The Emperor’s Angel of Death

After listening to Old Walker's introduction, Szohrayn immediately showed a surprised expression, realizing that this person was likely the supreme military commander of the Greater Sohlian League. He nodded to the other party and said politely:

"To think you are such a valiant warrior, Usar, Chieftain of the League, it is an honor to meet you."

Usar nodded, a smile suddenly blooming on his face, and said in fluent High Gothic:

"I have long heard of Commander-in-Chief Szohrayn Valerius, I originally intended to stand up and shake your hand, but unfortunately, I have been sitting on this high chair for too long and my legs are numb. Next time, let's chat standing up, I will wear my mechanical stilts."

Szohrayn was first stunned, then laughed. He was surprised by the other party's sense of humor, as he had expected a serious and unsmiling warrior.

Then, the other party changed the subject.

"Chapter Master Szohrayn, this time we are bothering you, on the one hand, to thank you on behalf of the League for keeping your promise. We have cooperated with different forces of the Imperium many times, but I must say that going back on their word is a common occurrence for many Imperials. The moral standards and contract spirit of the Imperium of Man sometimes really make us very frustrated. The most common excuse is that Imperial law prohibits cooperation with aliens—and this is often after they have taken the goods."

"In any case, your side has assisted the Crusade. As for the so-called alien issue, Imperial law and the Inquisition have no definitive conclusion. I am only acting officially."

Usar nodded.

"Chapter Master Szohrayn is indeed a reasonable person, as Chieftain Walker said. So, this is our second purpose, in the future, perhaps our two sides can conduct more cooperation."

Szohrayn smiled, spread his hands, and said:

"Once the Crusade is over, I will become a Chapter Master again. I may not have so many valuable things to trade with you. After all, to be honest, your weapons and equipment are indeed of good quality, but the price is not cheap. The Chapter itself does not have any production projects, and you probably wouldn't be interested in occasional war spoils."

"Cooperation with your Chapter is only a small part—the main focus is the Eternal Court."

In an instant, Veronica raised an eyebrow, while Szohrayn's face darkened. After a moment, he slowly said:

"I do not know what the Eternal Court you are referring to is, Chieftain Usar."

Usar stared at Szohrayn, then placed his hand on the table, leaning forward slightly.

"No offense intended, it's just that the Greater Sohlian League has had long-term trade with the Aeldari Craftworld of Iyanden in the past. The special liquid crystals they produce have always been a very important import product for the League, but recently our partner suddenly visited the Maelstrom, which inevitably made us somewhat suspicious. After sending an envoy, we learned that they had joined a newly rising Eternal Court. Of course, we do not harbor malicious intent to pry into our partner's secrets, but because the center of the already destroyed ancient Aeldari Empire was the Eternal Court, we inevitably had some doubts and curiosity. Therefore, we have gradually obtained some information through various channels, such as the head of the Eternal Court being a beautiful queen."

As he spoke, the three Hearthkin looked at Veronica, who simply pushed up her glasses and said nothing.

"And the queen's husband is an incredibly tall War King, crowned with the ancient title of Phoenix Lord."

The three turned their gaze to Szohrayn again, whose face showed no expression, only his fingers gently tapping the table.

"We do not know exactly why Craftworld Iyanden came to the Maelstrom, we can only guess that it may be following the orders of the Court. After that, an attack on an Astartes Chapter in the Maelstrom attracted my attention. The Malicious, they are a bunch of damned rogues and villains who have repeatedly attacked the Hearthkin's merchant ships and transport ships, and I heard that they also have conflicts with you? But the Aeldari only attacked them, and did not harass any other Imperial Chapters. Not long after, the Hoylland family was also bloodily cleansed by the Aeldari, and their cooperation with the Red Corsairs was completely exposed, allowing the Expeditionary Force to eliminate this huge hidden danger without firing a single shot. It seems that the Aeldari are intentionally assisting the Expeditionary Force?"

After a moment, a soft laugh came from Szohrayn's throat.

"The actions of the Aeldari are always unpredictable, but they often accomplish their goals by 'helping humans', this is not surprising."

Usar nodded.

"Yes, you understand them very thoroughly. Actually, I am not a person who speaks in a roundabout way, but considering that this matter is indeed very special, I thought that speaking too bluntly might affect your perception of our side? Chieftain Walker once said that he saw the omen of the Phoenix reborn in you, and I believe in the old Chieftain's vision."

Szohrayn glanced at Chieftain Walker, who was still smoking. To be honest, he really lacked understanding of the Hearthkin's psykers, but what they said was all speculation, and in the end, there was no substantive evidence.

"Chieftain Usar, are you suspecting that I am colluding with the Aeldari? Humans will never"

Usar interrupted him with a smile.

"Chapter Master Szohrayn, there is no need to say such harsh words. In the very ancient past, humans and Aeldari were not irreconcilable. The two sides were not originally in a situation where they had to fight to the death upon meeting. Furthermore, can the Imperium represent all of humanity?"

Szohrayn narrowed his eyes and said coldly:

"The Imperium is humanity, and humanity is the Imperium. Any attempt to split humanity will be met with a head-on blow. If your side holds a denying attitude, then there is nothing to talk about."

"Chapter Master misunderstands, it's just a trivial topic of my own. In addition, the League also has some partners in Commorragh. Although those Aeldari are really disgusting, sometimes business inevitably involves holding your nose and rummaging through the cesspool. After all, profit is the foundation for maintaining the League's existence."

The topic shifted to Commorragh, and Szohrayn knew that there was no point in hiding it any longer. The other party's language was very targeted, and coupled with their relationship with Craftworld Iyanden, they should be basically certain of his identity.

After pondering for a moment, Szohrayn only said one sentence.

"Let's talk in the Court later."

Kovim Leyde nodded and said:

"The League hopes to organize a commercial delegation to the Eternal Court to formally pay respects to Her Eternal Majesty the Queen. The number of people will be between 30-50, all representatives of the League's various important enterprises and clans."

Szohrayn looked at Veronica, and after she nodded, he said:

"Okay, specific details will be contacted by someone at that time."

After the two sides said a few more words, the representatives of the Greater Sohlian League left, and Szohrayn looked at Veronica.

"What was the relationship between the Aeldari and these short people in the past?"

"I have seen some records in the ancient archives before, it seems that before the Fall, forces suspected of splitting from the human kingdoms had already appeared in that barren land in the center of the galaxy, but there are no written records of whether the ancient empire had contact with them. After the Fall, the Craftworlds fled to the edge of the galaxy one after another, and there would be no contact during that period. It was only in the last few thousand years, with some Craftworlds returning to the inner regions of the galaxy, that there were some contact records, but the compatriots who have been in contact with these bearded dwarves all agree that they are stubborn, obstinate, and vulgar and barbaric."

"Then what do you think of their suggestion? To be honest, I don't really like their highly commercialized style."

Veronica thought for a while, then smiled:

"I don't think there's anything wrong with it, and they occupy the location in the center of the galaxy, which also makes it easier to collect information from all directions of the galaxy."

"Well, that's true, but we must also be careful that they use this as a handle to try to coerce us in the future. My idea is to let Dolarn collect the core information of these Hearthkin, at least to know the specific location of their home and the channels for entering and exiting the galactic core. Only when both sides possess each other's secrets can a dynamic balance be achieved, what do you think?"

"That's right, we can do that. Why are you sighing again?"

Szohrayn leaned back and said in a low voice:

"As the influence of the Court grows day by day, I don't know how long this identity can be hidden. Today it's the short people, tomorrow it may be other people or forces. I also know that there is no wall that doesn't leak, but I may not be ready yet."

Veronica bent down and put her arms around his neck from the side, comforting him in a low voice in his ear:

"At least you still have me, and our children."

Szohrayn could only respond with a wry smile.

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