The Primarch Comes Calling!

Viktor left.

Yet the problem that had been troubling Alvin all along had not diminished in the slightest. Instead, after this meeting, it had only multiplied.

His thoughts were tangled like a mess of yarn. He felt as though he were sinking into a mire, being swallowed bit by bit, yet utterly helpless to do anything about it.

Only his breathing remained in the ward.

Terrax stood silently in the corner like a lifeless stone statue. Following Viktor's orders, he stayed close to his assigned target and protected him.

Before long, Alvin's ward welcomed its second visitor—the Primarch, Lord of the Thirteenth Legion, and Imperial Regent, Robert Guilliman.

Guilliman strode into the ward, his gaze immediately falling on the Adeptus Custodes member. "Terrax Aurian?"

"So that's how it is. Having you responsible for his safety is indeed the most appropriate arrangement. I have something important to discuss with Duke Valshius. Leave for a moment."

"My lord Regent."

Terrax inclined his head slightly to show his respect, but his feet remained firmly planted where they were. He had not the slightest intention of leaving.

Guilliman's brow twitched, and a trace of authority entered his voice as he emphasized, "I am the Imperial Regent!"

Terrax wore the helmet of the Adeptus Custodes, so his expression could not be seen, but his tone remained just as firm. He did not give the Regent the slightest bit of face. "The Adeptus Custodes obey only the will of the Marshal and the Emperor. Protecting Duke Alvin Valshius is an order personally issued by the Marshal. Forgive me, my lord Regent, but I cannot obey your command."

The Adeptus Custodes truly were stones in a latrine—calling them foul-smelling and hard was no exaggeration!

Guilliman was so angry that he laughed. "Do you think I would threaten