The Imperial Frontier: Governor

I must admit, the Governor's residence is truly beautiful. Unlike the pure extravagance, severity, and solemnity found in most Imperial government buildings—which often resemble cathedrals, fortresses, or palaces—this estate is entirely different.

It is a work of art. I can say with confidence that this sizable mansion is impeccably decorated. A palette of teal, sea blue, and slate gray defines the architecture, filled with exquisite artistic flourishes like murals, elegant sculptures, and fine furniture. Combined with lush greenery, these elements transform the space into a temple of art.

Unlike the vast majority of Imperial architecture, the feeling here is not one of majesty or oppression, but rather a sense of relaxation and unique comfort.

Green vines climb the marble pillars, which are themselves ornate and graceful. On a table nearby sits a delicate long-necked glass, accompanied by a full set of tea service.

Vito examines the interior decor with keen interest, particularly admiring a specimen of an elegant bird with brilliant plumage displayed on a cabinet. I must say, he greatly appreciates the owner's aesthetic. Hmm, perhaps he should redecorate his own quarters once he returns to the Infinite Frontier.

Vito follows Henry through an arched doorway, traversing the side hall of the building until they reach a small sunroom. Unfortunately, it is nighttime, so there is no sunlight to be found.

Vito notices a portrait hanging on the wall—a family picture featuring a young, handsome, and beautiful couple, along with their lovely daughter.

Vito studies the little girl with gray-green hair. She is sitting on her father's lap, the family captured in a garden setting. Her eyes, clearly inherited from her mother, are beautiful and vivid.

"Sir, please hand over your weapons." Vito's appreciation is interrupted as two guards approach. One signals for Vito to stop, and the latter complies. The guard nods to Vito with polite courtesy.

Vito looks at Henry, who has already handed his holster to the second guard. Vito shrugs slightly, unbuckles his own holster, and passes it over. The heavy Bolter leaves his body. Vito then opens his coat and hands over the two laser pistols concealed beneath.

The guard, dressed in evening attire and acting with elegance and courtesy, nods in thanks. He hands the weapons to his partner and retrieves a small scanner from his belt.

"Sir, we need to scan your implants for classification. Please understand." "Of course, of course, go ahead." Vito says with a smile, raising his arms to submit to the security scan.

The guard performs a professional full-body scan, then checks the display. He looks at the results with a puzzled expression before meeting Vito's eyes. "Sir, our equipment is unable to scan certain parts. Could you explain?"

"Perhaps my implants aren't within your scanner's compatibility range? Some of the materials are quite unique." Vito jokes, gesturing toward his crotch. "Like down here?"

The guard is clearly not amused, staring at Vito with a stern expression. "Sir, we need to conduct a further inspection. Please come this way—" "No, Captain, that won't be necessary."

A voice speaks up. The guard looks toward the source, and Vito follows his gaze. A man in a black suit is descending the arched staircase to their side. He wears a smile and appears quite friendly.

The guard nods affirmatively and steps aside without a word of protest. The friendly man walks over, smiling at Vito, and extends a hand. Naturally, Vito shakes it.

"I have heard much about you, Mr. Vito Constantine. Do you know who I am?" the man asks with a smile. Vito returns the smile and nods slightly. "Of course. Who wouldn't know the Planetary Governor, Lord Luwen?"

As Vito speaks, he notices a pin on a delicate tray on a nearby table—a silver pin featuring a coiled Silver Snake and a blooming rose.

Hmm. How interesting.

Governor Luwen Caen Jonson smiles and waves his hand to dismiss the guards. The two guards walk into the archway without a word—no persuasion, no warnings, only absolute obedience.

Luwen looks at Henry, offering a slight smile and a nod of respect to the Lower Hive leader. "Thank you, Brother Henry. Now, please allow me a moment to speak with Brother Vito in private."

"As you wish, My Lord Bishop." Henry bows expressionlessly and walks into the archway. Vito watches him with amusement; he can tell there isn't a shred of genuine respect in that bow.

Luwen chuckles, watching Henry's retreating back. "Brother Henry doesn't like me much. That's normal. He's been in the Lower Hive too long; he doesn't look kindly on anyone from the Upper Hive."

"And you, Mr. Vito? What do you think of me?" Luwen maintains his polite smile. It must be said, he is very profound; an ordinary person would never see what lies beneath that radiant expression.

Vito tilts his head slightly, then shrugs. "A man of deep mystery who enjoys playing power games, just like any competent Planetary Governor."

"I'll take that as a compliment, Vito." The Governor pats his shoulder with a smile and gestures for Vito to follow. "Come, walk with me."

Luwen pushes open the double doors on the side of the sunroom and steps out. Vito casually picks up the Silver Snake and rose pin from the table, tucking it into his coat. He follows naturally, and the two descend a set of curved stairs into the private garden in the back.

Like Luwen's architecture, this place is highly artistic and aesthetic. The plants and trees are meticulously cared for, the shrubbery is perfectly trimmed, and beautiful flowers bloom between the grass and bushes. The enchanting fragrance, highlighted by the moonlight, makes the garden feel dreamlike.

The two walk along a gravel path. Luwen admires his garden, brushing his hand over the flowers and leaves as if an artist were inspecting his latest masterpiece.

"How much do you know about me, Mr. Vito?" "Hmm, not much. Just that you took power by overthrowing the previous Governor in a coup."

Luwen laughs with pleasure and nods in satisfaction. "To most ordinary Imperial citizens, the former Governor—my brother—died in a retaliatory assassination by a Chaos cult. But clearly, Mr. Vito, you are no ordinary person."

Vito smiles and nods slightly. "Indeed, I am certainly not an ordinary person."

Luwen stops as they enter a small garden pavilion. The Governor turns to the side, looking at Vito in thought for a moment. "I must admit, Mr. Vito, I don't know you yet. I mean, your past and your true identity."

Vito smiles and nods slightly. "But I imagine you also know I am not from Victoria." "You are honest, Vito. I appreciate that. But precisely because of that, I can tell you: I do not trust you."

As Luwen speaks, he turns to face Vito. The latter notices that Luwen now holds a weapon—an ornate laser pistol.

"You see, Mr. Vito, if we don't trust someone, the best way to handle it is to resolve the trouble. Don't you agree?" Luwen smiles coldly, the dark muzzle pointed at Vito's chest, seemingly ready to erupt in flame at any moment.

But Vito remains unexpectedly calm, smiling with an air of indifference. "Indeed. But if both parties share common interests, perhaps temporary suspicion can be set aside? Or at least, put on hold."

"I am all ears, Mr. Vito. Please, continue." Luwen says, his finger still resting on the trigger.

Vito stands with his hands behind his back, composed and steady. "You see, Luwen, you killed your brother and seized power. You enjoy chasing power and fame, and so do I. I joined the Devout Society for the same reason you did—not out of faith, but to chase the same things."

He smiles. "Power, money, and fame are perhaps the most charming and tempting things in this world. These fatal temptations always attract people to join the game, one after another."

"And you and I are very good players in this game." Luwen says approvingly. "I cooperate with the Devout Society. I was always the second son. Father never saw me as an heir, or even a competent son. He poured all his attention and heart into my elder brother."

"And precisely because of that, he made a huge mistake: he ignored a dangerous element full of resentment and jealousy toward him. He left this dangerous element on the shelf, which eventually led to disaster."

Luwen smiles. "I admire your method of using Crimson Essence to take the factory, Vito. I also know you framed—or at least allowed—Mosley to die, thereby seizing actual control of the Lower Hive, including Henry's."

He studies the outsider with appreciation. "You and I are both dangerous elements. My father ignored this, and it led to disaster. So why should I ignore it?"

Vito continues to smile, shaking his head slightly. "No, you certainly shouldn't. But sometimes, dangerous elements can bring considerable benefits. You see, Luwen, we are both dangerous people, which means we are threats to each other."

"You certainly need to guard against me, but you also know very well that I can bring you more benefits now. I know that, like me, you are competing for power within the upper echelons of the Devout Society, against the other bishops."

Luwen smiles, an appreciative smile. "You are right, Vito. I am competing for power with others. But what does that mean?" "It means you need an ally—an ally as dangerous as you, who understands how to use power and cunning."

Vito raises a hand, waving it slightly. "Historically, while the Upper Hive and Lower Hive may not like each other, their political and power relationships are incredibly tight. They cooperate and check each other, pushing some to the peak while others fall to the bottom."

"Henry is not good at this; he is too honest, Governor Luwen. But I, I think I am quite good at it." Vito smiles coldly. "I have already handed in a satisfactory answer, haven't I? I need you to help me take power in the Lower Hive, and I will help you take the Upper Hive."

"You and I both need to be wary of each other. We are both dangerous people. We will cooperate, we will be partners, but we will also guard against one another and betray each other when the need arises. But for now, Governor, our interests appear to be perfectly aligned."

Luwen looked at the man before him—this smiling man who completely ignored the laser pistol, speaking with calm composure.

"So, what do you say?" Vito asked with a smile. Luwen chuckled, lowered his weapon, and watched the man before him with extreme satisfaction. "You are quite right, Vito. A perfect answer."

He smiled and holstered his pistol. "I think we have reached this... dangerous alliance, for the time being." "Excellent."

Vito watched Luwen tuck the laser pistol into his belt, then tilted his head with interest. "Have you joined the family?" "No, I haven't, my friend. Just like you, I never consume Crimson Essence, nor have I joined them. I have no desire to have my mind influenced by those monsters and freaks."

He said with a smile, "That is why Henry dislikes me, and many in the upper echelons of the Devout Society dislike me. In their eyes, we are outsiders, heretics, and non-believers. But ironically, they need our cooperation, so yes, we still hold high positions."

"Do you believe in the Lord of Redemption? Regarding that strange faith?" "No, of course not. I know the Lord of Redemption is a powerful void entity, much like Chaos. I also know He is coming, and I know He will not focus His attention on just one planet."

"Like most rulers, whether they are gods or not, they need people to help them manage their territory, just as The Emperor appoints Planetary Governors. So yes, Vito, I hope, and I am certain, that after He arrives, He will continue to let me manage the entire system."

"I will continue to serve as Governor, no longer constrained by the Imperial Administratum. From now until eternity, my family and my power will rule this sector."

Vito smiled silently, a look of irony and absurdity in his eyes. He did not let Luwen notice; clearly, this idiot had no idea that this "Lord of Redemption" was coming to devour everything, turn it into biomass, and move on to the next meal.

He would not let you rule, nor would He grant you power—not to anyone. The only ending is to become a feast.

Beep, beep, beep, beep.

A pleasant chime from a communicator suddenly rang out. Luwen looked at the small wrist-mounted device, smiled at Vito, and said, "It must be something important; otherwise, they know better than to disturb me."

Vito nodded slightly, signaling for Luwen to proceed. The latter opened the communicator, and a green soundwave pattern appeared on the screen, immediately beginning to pulse.

"My apologies, My Lord, there is an emergency that must be reported." "Speak." "The main Crimson Essence production factory has been destroyed. There are no survivors. We still do not know who is responsible. All production machinery and inventory have been destroyed."

Luwen fell silent. Vito observed his micro-expressions, but the latter seemed to have no reaction. "Very well, I understand."

The Governor turned off the communicator and turned to Vito. "It seems Mosley was kidnapped. Among the missing, only he knew the location of the factory." "It appears your plan came with some not-insignificant collateral damage, Mr. Vito."

Vito chuckled and waved a hand. "Mr. Governor, pray tell, was the main Crimson Essence factory in our hands?"

His words made Luwen laugh; he understood the implication perfectly. He then revealed a satisfied smile. "Ah, that was in the hands of dear Lupical, my beloved colleague from the upper Convent. If I recall correctly, he should have been at the factory. It seems we are both rid of a nuisance."

"Not only that, the only place capable of rebuilding the Crimson Essence factory without attracting undue attention is the Hammer Factory, and the Hammer Factory is located in..."

Vito smiled, and Luwen smiled back. He patted Vito on the shoulder, very, very satisfied. "An excellent plan, Mr. Vito. Truly excellent."

"Now, tell me, who do you think carried out the attack?" The Governor sat on a bench to the side, one arm resting on the backrest under the moonlight.

Vito shrugged slightly, as if he had known all along. "Mal Hammer kidnapped Mosley, but he is a man of unreasonable piety, so it is unlikely he would use torture to force the location out of him."

"But the Empire possesses a technology that can extract memories directly from the brain. Luwen, do you know where that is?" Vito looked at Luwen, who revealed a sneer and sighed slightly. "The Adeptus Arbites, of course. They are very skilled in such matters. And coincidentally, the Lord Arbiter of the Adeptus Arbites remains our opponent to this day."

Luwen let out a long sigh, appearing very helpless. "You see, Vito, the Empire really does have such dutiful, loyal people. I have bribed the Cardinal of the Ecclesiarchy, I have bribed many officials in the Planetary Defense Force and the Administratum, but him? I cannot bribe him."

"Do you know how I bribed the Cardinal?" Luwen revealed a playful smile. Vito shook his head. "I don't. Care to tell me?" "Haha, of course. My men discovered the Cardinal in a brothel I control and took pictures. It is quite surprising, really, that the Cardinal has such an interest in young boys."

Luwen smiled helplessly, full of irony. "I used this as leverage to bribe the Cardinal, which is why his people go to the Underhive to influence the preaching, and why he stands by my side at the planetary meetings."

"But the Lord Arbiter, he has almost no dirt or scandals. He is clean in the literal sense. And under the leadership of this good man, the Adeptus Arbites is filled with loyalists. My attempts to infiltrate them have failed several times, and he has hindered me on many issues."

Luwen scratched his head. "So, naturally, Mal collaborated with our opponent out of a sense of crisis. He knows that the Underhive Convent is backed by me and the noble families of the Devout Society in the Mid Hive, so he would naturally seek to cooperate with our rivals."

"Do you think the Adeptus Arbites organized the raid?" Luwen asked. Vito shook his head. "No, of course not. The enforcement troops of the Adeptus Arbites are all in the Mid and Upper Hives. A mobilization of that scale would not have escaped our notice, so it wasn't him."

"It was the Syndicate."

"Killing the hound once the hare is caught?" Luwen asked. Vito smiled. "When the lips are gone, the teeth are cold."

The Hammer Gang clearly lacks the capability to launch such an attack now; they have been struggling to survive for a long time. And as Vito said, as an official institution, the Adeptus Arbites could not possibly move such a large amount of weapons and personnel without being detected by the upper levels, which are riddled with Devout Society infiltrators.

So, guess who will be the next to be eliminated by the Devout Society if the Hammer Gang is wiped out? Besides the Adeptus Arbites, who else possesses sufficient strike power and harbors such vigilance and hostility toward them?

Luwen laughed, then stood up and walked past Vito. He looked at his garden with a smile. "It seems our 'good men' finally couldn't sit still, and the moment they acted, they sent us a grand gift."

Vito smiled as well. "If he sits there any longer, he will be finished himself." "Indeed, he truly cannot live that long. A cornered beast will always struggle. Are you under pressure?" "I am, but I can handle it."

"Very good. It turns out, Mr. Vito, that you are an excellent chess player and partner."

Luwen turned and extended a hand. "Welcome aboard. I will arrange for you to meet the other colleagues as soon as possible. We will get you integrated with us shortly."

Vito smiled and shook the Governor's hand. "It is an honor, a great honor."

"Are you finished talking?" Henry asked. He stood by the car that had brought them, watching Vito walk out of the house, his weapons already strapped back on.

Vito smiled slightly and patted Henry on the shoulder. "Yes, we're done. The result is good."

Vito leaned his head into the car and shouted to the driver, "Buddy, do me a favor. Do you know how to get to the Shaman Club?" "Of course, sir."

Vito straightened his collar and pulled a beautiful necktie from his coat. "Before you take Henry back, do me a favor and drop me off there."

"I have a date tonight."