyes that would help him win this war.

His fifth ally, the unseen ally: and also his most powerful ally.

……

"Believe me."

"Robert."

"You won't regret it."

(End of this chapter)