"Tomorrow, the Empire Will Open Two New Space Gates Simultaneously"

"Tomorrow, the Empire will open two new Space Gates simultaneously."

"Mm."

A deep reply echoed through the empty hall, like the lingering resonance of an ancient bell, dispelling the slight levity brought by Halsey's teasing.

The source of the voice was Sui Yang, standing in the center of the hall.

He wore a luxurious outer robe of deep black, embroidered with the Imperial dragon crest in brilliant gold thread. His frame was majestic; simply standing there, he seemed to be the center of the entire universe.

Yet utterly at odds with what should have been a relaxing celebration, dozens of Hardlight screens emitting a soft white glow "surrounded" him.

Dense streams of data flowed across those screens at astonishing speed: complex strategic star maps, real-time surveillance feeds of critical nodes across various universes, and analytical reports on resource allocation, public sentiment, even Warp energy fluctuations.

Clearly, even on this "birthday," when the entire nation celebrated and his Offspring gathered together, the supreme ruler of the Imperium of Man had not truly stepped away for even a moment from the weighty responsibilities sustaining the fate of trillions of lives.

Halsey seemed long accustomed to the sight.

She calmly passed through the "curtain" of light and data, stopped slightly behind Sui Yang's side, and dipped her head in a simple yet respectful salute.

Then she raised her head, swept her gaze across the dazzling screens, and asked in her characteristic teasing tone:

"Why did you suddenly decide to hold such a grand birthday banquet? Your Majesty, as far as I remember, I've never seen you organize such a 'major affair' for a celebration before."

Sui Yang's gaze remained on the constantly refreshing data. He merely glanced at her from the corner of his eye, his gaze as deep as a sea of