The Emperor’s Angel of Death

Having received Tirenn's affirmative reply, Sojurn was, in fact, even more disgusted with the Empire's bloated and ever-proliferating bureaucratic system. Although the other party was eloquent and seemed to have his own set of logic, it would never make the Empire better. However, he also had to admit that he was indeed wrong in judging people by their appearance.

The other party's thinking was far more capable than it appeared, and his clarity and agility were among the most impressive mortals Sojurn had ever encountered. He rarely found himself at a disadvantage in verbal sparring, but today, this Imperial Prime Minister had undoubtedly convinced him with facts.

Moreover, he really didn't want Faisal to die. In any case, the other party hadn't caused him any trouble during the expedition, which was already very cooperative.

"Now that the most crucial matter is settled, the next step concerns how you will enter the city."

With that, Tirenn took a leather folder from his female companion and handed it to Sojurn.

"Please take a look. This is the entry ceremony designed by the Department of Governance. Are there any additions you'd like to make?"

Sojurn took it and opened it. The entire process was designed in great detail, even with a map of the palace surroundings.

First, the Space Marine Chapter's forces would enter from the Lion's Gate Spaceport, and Sojurn could arrange the personnel configuration himself, although it was suggested to keep it under a thousand people. In addition, the Imperial Fists would also participate in this triumphant return ceremony.

Emerging from Lion's Gate Spaceport was a long parade route, formerly known as the Path of Heroes. This was a 10-kilometer corridor that would pass through the City of Supplicants, the only area where Imperial citizens had the opportunity to visit. Afterward, the procession would pass through the Dorn Fortress, the Bone Pillars, and the honorific monuments of the Battle of Terra.

Finally, the procession would arrive in front of the Eternity Gate Hall, where a ceremony would be held, namely the Banner Ceremony. One of the Space Marine Chapter's battle flags would be granted the honor of being hung on either side of the gate.

At this point, the parade would be over, and then Sojurn would need to enter the outer hall of the Imperial Palace through a smaller side door to receive commendation from the Senate.

In addition, during the parade, Sojurn would also receive a huge and magnificent ceremonial vehicle, and his image would be broadcast live to all cities throughout Terra, which was quite a show of respect.

"Well, there are no problems, but I have some additional minor procedures here."

Then Sojurn explained his thoughts. After listening, Tirenn looked somewhat surprised.

"I see. That sounds pretty good. I can persuade others on your behalf."

"Then I truly thank you, Prime Minister Tirenn."

With that, Sojurn paused, then said gently:

"Although I find some of your views difficult to accept, the fact that you are willing to come here yourself shows that you are at least someone who wants to solve problems."

Tirenn smiled and waved his hand.

"It's normal, normal. Actually, I'm already surprised that you can speak to me so gently. I know what Space Marines are like. I was a little afraid that you would get excited and kick me out into space like a ball."

"Ha, you're too humorous. No matter how angry I am, I would never do such a thing."

With that, Sojurn pointed to the plan.

"If I'm not mistaken, you arranged all of this, right?"

But the other party shook his head.

"Not entirely. Do you still believe that the High Lords are a bunch of people who hold their positions without doing any work?"

Sojurn gave a wry smile.

"It's not what I believe, but what has happened during the expedition and everything I have witnessed over the years of my service makes it difficult for me to believe that anything good can be associated with them. Although the Mantis Warriors issue has been resolved, I have also remembered their reneging on their promises. You are you, and they are they."

Tirenn shook his head with a smile.

"Chapter Master Sojurn, I have also served the Empire for hundreds of years and have personally witnessed how death and infighting change the High Lords. Although I sometimes think that most of them are not mentally normal in the strict sense, I also know that they are actually the best of the best. You must have some doubts about this? You think that these High Lords who influence the direction of the entire Empire are just a bunch of rabble who will always fight for their own interests, but think about it carefully. There are only twelve of them. Think about what that means? Today, the number of humans exceeds any previous era. After losing the guidance of Him who sits on the throne, it is these twelve people who guide our greedy and prolific race. Some mediocre people may have such fantasies: the High Lords are昏庸, slow, and idle. If they could one day reach the top and sit on the golden seat to command the entire Empire, they would definitely do better. But I can tell you how foolish these ideas are. I have served more than one High Lord Council, and I can tell you without hesitation that although they have all kinds of flaws, they are undoubtedly the best among us."

After listening, Sojurn fell into deep thought. Tirenn's words did open another door.

"I can also understand what you feel during combat. The slow decision-making process on Terra is like a bottomless abyss, making people feel meaningless and frustrated. For ten thousand years, the operating speed of the Empire's decision-making bodies has been painfully slow. This is a fact because the situation is only getting more and more complicated, and the pressure on each High Lord is also increasing. They must carefully deal with every alien invasion to prevent it from expanding, patiently weigh the power needed in all the endless wars, suppress the almost insane demands of the Inquisition, the dark actions of the semi-independent Assassin Temples, and restrain the power of the Ecclesiarchy. They must use their will to resist every report caused by the endless riots, civil wars, fanaticism, and follies."

With that, he sighed softly.

"Emperor have mercy, Chapter Master Sojurn. If you know something about the history of the Empire, you should understand that the Empire was not built for governance from the beginning. Everything about it was for conquest and oppression. It was created for the Great Crusade. The Empire is not so much a country as a war machine, built by the Emperor and His great sons. It was not prepared to continue operating in a relatively peaceful era. In theory, it shouldn't always be like this. This war machine should eventually beat swords into plowshares, but… everything was interrupted when the Emperor entered the throne. How should the Empire's war machine stop? How should it operate without the Emperor's leadership? How should it exist after the echoes of the Great Crusade disappear? No one knows, no one can give an answer, and they can only rely on the limited wisdom and minds of generations of High Lords to try to maintain and repair this relic living in the era of the Great Crusade, just like this mountain range. Even if generations of Imperial Fists try their best, they cannot stop its decline. This should not be something that mortal brains can bear. Human power has its limits."

Sojurn, who had been silent all along, suddenly blurted out after the other party finished speaking.

"If a Primarch returns to the Empire, can everything be changed?"

Tirenn frowned slightly, tilted his head, and answered cautiously after a moment of thought:

"It also depends on which one, but in any case, the Primarch's bloodline from the Emperor determines their unquestionable power. Only such power can possibly pry open the Empire's dilapidated machine and replace its parts."

Then Tirenn saw Sojurn smile for the first time, but it was a somewhat bitter smile. He lowered his head slightly, as if muttering to himself.

"Yes, that's indeed the case…"

Almost in an instant, these expressions disappeared from his face again.

"Prime Minister Tirenn, I want to know, who proposed this expedition?"

"It was initially the Inquisitorial Representative Cleopatra Eris, who then obtained the support of Pope Baldo Slaest and Rogue Trader Representative Kania Danda. Under the joint lobbying of the three, others gradually agreed to the expedition plan."

"Strange."

"It feels strange, right? A seemingly unrelated small political group suddenly promoted an expedition and specifically named you."

When discussing the politics of Terra, Tirenn seemed to be beaming.

"When I learned about this, I was also wondering, because it was very unusual and illogical. However, the more it was like this, the more it showed that there was something big going on inside. My keen eyes told me that there was a force pushing this matter in the dark. It could even allow several High Lords to unite beyond their boundaries. Under normal circumstances, I would investigate the inside story of some unusual political storms, because this often represents the prelude to a political tsunami, such as the Assassin Temple's riot thousands of years ago. My duty is to prevent this from happening again. However, my investigation was interrupted because I smelled danger. This force may come from within the Imperial Palace, and may even be related to the Adeptus Custodes. Chapter Master Sojurn, do you have any clues about this?"

Sojurn pondered for a moment, then shook his head.

"No, I'm just fulfilling the duty of an Astartes."

Tirenn looked at him and said nothing more, but Sojurn could read four words from the other party's eyes—

You're lying.

Sojurn couldn't help but sigh at how terrifying the instincts of these political animals were, but some things really couldn't be said to outsiders. Afterward, the other party left the Eternal Loyalty, and Sojurn also began to order preparations for the triumphal ceremony to be held a week later.