The Emperor’s Angel of Death

#2334 - Return of an old friend

“The mystery of the Grey Marrow is not something a mortal mind can fathom, and His Majesty rarely spoke to me about it. I dare not speculate on the details, but His Majesty once happily told me that with the help of Sanguinius, he might have found a solution. However, this matter needed the permission and assistance of his father. Less than two months later, the executioners arrived in Tizca, so you must never trust that tyrant.

Sotha Sil remained outwardly calm, but his heart was turbulent. The Allfather had not mentioned this to him. Although Aeliana's statement might not be true, from the fragments of memories he had obtained in the past, Sanguinius had indeed participated in one of Xerxes' plans.

Could the Grey Marrow really have a perfect solution?

If so, what method could it be? And what is its connection to the Emperor? Or is it related to the Nalanda Sangharama mentioned by Master Shi?

At this moment, he suddenly thought of another question.

“Queen Aeliana, pardon me for asking again, but if the Emperor was truly determined to execute the Primarch, why did he let you live? Why did Macardo choose to cooperate with you? If it was only because of the flagship and the Mu'tahr, I think he had many ways to take them from you.”

Aeliana was silent for a moment, then picked up the armlet.

“This is the gift His Majesty gave me on my last birthday in Tizca. I asked what it was called, and His Majesty said it was called Love.”

Saying that, she raised her head.

“Honestly, I don't know the reason. Before I knew His Majesty could be resurrected, I always hoped to die with him. The only thing I can answer you is that before I received it, that is, on the way back to Tizca from Terra, His Majesty told me that he had a dispute, or rather, an argument, with his father.”

“Would you mind telling me?”

“I will tell you even if you don't ask, and everything I say is true. What His Majesty and his father argued about was whether emotion is an obstacle for an ideal ruler.”

This topic made Sotha Sil frown. For some reason, an image of the terrifying Child Eater God suddenly appeared in his mind.

“That tyrant believed that a ruler must be the embodiment of absolute rationality, with a digitized weighing of racial interests, never trapped by any dilemma. Only those who possess true knowledge are suitable to wield power and achieve justice. Only those with absolute rationality can use their wisdom to exercise their power reasonably, fulfill their responsibilities, and complete the mission entrusted to them by the nation. Only then can the people they rule live more fully and happily, and social order can achieve justice and harmony. Their minds can transition from the changing world of objects to the eternal world of reason. But the people will never understand all of this because they will only ever be in the world of the senses, not the world of knowledge. They can only observe one-sided outcomes with narrow, singular perspectives and cannot see the long-term, macro impacts. Therefore, the ruler must stand on an absolutely macro perspective and use absolute rationality to decide every step. Others are forever, and are destined, unable to understand the ruler's thoughts. So, for the perfect ruler, emotion is a burden. It will only shake the ruler in the misunderstanding and doubt of the ruled. It will only destroy the ruler's rational castle, an insignificant flaw at the foot of the castle. The ruler is the guide who leads others from the cave to the outside world. He must ensure that his steps do not waver until everyone is bathed in sunlight, perhaps then he will no longer be needed.

“His Majesty responded that the advent of such a ruler would inevitably bring a new worldview, ethical code, and way of life. This would mean that everyone would have to undergo a complete transformation, and no one could stay out of it. And what everyone would become, no one knew. If there is anything more terrible than death, it is probably this, because it means that everyone is born to be looked at, or indirectly looked at, by an existence. What is even more terrifying is that it must be absolutely correct. But even such a ruler will definitely have things they do not understand. However, scientific conclusions are not enough to frighten people, but when a certain existence is proof itself, then the inadequacy of this conclusion itself becomes very serious. His Majesty also believed that emotion is also part of human wisdom because all human knowledge begins with intuition, rises to concepts, and ends with ideas. So-called absolute rationality is just seemingly rational decision-making. In fact, when judging and analyzing, as long as you keep tracing back, there is always an irrational emotional factor already standing there. Emotional inclination always comes first. It binds rationality, and rationality serves it like a tool, like its slave. Therefore, he believed that a ruler who has truly eliminated emotions seems smarter than anyone else, but when they actually take action, they often make decisions that are more foolish than anyone else, just like those artificial intelligences that once touted complete rationality. In the end, they made the foolish act of betraying and destroying their creators.”

“And then?”

“After that, His Majesty didn't say anything more, but judging from his expression, the result of this argument was probably also an unhappy one, and since then, His Majesty often fell into a daze alone.”

Sotha Sil thought for a moment and felt that this argument was a bit strange.

Why would the Emperor discuss with Xerxes how a ruler should be?

He shifted his thinking. Under what circumstances would a ruler discuss with one of his sons what kind of person is suitable to be a ruler?

In an instant, Sotha Sil's heart was shocked.

Could it be that what Aeliana said about Xerxes' death not being because of the Grey Marrow was true?

But on closer thought, there were some fallacies. The Emperor, in theory, is eternal. He should not need a so-called heir.

Then is this a test?

But what is the reason for doing so? Sotha Sil couldn't imagine it.

The Allfather and the Weaver had never mentioned this matter, and judging from Aeliana's tone and narrative style, she didn't seem to be faking it.

What exactly happened between the Emperor and Xerxes?

This argument must have only happened between the Emperor and Xerxes. It is highly likely that there was no third party present. Then, the only ones who could give this answer, that Sotha Sil could search for in his mind, would either be the Primarch's mother, Erda, or the vessel that inherited Macardo's memories. Only these two could possibly know the situation 'after the fact'—Erda might know from Xerxes, and Macardo might know from the Emperor. There should be no third person.

Erda...

It seems I must find a way to meet her. Presumably, I should be able to contact her through the Weaver.

After pondering for a moment, Sotha Sil nodded.

“Thank you for telling me, Queen Aeliana. I will remember it.”

After a moment of pause, Sotha Sil said softly:

“I will come again when I have time. If you need anything or want someone to talk to, you can always call me.”

After speaking, he turned and walked towards the door, pulling it open and leaving the living room, leaving Aeliana alone sitting on the sofa in silence.

Sotha Sil stopped a few steps after walking out of Aeliana's residence.

In the shadows of the corridor ahead, stood three people. One of them was leaning against the wall, looking very leisurely. After seeing him, he straightened up and slowly walked into the sunlight.

Sotha Sil narrowed his eyes. He didn't expect to meet an old friend again in this place.

“Sevatar.”