I Won't Be the Executioner, But I Definitely Need the Cow

The Emperor, the Sigillite Malcador, Constantin Valdor, commander of the Adeptus Custodes, and the Fabricator-General of Mars walked into the Golden Palace in silence.

After accepting their salutes, The Emperor's gaze swept over the primarchs and settled on Constantin.

Constantin understood. He turned slightly, held the Spear of the Sun, and spoke.

"After Hannibal and the Faceless Ones returned to their homeworld, they continued to keep xenos in private."

"They released herds of Orks into the Lecter Mountains, and grazed Aeldari hunting packs through the desolate forests..."

"They tacitly allowed the xenos to attack outsiders. Among the dead were one Magos of the Adeptus Mechanicus, fifteen Tech-Priests, and more than a hundred Apprentices."

The Fabricator-General of Mars's Mechadendrites snapped and twitched, and the Sonic Array Device let out a piercing sound.

"Hannibal committed blasphemous atrocities against the faithful of the Omnissiah. He must atone with his death."

Horus Lupercal frowned slightly at that. He had originally wanted to plead on Hannibal's behalf, but now he could not speak.

He had to consider the Adeptus Mechanicus's attitude. It would be unwise to draw their hatred.

"Hannibal will be punished." The Emperor's gaze swept over the primarchs. "He and his legion will stand judgment."

"All who cross the line will be punished."

When Sanguinius heard that, he trembled faintly.

A chill ran through him, and a thought arose of its own accord: The Emperor's concerns far exceeded the personal needs of his sons.

As Sanguinius stood in fear, The Old Man in Yellow's gaze swept over the silent primarchs one by one.

Fulgrim, Magnus, and Perturabo saw before their eyes the tragedy of a father killing his son.

Konrad Curze folded his arms like the closing wings of a vulture, grief showing on his pale face.

Jaghatai's slender body slid backward like