Five-Year Plan

People are wise to know their own limitations. Even though all the Primarchs had seen through the true face of Emperor, they were still divided into factions.

The Filial Sons Alliance, led by Hogg, formed one faction; the Lion and Guilliman, who held both manpower and authority, formed another; while Horus, The Angel, and the Wolf King, who remained relatively loyal, formed a third. Each group harbored its own hidden agenda.

Watching Hogg kneeling before him and begging for mercy, Emperor felt he had been too hasty. He should have corrected the boy properly back then; otherwise, once he was truly unable to move, wouldn't this rebellious son be standing on his head and pissing?

Calling a halt to the Astartes who were still beating Ollanius Persson, Emperor walked up to this old subordinate who had once enjoyed his deep trust. He pressed a hand onto him, his eyes glowing with light as he offered comfort:

"My friend, look at these rebellious sons—they are truly hopeless. I have felt such anxiety in the days without you. Come back! As long as you return, we can create glory once more, just as we did ten thousand years ago."

"Neoth, do you truly not blame me? It was I who chose to rebel back then!"

Emperor thought to himself that this man was truly sentimental. I've already asked you to come back, and you're still asking if I blame you? But in order to squeeze out his remaining value, he continued to cajole him:

"My friend, you know me best. You, I, and Malcador are the true iron triangle. How could I possibly lie to you?"

In truth, Ollanius Persson held no resentment toward Emperor at all. Otherwise, he would not have fled control after encountering Malice and chosen to come here