(Thanks to Hyacinth of Eye of Dawn and Dusk for the reward-funded bonus chapter.)
Duke Yote froze for a moment, then carefully asked, "Lord Inquisitor, may I ask why the Ayer Family must be killed?"
He had this question because the Ayer Family was a noble house loyal to the God-Emperor.
Throughout the T'au occupation, nearly all officials and noble factions led by the planetary governor had defected to the T'au.
The nobles loyal to the God-Emperor had all huddled within Hive City 2, and the Ayer Family was part of the Loyalist Faction.
Now that victory had been secured and it was time to reward merit, why was the Ayer Family, a Loyalist house, being dragged out to be slaughtered?
Li Qinwu gave a hum, one with an overwhelming sense of pressure.
Duke Yote's craving for power and fear of the Inquisitor made the pressure hit him full force. He did not dare ask further. After kowtowing three more times, he loudly declared:
"Forgive me, Lord Inquisitor. I spoke out of turn. I'll see to it immediately. I absolutely will not let anyone from the Ayer Family see tomorrow's sun!"
Then the fellow slunk away. Li Qinwu gave a cold chuckle and continued reading the documents.
At that moment, Catwoman Nova walked over from the side, her vertical pupils staring straight at Li Qinwu.
"Meow my ass, what exactly are you doing!
The Ayer Family belongs to the Loyalist Faction, and they made contributions throughout the resistance against the T'au occupation. Why are you sending people to kill them?
Killing meritorious subjects like this will be detrimental to the stability of the new government you're building!"
Li Qinwu pulled an ear of wheat from his clothes and waved it before Catwoman Nova like a cat teaser. Catwoman Nova's attention