Warhammer: Black Emperor

Chapter 129 Malcador's Request, Nimrod's Conditions
In the banquet hall, Terra's best chefs prepared delicious dishes using ingredients from all over the galaxy and presented them to the Primarch.

The moment the chef lifted the silver lid, the rich aroma of black truffles collided with the tenderness of the steak, and the fragrance filled the air.

The roasted pork knuckle and Wagyu beef are placed opposite each other on a porcelain plate, and the fat lines of the five-year-old ham look like neat geometric shapes.

The caviar fell onto the salty and fragrant sea urchin, immediately setting off a miniature monsoon in the air duct of the central air conditioner.

……

Nimrod sat on the throne, savoring the delicious food.

The Primarch was enjoying the feast for his taste buds in peace. Although many officials and nobles who attended the banquet wanted to talk to him, they could only wait for the opportunity.

Nimrod listened to Malcador's comments on the progress of the Great Crusade and responded to his questions.

He noted that Malcador had mentioned that Horus had suddenly accelerated his pace of conquest since parting with him.

The Luna Wolves use less diplomatic and peaceful means and more swift strikes to conquer newly discovered worlds.

[Seems to be secretly competing with me.

There's really no need for that, and I have no intention of comparing my performance with the Moon Wolves.

I will devote some of the legionnaires to the construction of world conquest, so the first place in Primarch's record is still yours, the position of Warmaster is still yours, and you are also the one chosen by the Four Peddlers.]
While Nimrod was thinking, Malcador suddenly changed the subject.

"The glorious achievements of the Great Crusade are inseparable from the dedication of the people of Terra. The talented young men selected from each hive ensure the steady growth of the legions."

"According to statistics, the average working hours of Terran citizens have increased by 19.34 percent. It is precisely because of their sacrifices, as well as the supplies from various Forge Worlds, that the Great Crusade was able to proceed smoothly."

"..."

Ningluo nodded slightly and said without comment.

"It was a glorious sacrifice."

Malcador remained silent for a moment, as if surprised by the Primarch's indifference.

His eyes were deep, and after thinking for a moment, he spoke in an appreciative tone.

"I heard that the world prospered under your rule, Nimrod. This is admirable."

Nimrod was thoughtful after hearing this. He had already guessed what Malcador meant.

"I hope Vostronia can become an important supply hub for the surrounding areas, ensuring supplies for passing fleets."

As the Great Crusade progressed and the Terran Palace entered a period of full construction, Malcador felt more and more pressure on his shoulders, and his wrinkles grew one more.

After seeing the intelligence about Vostronia's prosperity, especially the explosive growth of industrial capacity, he immediately realized that if Nimrod was willing to provide nearby supplies for the "Great Expedition", the pressure would be greatly reduced.

Officials and nobles looked at each other in bewilderment, realizing that Chancellor Malcador was using this public occasion, this occasion where the Primarch would be honored and acclaimed, to force his agreement.

If the Primarch disagrees, he will be accused of disregarding the greater good.

"The current situation in Vostroya is the result of the hard work of the people. It is not easy."

"Furthermore, I will carry out large-scale construction on the other worlds recovered by the Legion. This has been approved by the Emperor."

Upon hearing this, everyone turned their gaze towards Malcador. The face beneath his hood was shrouded in mystery, making it difficult to see through.

Just when Malcador thought Nimrod would refuse, the Primarch suddenly spoke.

"Although Vostroya is facing many difficulties, I am willing to contribute more to the 'Great Crusade' and bear part of the supply burden, but I also have a request." Nimrod naturally wanted to ask for benefits. He remembered that during the "Great Crusade", the main responsibility for supply was borne by the Forge Worlds of the Mechanicus. In addition, there were Terra and the worlds conquered by the Emperor and non-Legion fleets, which were directly under the control of the Empire.

It was not until the Emperor began Project Webway and Malcador took charge of all government affairs that he began to determine the taxes that each world should pay.

This move, more than any other of Malcador's policies, was resented and resisted by almost all of the Legiones Astartes, who viewed the tax collectors as vultures.

After Horus stole the Nemesis Blade from Erebus, causing the diplomatic breakdown between him and Intres, he was delayed by the Warmaster's men.

The Warmaster saw the flaws in the taxation system and spoke frankly.

"The Terran Council has placed a heavy burden upon the emerging worlds, one that may be enough to crush them. The taxation is premature, widespread, and harsh. Many worlds will resist, and rebellion will ensue."

"When our conquered peasants heard they had a new master, they simply shrugged their shoulders and accepted it. But when our conquered peasants heard they had to hand over a fifth of their income, they would raise their pitchforks."

So, when Horus betrayed, and when he called for the overthrow of Terra's tyranny, he gained support from many worlds.

In fact, the Astartes Legion, which was designed as a weapon of war, had no obligation to supply the Imperial Fleet; they were the recipients of supplies.

Even in the future, the home worlds of the various Astartes Chapters would be exceptionally tax-free, with the only items to be surrendered being gene-seeds.

But Nimrod agreed to Malcador's request and took on the additional responsibility.

On the one hand, it stems from his confidence in the production capacity of the world under his command, his shadow of order, and the extraordinary people he cultivated.

On the other hand, the supply fleet will also bring more specialties from the world, and he will have the opportunity to obtain more potion materials, and he will take corresponding measures.

Malcador was stunned when he heard this. Nimrod actually agreed. A gleam of light flashed in his eyes.

"Nimrod, what do you want? Just tell me."

"My fleet needs a resupply point in the Solar Segmentum. One of my psykers, Marlena Skalla, divined a world connected to my destiny, Necromunda."

Necromunda is the largest hive world in the future empire, with thousands of hive cities on it, and its production capacity is comparable to the sum of several or even dozens of hive worlds or civilized worlds.

If Nimrod could conquer Necromunda, he would not only gain a strategic foothold in the Solar System, but the production capacity he gained would also be able to make up for the consumption to a considerable extent.

As for the prophecy, it was of course a reason made up by Nimrod, an excuse for him to know about this undiscovered world.

"But she couldn't divine the star map to this world." Nimrod looked at Malcador. "I've heard that you're a powerful psyker. I hope you can give me some enlightenment."

Malcador had not expected that Nimrod's request was only to deduce the star map to Necromunda, which was something he could do, and it was even easier than improving the supply capacity which could not be improved in a short time.

"No problem. Come to the observatory tomorrow and I will perform divination for you."

"Afterwards, we will discuss in detail and finalize the scope of the supply."

Feeling a little relieved, Malcador couldn't help but smile from the bottom of his heart. He stood up and raised the glass in his hand.

"Men, let us drink to the generosity of the Primarch and the sacrifices of the people of Vostroya."

"The Empire will remember their sacrifice and dedication."

Many officials and nobles hurriedly raised their glasses and drank the sweet wine in the glasses along with the two most powerful men in the empire.

The next day, Nimrod came to the observatory in the northeast corner of the Terra Palace.

(End of this chapter)