The Emperor’s Angel of Death

Soshjan noticed that both envoys were wearing red robes, though the edges of the robes were slightly different in color, one being cyan-gray and the other snow-white, and they both used snakes as emblems on their robes.

It was said that in ancient Aeldari mythology, the Star Serpent was considered the only creature that existed simultaneously in the material and spiritual worlds. This mysterious snake knew all the secrets of the past and present, and Saim-Hann in the Aeldari language meant 'seeking enlightenment,' so the symbol of this Craftworld was also a snake-like form.

After arriving fifty meters away from Soshjan, the two knelt on one knee, lowered their heads, placed their hands on their chests, and said in unison:

“People of the Outer Reaches, Kalon Coldtide, greet Phoenix King Aleksei, may the true fire of Asuryan never be extinguished!”

“People of the Outer Reaches, Atos Icewhisper, greet Phoenix King Aleksei, may the true fire of Asuryan never be extinguished!”

Before coming, these two, like many Aeldari, had heard that the Phoenix King might be a human and were skeptical. No matter what, it was too outrageous. If it were true, it would be a galaxy-level joke.

But when they witnessed the sacred fire of Asuryan being lit, everything changed. Nothing was more convincing than this.

Their mission was only to confirm the situation of the Royal Court and bring back the clans, but now they might have more missions.

“Please rise, both of you. I have long heard of the bravery and fierceness of Saim-Hann, but I have been too busy with worldly affairs to visit.”

After some pleasantries, the two envoys each presented a beautifully decorated spirit bone scroll.

“Your Highness, this is a gift from our clan to the Eternal Queen.”

After the attendants presented them, Soshjan opened the two scrolls and glanced at them, seeing only some crafts, exotic flowers, rare herbs, and alien beasts.

“The clan chiefs of the Coldtide Clan and the Icewhisper Clan are very thoughtful. Her Majesty will be very happy.”

The envoy of the Coldtide Clan responded first:

“This represents the sincere desire of the Coldtide Clan to establish friendship with the Royal Court.”

“The Icewhisper Clan feels the same.”

“Friendship…”

Soshjan savored this somewhat unusual Aeldari word, which in a specific context also represented an alliance or a business partner.

So he decided to see what they were up to.

“Her Majesty is benevolent to all kind, benevolent, and faithful followers of Isha and Asuryan, regardless of whether they are willing to accept the rule of the Royal Court.”

Kalon Coldtide pondered for a moment and said cautiously:

“The people of Saim-Hann eagerly anticipate the incarnation of the Mother Goddess. If Her Majesty could move to visit—”

“Her Majesty has many concerns and many more important things to do, such as the voices that are still crying out for help, asking for her attention.”

Soshjan immediately interrupted him. The envoy of Saim-Hann was obviously too straightforward and blurted out his thoughts. Their idea was very good. If the Eternal Queen was invited to Saim-Hann by a certain clan, it would undoubtedly be a great honor and symbol, which would give that clan great prestige and take the initiative in the internal competition of the Craftworld.

Before meeting them, Soshjan had done enough homework. He had some understanding of the internal situation of Saim-Hann. This Craftworld was now mainly divided into three forces. The strongest was the alliance of the Firespear Clan, the Thundercry Clan, and the Serpent's Kiss Clan, followed by the alliance of the Coldtide Clan, the Icewhisper Clan, and the Winterfall Clan, and then the small alliance of the Mistweaver Clan and the Blueweaver Clan. The Sunflare Clan and the Blacktide Clan were mostly isolated or swayed from side to side, and other small clans formed smaller alliances centered on the large clans. However, not all alliances were stable, and betrayal between clans was not uncommon in Saim-Hann.

This time, the Coldtide Clan and the Icewhisper Clan came to court largely hoping to use external forces to change the balance of power in the Craftworld. In fact, if the Royal Court really wanted to interfere in the internal affairs of Saim-Hann, this would indeed be a good opportunity, because from the fact that the Firespear Clan had not sent an envoy until now, the strongest alliance of Saim-Hann was probably not interested in the Royal Court, perhaps because of arrogance, perhaps because of vigilance, but in short, there was definitely no goodwill.

But Soshjan was not a simple-minded person who would forget his principles upon seeing profit. The other party looked very obedient now. The Saim-Hann Craftworld had long been in a state of division and unity. There might be infighting within them, but the clans could always prioritize the overall interests of the Craftworld. Even if they helped the alliance of the Coldtide Clan to the throne of the strongest clan in the Craftworld, it was difficult to guarantee that they would not turn their faces the next second, at least they would definitely not be willing to accept the 'guidance' of the Royal Court or Veronica's orders.

Anyway, Soshjan didn't know when a sentence appeared in his mind: Under the so-called barbaric surface, there is often cunning hidden.

However, Saim-Hann was after all one of the top Craftworld clans. If there was an opportunity to exert influence on it, it should not be missed, which was why Soshjan did not completely shut the door.

Atos Icewhisper bowed to Soshjan and made a prayer gesture with both hands.

“The children of Saim-Hann also yearn to bathe in the light of the Mother Goddess. We will prepare everything properly, and Her Majesty will receive the support of Saim-Hann after her arrival.”

Support, this was not a reliable guarantee. Soshjan smiled coldly behind the mask. Afterwards, they could also claim that the so-called support was only verbal and spiritual support, and Veronica might even be privately described by them as a tyrant trying to rule the Craftworld.

Having rolled around in human bureaucratic society for so many years, Soshjan's understanding of politics was no worse than that of these Aeldari who might have lived ten times longer than him.

“The Royal Court has just rescued the Lynnae Kingdom from the servants of the great enemy not long ago. Her Majesty personally healed the World Spirit. It is not advisable to act in a short time, and the Royal Court has frequent military operations recently, and Her Majesty has many affairs to deal with.”

As soon as Soshjan threw out this excuse, the two clan envoys were speechless.

But since they could serve as envoys, it also showed that they were definitely outstanding in diplomatic rhetoric and language skills. Kalon Coldtide keenly captured a hint of innuendo in Soshjan's words, and then said humbly:

“Since Her Majesty is inconvenient to act, we are willing to wait patiently. It would be best if we could share Her Majesty's worries.”

“Well, the warriors of Saim-Hann are known for being as swift as thunder and as fierce as fire. I have long heard of it and have always hoped to see it with my own eyes.”

Kalon Coldtide looked at his companion. After a brief exchange of glances, the two nodded slightly. In fact, they had discussed this matter before coming. Although it was a bit unexpected, it was not completely outside their plan.

Then the two said in unison:

“The Wild Riders of the Coldtide Clan are willing to serve Her Majesty.”

“The Wild Riders of the Icewhisper Clan are willing to serve Her Majesty.”