One Truth, One Soul

"I know your expectations, sister, but you don't need to worry. You must have heard that a celebrity has emerged in the Imperium."

Celebrity?

"You mean the great Father of Night?"

"Yes, it's Uncle Han. He's gentle, wise, Farsight, calm, fair, and ruthless. Just like the praise he receives from Mortals in the Imperium, he's a great man."

Looking into Perturabo's eyes, Kellifani could sense that when Perturabo mentioned Mr. Han, his originally firm and indifferent eyes softened.

"Maybe there's a layer of cotton stuffed inside the steel," Kellifani joked.

"The IV Legion is steadfast both inside and outside, sister, it has always been so."

"However... I was indeed wearing a cashmere sweater underneath."

Yes, that should be correct.

That's how my Uncle usually livens up the atmosphere.

But Kellifani's expression right now is priceless.

She felt like she had seen a ghost.

"Sister, is there a problem?"

Were you just trying to liven things up?

"Um... am I being serious? Usually, Uncle is just trying to lighten the mood like this."

"Well, it seems you really are... quite different now, Perturabo. Do you have Mr. Han's contact information?"

Kellifani said she wanted to see the man right away.

That gentleman was simply a god!

"I'm afraid that won't work now, sister. Uncle should be conducting research with the First Legion during this time."

"Okay, okay, the changes you've undergone over the years have been quite a shock to me, and I think I need some time to process them."

"But now that you're back, what are you planning to do?"

"Let's rest for a few days, catch up on the current situation, and then prepare for the meeting."

Meeting?

Then Perturabo rested for a full two weeks. During those two weeks, he did not go to the mines, the forge, or meet with the Adeptus Mechanicus, nor did he grant the requests of the City-State lords.

He simply sat at home, a book in his hand, flipping through it continuously.

Kellifani knew that it was the Evernight Code, which was added to the Imperium of Man after the Father of Night returned to the Imperium.

"Peitu, you've been reading this book for over half a month now. Is there anything you don't understand?"

"No, sister. I just want to gain some insight from the Code. I want to know what path Olympia should take next?"

"At the same time, I was also thinking about how I should face Olympia."

"So, do you have a clue?"

Upon hearing his sister's question, Perturabo took a deep breath and nodded.

"I already have an idea."

What kind of idea is it?

"Sister, would you like to hear a story from me?"

What kind of story is it?

"The first lesson my Uncle taught me when he first came to see me was also about this Wrench."

"Of course, no problem, Petu."

Perturabo removed the Wrench from his arm guard, held it carefully in his hand, and then began to recount the memory.

"I remember the first time my Uncle met me, he transferred my Legion directly to the Department of General Affairs. At that time, I thought he was going to treat me and my Legion like Emperor, using us as siege engines."

"But then he told me that I was to be involved in construction work within the second-line troops of the Imperium Expedition, and he also told me that if I failed to do so, I would Court Martial."

"It was at that time that my Uncle handed me the Wrench, a symbol of sincerity."

My Uncle told me that I must always be honest with myself, no matter what.

"From that moment on, I understood that in his eyes, I wasn't a siege engine, but Wrench, used for repairs and construction."

"Therefore, I will also sincerely face my own heart during this meeting."

What are you planning to do?

"I want to express my apologies to Olympia, and at the same time, I want to use my strength to bring new life to Olympia."

Clang.

The metal water glass fell to the ground, Kellifani just stared blankly at her younger brother.

"Sister, I know you're surprised. To be honest, I'm just as surprised."

"Looking back now, I realize that even though I was born with innate knowledge, no matter how much knowledge I possess, I still need an excellent Teacher to guide me."

"That's the kind of Teacher my Uncle was. With just one word and one principle, he pulled me back from my predicament; he saved my soul."

"I sincerely praise you, my brother, and I am truly happy for you."

"Then let's get ready for the meeting, sister."

"As you command, my Lord of Iron."

The day after Peturaber decided to hold the meeting.

Before the morning mist had completely dissipated over Olympia, the bulletin boards of every City-State were crowded with people.

This City-State announcement is different from previous ones.

It wasn't a new conscription order, nor was it a tax bill from the mines.

It was not some inhumane or even dehumanizing Law suddenly issued by the Lord of Iron.

This was highly unusual to everyone in all the City-States of Olympia.

The entire announcement only mentioned one thing.

Three days later, in Olympia's largest circular arena, the Primarch of the Iron Warriors will hold their biggest meeting.

The meeting will discuss Olympia's future development path.

The Olympia weren't surprised by the contents of the announcement.

Because they know this is only the first half.

I believe the second half of the announcement will be released within an hour at most, and that's where the Lord of Iron's true message will be revealed.

That's how the Lord of Iron is; one second he's a wise monarch and ruler, the next he's a Tyrant.

But this time was different from the past; there was only one announcement, and there were no frequent revisions.

Without a doubt, this announcement heralds the return of the Lord of Iron.

As for what changes occurred to the Lord of Iron upon his return to Olympia, only Kellifani knew about them in all of Olympia.

For the Lord of Iron, their eternal impression is of cold steel, strict discipline, and bloody and ruthless military discipline.

And a personality that is always unpredictable.

With the Lord of Iron returning to Olympia this time, nothing good is sure to happen.

Although the announcement remained unchanged, the Lord of Iron's personality would not be easily altered.

Soon, they saw an Astartes from the Iron Warriors Legion approach the notice board and take out a new notice.

This caused them great inner turmoil and fear.

But this soul-crushing feeling gave them a strange sense of peace.

Oh, right.

That's more like it.

This capricious and unpredictable Lord of Iron is the Lord of Iron that the Olympia truly know.

But what this Iron Warriors Space Marine said next made everyone feel like they were dead.

Because these words simply don't sound like something the Primarch say.

It sounds not only terrifying, but also eerie.