Warhammer: Hail to the Void Lords!.

Chapter 812, 08.811: "Wait for my return, let's have a drink together."

Horatio, holding the letter, walked out of the imposing door of the headmaster's office at Abridal Loyalty Academy.

Downstairs is a meticulously planned and well-organized garden.

There, he met Military Inspector Cairn, who was taking an after-dinner walk with Judge Amberley Weir.

Sunlight pierced through the thin clouds high in the sky, casting a slightly pale glow on this green space.

The air was filled with the sweet fragrance of genetically modified flowers, with a hint of floral and fruity notes.

The Gothic college buildings, like rows of silent giants, cast a heavy shadow over this seemingly tranquil park with their cold stone structures and soaring spires.

At this moment, Kane and Judge Will looked like an ordinary couple—provided that one could completely ignore his conspicuous military supervisor uniform.

This hero, renowned throughout the empire, was wearing that classic black and red uniform.

His arm was gracefully linked with that of Judge Amberley, and the two strolled along the gentle breeze, the gravel path beneath their feet making soft, rhythmic sounds.

Upon seeing Horatio, Kefas Kane smiled easily and waved to him.

His movements seemed casual, but his eyes subconsciously swept over his surroundings—the thick green hedge used for viewing, and the huge statue standing in the distance, commemorating a martyred saint, taking in everything around him.

“Greetings to you both, Inspector General Cafas Kane and Judge Amberley Weir.” Horatio stepped forward and bowed slightly.

His official duties were so demanding that he had almost no time for in-depth conversations with these two figures who had only appeared in propaganda posters and heroic biographies.

"Ah, Lord Cochrane! It's a pleasure to see you again."

Kefas Kane's tone was warm and cheerful. He released Amberly's hand and took a step forward. "We've heard a lot about you in the Gothic Sector. The propaganda department has done a very good job."

At such a young age, he has already been granted the title of Imperial Lord and 'Honorary Knight of Macragge'. He is truly a young talent with a bright future ahead of him.

He praised her in a very casual manner, his tone revealing an unbelievable sincerity in his admiration, as if he himself were that legendary hero of the empire, brimming with all the positive qualities.

"You flatter me, Warden Kane," Horatio replied humbly. "I have a long way to go to become a true hero like you."

"Look at what you're saying, those were just a little bit... uh, luck."

Kane scratched his cheek with his finger, a subconscious gesture as he pondered. "Hmm, maybe I have a little bit of strength, but really not much."

Everything I've done is simply to fulfill my duty to the God-Emperor.

He said these words in the most natural tone.

Although it sounded like standard humility, Horatio knew very well that for Kefas Kane, it was his heartfelt message.

He always felt that he had only enjoyed a grand reception far beyond what he deserved, thanks to his consistently good luck. He felt deeply ashamed that he had failed those who trusted him and His Majesty the Emperor. He believed that although this situation was extremely inappropriate, it had many benefits for him personally.

"I am also just serving the God-Emperor." Horatio smiled, skillfully turning the compliment back on itself. "And... well, luck certainly played a big part."

"And to you as well, Lord Horatio Cochrane."

Amberley Weir, the blonde beauty, smiled alluringly, her smile like a blooming alien flower, beautiful yet carrying a hint of elusive danger.

“I heard that when you were still a Loyalist cadet, or more precisely, a candidate officer, you and another colleague of mine, Inquisitor Clarence Ravenno, caused quite a stir in Abyss Harbor.”

“Oh, if you’re referring to the ‘Abyss Harbor Incident,’ I was indeed just a rookie officer candidate back then.”

Horatio maintained a respectful demeanor. "Do you know Judge Ravenno?"

“To be precise, we used to be rivals.” A sly glint flashed in Amberly’s eyes as she spoke softly.

"Uh..." Horatio's smile froze for a moment. "I see."

“But that’s all in the past.” Amberly’s tone became lighter. “Now we keep to ourselves and even occasionally collaborate.”

Speaking of which, how is his prized student, Judge They Perug, doing lately?

“Miss They? She just returned from a long voyage with me, we…”

Horatio's thoughts drifted back to that romantic night not long ago, in the specimen room.

"Yes, it was a bit of a morbid curiosity, but the experience was quite good." He cleared his throat and steered the conversation back on track: "She's doing well. The Peruvians have also mentioned you to me."

"Oh, we met once many years ago."

"I visited him once, but I didn't know this bastard back then." A mischievous grin spread across Amberly's face as she reached out and pinched the strong arm of the man beside her hard.

“Hiss—” Kefas Kane gasped, rubbing his arm exaggeratedly. “Hey! Hey! Go easy! Amberly, go easy! I was serving in the 12th Artillery Regiment of Valhalla back then.”

"Yeah, those are all old stories. But I still miss those peaceful days when a few shots from the rear could wreak havoc on the aliens."

He turned to Horatio, a genuine sense of nostalgia in his eyes. "My good brother Toren, who was just a junior lieutenant back then, is now a major in the blink of an eye."

The regimental commander was Colonel Moschus, and I still remember how confused he was about the sudden arrival of a military supervisor in his artillery regiment.

He didn't talk to me much, and you could even say he seemed to know me inside and out, but it was clear he didn't dislike me. We each did our jobs, and overall, that time was quite pleasant.

“I’ve read that battle report,” Horatio continued. “The data shows that you even broke into a girls’ college disguised as a cult.”

Kefas Kane's expression instantly turned to shock, as if he were back in that moment: "That's right! That time really scared us! You know, Amberly? It was a den of pleasure cults! By the God-King, it was only through His protection that I mustered up the courage."

[Yes, that's where the legendary story of 'the man who got Slaanesh for free' began.] Horatio thought with satisfaction as he watched Kane excitedly "complain" to Amberly.

"Kane, you did a great job, you did a great job!" Amberly's face suddenly darkened. "So you're sexually repressed and go looking for fun with female students, huh?"

"No! That woman acted like one of those passionate patriots from the Empire! Besides, we were just invited to stay for a casual meal, nothing more!"

"A female teacher, huh? Oh, you really know how to play games." Amberly sneered, her fingers tightening their grip slightly.

Horatio, looking at the scene before him, cleared his throat and stepped in at the opportune moment: "I really wish we could have more time to talk together, Inspector Kane."

But it's a real shame that our fleet is setting sail tomorrow.

He sighed, his fingers unconsciously gripping the brim of his brand-new, gold-trimmed bicorn hat.

“Don’t worry, Lord Cochrane,” Amberley released her hand and turned to Horatio, “we may be staying in the Gothic Sector for quite some time.”

Perhaps we'll have another chance to meet after you return home.

"Is it a secret mission from the Repulsion Order?" Horatio asked tentatively with a smile.

Faced with Horatio's direct probing, Amberly skillfully changed the subject.

“To be precise, it’s a bit… monitoring work.” Amberly’s smile was so beautiful that it almost made one forget that she was a judge with the power of life and death.

Kane yawned, concealing a slight change in his expression.

Horatio watched silently; everything was exactly as he had read in those informal biographical novels. Even now, he still felt a sense of unreality. How could characters from novels be so vividly present before his eyes?
“We’ll see you off at the port tomorrow, Lord,” Kane said to Horatio, regaining his composure. “It’s been a pleasure meeting you. I must admit, you’re quite interesting, unlike most of the Imperial heroes I’ve met. I think we’ll have plenty to talk about. Perhaps we should have some more wine, but considering you’re leaving on a mission tomorrow, let’s save that opportunity for when we meet again.”

“That’s right, we’ll save it for next time.” Horatio’s interest was also piqued. “I’ll prepare a whole warehouse of fine wine, and then we can drink until we drop.”

"Hahaha! Good! In my opinion, this is what an Imperial hero should be like! Generous! Amberley, don't you think so?" Kane laughed heartily. "Now I'm actually quite interested in staying in the Gothic Sector, after all, Lord Cochrane has invited me to a drinking party."

"I'll prepare high-concentration amosaic and tannins for you, don't worry," Horatio assured him.

Inspector Kane's smile faded, and he looked at Horatio with a serious expression. He extended his hand to Horatio: "Have a safe journey, of the Spiel bloodline, Lord Horatio Cochrane, Imperial Lord."

The atmosphere suddenly shifted from relaxed and humorous to solemn.

“Thank you, Your Excellency Cafas Kane, hero of the Empire.” Horatio smiled and stepped forward.

Two large, gloved hands clasped together solemnly.

"I've been eyeing your little wine cellar for ages."

Kefas Kane suddenly resumed his animated expression, shaking the hand he was holding more vigorously, his tone laced with a smirk, "I've heard the sparkling wine in the Calicus sector is quite good. Prepare a lot, so I can see how the Imperial Navy's High Lord Captain's private reserves differ from those of the Astronaut Commander and the Planetary Governor."

“It’s a deal,” Horatio said with a smile. “Then, goodbye. Oh, to be precise, see you tomorrow.”

(End of this chapter)