In the clearing of Lily Island, Ryan and Fulgrim stood together discussing important matters as dusk fell. The sky darkened, illuminated only by the two moons—one a natural celestial body, the other the chaotic Morrslieb, a moon formed from concentrated Warp energy.
Suria and Emilia each held their sons, while Angron lovingly cradled little Rem in his hands. Both mothers had a somber look on their faces. Suria was physically exhausted from the intense training the Emperor had subjected her to for several days, and she felt a pang of guilt. She knew the Emperor had reprimanded Ryan, and it was partly her fault for expressing to the Emperor her desire to accompany Ryan to Ulthuan.
Suria worried Ryan might harbor resentment toward her for unintentionally going over his head to the Emperor. She understood Ryan well. He had a strong, confident, and decisive personality, but also a tendency to let go of things when necessary. She feared that by telling the Emperor of her wishes, she had caused Ryan to be reprimanded, something he surely wouldn't forget.
Suria felt incredibly fortunate to have such a husband, and she wanted to explain her actions. However, Ryan hadn't given her the chance, as he remained engrossed in a serious conversation with Fulgrim.
Emilia, on the other hand, was more concerned with her own standing. It was clear that the Emperor favored Suria the most, confirming her status by personally training her. Emilia knew she couldn't compete with Suria's talent in swordsmanship, as she hadn't been raised as a knight but rather as a noble. Her martial training had been just one of the many lessons she had as a child. After years of wandering the Old World as a mercenary, without proper instruction, she couldn't match Suria's abilities.
Emilia had become more imposing since returning to Nuln, where she wielded great power. Over time, that authority had subtly changed her. She now dreamed of securing her son Frederick's future, ideally positioning him to one day replace Karl Franz as Emperor, ensuring the Empire and Bretonnia remained tied together through marriage.
Olyka, meanwhile, was quietly ecstatic. The Emperor had acknowledged her and even taught her a powerful new spell. She was confident that if she continued to prove her worth, the Emperor wouldn't hesitate to grant her a noble title. By contrast, Carona, the Wood Elf princess, was deeply disappointed. Fulgrim's father hadn't spoken a word to her or even glanced in her direction during their entire stay.
Everyone harbored their own thoughts and ambitions, but Angron, carefree as always, happily played with his niece and boasted about hunting a sperm whale on his last voyage. He promised to give its ambergris to Suria and the others once it was fully dried.
At the front of the group, Ryan was still in deep discussion with Fulgrim.
"Brother, what are the Eldar Death Guard planning? Did they seriously ask Father to steal the last Crone Sword from Slaanesh's palace?" Ryan asked, clearly intrigued by the Death Guard's request.
"It's impossible, Ryan," Fulgrim replied seriously. "Do you have any idea what the Realm of Chaos is like? Do you think it's possible for Father to infiltrate Slaanesh's palace? I've been there. The place is beyond words—twisted and terrifying. Even Father couldn't pull it off."
"But the Realm of Chaos is always shifting, isn't it?" Ryan questioned, a hint of doubt in his voice.
"Yes, the Realm is constantly changing, and the domains of the four Chaos Gods are always in flux due to their eternal Great Game. But have you ever heard of one Chaos God invading the core domain of another?" Fulgrim explained. "Slaanesh's palace is in the heart of his realm. The number of daemons there is unimaginable, in the billions. Yes, Father and Cegorach can move within the Warp, but no one can get close to Slaanesh's palace. It's the same with Khorne's fortress, Nurgle's garden, and Tzeentch's maze. These are their core territories. Just like how no one can challenge Father in the Astronomicon, leaving one's domain weakens a god significantly."
"To give you an example, Father is invincible within the Astronomicon, but in the Webway War, he was wounded by the First Daemon, Drak'Nyen," Fulgrim continued. "So, no, it's absolutely impossible to steal the Crone Sword from Slaanesh's palace."
"So, by that logic, the Death Guard's entire plan has been a lie from the start?" Ryan mused. "It's a dead-end. The Eldar want to save themselves by awakening Ynnead to defeat Slaanesh, but to do that, they need to collect all five Crone Swords."
"And to collect all five Crone Swords, they need to defeat Slaanesh to get the last one, which is in his palace," Fulgrim grinned.
"To defeat Slaanesh, they need to collect all five Crone Swords," Ryan repeated with a smirk. "It's a complete dead-end. The Death Guard's entire effort has been in vain. They're doomed to fail."
"Well, there's one slim chance," Fulgrim suddenly chuckled. "The only way would be if Khorne himself decided to wage the greatest war against Slaanesh ever seen. Then, perhaps, there would be a tiny window of opportunity. The Crone Sword might even fall out by accident. But then again, even if the sword did fall into their hands, would the Eldar dare use it? How could they be sure it hasn't been cursed, defiled, or…"
"Or fused with a Greater Daemon?" Ryan joked.
"Ha! You see the problem, right?" Fulgrim laughed. "It's simply impossible!"
"I see now why Father made a pact with Ynnead in the first place," Ryan nodded slowly, the realization dawning on him.
"Exactly. So, if the Death Guard's chosen, Yvraine, were to surrender now, she could still earn a title of nobility and perhaps become Lady Regent. But if they keep pushing, they'll all meet the same end—annihilation. Every time they summon Ynnead, they need to sacrifice a world spirit. How many world spirits do they have left to burn?" Fulgrim asked rhetorically. "Anyway, enough about that. The Eldar are doomed. When do we leave for Ulthuan?"
"We'll leave in July when Teclis arrives in Marienburg. I also have some business to settle with the merchants there, and we'll need an Elven navigator to guide us through Ulthuan's magical mists. Do you think we're lucky enough to make it through on our own?" Ryan grinned.
"You're lucky enough, your wife Suria is lucky enough, and so is your Dark Elf maid," Fulgrim chuckled. "And maybe those five are lucky too."
"Which five?" Ryan was confused for a moment, then burst into laughter as he realized what Fulgrim meant. "Brother, you have an even sharper sense of humor than Angron."
"I don't compare myself to madmen. Besides, being a good uncle suits him just fine."
—The Line Where Everything Became Futile—
The Emperor had left. He had briefly considered leaving Lorgar with Ryan for "penance," but Ryan, Fulgrim, and even Angron had all urged him to take Lorgar with him. Lorgar, feeling aggrieved, followed his father away.
Ryan and the others returned to the Ducal Castle in Jean City, where he continued managing affairs. The King first visited Couronne, where he delegated several matters to King Louen, and then he traveled to Montfort to meet with Duke Ford and Duke Cassvain of Parravon.
It's worth noting that on these trips, Ryan only brought Olyka with him, leaving Suria behind.
As July approached, Veronica had reestablished the Garland Council at Eternal Dragonstone, which had been thoroughly cleansed by the Emperor's power. The castle, located on the border between the Empire and Bretonnia, was renamed Fort Margarita, where the Sorceress Assembly declared its headquarters. Veronica was named Speaker of the Assembly, with the remaining dozen or so legendary witches forming the new council. She also appointed Aurora and her daughter Theresa, who had been in isolation, as Deputy Speakers. Theresa, relieved of her duties as Ryan's secretary, was now focused on finding a way to break through to the Sanctuary rank.
Veronica's strategy for the next two years was clear: to rebuild the Garland Council's network, adopt more magical girls, restore their supply chains, and establish new educational systems. As a result, she had no time for Ryan and left much of her duties to Morgiana and Olyka.
Theresa was equally busy with the council's reconstruction. After much pleading, Ryan finally released Aurora and the others from their confinement. After two months in isolation, the Sanctuary sorceress appeared unchanged, though she seemed strangely fearful of both Olyka and Morgiana, avoiding them whenever possible, especially Olyka.
Ryan, however, was too busy to concern himself with these matters. Since he planned to take both Suria and Olyka to Ulthuan, he spent the days leading up to their departure with Emilia and Morgiana. The little maid finally ended her visit to Bretonnia and prepared to return to the Empire with her children, formally announcing her departure just days before Ryan was set to leave.
At the farewell party, Ryan and Fulgrim performed "Auld Lang Syne."
Following that, Ryan spent two days with Morgiana to ease her displeasure about his departure before returning
to his ducal castle in early July.
Opening the door to his master bedroom, Ryan was greeted by the cool breeze of a magic air conditioner created by Theresa. He stretched his tired body and collapsed into his armchair, exhausted from overworking himself in the days leading up to their journey.
In the bedroom, Suria was packing for the trip. She was dressed in a beautiful layered, blue plaid fishtail dress, her long ivory legs encased in black, diamond-studded heels and sheer stockings. Seeing Ryan return, she smiled warmly. "You're back, dear?"
"Yes, I'm back," Ryan replied, though his tone lacked warmth. He had been working at maximum capacity, managing every detail of Bretonnia before their departure. The journey to Ulthuan, even with a High Elf navigator, would take at least a month and a half each way, and they'd be gone for half a year. Ryan wanted to ensure everything was in place before they set sail.
"Are you still angry about what happened earlier?" Suria asked softly, noticing the slight distance in his demeanor. Setting aside her packing, she walked over and gently took her husband's arm. "You're upset, aren't you?"
"How could I be? You're Father's hand-picked Imperial Queen," Ryan shrugged, a trace of bitterness in his voice. "If you have any complaints, you can always take them directly to Father. He never refuses your requests."
"You are mad," Suria couldn't help but smile at his childish attitude. She wrapped her arms around his head, hugging him tenderly. "It was my fault. I'm sorry, Ryan. Father has this unique charm that makes you want to tell him everything. I didn't mean to go over your head, but once I started talking, it all came out. It was my mistake."
"I respect every decision you've made since we got married," Ryan said, closing his eyes. "You wanted to go to Ulthuan, and you could have just told me privately. If you insisted, I wouldn't have stopped you. But… maybe Father was right. Maybe I haven't handled things well, and your talents shouldn't be limited to being Queen."
"Please, don't think that way, Ryan!" Suria exclaimed, alarmed by his words. She quickly emphasized, "I'll never do that again. From now on, I'll always come to you first."
Ryan gazed at his wife in silence, his blue eyes reflecting her image. He gently caressed her smooth, soft skin, speaking in a calm tone. "Father doesn't understand human emotions. He heard your complaints and assumed I wasn't treating you properly. I admit I haven't been perfect, but you shouldn't have…"
"I understand, Ryan. I won't do it again," Suria promised, realizing the gravity of her actions. "From now on, I'll always talk to you first."
Ryan smirked, his mood shifting. He suddenly grabbed his wife playfully and whispered in her ear, "So about my last proposal, are you going to…"
"Fine, I'll agree! Honestly, you just love making me…" Suria's face turned bright red as she bashfully protested, "I can't believe you make Olyka and Veronica do it, and now you want me to as well."
"Come on, my lady, just once," Ryan teased, lifting her off her feet with a mischievous grin. "You'll enjoy it, I promise."
"And I bet Morgiana does it too, doesn't she?" Suria playfully hit Ryan's chest, her cheeks flushed. "Alright, Ryan, I…"
"Wait, you didn't use up all the psychic energy I gave you, did you?" Ryan's expression suddenly shifted to one of concern.
"The Void Dance—Father told me to practice it," Suria blushed, feeling slightly embarrassed. "But you know I need you to… recharge me."
"My lady, that's not how you're supposed to use your big move!" Ryan groaned. "Please, save it for when it's really needed."
Suria's sly smile returned. She had caught Ryan's discomfort, knowing he had just come from Morgiana's company. With a soft struggle, she signaled for him to put her down.
And just like that, the small tension between them vanished.
"Ryan, aside from you, me, and Olyka, who else are you planning to take to Ulthuan?" Suria asked after they sat down. "Apart from the Little Bearded Revenge Squad and the Old Guard, who else?"
"I'm planning to…"
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