Chapter 129: Malcador's Request, Ninglu's Conditions

In the banquet hall, Terra's finest chefs presented delicacies cooked from ingredients sourced from across the galaxy to the Primarch.

The moment the head chef lifted the silver cloche, the rich aroma of black truffles collided with the tenderness of the steak, filling the air with fragrance.

Roasted pork knuckle and Wagyu beef sat opposite each other across the porcelain plate, the fat marbling of the five-year-aged ham resembling neat geometric patterns.

Caviar landed on the savory sea urchin, immediately stirring up a miniature monsoon within the air conditioning ducts.

……

Ninglu sat upon his throne, savoring the delicacies.

The Primarch enjoyed the feast for his taste buds in peace; many officials and nobles attending the banquet, though wishing to converse with him, could only wait for an opportunity.

Ninglu listened as Malcador spoke of the progress of the "Great Crusade" and responded to the questions he raised.

He noted that Malcador mentioned Horus had suddenly accelerated the pace of conquest after parting ways with him.

The "Luna Wolves" were employing diplomatic and peaceful methods less often, and rapid strike tactics more often, to conquer newly discovered worlds.

【Seems to be secretly competing and comparing with me.

There is really no need for this; I have no intention of comparing battle records with the Luna Wolves.

I will commit a portion of the Junluanzhanshi to the construction of conquered worlds, so the Primarch's number one battle record remains yours, the position of Warmaster is yours, and the one chosen by the Four Ruinous Powers is also you.】

As Ninglu pondered, Malcador's topic shifted abruptly.

"The glorious achievements of the 'Great Crusade' are inseparable from the contributions of the people of Terra; the talented youths selected from each Hive City ensure the steady growth of each Legion's numbers."

"According to statistics, the average working hours of the people of Terra have risen by 19.34 percent; it is precisely because of their sacrifice, and the supplies from each Forge World, that the 'Great Crusade' has been able to proceed smoothly."

"……"

Ninglu nodded slightly and said noncommittally.

"This is a glorious sacrifice."

Malcador was silent for a moment, seemingly not having expected the Primarch's response to be so indifferent.

His gaze was deep, and after a moment of thought, he said in an appreciative tone.

"I have heard that the worlds under your rule, Ninglu, are flourishing, which is admirable."

Upon hearing this, Ninglu was thoughtful; he had already guessed the meaning behind Malcador's words.

"I hope Vostonia can become an important supply node for the surrounding region, ensuring supplies for fleets passing through."

As the "Great Crusade" progressed and the Imperial Palace entered a stage of comprehensive construction, Malcador felt the pressure on his shoulders grow, adding another wrinkle to his face.

Seeing in the intelligence reports the prosperity of Vostonia, especially its explosive growth in industrial capacity, he immediately realized that if Ninglu were willing to provide nearby supplies for the "Great Crusade," the pressure would be significantly reduced.

The officials and nobles looked at each other; they realized that Chancellor Malcador was using this public occasion, an occasion where the Primarch received honor and praise, to force his agreement.

If the Primarch did not agree, he would gain a reputation for disregarding the big picture.

"Vostonia's current situation is the result of the people's hard work, and it was not easy."

"Moreover, going forward, I will carry out large-scale construction on other worlds reclaimed by the Legion, which has received the Emperor's approval."

Upon hearing this, everyone turned their gaze toward Malcador, whose face beneath his hood seemed shrouded in a mysterious veil, difficult to see through.

Just when even Malcador thought Ninglu would refuse, the Primarch suddenly spoke.

"Although Vostonia faces many difficulties, I am also willing to contribute more strength to the 'Great Crusade' and shoulder a portion of the supplies, but I also have one request."

Ninglu naturally had to ask for benefits; he remembered that during the "Great Crusade," the primary supply responsibility fell upon the Forge Worlds of the Adeptus Mechanicus, and beyond that, Terra and worlds conquered by the Emperor and non-Legion fleets that were directly under the control of the Imperium.

It was not until the Emperor began the "Webway Project" and Malcador took charge of all political affairs that he began to verify the taxes that each world should pay.

This move, more than any of Malcador's other policies, was met with resentment and resistance from almost all Astartes Legions, who viewed the tax collectors as Vultures.

After Erebus stole the Athame, leading to the failure of his and the Interex's diplomacy, Horus was instructed by the Warmaster to have his subordinates delay.

The Warmaster, having insight into the drawbacks of the tax system, said bluntly.

"The Council of Terra has placed a heavy burden on the shoulders of the emerging worlds, which may be enough to crush them. Taxation is premature, too broad in coverage, and extremely harsh. Many worlds will resist, and riots will follow."

"If the peasants we conquer hear that there is a new master, they will merely shrug and accept it. But if the peasants we conquer hear that they must hand over one-fifth of their income, they will surely raise their pitchforks."

Thus, when Horus rebelled, and when he raised the slogan of overthrowing the tyranny of Terra, he gained support from many worlds.

In fact, the Astartes Legions, designed as weapons of war, had no obligation to supply the Imperial fleet; they were the recipients of supplies.

Even in the future, the homeworlds of each Astartes Chapter were tax-exempt, with the only thing handed over being Gene-seed.

But Ninglu still agreed to Malcador's request, taking on additional responsibilities.

On one hand, it stemmed from his confidence in the productivity of his own worlds, his Order Shadow, and the extraordinary individuals he cultivated.

On the other hand, the supply fleets would also bring more specialties from other worlds, giving him the opportunity to obtain more Potion Material, and he would adopt corresponding measures.

Malcador was stunned upon hearing this; Ninglu had actually agreed, and a flash of keen light passed through his eyes.

"Ninglu, what do you want? Speak freely."

"My fleet needs a supply point in the Solar Segmentum; one of my psykers, Malena Skala, has divined a world connected to my destiny, Necromunda."

Necromunda was the largest Hive City world in the future Imperium, with thousands of Hive Cities upon it, its productivity comparable to the sum of several, or even dozens, of Hive City worlds or Civilized Worlds.

If Ninglu could conquer Necromunda, he would not only gain a strategic foothold in the Solar Segmentum, but the productivity gained would also be able to compensate for consumption to a very large degree.

As for the prophecy, it was of course a reason Ninglu had fabricated, an excuse to find this world that had not yet been discovered.

"But she cannot divine the Star Map to reach this world," Ninglu looked at Malcador, "I have heard that you are a powerful psyker, and I hope you can provide me with guidance."

Malcador had not expected that Ninglu's request was merely to deduce the Star Map to Necromunda, which was something he could do, and was even far easier than increasing supply capacity, which could not be improved in a short time.

"No problem, come to the Observatorium tomorrow, and I will perform the Divination for you."

"Afterward, we will discuss and finalize the scope of the supplies in detail."

Feeling the pressure lighten slightly, Malcador could not help but wear a heartfelt smile; he stood up and raised the wine glass in his hand.

"Everyone, let us toast to the Primarch's generosity and to the contributions of the people of Vostonia."

"The Imperium will remember their sacrifice and contribution."

Many officials and nobles hurriedly raised their glasses, accompanying the two most powerful people in the Imperium as they drank the sweet wine in their cups.

The next day, Ninglu arrived at the Observatorium in the northeast corner of the Imperial Palace on Terra.

(End of chapter)