Lesson One (End)

Fulgrim hadn't expected his lesson to go so smoothly.

Konrad Curze listened carefully to every word he said. His brother wasn't the sort of student who asked many questions, but he committed every word his teacher said to memory.

From the Imperium's purpose to its most important work at present, Konrad Curze remembered every basic political term.

From his expression, Fulgrim could tell that he didn't understand what "political horse-trading" had to do with appointing Planetary Governors, but Konrad Curze would remember it.

And for a Primarch, once he remembered something, understanding it was only a matter of time.

Time would help him understand everything.

Only...

"But I'm not sure you'll be interested in politics, Konrad."

The Chemosian closed his book and leaned back in his chair as he spoke.

A trace of melancholy entered his eyes. It was an expression that had appeared on Fulgrim's face many times before. Sometimes it was deliberate; sometimes it revealed his truest thoughts without him meaning to.

"Politics?"

"That's right. Politics."

Fulgrim sighed and said no more. As time passed, Konrad Curze would sooner or later understand just how unusual his position in this Imperium was.

Even if he came to detest politics, even if he did everything in his power to escape that maelstrom, politics would find him all the same.

To a certain extent, the word was bound up with responsibility.

"Let's not talk about that now, Konrad."

Fulgrim smiled. "We made good progress today. At this rate, you should learn everything you need to know within two weeks."

"Then, the answer to that question?"

"Of course I haven't forgotten."

Fulgrim spoke gently. "But you already have the answer, don't you? I can tell you've been thinking about it while you study."

The pale giant nodded. He was quiet now, but not in a bad way.

Fulgrim could tell he was thinking, searching for the right words. Konrad Curze had already understood something; he simply needed to understand more.

One and a half years old

The Chemosian sighed silently and stood, taking the pendant from his pocket. Then he saw a subtle change in Konrad Curze's expression.

"I—"

Fulgrim didn't look Konrad Curze in the eyes. He simply lifted the pendant and turned his gaze to it. Then, in a gentle voice, he began to speak.

"It's from Terra," the Chemosian said softly. "I forgot to tell you yesterday. Sorry, Konrad."

Then he raised his hand slightly. Power flowed through the chain, drawing the pendant lightly back into his palm. Fulgrim opened it and pointed to the pendant itself, explaining it in detail.

"The casing is gilded. Inside is a fragment of an ancient building that was demolished. It has a long history. I asked Father for it. The gilding comes off easily; knocks or chemicals can strip it away."

"So if you wear it all the time, it'll need to be touched up every so often. It's simple enough for even a child to do, so I won't go into the details, Konrad."

"So."

At last, he met Konrad Curze's gaze.

"Are you still willing to accept it?" Fulgrim asked softly. "Even after I did the wrong thing?"

"..."

Konrad Curze didn't answer. He simply took it slowly from Fulgrim's hand. He turned away so he wouldn't have to see the other man's expression, then pointed to the book on the table.

"Did you give it a name, Fulgrim?" Konrad Curze asked.

His voice was calm.

Fulgrim did his best not to laugh. Keeping his voice even, he replied, "No, Konrad. I didn't give it a name."

"Why not?"

"Because... ah, you've got me there."

The Chemosian sighed. "I don't know either, Konrad. I just never gave it a name."

"You said you made its cover by hand sixty-six years ago, and that its pages kept growing after that. So why didn't you give it a name?"

Fulgrim froze.

Yes. Why didn't I?

And his brother continued.

"You've taken good care of it. It's old, but its age is endearing, Fulgrim. You must read it often, don't you? I've seen lots of folded corners, and some fairly recent writing."

Konrad Curze looked up at the Chemosian and asked softly, "If you like it so much, why didn't you give it a name?"

Fulgrim lowered his head. He didn't know how to answer.

Rationally speaking, he knew there was no need to answer Konrad Curze's question.

It was only a notebook. Why would it need a name? And how could he say he liked it?

Even if it had nearly become an encyclopedia covering every corner of the Imperium, in the end, it was still only a notebook.

But yes.

A notebook that had been with me for more than sixty years.

An emotion began to take root within him, and his lips pressed together.

"Because... I forgot," Fulgrim said.

"Those more recent notes were written seventeen years ago. I still carried it with me, but I hadn't read it or added to it in a long time. If I hadn't needed to teach you today, I probably wouldn't have opened it again."

Fulgrim smiled. Slowly, his smile changed. The handsome demigod was suddenly overcome with laughter, laughing in an ordinary, unguarded way—a smile he would never have shown in the past.

Fulgrim, son of the Emperor, only ever smiled with poise and elegance.

"I forgot!" He laughed and patted Konrad Curze on the back. "How absurd, isn't it? I actually forgot about it!"

I actually forgot how humble I once was.

I wanted so badly to do my best. So why did I forget this notebook? I used to treasure it so much, opening it every night to review its contents...

The pale giant stared silently at his brother, showing no particular reaction to his laughter. He merely straightened his back a little without thinking—the pat from Fulgrim felt a bit uncomfortable.

"All right."

After laughing, Fulgrim shook his head. "I suppose everyone has a different sense of humor, don't they? You don't find this funny."

"No," Konrad Curze said. "And I want you to take it back."

"What?" Fulgrim's eyes widened. "The pendant?"

"No, I mean the notebook." Curze pressed his lips together and looked away.

"...But why, Konrad? Don't you want it?"

"I do, and I need it—but you must like it very much."

Konrad Curze looked up.

"So I won't take it."

He glanced quickly at Fulgrim, then immediately turned away. He raised his right hand and let the pendant drop naturally. Then he used both hands to pull the chain apart.

"...But thank you for the pendant," Konrad Curze said. "I like it very much. I'll give it a name."

Fulgrim gazed at him, stunned. After a moment, the Chemosian smiled.

"Good," he said softly. "I'm sure it'll like that, too."

I'd been thinking of returning to my usual update schedule tomorrow, but after working it out, the next update wouldn't come until five in the afternoon on the 25th. So I'll stick with the Night Lords' update schedule for now.

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