"I didn't expect you to say that." Konrad Curze broke the silence.
Only the two of them remained in the banquet hall. The long table stood empty, while the soft lights overhead continued their steadfast work, casting their glow. The hall's decor was not extravagant; eight banners hung quietly upon the walls, yet they possessed a distinct sense of grandeur.
As for why the Ultramarines had left so quickly—well, to be honest, after Karyl's remarks, they had fallen into a strange state obvious to anyone with eyes.
On one hand, they wanted to continue asking questions, but did not seem to know whether they should speak. On the other, they did not wish to lose their manners or delay the things they needed to do.
Thus, Lucresius Corvo, carrying those complicated and peculiar emotions, explained their primary purpose in coming here, as well as Roboute Guilliman's stance. After that, they hurriedly departed.
Konrad Curze had initially wanted to tell them that it would be fine to ask directly, but when the words reached his lips, he swallowed them back down.
Some instinct told him that being so direct did not seem right.
Karyl did not immediately answer Curze's words. He merely calmly held a fork between two fingers, spearing a piece of Grox steak that was nearly cold. Only after placing it in his mouth, chewing it carefully, and swallowing did he narrow his eyes and speak.
"What did I say?"
"...Nothing." Konrad Curze answered awkwardly.
He had wanted to speak while eating, like Karyl did. It would have made him seem less tense. But he had already finished his portion.
The Ultramarines had not wasted any food, and neither had he. Everyone had eaten quickly; for a while, it had even seemed as though they were competing to see