Let's eat first.
For Kasgar, an ordinary Space Marine, to be included in such a lavish banquet was admittedly rather strange.
He did not understand why he had been invited either.
But the food really was delicious.
Still, seated among a group of towering primarchs, he felt somewhat out of place.
Though his height of two and a half meters was not short, once he was thrown into a crowd of primarchs averaging over four meters tall, he truly seemed dwarfed by comparison.
Especially Vulkan, the Lord of the Fire Dragons, beside him.
He was practically twice Kasgar's size. Even sitting down, Kasgar felt as though a mountain-like shadow was cast over him.
Kasgar somewhat wanted to sit at the children's table.
The banquet proceeded pleasantly.
Yet for some reason, the Lord of the Second Legion never appeared.
Perhaps because the Lord of the Second Legion was absent, the Emperor did not speak much about the appointment of a Warmaster. He merely asked the primarchs who already had Expeditionary Fleets about the progress of the Great Crusade.
Perhaps rather than a banquet, this gathering was better described as a Great Crusade performance review.
"Not bad."
"Horus, you and your legion have never disappointed me."
Though his face could not be seen, the praise in that voice, carrying a faintly sacred echo, was unmistakable.
"Father, as the First Returned Son, it is only right that I do so."
Horus seemed greatly pleased.
As for the Space Wolves, Iron Hands, Salamanders, and Imperial Fists who had already joined the expeditions, the Emperor likewise gave high praise to each of their actions.
The overall tone of the banquet was one of celebration.
After all, the primarchs who had returned so far were each more reassuring than the last.
There would be none of