Chapter 75: The Golden Man Rewards Initiatives

"Why?"

The Emperor's voice carried genuine puzzlement.

"I haven't done anything for the Imperium yet. There shouldn't be a celebration held in my honor."

"I'm willing to lead my legion and conquer lost human colonies. Only when I've earned enough glory will it be time for me to return to Terra and accept a celebration."

Nareth had no interest in going to Terra just to gain favor; it was a waste of time.

Besides, he knew the current stage was still early in the Great Crusade, when his Gloriana-class flagship likely remained unfinished.

Since he couldn't directly ask about its progress, he expressed his thoughts in this roundabout way.

As for when his deeds would be "enough," it would be when the flagship was completed, a single trip accomplishing both recognition and retrieval.

The Emperor gazed at Nareth, his eyes full of approval. Nareth's eagerness greatly satisfied the Emperor, who was pressed for time.

"Well. Very good. You shall have my support."

"I have prepared a Gloriana-class battleship for you, though it is still under construction in the shipyards of Mars. However, I will grant you a mighty vessel, a relic from the height of ancient human civilization's glory."

"The Martian Tech-Priests brought me your data. The finest armorsmiths in the galaxy, stationed on Luna, have forged your armor. It awaits you aboard your sons' ship."

A faint smile crossed the Emperor's lips as he added with a teasing tone,

"I know of your fondness for rare and exotic items. Thus, I shall also grant you access to my flagship's personal treasury. You may select one item from it."

"This is a reward for your enthusiasm. Do not disappoint me."

At that moment, Nareth felt clear feedback, a sudden spike in progress. His casual actions once again aligned with the role of the "Briber."

Receiving a tangible benefit led to even more noticeable digestion of the potion. He felt himself approaching a new milestone.

He hadn't expected such a delightful surprise.

The battleship mentioned was most likely a Dark Age of Technology battleship, undoubtedly powerful.

But what excited Nareth more was access to the Emperor's vault. Born in the 8th century BCE and a power nearing those of the Chaos Gods, the Emperor's personal collection surely held high-sequence potion ingredients.

In high spirits, Nareth smiled and said:

"My lord, allow me to host a grand banquet, one that I will proclaim to my subordinates and to all of Vostroya that we have rejoined the greater Imperium."

"You may."

Nareth immediately sent a message to Yelena Kournikova:

"Prepare a grand banquet, the highest standard."

"Notify all high-ranking officials of Vostroya to attend. I have an important announcement."

On the other end of the channel, Yelena was currently scolding the head of intelligence. Two clearly outsiders had approached the palace, and yet, as Head of the Cabinet, she hadn't received any reports.

Upon hearing Nareth's orders, she sensed something major was unfolding.

"At once, my Monarch."

"Also, order my factories to craft a throne of pure gold. I've already sent you the design."

Soon, the commanders of various military groups and the heads of the hive noble houses arrived early at the ceremonial hall in formal black attire.

They were surprised to see that the throne, decorated with thirty-three crowns, symbolizing the unification of Vostroya, had been moved from the center to the left side.

In its place on the right was a slightly smaller throne, cast in solid gold, but positioned even higher than the Monarch's throne.

Guests were confused; there was no one in Vostroya with a status higher than the Monarch.

Only a few well-informed individuals had already caught wind of the two mysterious visitors who had arrived that day.

When the golden hand on the palace's black dome clock reached the hour of Night Shift, the bells chimed.

Three figures stepped into the hall. All eyes turned with curiosity to the outsiders.

The gold-robed man, though the shortest, radiated a mountainous aura of majesty, even outshining the two giants.

Nareth, in both stature and presence, surpassed the other armored giant.

The onlookers examined the other towering figure. Unlike Nareth or the gold-robed man, he didn't evoke awe or reverence, but when they saw the vivid hydra tattooed on the right side of his face, they felt discomfort and quickly looked away.

Alpharius stood behind the golden throne. The Emperor sat calmly upon it.

Nareth stood before his own throne and felt the "Briber" potion digest further.

He scanned the crowd, sensing their mixture of curiosity, unease, and apprehension.

"Before the feast begins, I have an important announcement."

His voice echoed through the hall, commanding silence.

"To all of Vostroya and the Symphony of the Sea, we share one homeland: Terra."

"Long ago, humanity spread among the stars to create colonies. But Warp storms tore us apart."

"Amid Terra's civil wars, a figure rose, the Emperor of Mankind. He united humanity's homeworld and vowed to reunite all human worlds under one Imperium."

He turned to the Emperor.

"Now, the Master of Mankind, the Emperor, has come to Vostroya."

"I have sworn my loyalty to him. And now, all of you must also swear your loyalty to the one who sits on the Golden Throne."

Nareth spoke steadily. At the mention of Terra, the Emperor, and the Master of Mankind, the gathered leaders were stunned.

They stood frozen, overwhelmed, before finally turning toward the golden throne.

And in that moment, the Emperor unveiled his perfect form, a vision tailored to each person's deepest ideal.

Everyone, without hesitation, dropped to one knee, following Vostroyan custom.

"We swear our allegiance to the Master of Mankind, the Emperor."

A warm smile spread across the Emperor's face.

"I accept your loyalty. You may rise."

"You've done well under the leadership of my son, Nareth."

"Continue your efforts. Be loyal to Nareth. Let us forge a new age of glory together."

"Let the feast begin. Let us enjoy this moment."

Yelena instinctively looked to Nareth. Seeing his nod, she tapped the comms-bead in her ear.

"Begin the feast."

The guests moved to their seats, though many were still reeling from what had just occurred.

Chefs in white uniforms pushed in carts draped in ice sculptures, the air rich with the fresh aroma of seafood and fine ingredients.

Translucent oysters, nestled on crushed ice, gleamed under the lights. Paired with lemon juice and herbal sauce, each slurp delivered an exquisite burst of oceanic sweetness and citrus.

Vibrant sashimi platters followed, delicate pink tuna, rich salmon, and sweet shrimp, each slice cut thin as silk, presented like works of art.

Towering lobsters, their shells vivid, stood proud. Their firm meat, steamed to preserve its natural flavor, was accented with garlic and scallions.

Sweet shrimp, frozen in liquid nitrogen at -196°C, cracked into amber-colored sparks when dropped into the highest quality of chilled Vosvoth vodka.

But the guests ate in silence, the flavors lost on them as their minds churned.

They were still trying to understand what joining the Imperium would mean for Vostroya.

.....

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