All Parties

Under Magos Ovilia's explanation and persuasion, Chen Xi gave up on the idea of creating a Forge World of his own.

But the thought of building Magos Ovilia a furnace and Forge Ark so she could provide him with all manner of weapons and equipment still burned fiercely within him.

After all, as a traditional Terran, Chen Xi could never allow his logistics to be controlled by others, with all weapons and equipment supplies dependent on purchases.

Magos Ovilia was clearly very interested in having her own furnace and Forge Ark as well, so the two immediately hit it off. They reached an agreement: Ovilia would first help Chen Xi develop Rostov II, and Chen Xi would then help Ovilia build a furnace on one of Rostov II's moons and acquire a Forge Ark for her.

Only after the two had reached their agreement did Ovilia remove the soundproof field. Though the others waiting nearby were curious about what the Magos and the Governor had discussed, Chen Xi's identity as an Inquisitor was undoubtedly enough to make them abandon any attempt to pry.

After all, this was merely a newly developed, remote Imperial colonial world. There were no foolish nobles here eager to pit themselves against the Inquisition.

After reaching the agreement with Magos Ovilia, Chen Xi, in his capacity as Governor, met the other important figures on the planet.

"Governor, this is General Gregory of the Planetary Defense Force. He is responsible for the force's primary command and training." Rachel stood beside Chen Xi, dutifully introducing the various people before him.

"Salutations, esteemed Inquisitor!" Gregory, dressed in a crisp formal military uniform, saluted Chen Xi. Yet he addressed him not as Governor, but as Inquisitor.

Chen Xi studied him briefly and noticed a Mortalis Aquila pinned to his chest. Smiling, he asked, "Did you once serve in the Astra Militarum?"

"Yes. I served as a major in the Astra Militarum's Valhallan 514th, though that was seventy years ago." As Gregory answered Chen Xi, he proudly straightened his chest.

There was only a single Mortalis Aquila there. Though the medal was mockingly called the "Boring Hero," it still symbolized courage, glory, and abilities and qualities surpassing those of ordinary Astra Militarum soldiers.

Earning that medal was enough to prove that Gregory had once been an outstanding Astra Militarum officer.

This pleased Chen Xi greatly, but he also noticed the word Gregory had mentioned: Valhalla.

"Valhalla? You were Valhallan Ice Warriors?" Chen Xi looked surprised. He had not expected the retired Astra Militarum soldiers on this planet to come from that regiment. "Then this planet must be vastly different from your homeworld. Have you had trouble adapting?"

"During our service to the Imperium as Astra Militarum soldiers, we visited many worlds. Most were utterly different from our homeland, so we became accustomed to such things long ago." Gregory spoke calmly, but Chen Xi still read longing for his homeland in his eyes.

Normally, an Astra Militarum soldier served the Imperium for twenty years. During that time, they had almost no opportunity to return to their homeworld.

Once their twenty-year term ended, the Departmento Munitorum would generally discharge them as a group on the spot, settling them on the Imperial World where they were stationed and directly turning the regiment's command echelon into the local ruling class.

For example, a regimental colonel could obtain the post of Planetary Governor, while officers at every level would swiftly replace the previous holders of various important positions on the planet.

Of course, to receive such treatment, they first had to survive battlefields where the average life expectancy was fifteen hours.

"Rostov II embodies so many years of your efforts. I hope it has become your new home." Chen Xi said nothing more, merely nodding to Gregory.

"Salutations, esteemed Governor! I am your court treasurer. You may call me Ochumelov." A fat man who looked slippery at first glance stepped before Chen Xi and respectfully bowed before Rachel could introduce him.

Looking at this fat man, who perfectly matched Chen Xi's stereotype of a treasurer, Chen Xi did not underestimate him.

Instead, he gave him a slight nod and said, "As court treasurer, I hope you are prepared to fulfill your duties. I do not yet understand this planet's financial condition. I hope you can compile a brief report on the current planetary finances and submit it to me as soon as possible, so that we may make future financial plans."

"That is my duty. Please rest assured, the report will be on your desk within three days." Although Ochumelov appeared slippery, he did not seem to be a useless fool.

Chen Xi seemed very satisfied with his attitude. He even patted the man's shoulder warmly, showing trust and familiarity.

After those two, other notable figures of the planet came forward to pay their respects to Chen Xi, but most were not worth remembering in particular.

At least, Rachel did not take the initiative to introduce them, which indicated that they were not important figures.

After them came a priest of the Ministorum. Only after saluting Chen Xi did he speak. "Salutations, esteemed Governor. Bishop is advanced in years and unable to come in person, so he has instructed me to convey his apologies and offer his congratulations on your appointment as Planetary Governor.

"If you are willing to spare the time to visit the Ministorum Cathedral, His Excellency the Bishop is willing to personally hold a Mass for you. May you receive the Emperor's protection."

"Please convey my thanks to His Excellency the Bishop, and thank him for his blessings." Chen Xi showed considerable respect and enthusiasm toward the Ministorum. "If the Ministorum requires anything, please do not hesitate to speak. Spreading faith in the great God-Emperor is the responsibility of every one of us."

"Your devotion shines as brightly as the stars!" The priest seemed delighted that the new Governor was a devout man, but he said no more. After offering Chen Xi his blessings, he withdrew to one side.

However, the priest still emphasized that he hoped Chen Xi would visit the Ministorum Cathedral when he had time.

Chen Xi naturally kept that in mind. After all, in the Warhammer universe, believing in the Emperor was genuinely useful, and the Ministorum truly could ward off evil!

If he did not want some Chaos abominations sprouting up on his planet, he needed to maintain good relations with the Ministorum and support them vigorously.

Of course, he also needed to carefully distinguish between the Ministorum's factions and avoid allowing any extremist groups to mix in.

Some of the Ministorum's extremist factions were even more deranged than Chaos cults. Indeed, many of their actions were hardly any better than those of cultists.