Warhammer: Beginning with Planetary Governors

Chapter 724 Roger Dorn: Sweet, I...I'm loyal!
"That big guy is quite tall."

As the War Angels company commander watched Roger Dorn's retreating figure, he vaguely sensed that something was amiss:

"That's impossible. Even demi-humans couldn't have such a physique..."

Just now, out of the corner of his eye, the company commander vaguely saw a huge soldier, even taller than their regimental commander.

But after taking a closer look, he realized that the other person didn't seem that tall.

The electronic eyepiece also showed that everything was normal.

Although he didn't find anything unusual, his instinct for vigilance made him point at the other person, wanting to call someone to stop the big guy and check him over.

Check if there are any problems.

However, before the War Angels Company Commander could speak, he was interrupted by an urgent communication.

According to the order of the Ministry of Military Affairs.

They need to assemble at a new target area to guard against enemy attacks, while also welcoming the great savior, the Emperor of the Empire, to the solar system.

"That might just be a visual illusion; there shouldn't be any problem."

Moreover, such a being couldn't appear before people so easily; it would inevitably be noticed.

Without much thought, the War Angels Commander ordered his warriors to assemble and evacuate from the pilgrimage ship to carry out a new mission.

However, before leaving, he casually gave a few instructions to the person in charge of the pilgrimage ship.

Tell them to keep an eye on the situation on the ship, and to take a look at the big guy's file when they have time.

The company commander didn't say that the big guy was suspected of being an alien heretic; he merely expressed curiosity about the demi-human's situation and asked the person in charge to submit the other party's information report to the security system.

Just a brief report.

"It's troublesome."

On the other side, Dorn became alert the moment the War Angels Captain's gaze fell upon him.

He realized that his previous actions had made the disguise of the forbidden relic less stable.

Of course, the other party may also be overly vigilant.

Even within his own Fist of the Empire, that company commander was among the best of the best.

Fortunately, due to the influence of the forbidden relics, as long as they are not completely exposed, those within the area covered by the relics will subconsciously lower their guard.

Dorn followed the short veteran, maintaining a steady pace, and adjusted the forbidden relic.

This stabilized the disguise.

Fortunately, the company commander did not come over to check them directly, otherwise the probability of being exposed would have been very high.

I still have some things to confirm and don't want to contact the savior so soon.

However, the ship's guard seemed to have received orders and quickly stopped Dorn for questioning.

The short veteran and the others, puzzled, stopped and turned their gaze in this direction.

They informed the guards that the big man had also bravely participated in the ship's defensive battle.

"I...I should be fine, right?"
I am the Emperor's most loyal follower, please don't throw me off the ship..."

Dorn, looking somewhat bewildered and nervous, played the role he was pretending to be.

The simple-minded, big guy from a remote planet was terrified that he might have some problem and lose his chance to make the pilgrimage.

The captain of the guard asked a few questions, then glanced at Dorn and browsed the data on the data panel.

As he looked at the man, he reassured him, "Big guy... cough, big guy, it's just a routine check-up, you don't need to worry too much."

According to the data, this big guy has no abnormalities and no risk of alien or heretical corrosion; he's just a bit too big.

They are also in excellent mental health.

"Dorn, right? There's nothing wrong with your information, so don't worry. Have a pleasant journey."

After reading it, the captain of the guard submitted the latest report and then smiled as he handed the registration card back.

He didn't question them much.

After all, before the war angels left the ship, they conducted another round of inspections on the hull, ruling out the possibility of the existence of alien heretics.

The big guy in front of me definitely doesn't have citizenship.

However, the other party had already undergone relevant inspections and quarantines and completed registration when boarding the ship.

Having acquired a temporary identity, there weren't any problems.

Moreover, the tall guy wasn't a high-level suspect; it was more like asking for a citizen's ID number.

They belong to the very safe and honest citizens of the empire.

The risk is extremely low.

In the past, the Empire could not have achieved such detailed registration; now, the Mechanical Goddess is increasingly powerful, having connected almost all databases to the network.

This allows the empire to record more identity data about its citizens.

"By the Emperor, I declare that I am utterly loyal!"

Maintaining his feigned composure, Dorn accepted the registration card with an innocent air and turned to leave.

"Wait a moment."

But just as he turned around, he was called back again.

Dorn paused for a moment, then turned around and saw the captain of the guard's enthusiastic face.

The other party handed over a package of exquisitely preserved fruit:

"Big guy, please try our delicious dried fruit made from berries from Arela Agricultural World."

Our local specialty is much tastier than the dried fruit from Saint Leila; their sunshine is simply not good enough.

"Your Majesty, I really don't understand why those merchants are all buying Saint Lyra's products..."

The captain of the guard had just come from a battle, and the blood and grime on his body had not yet been washed off, but he maintained his warm friendliness toward his fellow citizens of the Empire.

They also made sure to recommend local specialties from their hometown to others, and casually vent a few complaints.

With the interconnection of various star systems and star regions, the imperial economy has also shown greater vitality, developing a cross-regional commercial system.

The consumption needs of the imperial citizens are also increasing, rather than just being content with simply filling their stomachs as before.

Such an empire lacks any vitality and cannot be considered to develop.

The Ministry of Commerce is also actively encouraging various civilizations around the world to develop their own distinctive industries based on local conditions, whether it be military industry, food, or consumer goods.

Arela Agriculture World produces delicious berries, so they tried to launch dried fruit products that are easy to preserve.

However, just as they developed the product, they discovered that the neighboring sector's Saint Leila Agricultural World had launched a similar product first and was rapidly expanding and gaining popularity.

That agricultural world developed rapidly thanks to related industries, gaining some fame in several star systems of the empire and greatly improving its economic level.

This is a disgrace to the Arela people, whose dried fruit is far more delicious, yet little is known and trade in it is difficult to develop.

The merchants all went to Saint Leila.

They have their own pride and are determined to promote their hometown's preserved fruits rather than let them be disgraced.

This has become a habit for Arela people.

Those Arellans living abroad seize every opportunity to recommend the unique dried fruits of their home planet.

Let people know about this product.

This is the current state of the empire.

Those territories within the sphere of influence of the savior and the emperor of the empire had sufficient security and gradually recovered from the war.

It can be said that everything is in ruins and waiting to be rebuilt, but it also holds enormous potential and opportunities.

In this situation, civilized worlds that can seize development opportunities can often achieve rapid development through the Internet, which also indirectly promotes the economic level of the empire.

Simply put, the empire has gradually shifted from an extremely closed and backward city-state-style economy to a commercial economy.

There has been more exchange and trade between different regions.

That is one of the conditions for prosperity.

Dorn didn't know what was going on, but this kindness from a stranger still warmed his heart.

He took the candied fruit and ate one, his mouth filled with the sweetness of berries.

Dorn realized that he hadn't tasted human food in a long time, and it felt good.

He thanked the captain of the guard and promised to help promote the delicious dried fruit from the captain's hometown.

The captain of the guard was very happy and shared some more with the short veteran and others, creating a harmonious atmosphere.

Afterwards, Dorn and the other pilgrims who participated in the battle followed the instructions of the security department and went to the designated area for disinfection and cleaning.

After disinfecting themselves, they returned to their cabin to change into new robes before heading to the ship's mess hall.

The group chatted excitedly about the local customs and traditions of their hometowns.

Dorn often doesn't speak, he simply listens.

He had become completely immersed in his role and was enjoying this rare moment of peace. However, not long after, Dorn and the others changed their destination and headed to the Cathedral Square in the center of the bridge.

That is an essential religious area for pilgrimage ships.

Just now, the captain announced a celebration to reward this victory and the brave individuals who dared to step forward and protect others.

When Dorn and the others arrived, the Cathedral Square was already bustling and lively.

Honorary banners and light strips hung in the air, creating a festive atmosphere. The square was filled with long tables laden with a variety of delicious foods.

"It was a banquet, somewhat like a noble affair, but not quite as extravagant..."

Dorn gazed at the great square and thought to himself.

It was actually a fusion of aristocratic banquets, religious ceremonies, and feasts in the homeland of the savior, along with music and dance, characteristic of the new empire.

In short, the goal is to make everyone have a happy and joyful time celebrating.

The variety of food at the banquet exceeded Dorn's expectations.

That was completely different from the empire he had imagined.

Moreover, the reactions of citizens, such as the short veterans, also indicate that the empire is not so short of food.

In fact, the liberated areas of the empire have completely escaped hunger.

Even lower and middle-class citizens have shifted from simply having enough to eat to eating well, and are now able to enjoy meat occasionally.

With ample nutrition, they shed their emaciated state and gained better thinking and labor capacity.

Instead of living in a daze like before, and at any moment collapsing from hunger on the street.

For Ron, the savior, being able to fill his stomach was the most basic guarantee of a civilization.

The widespread famine of the past was a tragic situation for an interstellar empire capable of traversing star systems.

In particular, the Ministry of Justice of the old empire even flew large spaceships that traversed galaxies to collect tithes in some feudal worlds.

Forcibly seizing the wheat that feudal peasants had painstakingly cultivated was an utter disgrace.

So Ron was determined to change this situation. They were practically an interstellar empire; couldn't they solve the problem of farming?!
He fully utilized the farming instincts that were in his blood.

Ron used the farming techniques of the Golden Age to plant crops everywhere, basically planting crops in every place that could be planted.

Now they've set their sights on some barren planets, thinking of building some solar greenhouses there.

The Ministry of Agriculture is even researching techniques for growing crops in the asteroid belt, and there is even a small-scale planting base on this pilgrimage ship.

To supply fresh vegetables.

Due to the large-scale agricultural planting, even the carbon dioxide-based starch synthesis technology that a food research institute had painstakingly developed has fallen out of favor.

With an abundance of fresh food in the empire, who would still eat synthetic starch?

Synthetic starch is mostly used as emergency food for expeditionary operations, and has few other applications.

This also led a group of technical priests in the field of starch synthesis to directly change their research paths.

The worst off are the students in the School of Mechanical Engineering who chose this field.

They found themselves completely out of their element after graduation, regretting not having chosen civil engineering, mechanical engineering, and construction as their majors.

That's one of the most popular majors in the Empire right now.

Dorn felt the vibrant energy of the people at the banquet.

This is the norm in the Imperial Restoration Zone; pure suffering is now relatively rare.

More than anything, it's about hope for the future.

The mountain lord was increasingly moved, realizing that the empire today was even more vibrant and hopeful than it had been during the Great Expedition.

That was an inevitable outcome.

At least the new empire had a more reasonable tax system, instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, which fully guaranteed the development of the civilized world itself.

To ensure the empire functions properly.

"Big guy, eat more. It's not easy for you guys in the unrecovered areas to get a full meal..."

The short, veteran soldier, as if they were old friends, handed him a glass of wheat wine.

He was quite happy:
"It's a pity you don't have citizenship, otherwise you would have received a lot of honors this time. However, you have temporary status, which you should be able to apply for later."

"Hehe, I've killed quite a few heretics and traitors, so my citizenship level will go up another level."

The veteran was very happy and talked on and on, letting Dorn know a corner of the Empire.

I also understand why everyone was so eager to participate in the war and why their morale was so high.

It stems from faith, but it is also closely related to everyone's interests; the empire will not shortchange anyone who makes a contribution.

In this battle against the invasion of heretical traitors, everyone who steps forward will receive corresponding honor and rewards.

Under the supervision of the psionic network, the personnel of the Department of Citizen Affairs will try their best to compile statistics on every contribution and deserved honor.

Those who remain loyal will be treated better.

This is one of the biggest differences between the new empire and the old empire.

The loyalty of the old empire was selfless and without a progress bar, subject to long-term torment and uncertainty, and even lacking the most basic honor.

The internal divisions and political struggles within the empire led to a large number of loyal individuals suffering injustice.

Whether someone is loyal depends primarily on their personal will and perseverance.

In retrospect, the old empire was undoubtedly a failure, with most of its enemies coming from within.

Whether it's the rebellious Primarchs, Space Marines, or the endless corruption that emerges in various civilizations.

But the new empire is different.

It's about how much you put in, you get out.

The more overtime you work today, the more income you earn; the more alien heretics you kill, the more honor and reward you receive.

Loyal people will not be forgotten; they will be respected and their loyalty will be reflected in all aspects of life.

Even the most ordinary citizen is like this; it's clear, transparent, and readily available for inquiry.

The soldiers also received special honors and treatment.

Instead of dying mysteriously like the Imperial Star Guardians, unable to even return home.

As for those who betrayed the empire and joined Chaos, there were even fewer.

For the vast majority of the empire's citizens, who would want to follow those stinking beggars if they could have a good life?

Given the old empire's outrageous practices, the fact that its citizens persisted for so long before betraying it speaks volumes about their loyalty and unwavering resolve.

If they were from the Savior's homeland, the humans would have already pulled the AK trigger and started sparking, rebelling against the tyranny of the empire.

The savior is now beloved by the people not only because of the emperor's support and his status as the emperor of the empire.

It's more about respect and admiration for him personally.

People know that by following the Savior, they can gain respect and a better future.

Even if the savior is stripped of his power and branded a heretic and traitor by the emperor, the vast majority of the imperial citizens will make their choice amidst the pain.

Then, shouldering weapons, they followed him to Holy Terra to purge the court of corrupt officials and, incidentally, drape a yellow blanket over him to keep him warm.

What emperor? A savior is the true rightful ruler of the empire!
Dorn vaguely sensed the people's worship of the savior, and a strange feeling stirred within him, though he couldn't quite put his finger on it.

He didn't dwell on the issue and continued to immerse himself in the atmosphere of the banquet.

If it weren't for his worries about his father's condition and the responsibilities he carried, he would have loved to live in anonymity in the empire.

slam-la-

The food on the long table slid to one side, and some cutlery fell to the ground, making a clattering sound.

"The ships have stopped. Is this another attack?"

Dorn realized the state of the pilgrimage ship and immediately became alert.

At the same time, the bustling church square gradually quieted down, and the atmosphere changed.

But people felt no fear.

Later, as the captain's excited voice came over the ship's loudspeaker, people realized what had just happened.

The pilgrimage ship stopped not because it was attacked, but to pay homage to the savior, the emperor, and to offer the highest respect.

Just now, His Majesty's flagship vehicle passed by the pilgrimage ship!

Then, new information came.

The Savior heard of the ship's plight and the pilgrims' valiant resistance and decided to encourage them.

The people in the cathedral square were overjoyed upon hearing this, and before they could react, the hymns of the Savior began to play.

That was the sound signal projected by the Dreamship, which directly took over the ship's sound generator array—

"Sizzle~"
"Devout pilgrims, I am the savior, Emperor Ron Grant..."

(End of this chapter)