Horus's Birthday Banquet (End, 6k)

Horus had not seen Guilliman for two days, and he found that rather puzzling.

In his mind, the image of Roboute Guilliman was firmly bound to that metal desk of his. Guilliman could go an entire day without leaving his office; if necessary, he could even attend meetings remotely through his Personal Terminal.

And now, a man like that—a workaholic like that—had somehow vanished from his office.

"Do you know where he went, Lady Yvraine?" Horus asked very politely.

"I would very much like to know, Lord Horus," the Aeldari replied lazily, leaning back in Guilliman's chair. "But Roboute didn't tell anyone where he was going."

Horus frowned at the answer.

His mind was shattered, his body young. But he was not entirely ignorant of the Empire's current political situation. Anyone knew that fragile balance was being maintained by Guilliman alone—the Siege of Terra had passed three years ago, yet many officials still did not know it had happened. They did not even know the Inquisition had already been abolished.

At present, there were still many inquisitors across the galaxy acting in its name.

Maintaining a vast polity required many officials, many incompetent officials and a small number of officials who could actually get things done in the truest sense. Unfortunately, the Empire's "small number" truly was a small number.

"But you needn't worry too much either, Lord Horus."

Yvraine idly poked Guilliman's desk with one finger. "Roboute is a very rational man in most circumstances. It is unlikely he would go off alone to fight a dangerous enemy one-on-one without equipment or manpower. That sort of thing doesn't really fit his style."

At this point, the leader of the Death Cult suddenly smiled ambiguously.

Horus had no idea what she meant. He merely scratched his head in confusion and