The Emperor’s Angel of Death

Just as Sotha was troubled by the appearance of the mysterious figure Li, and the shocking news and various mysteries he brought, Faisal suddenly returned to the orbital mountain range and the Astartes fleet docked there, bringing with him an additional person—Alexei Lev Tirien, the Prime Minister of the Imperial Senate, also known as the High Lords of Terra.

While this title sounds very impressive, he is not actually one of the decision-making members of the High Lords, yet he wields immense power, and every collective convocation of the High Lords and the Imperial administrative bodies requires his presence.

The reason is somewhat amusing: he holds another title—Regent of Guilliman.

In other words, he is not only a speaker in the Senate but also the embodiment of the Primarch 'Guilliman' in the Senate. More importantly, this position and title have no term limit, essentially being a lifetime appointment, and he has held this position for nearly fifty years.

However, because he is not a member of the twelve-member High Lords, he has no voting power in actual decision-making and generally no power to propose motions, which serves as a check on his power.

Regardless, he is one of the Empire's top managers and bureaucrats, and Sotha had to take him seriously. He donned his ceremonial armor, gathered his Terminator guard, and met him on the bridge of the Eternal Crusader.

While waiting for him, Sotha imagined what this person might be like—

A thin but arrogant bureaucrat with a large hooked nose, always walking with his head slightly raised, taking slow but measured steps.

Or a round face full of fake smiles, wearing luxurious furs, fingers covered in rings.

However, when the person appeared, Sotha realized he had misjudged.

Firstly, this Minister of the Departmento Munitorum looked very fat, extremely fat, like an inflated balloon, giving the impression of being utterly useless, so much so that he walked like an overfed chicken. He also had a crooked face, sparse curly hair that had turned gray with age, and his complexion was not good, showing obvious signs of life extension and a hint of overindulgence.

His attire consisted of a heavy purple robe covered by a golden cross-band, embroidered with the symbol of the High Lords—a skull surrounded by light with a double-headed eagle perched on top.

This important Imperial figure did not use a cane or other walking aid, because he was accompanied by a young and beautiful woman, dressed in a proper uniform, supporting his arm.

Of course, Faisal was also there, but at this moment he behaved like a good little boy.

Frankly, Sotha was not one to judge by appearances, but this person's appearance made him sigh at the Empire's 'abundance of talent.' That such a person managed the almost zombie-like Empire was, in a way, not surprising, and it was hard to have any expectations. Suddenly, a sense of powerlessness arose in his heart.

All that he had done, all the wars he had fought, seemed to lose their meaning.

But regardless, given the other party's status, he had to show respect.

"Greetings, Prime Minister Tirien. I am greatly disturbed that you have had to come all this way."

"Occasional physical activity is beneficial to health. Actually, I always want to take the time to wander outside the ground. This time, you have given me an opportunity, and I can also see the great mountain range. I am very grateful, Chapter Master Sotha Alexius. Ah, our names are somewhat similar. It seems to be a kind of fate."

Standing in front of Sotha, this man looked like a child, looking up at Sotha and exclaiming.

"Rumors say you are a great warrior. Seeing you today, it is indeed so. You seem even stronger than the Adeptus Custodes. It is truly enviable."

When he spoke, there was no sense of turbidity or vulgarity, but rather vitality and humor, and he did not deliberately use that strangely accented 'Terra accent.'

Sotha immediately realized that he had indeed misjudged.

But he had to observe further.

"This way, please."

Sotha reached out and led the two to the direction of two chairs, one large and one small. He had heard that this man was nearly two hundred years old and wanted to take care of him.

More importantly, the height of the two chairs had been adjusted so that the other party would not have to look up all the time during the conversation, which would be too awkward.

"Ah, thank you very much."

"There is nothing to be grateful for. You are distinguished and highly respected."

With the help of his female companion, the Imperial Prime Minister sat on the chair, shifted his buttocks, and then chuckled drily.

"Chapter Master Sotha, do you think I am an old and ugly good-for-nothing?"

As he spoke, he gently patted his stomach.

Sotha's face showed no expression, and he simply shook his head in denial.

"I would never have any disrespectful thoughts towards you."

"I thought Space Marines were not very good at concealing their views and thoughts. It seems I have not had enough contact, or are the warriors of the Imperial Fists too upright? I had many dealings with Chapter Master Pew. I am very saddened by his passing, but also a little envious, because for him, dying on the battlefield is a blessing. After all, the living always have to face all kinds of troubles, especially in a place like Terra."

Sotha pondered for a moment, then said:

"Astartes also make mistakes in judgment."

"Ah, you don't need to apologize, because I know what I am like. It has almost become my political label. But you are right, Astartes also make mistakes in judgment, especially now."

As he spoke, he turned slightly, pressed his arm on the armrest, and turned his head towards Sotha.

"Bringing the Mantis Warriors here was not a wise decision, Chapter Master Sotha, in many ways."

Sotha remained silent, only occasionally moving his right index finger up and down.

The Imperial Prime Minister then smiled and pointed to Faisal, who was slightly bowing his head and feeling uneasy.

"This little donkey's grandfather is my friend. I can't watch him dig a grave for himself."

After speaking, he turned his gaze back to Sotha.

"Chapter Master Sotha, you should also consider Faisal's desperate bad ideas. This is the Solar System, and every corner is filled with spies and assassins. Several empty ships placed near Jupiter are fooling ghosts, not people."

His words were slow and deliberate, but Sotha felt as if an invisible whip was lashing his face, burning with pain.

Finally, he said slowly:

"The High Lords went back on their word first."

"Do you have any evidence?"

Sotha looked at Faisal.

"Envoy Faisal is the evidence."

"So, you hate him so much that you want him to die?"