dmims Chapter 18 This is a gift, brother.
Chapter 18 This is a gift, brother.
"The Legion is not yet fully prepared to embark on the Great Crusade, Your Majesty."
When asked by the Emperor, Hector spoke in a calm and earnest tone.
"I share your burning desire to rescue our fellow human beings who are still trapped in the shackles of the aliens and isolated from the darkness of the old night's starry sea."
After Hector merged with his legions, he did not rush to set sail into space to conquer and obtain the glory that the people of the Empire desired.
Instead, Hector resolutely refused and put aside the restless and eager thoughts of his progeny, who longed to follow the Primarch into battle, to bring glory to the Father of Genesis and the Legion, and to seize unparalleled honor for themselves.
Setting aside the restlessness and impatience of the past few days, Hector calmed his mind and settled down on Troy, burying himself in the complicated political affairs, meticulously handling all matters related to the resettlement of his 73,913 heirs and the reorganization of his legion.
As he said, the offspring of his legion came from all classes of Holy Terra, and the first selection of warriors he held happened to be the first Trojan warriors of the legion from the Trojan homeworld.
Hector needs to integrate his legions, bind them together completely, and make the most of his strengths.
The Emperor stayed on Troy for an extremely long time, a full forty-five days.
As the holy golden figure finally departed, another guest of noble status quietly descended upon the skies of Troy.
"My brother."
Horus slowly descended the gangway of the giant warship.
His smile was flawless, warm and open, possessing both the majesty and approachability unique to imperial offspring.
Even if he is a cold-hearted and unapproachable person, even if he is his opponent, a person with a ruthless personality.
Upon encountering Horus's composed and gentle demeanor, and his open and warm temperament, it's hard not to feel a sense of goodwill and respect.
The same is true of Hector.
He solemnly welcomed his nominal brother with a ceremony second only to that for welcoming an emperor.
"I remember we met once before, brother."
As Hector's power grew stronger, his memories became clearer and more lucid.
Upon seeing Horus's familiar gaze, he quickly recalled the day he became King of Troy, when three powerful gazes lingered upon him.
One was the Emperor, another was Macardo, and the last, awkward and aggrieved gaze belonged to Horus before them.
At this thought, Hector felt a surge of curiosity.
The two Primarchs were towering in stature, but their heights were similar.
Hector and Horus need not look up to each other, nor down; they face each other with open and equal respect.
Horus's gentle smile hadn't faded. He nodded readily and answered Hector's question with ease: "That's right. I was with my father that day to witness your coronation in Troy, brother."
"That scene was sacred and solemn, and radiant beyond compare."
"Brother, this is unforgettable and admirable."
Compared to the taciturn, profound, and unpredictable emperor, Horus was undoubtedly much more talkative.
He was eloquent and articulate, always able to accurately respond to every word Hector uttered.
And every word he spoke was exceptionally swift, sincere, and appropriate, never causing Hector to feel even the slightest offense or discomfort.
However, Hector was also keenly aware of it.
His brother Horus didn't seem to care much about the mortals he saw.
This indifference is not hatred or cold-heartedness, but rather an accessory casually brought along for some expectation or grand wish.
Whenever Hector's policies of moderation and slow development in Troy are discussed...
His brother, though restrained and still smiling, subtly reminded Hector that in some places, greater personnel losses could be tolerated in exchange for more resources and efficiency.
Horus had a very good grasp of the relationship between people and distance, so much so that when Hector heard Horus's advice, he did not immediately turn hostile, but sincerely refused and thanked Horus for his suggestion.
He still retained the indifference and detachment that the Primarch was born with. Compared to the billions of mortals in the galaxy, Horus cared more about the Legion, his brothers, and Astartes.
Of course, even so, Horus was still able to uphold fairness and give the mortals he spoke of a just judgment and equal treatment.
Hector listened quietly to Horus's praise, as he sincerely extolled the orderly state of Troy and commended his own governance and the disciplined appearance of his legions.
This gentle atmosphere between them lasted for a long time, until a calm and resolute voice suddenly broke the silence:
"I don't think I need to learn these things from you, brother."
As soon as he finished speaking, Hector raised his hand and dismissed all the servants and guards in the palace.
Within the vast palace, only two Primarchs of similar physique remained standing for a moment.
The two stood before the magnificent star map, their gazes piercing through the transparent palace dome to the star fleet that stood solemnly and imposingly in formation above the orbit of Troy, bringing destruction to humanity's enemies.
That was Hector's fleet.
Hector was already fully aware of Horus's purpose in visiting and succeeding the emperor.
His father was so eager for Hector to join the Great Expedition that, in response to Hector's preparations and pretexts, his father found him a tutor.
This teacher is the brother standing in front of me.
Horus.
However, Hector firmly declined.
Even though Hector declined his brother's offer, he still felt a deep respect and affection for Horus.
He was unwilling to hurt the other party's feelings in the slightest, and even less willing to create a rift between brothers.
Hector paused slightly, carefully choosing his words, before speaking slowly.
"Give me some more time, brother. My army will soon be ready for the Great Expedition."
Horus remained silent, neither asking nor refuting; he offered an understanding smile and words of comfort.
"I have no intention of urging you to march, brother."
"But there are many more of our fellow human beings struggling under the hateful claws and persecution of the aliens."
"However, brother, since you have your own plans, I respect your decision."
After saying that, Horus suddenly broke into an even more hearty smile: "My gift has arrived."
"A gift?" Hector asked.
"Yes, a gift." Horus smiled meaningfully.
Meanwhile, the first to warp out of the subspace were combat barges and various types of escort cruisers.
All the ships firmly guarded the very center of the enormous Queen Glory-class battleship, which featured distinctly Gothic architecture and was adorned with a massive cathedral and heavy cannons.
Hector's eyes widened.
Narcissus had told him that they had signed a 150-year logistics contract with the Sintira Sage of the Storm Starfield, the Sintira-9 Forging World.
The keel of the warship was forged by Sintira-9, and finally, the Great Sage Sintira traveled to Mars to forge the world, personally building, blessing, and overseeing the construction of the Second Primarch's vehicle.
Even if he is the second Primarch of the Empire, it will definitely take him a long time to acquire the Legion's own Glory Queen-class battleship!
So, where did this beautiful steel girl come from...?
"This is my gift, brother." Horus placed his hand affectionately on Hector's shoulder and pointed to the dome of the palace.
"This is the gift I give you to return to the Empire."
This gift is far too precious. Hector couldn't think of anything he could give in return.
He sensed his brother's emotions; there was no concealment, no demands, no scheming, only joy and friendliness towards him.
Hector remained silent. He also raised his hand and placed it on Horus's shoulder. The two giants linked arms and leaned against each other.
"Thank you so much, brother."