Chapter 128: Malcador's Request, Nareth's Terms

In the banquet hall, Terra's finest chefs presented a feast made from ingredients sourced across the galaxy, all offered in honor of the Primarch.

As the silver cloches were lifted, the earthy, rich aroma of black truffles collided with the tender scent of seared steak, filling the air.

Roast pork knuckle faced off against Wagyu beef across fine porcelain plates, and the marbled fat of five-year-aged ham was arranged like precise geometric patterns.

Caviar tumbled onto savory sea urchin, stirring a miniature monsoon through the central air ducts.

Nareth sat on his throne, savoring these rare delicacies.

The Primarch calmly enjoyed the banquet while the many attending nobles and officials waited patiently for an opportunity to speak with him.

As he listened to Malcador discuss the progress of the Great Crusade, he responded briefly to his inquiries.

Nareth noticed that since parting ways with Horus, the pace of his conquests had suddenly accelerated.

The Luna Wolves had begun favoring swift and aggressive assaults over diplomacy in conquering newly discovered worlds.

'A silent competition with me? Unnecessary. I never planned to compare accomplishments with the Luna Wolves. I'll be redirecting part of my Legion to help build the worlds we've reclaimed. The top spot for battlefield achievements can be his. The position of Warmaster? His. Even the Four's favor, it's all his.'

While Nareth pondered this, Malcador abruptly shifted the topic.

"The glory of the Great Crusade is inseparable from the sacrifices of Terra's people. Young talents from every hive city have been selected to ensure the Legions grow steadily."

"According to statistics, the average working hours of Terra's population have increased by 19.34%. Thanks to their sacrifices and the forgeworlds' supply lines, the Crusade progresses smoothly."

Nareth gave a subtle nod and replied indifferently:

"A noble sacrifice."

Malcador paused, clearly surprised by the Primarch's detached tone.

After a moment's thought, he adjusted his approach and spoke with measured praise.

"I've heard that the worlds under your governance thrive. That is admirable."

Nareth, catching the meaning behind the words, was unsurprised.

"I hope Vostorya can become a regional supply hub to support passing fleets," Malcador said.

With the Great Crusade expanding and the full-scale construction of the Imperial Palace underway, Malcador increasingly felt the weight of responsibility, new wrinkles etched into his face daily.

Seeing the explosive industrial growth of Vostroya, he immediately realized that if Nareth agreed to provide logistical support, it would greatly alleviate pressure.

The officials and nobles exchanged knowing glances; they realized that Malcador was cornering Nareth in public, during a moment of glory and applause.

If the Primarch refused, it would paint him as someone indifferent to the broader needs of the Imperium.

"Vostroya's current prosperity is the result of great effort by its people; it was not easily won," Nareth said.

"Besides, I plan to carry out large-scale development on the other worlds the Legion has reclaimed. This has already received the Emperor's approval."

At this, all eyes turned to Malcador. The expression beneath his hood remained inscrutable.

Just as Malcador expected rejection, the Primarch unexpectedly continued:

"Though Vostroya faces many challenges, I'm willing to contribute more to the Great Crusade, to shoulder part of the supply burden. But I have a condition."

Nareth was naturally prepared to ask for compensation.

He recalled that during the Crusade, primary supply responsibilities typically fell to the Forge Worlds of the Cult Mechanicum, and to Terra and the non-Legion fleets directly under Imperial control.

It wasn't until the Emperor launched the Webway Project and Malcador took over that he began implementing new tax systems.

That decision was met with widespread resentment across the Legions. Tithe officials were seen as vultures.

Horus himself, after Erebus stole the Anathame and botched his diplomacy with the Interex, was instructed by the Warmaster to stall the tax enforcers.

The Warmaster criticized the policy directly:

"The Council of Terra has placed an unbearable weight on newly conquered worlds.

These taxes are premature, too broad, and harsh. Most worlds will resist, and many will revolt."

"If a conquered farmer learns he has a new master, he may just shrug. But if he learns he must give up one-fifth of his harvest, he'll pick up his pitchfork."

Indeed, when Horus later rebelled under the banner of "Overthrowing Terra's Tyranny," he gained wide support from many such worlds.

In truth, the Astartes Legions, designed as weapons of war, had no obligation to supply the Imperial fleets; they were meant to be recipients, not providers.

Even in the future, homeworlds of the Astartes Chapters would be tax-exempt, with their only required tribute being gene-seed.

Yet Nareth still agreed to Malcador's request and took on the burden.

On one hand, this reflected his confidence in his world's production capabilities, thanks to the Shadows of Order and his specially cultivated talents.

On the other hand, supply fleets could bring exotic goods and rare materials, including potion ingredients Nareth sought. He would adapt accordingly.

Malcador was momentarily stunned, then a flicker of light flashed through his eyes.

"Nareth, what do you want in return? Speak freely."

"My fleet needs a supply point in the Sol System. One of my psykers, Marlena Scala, has prophesied a world tied to my fate, Necromunda."

Necromunda would one day become one of the largest hive worlds in the Imperium, with thousands of hive cities and productivity equal to or surpassing dozens of civilized planets combined.

If he could conquer Necromunda, it would not only give him a strategic foothold in the Sol System but also a supply base capable of vastly offsetting his own resource consumption.

As for the prophecy? That was a fabricated excuse, a cover for his knowledge of this yet-undiscovered world.

"But she's unable to divine a star chart to reach this world," Nareth said, looking at Malcador. "I've heard you are a powerful psyker. I hope you can provide me with a revelation."

Malcador hadn't expected that Nareth's request would be this modest, just a star map prediction for someone of his skill, that was entirely feasible, and far easier than increasing short-term supply capacity.

"No problem. Come to the Observatory tomorrow. I'll divine a path for you."

"Then we can finalize the scope of your supply commitment."

Relieved, Malcador broke into a genuine smile. Rising, he lifted his wine goblet.

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

"The Imperium shall never forget their service."

The gathered officials and nobles quickly raised their glasses and drank alongside the two most powerful figures in the Imperium, savoring the fine vintage.

The next day, Nareth visited the Observatory Room at the northeastern corner of the Imperial Palace on Terra.

.....

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