Continuation of the War of the Apocalypse

Augustus truly understood just how much Kerrigan had missed him when he saw the mountain of documents. It was more terrifying than ten thousand Zerg charging with roaring cries; he would rather draw his blade against fanatical Templar Knights than face this cruel reality before him.

But setting aside the mountain of government affairs, Augustus was still quite happy to remain in the Imperial Palace.

The walls of his office were inset with mahogany paneling. A comforting fragrance drifted from the warm fireplace, and beyond the half-open windows lay a clear blue sky. It was quiet here, offering a comfortable, reassuring sense of safety.

Augustus had slept well the night before and woke feeling refreshed, with a healthy appetite. His youngest daughter, Charlotte, had already learned to speak, which improved his mood considerably.

After returning, the first matters Augustus handled were the pensions and various subsidies following the Battle of Aiur. At the same time, he ensured that his subordinates carried out, with meticulous care, the compensation for soldiers' widows and the resettlement of the vast numbers of wounded and disabled soldiers. Since the casualty figures were so immense they could scarcely be released to the public, the follow-up work was extraordinarily difficult as well.

Handling these matters left Augustus utterly exhausted and constantly saddened.

Yet in just a single day, a great deal more unprocessed government business had piled up.

In the Terran Empire, the Emperor was also called the Supreme, holding ultimate political and military authority. These matters had to be personally reviewed and approved by him before any decisions could be made.

Governors across the Empire also reported directly to the Emperor. Their reports varied greatly in importance and urgency, yet Augustus had to review every one of them. Thus, whether their matters were important or not,