The Imperial Ecclesiarchy

Bayev reminded him, "Have you forgotten that your body needs to be examined? Come to the cathedral with me later."

At Bayev's reminder, Ron finally remembered.

He had indeed promised to see Bishop Dony about the problems with his body.

Looking at Bayev's respectful yet resolute manner, Ron understood.

This senior steward still had not fully trusted him.

But it was understandable. After all, he had been attacked by Chaos Heresy and lost his memory.

His behavior had also become strange. Anyone would have been suspicious.

That was why Bayev insisted on taking him to the Ecclesiarchy Cathedral for an examination.

If there truly was something wrong with him, the Ecclesiarchy's Chaplains naturally had ways to tell.

Bayev himself had been anxious and conflicted. What would he do if they really found something?

Lord Ron was the only remaining bloodline of Grant House. If something happened to him, the House would cease to exist.

When that time came, where would people like them go?

Bayev had been suffering through these past two days, but in the end, he still chose to ask Lord Ron to undergo testing.

No matter the result, even if Lord Ron had come to worship Daemons, he would still offer his Loyalty!

"My lord?"

Bayev waited nervously for Ron's response, afraid he would refuse.

"Let's go..."

Ron nodded and accepted Bayev's request.

It was a good thing. He could use this opportunity to dispel everyone's doubts and firmly establish his identity.

Bayev was his senior steward and most loyal confidant, holding considerable power and many secrets.

If he did not eliminate Bayev's suspicions, there would be plenty of trouble when handling matters later.

As for whether they would find anything wrong, Ron was not afraid in the slightest.

His soul had already completely fused with Ron Grant's. No matter who examined him, they would be convinced they were one person.

He would treat it as a chance to go out and clear his head.

Perhaps he might even find inspiration to solve his current predicament.

Receiving the Governor's answer, Bayev immediately breathed a sigh of relief. "Please follow me. Bishop Dony is waiting for you."

Ron followed Bayev out and took the opportunity to ask him a few questions.

They concerned the current power structure and degree of control within the Palatine District.

In truth, Ron's authority was very stable now, at least within his territory.

After the rebellion ended, Bayev had received authorization to carry out a Great Purge.

He took the opportunity to eliminate both the opposition and all manner of personnel the Imperium had stationed on the planet.

He classified them as casualties of the Heresy rebellion, claiming they had tragically died fighting the Heresy.

Ron looked at the somewhat kind-faced steward before him and could only marvel inwardly.

This guy went around saying "God-Emperor above" all day long. How was he this disloyal?

Then again, Bayev was Grant House's most loyal servant. His mission was to serve and protect the House's sole bloodline.

Any factor harmful to Ron had to be eliminated!

Without Bayev, Ron might not even have lived until now.

All Ron could do was offer his approval. "Well done."

"It is good that you understand." Bayev remained deeply respectful. "Everything is for the continuation of the Grant bloodline."

Overall, Bayev was an exceptionally competent senior steward—indeed, extraordinarily so.

Without him, the Palatine District might have fallen long ago.

Bayev had even prepared plans in advance for the food and material shortages currently troubling Ron.

According to his plan, the Palatine District would implement even stricter controls.

For the greater good, some people would be sacrificed. Useless laborers would be purged, and resources such as the protein and water in their bodies would be reclaimed to sustain the military.

This would allow the Palatine District to endure for several more decades.

By then, the Warp Storm should have subsided, and the Palatine District would restore communication with the outside world and seek a solution to its predicament.

It would be even better if they could wait for rescue from the Imperium.

But Ron rejected Bayev's proposal.

Once implemented, it would inflict even greater suffering upon the people of the territory, and countless people would die.

If so, how would they differ from Homan House and those savage Warbands?

He could not accept that.

Besides, he knew the Great Rift would last far longer.

At this moment, at the far eastern edge of the Galaxy, Macragge, homeworld of the Ultramarines, should have been drowning in blood and war.

The Ultramarines would repel the forces of Chaos and resurrect their genetic Primarch in the Sanctuary—the Lord of Ultramar, the Emperor's thirteenth son—Roboute Guilliman.

After awakening, Roboute Guilliman would become the Lord Regent of the Imperium and launch The Unyielding Crusade to liberate the many worlds trapped within Imperium Nihilus.

But all of that would take a long time. Earth Planet likely could not wait that long.

Implementing Bayev's plan would merely buy some time. The result would remain the same.

Ron had a better solution, but he had encountered an obstacle.

Just as Ron pondered how to kindle hope among the suffering populace, Bayev's voice interrupted him.

"My lord, we're here..."

The Hover Car stopped at the foot of the steps leading to the Ecclesiarchy Cathedral in the Palatine District.

The cathedral was built of Blackstone and heavy metal, its exterior covered in statues depicting scenes from Imperial history and images of Saints.

At its summit stood an enormous stained-glass Dome, glittering beneath the fierce sunlight.

Ron stepped out of the car and gazed at the majestic cathedral, which carried a faint air of sanctity. He could not help but feel moved.

As expected of the Imperial Ecclesiarchy. The moment he stepped out, he could feel that solemn, mysterious atmosphere.

It was just a little deserted. There was hardly anyone in sight.

He could not help glancing at Bayev. This guy had not purged this place too, had he?

As the Imperium's designated sole faith, the Imperial Ecclesiarchy was one of the most important organizations within the Imperium of Man.

The Imperial Ecclesiarchy, or simply the Ecclesiarchy, was responsible for spreading and preserving the faith that recognized the great Emperor as the one true god.

The Ecclesiarchy's organization was immense, stationed across millions of Imperial worlds and guiding countless Imperial citizens as believers.

Its headquarters lay in Antarctica on Holy Terra, where that religious city nearly covered the entire continent.

Founded upon the worship of the Emperor, the Ecclesiarchy spread its doctrines and maintained powerful armed forces to defend the faith.

Those fanatical Chaplains carried scripture in their left hands, guns in their right, and Chainswords on their backs.

Anyone who desecrated the Emperor would face the harshest judgment!

With the Ecclesiarchy's military strength, it should have been difficult for the Palatine District to purge it, right?

Besides, purging the God-Emperor's most loyal servants would be the height of blasphemy!

Gods truly existed in this world, and the God-Emperor was a being like a god.

The chance was tiny, but what if the God-Emperor got angry and sent down divine punishment or something? Who could withstand that?

Ron looked at Bayev, his eyes full of confusion.

What exactly was going on?