This is our Warhammer journey

Chapter 207 Complex Negotiations (4.2k)

To be honest, the high lords were already used to serving a silent god.

For ten thousand years, a single institution composed of twelve men and women has ruled the entire empire.

Throughout history, the High Lords of Terra have been responsible for making all the nation's major decisions, guiding the human race through many trials and challenges. In Terra's political arena, there is no power more powerful than the Council.

But things are different now.

Therefore, they were terrified when rumors of Primarchs appearing in the expeditionary fleet first emerged, especially since these four had been mixed up with the Black Templars.

No one knows whether this is a good thing or a bad thing for the empire.

But the expeditionary fleet's subsequent series of measures truly brought a sigh of relief to the Throne World. When the first reports arrived via the whispers of the Star Speakers, the tense atmosphere in the Terran court finally eased slightly.

He did not march to Luoyang with his sword, nor did he use the pretext of an expedition to bring a host of troublesome worlds to the empire and build up his authority.

These Primarchs were willing to learn about the Empire and attempt to change it within a limited scope. The measures they took along the way were relatively mild, and there was no situation where all forces outside of Astartes were driven out of the center of power.

At the same time, they also gained a clear understanding of the Primarch's intelligence.

Reconstructing trade routes, integrating government systems, streamlining planetary defense systems along the way, and promoting religion to unify local thought—winning battles were actually the easiest tasks among them.

Empires have never lacked excellent strategists, but unfortunately, their bloated nature prevents them from translating their victories into profits.

No single human being in the empire could handle such complex and meticulous political affairs.

The High Lord desperately wished he could be like that, but the harsh reality reminded them that even the combined efforts of twelve people were far from matching the Primarch's grand vision of overseeing the entire situation.

After a long expedition, everyone had a lot of fun looting supplies.

If such a force were to operate in the Extreme Starfield, the benefits it would bring to the Empire would be extremely considerable.

They could even accept the emergence of another Alteramar in the Limit Starfield and tacitly allow its expansion.

After all, even ten thousand years later, the dozen or so star systems surrounding Macragge were still under the unified jurisdiction of the Ultramarines, and the Empire was still enjoying the benefits of the stability it provided to the surrounding star systems.

It's important to know that before the Tyranid invasion, Macurag hadn't experienced any extreme events for almost ten thousand years.

However, before that——

"Half a century ago, Luft Huron, the Grand Master of the Star Claws, proposed to the High Lords Council the establishment of a military presence in Astartes, or the reinforcement of Astartes forces, in order to completely conquer the Maelstrom."

"The High Lords Council chose to refuse."

At Romulus's gesture, Interior Ministry representative Itu Hammettalia immediately stepped forward, the red-marked files on the data board standing out starkly in the chamber.

His voice was calm and restrained, yet carried a subtle hint of accusation:

"After that, the sector had not received any taxes for 41 years, all of which were paid by the neighboring Carliss sector. At the same time, Huron even refused to allow merchant fleets to enter the Badab sector."

The delegates' expressions varied; some frowned in thought, some unconsciously stroked the emblem on the scepter, and others turned their gaze to Romulus, trying to glean a hint of inclination from his expression.

They need to understand the extent to which the Primarchs accept tithes, and they also need a guarantee.

Due to the very existence of the Great Astartesian doctrine, the number of Astartes chapters has always been strictly limited.

Even for a High Lord, arbitrarily mobilizing Astartes forces is a very complex matter, involving extremely intricate strategic deployments.

Furthermore, the Great Vortex region had no value in conquering, so he consistently avoided Ruft Huron's various proposals.

The Ministry of the Interior bureaucrats are now shaking with fear upon seeing that the xx star sector has been conquered.

Regardless, if you dare to abandon the sacred duty bestowed upon you by the emperor, now that the documents are in your hands, then you'll have to atone as a clerk.

If we manage it, it will only add another tumor to the already bloated Terran palace. Nobody knows when these newly conquered sectors will stop absorbing the Empire's nutrients and truly nourish the Empire's increasingly withered body.

It's acceptable for Huron to cause trouble, and most High Lords aren't stupid. The Great Vortex region is indeed an important trade route and resource node, but to let it completely escape control and develop on its own is not an option.

This is absolutely impossible.

It's assumed that he's already reached the limit in terms of tax revenue withheld, but the problem is that Huron has also managed the Great Vortex region very well, earning him the title of 'Badab Tyrant'.

He's just a military leader in a sector. Who gave him the authority to embezzle national taxes? If any chapter commander can do this, what about the other sectors?
To be honest, Romulus also disliked having such people under his command. Why should a subordinate unit be allowed to withhold tax revenue based on its own will within the same administrative system?

This precedent must not be set.

"Tithing is mandatory."

Romulus agreed, then pointed out the reason: "But based on what I have seen and heard along the way of the Dawn Expedition, I think the Throne World itself cannot effectively utilize this tax revenue."

The sound seemed a bit shrill.

All the representatives fell silent for a moment.

Violetta Roskaeffler, the representative of the Ministry of Military Affairs, unconsciously traced the edge of the data panel with her fingers. The face of this outstanding woman from the world of ice and fire—Invet—became unusually solemn.

As an official who had long been in charge of logistics for the Ministry of Military Affairs, she knew better than anyone how poorly the Empire utilized its tax revenue.

In various warehouse worlds, tithes from various planets pile up like mountains. Unopened supply crates rot and rust in giant storage arrays. Some "unimportant" taxes even have to be periodically destroyed to make room due to reaching storage limits.

Romulus wasn't just making empty promises. He beckoned to the Ultra Warriors, the undefeated elites in charge of the meeting agenda, and had a list of data compiled and distributed to each delegate.

The situation in the Solar Starfield is unclear, but based on the investigations along the way, it's hard to say whether the Empire is even utilizing 5% of the tax revenue from each star sector in the Single Limit Starfield. It has always been in a state of severe overcapacity.

Last year alone, 83% of the Ministry of the Interior's budget in the Extreme Starfield was not disbursed on time due to bureaucratic backlogs.

In other words, every citizen of the empire has been doing at least twenty times more work out of thin air.

"."

The delegates exchanged hushed conversations, sometimes frowning as they checked data, sometimes whispering as they exchanged opinions.

It took them about half an hour to complete the initial review of the materials in their hands.

All eyes turned to Romulus.

Unlike the Inquisition, various departments of the Empire tend to give face to armed forces such as Space Marines and Imperial Knights. They will pretend not to know if taxes are late or underpaid, and they can tolerate some extreme behavior.

Since the Primarchs are willing to talk, they are at least able to listen to their opinions.

"I hope that in the future, the sector taxes controlled by the Dawnwings can be directly channeled into the Imperial worlds that need them."

Romulus's finger swept across the holographic star map, using Altera as a template, and then highlighted several flashing nodes.

"For example, Terra has the authority to monitor and audit various fortress worlds and important industrial worlds, and can accompany them throughout the process."

"My lord, do you mean the Wings of Dawn or all Astartes?"

"I can't speak up," asked the representative of the Ministry of State, Amotarion.

"Only star sectors guaranteed by the Wings of Dawn can obtain this privilege, and it is limited to the Extreme Star Sector."

Romulus replied that he wasn't afraid of anyone imitating him; if anyone dared to, he and the Empire would take drastic measures. Amotarion's brow relaxed slightly, but he quickly pressed on cautiously:
"What about the docking sector?"

“Choose from the hazy star field.”

Romulus's answer was concise and to the point.

This response visibly relaxed Amotarion's tense shoulders. He let out a soft breath and exchanged glances with the other delegates, and the atmosphere in the meeting room eased considerably.

The Empire is divided into five star regions, with the Throne World at its center.

The Solar Region: The core region centered on the solar system, it is the political and military center of the empire and includes important worlds such as Holy Terra and Mars.

Extreme Starfield: The eastern part of the Solar Starfield is the Empire's most extensive starfield, encompassing numerous colonies and frontline war zones, and is frequently threatened by various external threats, such as aliens.

Storm Starfield: Located in the southern part of the Solar Starfield, it is known for its frequent interstellar conflicts and border instability, with many rebellious elements and frequent uprisings.

Taiping Star Region: The western part of the Sun Star Region. As the name suggests, it is relatively stable. In fact, it is the most stable tax collection area in Terra, of course, before Macarius brought a big blow to Terra.

The Misty Starfield: Located in the northern part of the Solar Starfield, the most famous part is the Cadia Sector, the location of the Eye of Terror, and the starfield with the most messy battles. The vast majority of the Empire's power is wasted in this bottomless pit.

Romulus's decision not to interfere in the Sun Sector indicates that they do not intend to expand their influence in the Throne World. Instead, their choice to directly target the Misty Sector suggests that the Primarch is genuinely dissatisfied with the Empire's efficiency and intends to resolve these issues personally.

For the Highlord Council, it would be ideal if someone could alleviate the pressure they faced in the Misty Starfield.

"However, inter-sectoral docking is a massive undertaking. I believe your policies will continue."

Amotarion asked tentatively.

This means more work, and with uncertainties, it requires a huge amount of administrative effort.

The Ministry of the Interior needs to consider this, because they are under tremendous pressure.

The Battle of Tyrell is now essentially over, but the military mobilization procedures for building the Tyrell defense line still require many Home Office officials to conduct meaningless calculations for years or even decades.

This is the bloated nature of the Ministry of the Interior.

Romulus looked at Navaradaren.

"When the Emperor created the Royal Guard, he imbued it with his highest hopes for humanity. Therefore, every member of the Royal Guard was not only an excellent warrior, but also an excellent politician, military strategist, and philosopher."

Romulus's words made Navaradaren involuntarily straighten his chest.

Yes, and that is precisely why he was unwilling to stay in the palace.

"So, could I entrust this matter to the Imperial Guard?"

If the Imperial Guard could directly communicate with the Minister of the Interior, just as Aglaia directly represented the Assassin Master and the Supreme Inquisitor, the workload for both sides would be reduced, and building mutual trust would be much easier.

"Of course, sir."

Navarradaren replied immediately, while also speaking to the Ministry of the Interior officials:

"Lucifer's Blackguard will accompany you on your return journey. In Holy Terra, the Minister of the Interior can contact Captain Valyrian of the Guardian Shields to report on the matter. The Guardian will also be involved in the supervision and handling of Primarch-related government affairs."

Romulus's patience and respect for mortals won him great favor.

This Primarch did not see himself as a superhuman or a god, but as a member of the human race.

"how many people?"

Romulus couldn't help but ask curiously.

“I, Valyrian, one of the Emperor’s Eyes, three.”

I knew it! The Imperial Guards would never be so conscientious. They've been mourning at graves for ten thousand years and haven't done anything of substance.

Disappointment flickered in Romulus's eyes.

To say which imperial group he was most infuriated by—

If they aren't traitorous Chaos Primarchs, these people are hopeless; we'll have to get rid of them sooner or later.

Secondly, they are not mechanical educators who are parasites on the empire. These academic cliques, once they develop, will eventually break their knowledge monopoly and then send them to heaven one by one.

Thirdly, these ordinary officials, though abstract, are actually the easiest to understand. They truly did their best. The imperial system itself has serious problems, and the fact that the contingency plan can last for ten thousand years only shows that the empire's foundation is truly solid.

It was the Imperial Guard!

These extraordinary individuals include the Black Guard, who oversee the forbidden entities beneath the palace, retired Emperor's Eyes, and a very small number like Navaradaren, who have long been assisting the empire in handling various affairs.

Every single one of them is holed up in the palace, either guarding the gate or playing that bloody game in the ditch.

What's the point of that bloody game where you play as an assassin infiltrating the palace to assassinate the emperor, besides killing time? So, when the Orcs are at war with the moon on your face, how can you defend against Orc assassinations?

He's a figure who can be considered a model in human politics, military affairs, and people's livelihood, yet he spends his days doing these nonsensical things.

If they set aside one day a month to help the Ministry of the Interior sort out its affairs, the empire's situation would be much better than it is now.

Romulus clenched his fist; he had considerable dissatisfaction with the Imperial Guard.

Sooner or later, when the Wings of Dawn conquer Terra, he will hang these Imperial Guards on the ramming horn of the Queen of Glory and show them what a real blood game is all about.

Noticing Romulus's expression, Navaradaren couldn't help but show a look of shame.

He knew what kind of state most of his colleagues were in.

However, just as his colleagues wouldn't interfere with what he did, he also couldn't make too many demands on others.

"Lord Romulus, could you provide a specific plan for this mechanism?"

Amotarion continued to inquire, feeling more confident with the protection of the Imperial Guard.

First, finalize the policies for the Altrama and Vortex regions.

The empire cared little about anything else but loyalty and taxes.

As long as they don't do something as outrageous as using their own tax revenue to develop themselves, they can tolerate at least the Primarch as an exception.

Other representatives also participated in the discussion to protect their own interests, clearly acknowledging Romulus as an unprecedented exception.

There can be no exceptions because no one can be responsible forever.

Once a person dies, the tea grows cold. Apart from the special cases of the Assassin's Court and the Mars Forged Generals, the reigns of High Lords are usually only ten to fifty years.

You can act as a guarantor while you're alive, but what happens after you die? Who will take your place?

Unless you are an emperor or a Primarch.

　P.S.: There's one more chapter, but I'll have to revise it while I'm at work.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)