A Completely Different Kind of Ease

In stark contrast to the hellish landscape of Terra, time seemed to slow down in one of the observation lounges on the Macragge's Honour.

Robert Guilliman, Lord of Ultramar, Primarch of the Ultramarines, gently pushes a steaming cup of black tea toward the person opposite him.

The clinking of porcelain pieces produced a crisp sound, which was particularly pleasant in the quiet cabin.

"Please enjoy, Yvraine. This is the last bit of genuine Terra Darjeeling I 'requisitioned' from Maxim; I hope it suits your taste."

Guilliman smiled, trying to maintain this small, "normal" oasis amidst the long Warp voyage and the looming crisis on Terra.

This was a "tea time" he insisted on establishing, intended to prevent the crew, including himself, from suffering a mental breakdown under constant pressure.

Yvraine, the prophet and leader of the Ynnead Army, elegantly picked up her bone china cup, gently inhaled the aroma of the tea, and took a small sip.

Her eyes, which seemed to hold the weight of nebulae, curved slightly. "Amazing. Your tea-making skills are as precise and artistic as your strategic planning, Robert."

"It is an honor for my skills to receive the praise of an Aeldari Farseer, especially a beautiful lady," Guilliman shrugged, responding casually.

Yvraine rested her elbows on the table, her hands supporting her chin, her Eldar attire.

She stared at Guilliman and said in a tone that was a mixture of mockery and a dangerous allure, "Seriously, if you weren't a Primarch, far more powerful than me... according to the 'traditions' of some of the ancient tribes of our Craftworlds."

Perhaps I should consider taking you, this 'high-quality resource,' back and making you my exclusive... um, 'advisor'?

Guilliman had grown accustomed to the occasional outrageous remarks from his Eldar ally.

He shook his head helplessly, playing along with the role-playing game. "As the leader of the Reaper Host, it's not very proper for you to indulge in such 'romantic' fantasies, Yvraine."

Moreover, kidnapping the only known Primarch humanity? Aren't you worried about being hunted to the edge of the Milky Way by the entire Imperium of Man?"

"If I could have you,"

Yvraine's eyes became deep and captivating as she gently placed her hand on Guilliman's hand, which rested on the table.

"I'd be happy to be hunted by the entire Imperium. Doesn't that sound like a plot from one of our human novels, where someone escapes family constraints for love and wanders the world?"

I wonder if this distinguished and powerful 'gentleman' would be willing to take this 'poor girl' on an adventure with me?

Her fingertips were slightly cool, yet carried a strange warmth to the touch. Guilliman gently took her hand in return, his eyes filled with an older brother's tolerance and helplessness:

"I really should strictly control your access to popular literature in the Imperium. You read too much of everything; what kind of 'greasy, domineering CEO' tropes are these?"

Even a seventeen-year-old human girl might not take it seriously, and you're using it to 'trick' a Primarch?

He squeezed her hand slightly, then released it, his tone half-joking, half-serious. "You have to understand, Yvraine, in many ways, I am indeed regarded as a... 'divine' being."

"Oh my God!"

Yvraine feigned surprise, covering her mouth, but her eyes crinkled into crescent moons with laughter. "So the black tea I just drank was brewed by a 'god' himself? This is truly one of the most memorable honors of my long life."

She laughed heartily, seemingly regretting not seeing Guilliman's embarrassed expression. She had always been curious about what the Primarch, who was always as composed as a mountain, would be like when he was shy.

However, for Yvraine, being able to shake his hand was already a wonderful little victory in this long and dark voyage.

Outside the heavy, Adamantium doors of the lounge, the atmosphere was completely different from the relaxed atmosphere inside.

Calgar (Ultramarines Chapter), Sicarius (Company Commander), and Malum Kaido (Senior Company Commander) are three of the strongest Ultramarines.

They were pressing their ears tightly against the cold steel door in a posture completely out of proportion to their status and size.

Despite the excellent soundproofing, the Primarch and Aeldari Farseer could still catch snippets of conversation when they occasionally raised their voices.

"'Tie him back'? 'Exclusive consultant'?"

Sicarius uttered Whisper, clenched speech, his fists cracking as he spoke, "How dare she! Such disrespect to the Primarch!"

"Calm down, Sicarius," Calgar whispered, his own face as dark as the bottom of a pot. "Ms. Yvraine is an important ally of ours. She has provided tremendous help and is usually...very friendly."

He had to admit that this Aeldari Farseer often shared incredibly delicious Eldar pastries, was witty, and had impeccable manners.

"But flirting with my father is absolutely forbidden!"

Malum Kaido muttered, as if he could already see a terrifying future, "Do you think... we might suddenly have an... ' Xenos stepmother'?"

These words sent a chill down the spines of all three of them.

"The other legions will laugh at us!"

Hicharius growled in despair, "Just imagine what the Khan Chapter Master will say? 'You Ultramarines have even had your Primarch lured away by the Eldar?'"

Furthermore, none of the three could accept the scene of them calling the Xenos "Mom."

"This is a serious political and ethical issue!"

Calgar concluded, although he himself felt the reason was somewhat weak.

Their reaction was more out of a son's instinctive wariness and... jealousy at seeing his father being targeted by a "bad woman".

Just as the three were torn between their inner conflict—wanting to rush in to "protect" the Primarch, yet fearing to disturb its rare respite—

Buzz...

An invisible, magnificent, warm, and extremely majestic Psionic Energy wave pierced through the Macragge's Honour Void Shield and physical armor without warning.

The shockwaves rippled throughout the entire warship, especially in the lounge where Guilliman was!

The three people outside the door suddenly stood up straight, their hands immediately gripping their weapons. Guilliman and Yvraine, who were in the lounge, also stopped talking at the same time.

Guilliman's relaxed smile vanished instantly, replaced by utter solemnity and a hint of... enlightenment.

He slowly stood up and looked in the direction of Terra, despite the fog of the ship and the Warp separating them.

"He heard it..." Guilliman murmured to himself, his voice filled with complex emotions. "He's calling me."