This is our Warhammer journey

Chapter 216 From Now On, This Is a Bad Habit
The aircraft flew through the clouds, and outside the porthole was the bustling cityscape of Astorgius.

Jorge operated the data terminal while explaining the planet's current state to the Primarch in detail.

His explanations were very detailed. Hundreds of clerks and cardinals were walking through the archives, and whenever Romulus suddenly asked about a specific statistic, the archbishop could immediately retrieve the corresponding statistical document.

Romulus now understood why the shuttle was so big.

As the aircraft flew over a newly established energy production area, Romulus suddenly asked:
What was the planet's promethium production in the third quarter of this year?

"742 billion tons, a 12.3% increase month-on-month, which can be exported to supplement the planet's food supply."

Jorge answered without hesitation, while simultaneously instructing his attendant to retrieve a more detailed data table from the extensive database.

"However, the refining efficiency is far lower than that of the conventional industrial world of the Empire, and the technology we can use is limited after losing the support of the Mechanicus."

He cautiously explained his difficulties.

"The Dawn Fleet will provide it with technical support."

The projector's light danced inside the cabin, illuminating the faint smile on Romulus's lips.

That's more like it. When leaders come to inspect, why the hell do you hold a banquet or just slack off out of fear? Showcasing your achievements or your work ethic is much more useful than those pointless methods.

Those imperial nobles preferred to continue enjoying their privileges, and the few who were aware of what the Primarch represented pretended not to believe it, or symbolically reduced their power in a bargaining process, as if this would allow them to escape their impending death.

Romulus isn't some kind of serial killer. If you're clear that you want to change, are you going to deny you the chance to change?
At least you're willing to take action. Even if you fail, it's a problem with your methodology, not your values.

Romulus noticed that the projected light cast shadows of varying depths on the archbishop's face, making the fine lines at the corners of his eyes particularly noticeable.

The data, accurate to two decimal places, and Jorge's unconsciously pursed lips when discussing each issue, silently testify to the archbishop's profound understanding of the world under his rule.

The data also supports the claim that the archbishop's statement was true.

"Did you reference Macurag in terms of planetary construction?"

Although Romulus still wore a formulaic smile, Jorge could detect the admiration in his tone.

"Yes, Macklag's self-circulating system has given us a lot of inspiration."

The leather of the power seat made a slight rubbing sound as the archbishop rose and began adjusting the holographic projection inside the galaxy.

"The Astorgius system happens to have two gas giants, one of which has a third moon with perfect ecological conditions, capable of supporting 72.3% of the Cardinal World's food consumption. With some imports, theoretically, it can fully meet the demand."

"I think it's more due to allocation issues."

Romulus gently shook the data paper in his hand, and the paper made a crisp rustling sound.

The amount of imported grain is clearly excessive, but it just can't be distributed.

Such problems are commonplace for humans. In the 21st century, incidents of fire dragons burning down warehouses are not uncommon, and churches are also places most prone to corruption.

"Yes."

Jorge responded softly, his gaze still fixed on the throng of believers below.

The shadow of the aircraft swept across the square, causing the crowd to look up.

"Your governing philosophy?"

“The San Francisco Church has always advocated ‘justification by works’.”

Jorge turned around.

“We try to regulate the behavior of believers through doctrine so that they can better serve the God-King, but the Dawn Doctrine has given me new inspiration.”

“Bad habits will be abandoned, and under limited conditions, the church will pay more attention to people’s livelihood issues.”

The archbishop replied.

“I think that no matter how oppressive the empire is, it would not go so far as to cut off the food that the people of the Divine Emperor use to fill their stomachs.”

He recognized the problem, so he will try.

Romulus smiled as he surveyed the world below, finding Astorgius increasingly pleasing to the eye.

We should value human physical and mental health issues and find solutions, instead of covering them up with your insincere nonsense.

To get to the heart of the matter, the empire may lack this or that, but it could never lack food. No matter how high the pressure, it's impossible for them to be unable to provide enough to eat.

It's not hard to guess that the appointment of this archbishop was probably a deliberate attempt by the state church to please him, but what's done is done, at least they were willing to please him.

"Your name, sir."

“Jorge Francisco, sir.”

The archbishop replied neither humbly nor arrogantly.

"I will remember."

Romulus nodded, then put down the documents and began to examine the planet.

Navaradaren immediately understood and added Astorgius to the shortlist of potential district capitals.

"Huh? This is it."

Romulus's pupils suddenly contracted as the Primarch's powerful visual system projected the scene in the square clearly onto his retina.

Below them, in a plaza filled with rich aromas, a few hunched-over people were standing in a short queue under the watchful eyes of church staff.

But at the end of the road was not the daily communion distributed by the state church, but a burning bonfire.

These people, mostly elderly and clad in holy robes, entered under the watchful eyes of the believers.

After they rushed into the fire, flames rose from their bodies, but they did not show any signs of being burned by ordinary fire. They knelt in the flames with a relieved smile on their faces, and then stopped moving and slowly melted away.

Outside the magnificent hall, pools of crystal-clear holy oil were slowly mixing with the remnants of the disintegrating corpses.

Whenever you have even the slightest hope for the Empire, it will slap you hard across the face.

"Archbishop Jorge, may I ask what this is?"

Having just been thoroughly disgusted by the various imperial nobles and only regained a sliver of hope, Romulus instinctively felt uncomfortable, but still patiently replied.

“This is the refining of consecrated oil.” The archbishop spoke as calmly as if discussing the weather, pointing to the distillation apparatus at the edge of the square, where monks in white robes were pouring melted oil into sacred vessels.

"Isn't this a bad habit?"

Romulus's voice was unusually tinged with surprise, and also with suppressed anger.

The archbishop seemed slightly surprised by this.

A question lingered between his brows: 'Is this considered a bad habit?'

"They are all devout believers who have undergone rigorous selection."

"Okay, can you explain why you did that?"

Rubbing his eyes, Romulus interrupted the archbishop's answer again and asked directly.

“The consecrated oil drops would be mixed into those weapons through a priest’s ceremony as a blessing, and could also be mixed into pigments or inks to ensure that the sanctuary was not violated and the text was not altered.”

The archbishop explained.

"Is it effective?"

Romulus inquired, "For example, in the fight against heresy and evil spirits."

"Have."

The archbishop nodded seriously.

“The church selects the most devout believers every quarter, and their immediate family members can receive tax exemptions. Holy oil is also an important part of the tithe system, and a considerable share is contributed to the Throne World every year.”

So this really is the result of the methodology in practice?

Good guy.
Romulus pondered for a moment. He hadn't paid much attention to the state religion before and had entrusted it to Karna without worry. He hadn't expected that he would be given such a big surprise just as he was about to take a closer look.

"Hey, Karna."

He pondered for a moment, then opened the communication device and contacted Karna, who was still arguing with members of other sects.

"what happened?"

With a perfect smile on his face, Karna suppressed the urge to kill most of the members present and asked.

Romulus recounted what he had seen and heard.

"Ah, that explains why the archbishop disappeared in the blink of an eye."

Karna gestured for a cardinal to leave, then replied, "Yes, the so-called holy oil is the same as what the Grey Knights use, but the Grey Knights' is better; they truly use saints."

"That you"

"Refer to the blood of a saint that we use to sign documents."

"Is your soul enough?"

Romulus inquired.

"Have you forgotten that the Holy Grail is with the Blood Angels?"

Karna asked in surprise, then immediately replied:

“Master Ya has already deciphered the way the blood is generated by the Holy Blood Ritual. Now I can get Saint Geres' blood wholesale. Signing a document and stamping it is more useful than any saint. There's no need for this.”

"So the state religion's sacrifice is completely unnecessary now, right? We can find a replacement."

Romulus glanced at the memo and found that there was indeed such a report.

I need to get things on track in the Hades system and Macragge as soon as possible and then hand over the reins completely. Dante and Calgar won't be able to sit idle.

He rubbed his temples. Although his companions were completely trustworthy, he couldn't afford to make such a basic mistake again.

"Of course, I've already ordered a crackdown, but some people will have to be cut. Selling holy oil is also a profit chain, and the profits are outrageous."

Karna replied.

"Ask the archbishop if there are any more documents. Master Asa hasn't made a move yet, which means he should be quite reliable."

So you and Arthur have always been doing things this way, one openly and the other covertly, right?

I was wondering why the previous education reforms were met with such enthusiastic welcomes everywhere, without any prior notice.

"Row."

Seeing that his friend was so reliable, Romulus hung up the call.

He then sighed softly and placed the souls of the deceased before the emperor.

The emperor reluctantly accepted it.

Faith is toxic, especially among these devout subjects who worship emperors, constantly pushing emperors who are 'not gods' onto the throne.

"Hey~"

This is Sima Universe.

Romulus remained silent; this was a choice facilitated by the universe, and its function was understandable.

Then he spoke to the archbishop.

“From now on, this is also a bad habit that must be abandoned.”

Next, we'll begin to clean up this planet.

After all, it is a qualified candidate for planetary capital, with a high-quality population and a relatively cooperative local leadership.

"Yes, Lord Romulus."

　P.S.: The book "The Emperor's Gift" provides a clear hint about where the holy oil came from.

　　When a young inquisitor's attendant asked the Grey Knight for a supply of holy oil, the Grey Knight laughed at her, saying she was too young to understand what she was asking for.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)