"Second Empire? What is that?" Ryan, unfamiliar with the term, furrows his brow and turns to Angron, "Brother?"
"Second Empire?" Angron strokes his chin thoughtfully, "It seems to be something from the time of the Horus Heresy. Kiliman joined forces with Johnson and Saint Giles to preserve humanity's flame of civilization. They planned to nominate Saint Giles as the new Emperor, with Johnson as the Marshal and Kiliman as the Regent. They even prepared a Star Torch... However, numerous complications arose before the Second Empire could be established. Saint Giles fell in battle, Johnson went into slumber... I'm not entirely clear on the details."
"Yes, brothers, I've thought a lot about this, and I believe only the Second Empire can save us!" Magnus nods emphatically. "Think about it, brothers. Our father created us merely to use our power and have us assist him. Each of us was made to stand alone but not to be all-encompassing. The best in military, Horus, and Forgen, Johnson—they're unreliable. Kiliman, skilled in governance, lacks in valor, while Angron and Russ are focused on combat."
Ryan and Angron nod along, agreeing with Magnus's assessment.
"So why should we still listen to our father? If we, the brothers, unite, we can establish the Second Empire!" Magnus passionately shares his two-year contemplation. "Each of us possesses the capability to lead. Why should we remain bound by our father? Ryan, your emergence proves that even fallen prototypes can be redeemed. We can absolutely establish the Second Empire!"
"Hear me out, Ryan, Angron." Seeing they want to interject, Magnus gestures for them to let him finish, "Beyond the dark galaxy, in places the light of the Star Torch doesn't reach, there are vast territories we can expand into. Ryan, we just need you to save our brothers one by one, then we can begin our grand plan."
"We can nominate Forgen as the Emperor, Kiliman as Regent, Johnson as Marshal, Khan to lead the fleet, Angron you handle suppressing rebellions, Ryan, you establish the Judiciary, Clarkson the Assassin's Court, Roja handles state religion, Petra manages logistics, Russ as the constabulary, and so on... I'll handle the Star Torch!" Magnus is elated, his face glowing with fervor: "Let father drown in his decaying legacy! We'll do it ourselves! Everyone plays their part, and the Second Empire is established!"
"The splendid future awaits us, Ryan, Angron, what do you say?" Magnus concludes, "What do you think?"
Ryan and Angron exchange a glance, both remaining silent.
Typically, both would instinctively speak out against such a proposal, but they didn't.
Both Angron and Ryan have been deceived by the Emperor, Angron explicitly so, and Ryan inadvertently thrust into this world facing countless challenges.
Magnus's words stir some agreement within them.
Ryan, less knowledgeable about the Second Empire, lacks a say, while Angron after some thought shakes his head, "It's not possible, Magnus. Kiliman wasn't successful back then."
"Kiliman failed because he was foolish, trust me, we can definitely succeed!" Magnus, desperate to see his perfect plan approved, insists, "I've thought of a plan... a perfect plan, starting from Terra..."
"Go on, Magnus, I'm listening." Just then, a cold, furious voice emerges behind Magnus.
"We need to organize a rescue operation... Ryan, Angron?" Magnus notices both sweating and wonders, "What's going on?"
"It's nothing, Magnus... I mean, my loyalty to our father is unshakable. Stop talking, I won't agree!" Ryan suddenly declares with righteous conviction.
Angron nods emphatically in agreement.
"??? I'm not proposing betrayal, just establishing the Second Empire. Once it's set up, our father might even need our help." Magnus puzzles over the sudden intensity of their stance.
But no matter what he says, Ryan and Angron continue shaking their heads.
The atmosphere turns awkward until a voice cold as ancient ice follows: "Magnus, after all these years as a demon prince, you've not progressed even a bit... still so foolish!"
A burst of golden light explodes Magnus's apparition into nothingness.
The last thing Ryan and Angron hear is the Emperor's iron fist shattering Magnus's teeth, the Red Son's screams of agony, alongside the Emperor's disappointed rebuke, before the communication cuts off.
Silence returns.
Ryan and Angron exchange a glance, Ryan quietly says, "Let's leave it here for today, brother."
Angron nods, and the brothers walk a long distance along the Hinnon River.
Then, they burst into laughter.
"Ha ha ha
ha ha~ How could Father possibly let Magnus contact you alone... ha ha ha ha~" Angron laughs heartily, slapping his knee. "Does Magnus really not know that even seated on the Golden Throne, the Star Torch is powered by our father's energy?"
"Ah..." Ryan also laughs, shaking his head, "Magnus always overestimates his cunning; this isn't the first time."
"To be honest, I also think there's some merit to Magnus's suggestion," Angron says after his laughter subsides, smirking. "However, Magnus is doomed to fail. Kiliman reportedly spent days considering all feasibilities and risks, carefully deciding to discuss establishing the Second Empire with Johnson and Saint Giles."
"Magnus, ambitious but incompetent, whether in melee, command, or governance among the prototypes. His psychic power might rival yours, Ryan, but you're fundamentally different; you fear no corruption, so you can freely use your psychic abilities, unlike Magnus." Angron shakes his head, "If Kiliman couldn't do it, none of us can."
Ryan nods in agreement.
In fact, after hearing Magnus's plan, Ryan and Angron were somewhat moved; the prototypes are no trivial beings. Kiliman managed to persuade Johnson and Saint Giles, and certainly, Magnus could persuade Ryan and Angron.
But Ryan and Angron are clear-headed; a plan led by Kiliman might have been debatable, but one led by Magnus was doomed to fail.
After parting with Angron, Ryan heads alone back to his earl's castle.
Even in February, Ryan's territory is bustling. Serfs are visible on roads and streets; it's still late winter, many children play at the doorsteps, and adults sew clothing, enjoying the leisure of the agricultural offseason.
A golden trade route, Bordelo-Glamorgan-Helenhild, has formed under the efforts of Ryan and the Dukes of Bordrick and Francois. With Ryan's efforts, the three parties have signed a fair trade agreement, unifying tariffs and incentives for attracting investment. Wimfort wine and wood elf goods are selling well across the Old World.
Ryan even sees merchants from Kislev, Nordland, and the southern realm of Tilea in the streets.
Oliver, an Empire merchant once on the brink of bankruptcy, benefits greatly from Ryan's rise. Without Ryan's guidance in Marienburg, Oliver might have been just another of the countless bankrupt merchants there.
Now, relying on Ryan's exclusive trade charter and wood elf trade monopoly, Oliver has become one of the notable merchants in Marienburg. Though he lacks the heritage of established merchants, the Grand Duke of Marienburg, Vandergruber-Schultz, looks after Oliver's business at Ryan's behest.
Oliver, aware of his benefactor, not only remits a significant portion of his trade revenue but has also moved his entire family here. His only son, Gintell, is now sent to Ryan's court for a higher education, also serving as a hostage.
Hadrian, a merchant from the southern realms, now roots in the area and establishes a branch, thanks to Ryan's connections. His relationship with Ryan is just that of trade partners.
Ryan returns to his castle, greeted politely by his servants along the way, and he responds in kind.
After several renovations and expansions, Ryan's castle has become imposing. The outer castle spans several hectares, typically housing soldiers and knights, along with a multitude of knight retainers, all eager for the recognition of the Lady of the Lake's Chosen Champion, hoping to earn spurs from Ryan and ascend to ranger knights.
Ryan doesn't linger in the outer castle, heading straight for the inner castle, his private living area, where the earl's family and servants reside.
Upon entering the inner castle, Olica and Amelia, dressed in black and white maid outfits, greet him: "Master, you're back?"
"Yes, I'm back." Ryan nods, allowing the maids to help him out of his powered armor.
Days ago, Ryan returned to his territory with his father-in-law and brother-in-law, bringing news that stirred the kingdom: Casfanel had been captured, and two thousand knights detained. The Empire offered to treat the prisoners well, awaiting ransom. Casfanel's ransom was set at twenty thousand gold crowns, with the knights' varying from three hundred to twenty gold crowns each. They would be released once the payment was made.
This caused a major stir in Brittany's court. Casfanel's hot-tempered duchess exploded with rage, leveraging her family's influence and alliances with Casfanel's supporters to confront King Richard, demanding he pay the ransom and compensate for the losses.
Ryan initially thought the duchess wouldn't cause much trouble, but the scale of her mobilization surprised him. Duke Gisoleaux Hagen and several Grail Knights and Lake Prophets joined her in heading to Couronne, rolling up their sleeves to seek justice
from King Richard.
Francois speculated that Casfanel must have discussed his campaign with Richard beforehand. Richard didn't openly support him, likely giving tacit approval.
Now, with a pretext, the duchess furiously blames Richard for her husband's capture and defeat. She confronts the king, demanding he pay the ransom and compensate for the losses.
Richard naturally won't sit idly by. He gathers Duke Leonnace of Montfort and Duke Connetable, launching a countercharge against the duchess, asserting that the whole affair was Casfanel's personal action. The court would not only refuse to pay but also hold Casfanel accountable for the failure. After all, an internal conflict between allies like Brittany and the Empire is disgraceful.
Since yesterday, Couronne has been a whirlwind of inquiries and meetings, with both sides locked in endless disputes.
No one wants to accept responsibility for the defeat.
As a result, Ryan's fiancée, Sulia, sends a message suggesting he seclude himself for meditation and prayer during this tumultuous time.
This disappoints both factions trying to sway the Lady of the Lake's Chosen Champion—King Richard and Duchess Casfanel. With no divine guidance from the Lady, Morgiana gravely injured and missing, and Ryan now embodying the Lady's will on Earth by choosing seclusion, could this indicate her disapproval of the war? Or is her silence a challenge to King Richard?
Both sides feel justified, unable to force Ryan to respond, continuing their own arguments.
Ryan changes into his earl's attire, thinking it best to consult with Morgiana: "Where is Princess Morgiana?"
"Princess Morgiana is at the Lady's tower," Olica softly informs.
"Hmm... I'll go there now." Ryan nods. "Check if I'm not back by evening, don't prepare my dinner."
"Understood."
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