The First Lesson (End)

Fulgrim had not expected his lessons to proceed so smoothly.

Konrad Curze listened intently to every word he spoke. His brother was not a student who enjoyed asking questions, but he would commit every word his teacher uttered to memory.

From the tenets of the Imperium to its most vital current operations, Konrad Curze memorized every basic political term.

From his expression, Fulgrim could tell that he did not understand the connection between "political leverage" and the appointment of planetary governors, but Konrad Curze would remember it nonetheless.

For a Primarch, once something was committed to memory, understanding it became a foregone conclusion.

Time would help him grasp everything.

However.

"But I am not certain if you will be interested in politics, Konrad."

The man from Chemos closed his book and leaned back in his chair as he spoke.

A hint of melancholy surfaced in his eyes, an expression that had appeared on Fulgrim's face many times before. Sometimes it was deliberate, and other times, it was the most genuine thought revealed inadvertently.

"Politics?"

"Yes. Politics."

Fulgrim sighed and did not continue—as time passed, Konrad Curze would sooner or later understand just how unique his status was within this Imperium.

Even if he grew to loathe politics, or even went to great lengths to distance himself from such a vortex, politics would find him all the same.

The word, to a certain extent, was inextricably linked to duty.

"Let us not speak of this, Konrad."

Fulgrim smiled slightly. "We have made excellent progress today. At this rate, you should be able to finish learning everything you need within two weeks."

"Then, the answer to that question...?"

"I have certainly not forgotten."

Fulgrim said gently. "But you already have the answer, do you not? I can see that you have been pondering that question even while you were studying."

The pale giant nodded. He was silent at this moment, but not in a bad way.

Fulgrim could see that he was currently thinking and organizing his words—Konrad Curze had already understood something; he simply needed to understand more.

One and a half years old.

With a silent sigh, the man from Chemos stood up and took the pendant from his pocket. Then, he saw a slight change in Konrad Curze's expression.

"I..."

Fulgrim did not look into Konrad Curze's eyes, instead lifting the pendant and shifting his gaze toward it. Then, he spoke in a gentle tone.

"It comes from Terra," the man from Chemos said softly. "I forgot to tell you yesterday, my apologies, Konrad."

Subsequently, he lifted his hand slightly, channeling his strength, and the chain nimbly brought the pendant itself back into his palm. Fulgrim spread his hand, pointing at the pendant itself, and began to explain in detail.

"The casing is gold-plated, and inside is a fragment of a demolished ancient building. It has a long history; I asked Father for it. The gold plating fades easily; bumps or chemical substances will cause it to wear off."

"So, if you wear it constantly, it will need to be touched up every so often. It is a simple task, one even a child could perform, so I will not elaborate further on that, Konrad."

"So."

He finally allowed his gaze to meet Konrad Curze's.

"Are you still willing to accept it?" Fulgrim asked softly. "Even after I have done wrong?"

"."

Without a word, Konrad Curze simply took it slowly from Fulgrim's hand. He turned his head so he would not have to see the latter's expression, then pointed to the book on the table.

"Have you given it a name, Fulgrim?" Konrad Curze asked.

His voice was calm.

Fulgrim tried his best not to laugh, maintaining the composure of his voice as he replied, "No, Konrad. I have not given it a name."

"Why not?"

"Because... ah, you have me there."

The man from Chemos sighed. "I do not know the reason, Konrad. I simply have not given it a name."

"You said you made the cover for it yourself sixty-six years ago, and since then, its page count has been constantly increasing. So, why do you not give it a name?"

Fulgrim froze.

Yes, why didn't I?

And his brother continued.

"You maintain it very well. It is old, but this age is quite endearing, Fulgrim. You must flip through it often, right? I see many folded corners, and some more recent handwriting."

Konrad Curze looked up at the man from Chemos and asked softly: "Since you like it so much, why do you not give it a name?"

Fulgrim lowered his head; he did not know how to answer.

Rationally, he knew that Konrad Curze's question did not require an answer.

It was just a notebook; what need was there for a name, or talk of liking it?

Even if it had nearly become an encyclopedia that everyone across the Imperium had dabbled in, at the end of the day, it was still just a notebook.

But, yes.

A notebook that had accompanied me for over sixty years.

A certain emotion began to take root, causing him to press his lips together.

"Because. I forgot," Fulgrim said.

"Those newer entries were left seventeen years ago. I still carry it, but I haven't flipped through it or added a single page in a long time. If I hadn't needed to give you a lesson today, I fear it would never have been opened again."

Fulgrim began to smile, and this smile slowly transformed. The beautiful demigod was overcome with mirth, laughing in a way that was ordinary and common—a laugh he would never have shown in the past.

Fulgrim, son of The Emperor, would only ever offer a dignified and elegant smile.

"I forgot!" He laughed, patting Konrad Curze on the back. "It's truly absurd, isn't it? I actually forgot about it!"

I actually forgot that I was once so humble.

I clearly wanted to be the best, so why did I forget this notebook? I once cherished it so much, opening it to review every single night.

The pale giant stared at his brother in silence, showing no particular reaction to the latter's laughter, though he unconsciously straightened his back—Fulgrim's patting made him feel somewhat ill at ease.

"Fine."

After his laughter subsided, Fulgrim shook his head. "It seems everyone's sense of humor is a bit different, isn't it? You don't find this funny."

"Yes," 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? Do you not want it?"

"I want it, and I need it—but you should like it very much."

Konrad Curze looked up.

"So I will not take it."

He cast a quick glance at Fulgrim, then immediately turned his head away, raising his right hand to let the pendant fall naturally. Then, he used both hands to unclasp the chain.

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

Fulgrim stared at him, stunned. After a moment, the man from Chemos smiled.

"Very well," he said softly. "I'm sure it would like that, too."

I had intended to return to the normal update schedule tomorrow, but I did the math and realized that would mean the next update wouldn't be until 5:00 PM on the 25th, so I'll keep the Night Lords' update time for now.

Also, please vote and comment.