He had intended to keep a low profile, but he hadn't expected that they had already transformed the Rogue Trader port into their own commercial Imperium!
After listening to the receptionist's introduction, Emrys felt even more wary of the Fernando family; this was practically a small Imperium!
It seems Archmagos Carol was right; after all these years, Fernando was no longer the small family that had obediently submitted to Merlin.
"If you are not satisfied with my service, or for any other reason, you can also choose other service personnel to accompany you," the receptionist said politely, a constant smile on her face.
It must be said that the Fernando family truly understood the petty desires of Imperial nobles.
The receptionist was excellent in every aspect—figure, appearance, character, demeanor, and temperament—making it difficult even for Emrys to find fault.
"No need, you'll do," Emrys, too lazy to change people again, designated her to be his guide.
"Very well, Mr. Charles," the receptionist said with a professional smile, her eyes curved like crescent moons, and softly added, "I am Receptionist No. 0875, you may call me 'Selena.' I will be responsible for your arrangements during your stay. Please feel free to tell me if you need anything."
"Selena, a beautiful name, just like you," Emrys praised casually, then asked, "By the way, you just mentioned that entering the auction requires a Level Three pass. How does one acquire that?"
"It's like this, Mr. Charles, every VIP visiting the Rogue Trader port for the first time is issued a pass. The level of your pass can only be upgraded based on your consumption and investments here," Selena explained truthfully.
Charles was a fabricated identity he had created, a noble scion from the Imperial Holy Land, who had arrived with a Rogue Trader.
Only consumption and investment can upgrade the pass level?
Emrys raised an eyebrow. Wasn't this just a way to filter 'clients'?
He hadn't expected the Fernando family to have so many tricks. Occupying this crucial port for entering the Segementum Obscurus, with so many Rogue Traders and nobles coming and going, the wealth accumulated over the years must be unimaginable!
However, there were ways to meet the requirements for a Level Three pass in a short time, but Emrys really didn't want to be swindled.
"Well, what if I have something to sell?" Emrys changed his way of thinking. Since he didn't want to be a sucker, he would be a seller!
"Of course, Mr. Charles," Selena said with a smile, "The Fernando family's auction house undertakes commodity auctions commissioned from various places every year. If the appraisal results show that the auction item you wish to consign is of a very high grade, you will also be granted a Fernando family Level Three pass."
"Good, then it's settled."
Emrys snapped his fingers and said, "I have something to auction. Take me to the auction house."
"No problem, Mr. Charles, please follow me, there's a special car here," Selena said, about to leave when she was called back.
"I've just arrived at the Rogue Trader port. I used to hear from my family that you can buy anything here. Why don't you take me around first?" Emrys casually made up an excuse.
It wasn't that he was genuinely interested in the Rogue Trader port; it was just that if he was 'traveling incognito,' he ought to experience the specific situation here first.
Selena was not surprised by this request; after all, the Rogue Trader port received countless clients every day, and she had seen all sorts of strange requests.
"Very well, please follow me," Selena said, wearing a skirt that resembled a bodycon dress, her two fair, long legs quite alluring.
For example, Jackal next to him looked as if his eyeballs were welded to her legs, which made Emrys a bit speechless.
"Can you please pay attention to your image?"
"I'm a guard, what image do I need to pay attention to?" Jackal dodged Selena and muttered softly, "Besides, is it that you don't want to look? You're clearly afraid of being scolded by Winnie when you go back, so you don't dare to look, right?"
...Emrys' mouth twitched.
It's worth mentioning that after their last meeting and the battle of Perdita, Winnie had remained on the ship and would often call him to the training room for a full day of drills under the guise of practicing swordsmanship!
"You're talking nonsense! Am I afraid of her?!" Emrys immediately became exasperated, lowering his voice and cursing with a flushed face, "I clearly just couldn't bring myself to hit her!"
"Tsk, what couldn't bring yourself?" Jackal chuckled, directly exposing him.
"You clearly couldn't win, you always come out bruised and battered."
"...You do it if you can!"
Emrys said fiercely, "When we go back, I'll have Winnie train you properly. I think you've been getting too cocky these past few days!"
At these words, Jackal no longer dared to provoke him and immediately begged for mercy.
"No, no, no, I was just joking. She's a Living Saint. How could I be worthy?"
To duel a Living Saint, he would have to be insane!
No, even if he were insane, he wouldn't want to duel a 'Living Saint.' Let alone a Catachan jungle man, even if another team came, they wouldn't be her match!
The two bantered softly for a few sentences. Selena, walking ahead, stopped and turned back, saying, "Mr. Charles, ahead is the Rogue Trader port's largest 'talent exchange' market. Would you like to take a look?"
What the hell?!
Emrys thought he had misheard. A talent exchange market? Had he traveled back in time?
Seeing his bewildered expression, Selena covered her mouth and chuckled, explaining, "It's like this, Mr. Charles, if you need to purchase guards or talented individuals with special abilities, you can take a look in the market ahead."
Hearing this, Emrys finally understood.
"Isn't this just a slave trade?"
"It's the 'talent exchange market,' Mr. Charles. Fernando never violates Imperial law. All transactions here are legal activities," Selena corrected his wording with a full smile.
God damn, to speak of slave trading so openly shows just how terrifying the Fernando family's influence in the Rogue Trader port truly was!
Although, under the Imperial law, the slave trade was in a vague state, and it existed more or less in many regions, it wasn't considered a major issue. Even if the Inquisition came, they couldn't use this to attack Fernando.
But to openly set up a stall and tell people it's a slave trade market, that's a bit arrogant, isn't it?!
While Emrys was inwardly amazed by the Fernando family, he remained composed.
"Alright, let's go take a look. I just happen to be missing a few 'talents'!"
He emphasized that word particularly.
"Please follow me, Mr. Charles," Selena said, leading the way.
Soon, Emrys realized he was still too naive; this talent exchange market was even more complex than he had imagined!
In the talent exchange market, there were humans everywhere, wearing chains and collars, their clothes tattered, and malnourished, huddled in iron cages, dozens of people to a cage, staring blankly and vacantly outside.
Here, there were many very young children, almost only seven or eight years old, also confined in cages.
"These are all low-level talents," Selena's gaze swept over them, completely unfazed, and she continued walking forward, explaining, "There are also specially trained female talents here, who can meet your needs in various aspects."
"Are they all criminals or heretics?" Emrys asked, staring at the 'slaves' in the cages, his face expressionless.
"Of course,"
Selena smiled, "Fernando strictly adheres to Imperial law. The low-level talents here are all people who have violated the law, or whose parents are heretics."
Heh, heretics?
Looking at those children, barely a few years old, Emrys sneered inwardly. Whether they were heretics or criminals, it was probably up to Fernando to decide, wasn't it?
But even if this matter were brought before the Inquisition, it wouldn't be able to bring down the Fernando family. No one would care about the lives and deaths of a few commoners.
"If this is the only quality of goods, I don't think there's any need to waste more time," Emrys said with a disdainful expression, intentionally stating, "What I want are truly useful, valuable collectibles, not these goods."
Selena's eyes flickered, as if she was hesitating.
As a receptionist, the most important thing was to observe people's expressions. Although their contact time was short, she could sense an unusual aura about Emrys, definitely that of a great noble!
If she could secure such a VIP, she could also receive a substantial bonus!
"Mr. Charles, if you truly wish to purchase some special goods, you need to first prove your assets," ultimately, Selena couldn't resist the temptation and tentatively inquired.
She was also taking a big risk; such special transactions required a Level Two pass.
He took the bait—Emrys remained impassive, feigning anger.
"Damn it, you lowly bastard, are you questioning my ability? Do you know who you are speaking to?!"
Perfect, this temper, definitely a great noble!
Selena, despite being scolded, not only wasn't angry but felt that Emrys fit her stereotype of a great noble living in the Imperial Holy Land even more.
"Open your dog eyes and look carefully! This thing is enough to buy an entire hive city!" Emrys swiftly drew the noble dueling sword from his waist and said with a proud face, "This is the personal sword of a legendary hero. How dare you question me?!"
This sword was forged from adamantium, adorned with gems and other expensive ornaments. The craftsmanship was absolutely superior; even if it were displayed outside, it would certainly attract a horde of Rogue Traders to fight over it.
And such items were practically ubiquitous in the Emrys family treasury.
Indeed, upon seeing the magnificent dueling sword, Selena immediately beamed, her gaze becoming much more alluring.
"My mistake, Mr. Charles, please follow me. I will take you to see the Rogue Trader port's true talent exchange market."
The more glamorous a place appears on the surface, the darker and more damp it is underneath; the same holds true for Roaming Port.
The "True talent market" Selina spoke of was actually a massive prison located deep beneath Roaming Port. They took an elevator several hundred meters down before reaching the entrance.
Many private soldiers guarded the entrance, and it was clear that each of them was well-equipped, no less than the Astra Militarum.
"To enter here, you must have a Level 2 pass," Selina said as she walked. "Of course, since you are new to Roaming Port, you need a guarantor. My authority is sufficient to vouch for you, Mr. Charles."
"Well done, I'll remember you."
Emrys glanced at her, praising casually, "Don't worry, I won't mistreat you."
This simple compliment made Selina secretly overjoyed. The commission she would receive from just one transaction here would be far more substantial than several months of work at the reception hall!
This was also why she was willing to act as a guarantor!
"Lord Nick, this is Mr. Charles."
Selina approached the prison entrance, forcing a fawning smile. "I've brought him to see the 'goods'."
Nick was an elderly man, quite old and hunched, with numerous cybernetic enhancements. He appeared to be in charge here.
"Welcome, welcome, please follow me." Nick said with a beaming smile, "What type of 'goods' are you looking for? Tell me, and I can help you filter."
"Something special, the more unique, the better."
Emrys just wanted to see how much audacity the Fernando family truly possessed.
"Hehe, then you've certainly come to the right place," Nick said as he walked ahead. "Here, there's nothing you can't imagine, and nothing you can't buy."
"That powerful? Do you have any Space Marine?" Emrys sneered.
"Uh…"
That one sentence completely stumped Nick.
Are you kidding me? Are you here to cause trouble? Selling Space Marine as slaves—are you trying to die faster?!
"Hahahahaha, just a joke, don't be so serious." Emrys patted his shoulder. "So, tell me what kind of goods you have here."
"I have Drukhari succubi here!" Nick winked, his expression lewd. "Absolutely a stunner! If you want to experience exotic flavors, you absolutely can't lady it!"
"And what else?" Emrys asked expressionlessly, completely uninterested.
Nick thought he was dissatisfied, so he said, "If you think that's not exciting enough, we also have specially cultivated Orks here, guaranteed to be thrilling!"
Emrys twitched the corner of his mouth. Could the tastes of Imperial nobles get any heavier?
"Absolutely not necessary." A vein pulsed on his forehead. "Tell me something normal, understand?!"
Now Nick understood that this noble wasn't into that kind of thing, so he introduced, "I also have a few xenos here with very unique abilities. Some can turn invisible, and others are naturally psyker. Are you interested?"
"That's it?"
Emrys still shook his head, full of disappointment. "It seems the Fernando family only has this much capability; they don't even have anything novel."
At this moment, the group arrived at a special cell deep inside. Behind the heavy iron door was a woman bound by chains, wearing a specialized helmet.
"Who is this?"
Emrys grew interested. A "Slave" treated this way was certainly not simple.
"Uh…"
Nick immediately frowned, a hint of embarrassment on his face. "Mr. Charles, perhaps you should choose another one?"
"What, is there something wrong with her?" Emrys raised an eyebrow, sensing something amiss from Nick's reaction.
"Ahem, she hasn't been fully tamed yet; she was only recently captured, and many people died during her capture," Nick shook his head and said. "Moreover—she's not ordinary merchandise. For your safety, it's better to choose another."
"Are you afraid I can't afford it?!" Emrys lost his temper, fully displaying the arrogant and overbearing face of a noble, kicking Nick.
Nick's face flushed red, about to get angry, but Emrys didn't wait for him to speak. He slammed a badge onto Nick's face and angrily said, "What are you? How dare you question me? I am a descendant of the 'Aquilus' family!"
Within the Imperial Holy Territory, there was indeed an Aquilus family, and some members of the family had even served as High Lords of Holy Terra, making them undeniably noble.
Although they had declined somewhat in recent years, they were still a colossal entity, far from something a frontier family like the Fernando family of Roaming Port could compare to.
As for why Emrys possessed a token of the Aquilus family, the reason was actually quite simple; it could be understood as the legacy of a Trader Dynasty.
The Emrys family, with its ten-thousand-year history, had countless influential connections. Producing a few family tokens would be simple, wouldn't it?
Indeed, after "Aquilus" was brought up, Selina's eyes almost sparkled with gold.
Nick was also stunned. Good heavens—a descendant of the Aquilus family, even a less favored collateral relative, was considered a 'heavenly noble' to the Fernando family and even Roaming Port. They were absolutely not someone they could afford to offend!
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, Lord Charles!" Nick immediately changed his address, bowing and scraping, with a fawning smile. "I didn't know you were a descendant of the esteemed Aquilus family."
"Less nonsense, I don't have time to listen." Emrys perfectly portrayed a defiant and arrogant noble, pointing at the person in the cage and shouting, "Quickly, tell me what's going on with her."
"Actually, Lord Charles, it's like this," Nick said, wiping the cold sweat from his forehead with a forced smile. "She is a 'Soulless One'."
"A Soulless One?!"
Emrys was startled, his eyes wide.
He had initially thought that having a psyker here was already outrageous; he never expected there to be a "Soulless One"!
"There's an even more important reason," Nick said awkwardly. "She is very likely—an 'Unclean One'."
An Unclean One?
Emrys was initially a bit confused, but a flash of insight in his mind made him tremble all over, not from fear, but from shock!
"Are you saying—she is very likely a 'sisters of Silence'?"
In fact, at this point in time, the status of the sisters of Silence was still in a very awkward position.
The sisters of Silence, all of whom are 'Soulless Ones,' possess an ability that can suppress psyker and Warp entities. However, under the Imperial Ecclesiarchy's doctrine that 'the soul is a gift from the Emperor,' they are regarded as 'Unclean Ones' or even 'heretics,' leading to widespread fear and ostracization.
After the Great Crusade and the Horus Heresy, the sisters of Silence were dismantled and marginalized by the Imperial High Lords, ostensibly to weaken the independent military capabilities of the Custodes and maintain Imperial stability.
Having lost their backing in political struggles, the sisters of Silence have since wandered throughout the Milky Way Galaxy from the Age of Strife. Some formed secret societies to continue investigating psyker incidents, but others perished.
More often, the sisters of Silence were ostracized, hated, and even hunted by the Imperial populace because of their status as Soulless Ones!
Just like Witch hunts in the Middle Ages!
This situation would not end until around M42.012, when Guilliman recalled the scattered sisters of Silence during the Great Crusade.
Currently, Guilliman has not yet officially recalled the sisters of Silence publicly, and even the Inquisitor on Vigilus only mentioned them previously.
So, in the eyes of the public, the sisters of Silence are still a symbol of 'impurity,' they are 'daemons'!
But to treat a sisters of Silence as a slave, locked in a cage—isn't the Fernando family being a bit too audacious?!
To be honest, Emrys was also very confused.
You know, an orthodox sisters of Silence is absolutely top-tier in combat power.
Even if they are mortals, they are by no means a 'burden', and how could anyone who can follow the Custodes be simple?
However, the fact is that this sisters of Silence was caught in a trap set by dozens of mortals, then thrown into the dungeon, becoming a rare 'collection' – it's truly perplexing.
Nick's heavy losses, in Emrys' opinion, had a hint of 'showing off'.
To capture a sisters of Silence by only sacrificing dozens of noble private soldiers, wasn't that showing off?
Could it be that the private soldiers of the Fernando family were all Super IG?
It seemed that this possibility was not entirely out of the question.
While Emrys was pondering, Nick had already opened the cell door and walked with an arrogant stride to stand before the bound sisters of Silence, looking down at her.
"Consider yourself lucky, this Lord from the 'Acquis' family, from the Imperial Holy Land, has taken a liking to you."
From beginning to end, Nick maintained an arrogant attitude, and his tone towards the sisters of Silence was filled with disgust and disdain.
"Be grateful, it is your honor, you 'Unclean One', to be favored by a Lord of the Acquis family!"
However, Nick was met only with silence; clearly, this sisters of Silence was not feeling very 'honored'.
"This is your only chance." Nick didn't want to lose face in front of this great noble, so he bent down and whispered fiercely into her ear.
"Otherwise, I will show you my methods, you damned Unclean One!"
Clang!
Suddenly, the chains on both sides of the wall were yanked violently!
The sisters of Silence exerted her strength, and the chains rattled with an ear-splitting sound as she struggled furiously, attempting to crush the despicable person before her.
Nick was startled by her sudden movement and quickly retreated a few steps, but seeing the sisters of Silence still bound in place, he became furious, pulled out what looked like a controller from his Pregnant, and pressed it down hard.
A strong current spread along the chains, immediately causing the sisters of Silence to tremble all over and emit a painful whimper.
But even that wasn't enough to satisfy Nick; he kicked the sisters of Silence several times in the abdomen, cursing as he hit her.
"You scared the hell out of me! Know your place! You are a lowly, evil 'Unclean One' now!"
"That's enough."
At this moment, Emrys could no longer stand it and reprimanded, "She is my chosen merchandise; is it your place to lecture her?"
These words brought a fawning expression to Nick's face; he rubbed his hands, bowed, and scurried back, saying obsequiously, "Lord, wasn't I just helping you teach her a lesson? This one is very stubborn; no matter how many times she's beaten, she just won't bow her head. You saw it yourself, so…
"No need, I like stubborn ones."
Emrys' face showed a somewhat 'perverted' smile as he licked his lips.
"Only such people are truly exciting to play with."
"Understood, understood." Nick took in his reaction and naturally expressed his understanding.
Isn't it normal for a great noble of the Imperium to be a bit twisted?
Judging by Selena's expression from the side, the psychologically warped lord of the Acquis family, as portrayed by Emrys, was quite convincing.
He just wondered what the Acquis family would think when they found out their reputation had been so tarnished.
Of course, none of this concerned Emrys.
All he could think about now was that he had to take this sisters of Silence with him, no matter what!
In fact, as early as when he was on Vigilus, Emrys had already coveted the sisters of Silence who followed the Inquisitor.
But prying someone away directly would damage his 'noble demeanor', so he reluctantly gave up that idea.
Now that he had finally stumbled upon another one, how could he lady it?
With his Warp physique, he truly needed a sisters of Silence.
Soon, Nick completed the handover procedures, and this sisters of Silence officially belonged to Emrys. However, they faced a very serious problem: how to conduct the transaction?
Release control?
Don't be ridiculous; once control was released, it would be no exaggeration to say that...
The enraged sisters of Silence would absolutely slaughter everyone present in an instant, including Emrys himself.
The sisters of Silence's suppression of a psyker was no less than a beating his grandson.
No matter what level of psionics you were, as long as you weren't Alpha-plus, in front of a sisters of Silence, you were just an ant to be casually crushed.
Among the traitor Primarchs, there was one who was skilled in psykers, and wasn't he still pinned to the ground and rubbed by the sisters of Silence?
Emrys didn't believe he had the ability to suppress a sisters of Silence.
So, after several discussions, Emrys temporarily decided to continue having the sisters of Silence wear the restraint device and transport her away directly like that.
"Uh, Lord Charles…" Nick looked at Emrys with joy, rubbing his hands, his meaning already very clear.
"Don't worry, I'll be staying here for a while longer." Emrys patted him on the shoulder and said earnestly, "Besides, I am a descendant of the Acquis family; would I default on your payment?"
Pay?
Sorry, he never intended to pay from the start.
Why pay when he could get it for free?
Moreover, it was the Acquis family that was reneging, what did it have to do with Merlin Emrys ?
Emrys' justified free acquisition, in Nick's eyes, was a very normal operation.
After all, what noble would carry a large amount of currency when traveling? With the reputation of the Acquis family, he wasn't afraid that this lord would default on his payment.
"Of course, I will arrange accommodation for you right away." Nick was now entirely focused on how to curry favor with this great noble.
"I will arrange for someone to deliver the goods to your new residence shortly!"
"Very good, you've performed well."
Emrys also expressed his appreciation, patting him on the shoulder and saying, "Such an excellent talent as you shouldn't stay here. I will suggest to the family head Fernando that you be given more opportunities to prove yourself."
This promise was delivered with utmost smoothness.
Nick's heart burned with excitement upon hearing it, and he became even more solicitous, running back and forth, bowing and scraping.
"Lord Charles, I heard you just arrived today, so you must be here for the annual auction." Nick diligently handed him a card.
"This is a small token of my appreciation, it can save you some trouble."
Emrys looked down and saw that it was a Level 3 pass.
Not bad, it saved him some trouble…
He took the pass casually.
"Well done, I'll remember you."
To be remembered by a famous great noble of the Imperium, Nick was already overwhelmed with fear and awe, but his goal had been achieved.
"No, no, I just did a trivial little thing, noble Lord Charles."
It was already late when he left the 'talent market'.
However, it wasn't a complete loss; at least he rescued a sister of Silence and obtained a Level Three Pass.
With this, he no longer needed to exert effort and had the qualification to directly participate in the 'auction'.
"Lord Charles, this is the residence Mr. Nick specially arranged for you." Selena led him to a luxurious manor and respectfully said, "Please make do for one night; tomorrow I will come and take you to tour other parts of Wanderer's Port."
"Although it's simple, as a temporary residence, it's still acceptable."
Emrys still maintained the discerning eye of a top noble, critically assessing the luxurious manor before him.
This was very much in line with the temperament of a great Imperial noble.
"Lord Charles, if you need, I can also…"
Selena hesitated, but her flirtatious gaze revealed her hidden intentions.
But unfortunately, Emrys had seen too many beautiful women. Even a woman like Selena, he could acquire countless with just a wave of his hand, so he naturally wasn't interested.
"No need, I will contact you tomorrow."
A hint of disappointment appeared in Selena's eyes, but her excellent professional etiquette prevented her from showing too much, and she respectfully saw him to the door.
Soon after entering the manor, Jackal disappeared.
When Emrys changed into his pajamas and came out of the bathroom, Jackal reappeared.
"I've checked; there are no surveillance devices here."
"Hmm." Emrys nodded, and then asked him to bring the 'sister of Silence'.
Due to the danger of the sisters of Silence, she was placed in a special device that could suppress the unique domain of the soulless as much as possible.
Even so, Emrys still felt an ineffable discomfort when he approached.
It was like his strength was being stripped away, and the feeling of weakness made him very uncomfortable, unconsciously revealing a hint of disgust.
Release her directly?
That was definitely impossible; Emrys didn't want to gamble whether she would kill him.
He could only try to talk first, hoping to clear up any misunderstandings.
Emrys looked at this sister of Silence. In the dungeon, she was completely covered by the device, making it impossible to see her clearly.
But after she was brought here, Emrys finally got a clear look at her appearance.
Her skin was as pale as the cold moonlight, and perhaps due to years of malnutrition, her facial features appeared somewhat gaunt. In her deep gray pupils, there was a hint of sharp killing intent that sent shivers down one's spine.
Her long, silver-white hair was casually draped down.
"It's very rare that it's not a topknot…" Emrys muttered to himself, cleared his throat, and said, "Hello, esteemed sister of Silence, I'm very pleased to meet you here. Let me introduce myself first."
"My name is Merlin Emrys , family head of the Emrys Trader Dynasty."
The sister of Silence's gaze seemed to change slightly.
Seeing this, Emrys secretly thought, "Good," and continued, "As you can see, Charles Arquis is the identity I use for disguise, and the reason for my infiltration of Wanderer's Port is very complex, difficult to explain in a few words."
The sister of Silence frowned, her eyes still full of vigilance and suspicion.
"Do you recognize this?" Seeing this, Emrys had no choice but to take out his medal.
"Marius Calgar and Louis Dantin, you should know them, right? These are the medals they gave me."
These two medals were indeed of considerable value.
One was to reward him for his strategic planning in Vigilus campaign, which destroyed half the strength of the Chaos fleet.
The other was the Wings of the Blood Angels, bestowed by the Lord of Baal, to commend him for holding back the Hive Ship in the Perdita campaign.
It was no exaggeration to say that based on these two medals alone, Emrys' achievements were no less than those of a Astra Militarum Lord General.
However, these two valuable medals, in the eyes of the sister of Silence, only elicited… confusion.
"You… don't recognize them?!" Emrys' smile stiffened. He had been so confident, but she didn't recognize them?
The sister of Silence seemed to have realized that the other party had no ill will, at least not yet, so she shook her head.
Emrys clicked his teeth; the most frustrating situation had arisen.
He wanted to prove himself, but he met a 'blockhead' who didn't even recognize these two medals!
"Alright, I'd like to talk with you, esteemed sister of Silence." Emrys spread his hands helplessly and said, "So, I will release the restraints on you, but I also hope you are willing to calm down, okay?"
Perhaps seeing a hint of sincerity in Emrys' actions, after a moment of hesitation, the sister of Silence slowly spoke.
"Okay."
"Wait, you can talk?!"
This sentence almost stunned Emrys; he was dumbfounded for more than ten seconds.
"Wait, you can talk?!"
sisters of Silence often face indescribable enemies, so to avoid revealing secrets, they take a 'Vow of Tranquility'.
That is, never speak, keeping secrets.
"I haven't taken the 'Tranquility' vow yet." The sister of Silence said expressionlessly, "The reason for my silence was merely to avoid trouble."
"Alright…" Emrys rubbed his brow, reassuring himself that this was normal.
Then, he fulfilled his promise and had Jackal remove the control device for her.
This gave the sister of Silence a sense of reassurance, after all, an ordinary person and a psyker were no different from ants in front of her.
Especially psykers, who were easier to crush than a chick.
"Esteemed sister of Silence, can you tell me your name now?" Emrys sat opposite her, looking directly at the sister of Silence, and smiled.
"I have already shown you my sincerity, so I presume you can feel at ease now, right?"
"Ilia Vigilante."
Ilia stared at Emrys, wary of his every move, and slowly spoke.
"This is a good start, marking the beginning of our mutual trust."
Emrys said, "So, Ms. Ilia, do you still adhere to the ancient oath?"
An ancient oath plunged Ilia into silence.
There was some complexity in her gaze, but more so doubt.
"Why should I answer your question?"
"The reason is simple: I am the representative of the Golden Throne."
When he said this, Emrys' gaze was purer than ever, and his tone was extremely firm and resonant.
"Now, I am not representing Holy Terra, but the Golden Throne, to ask you, Ms. Ilia Vigilante, do you still remember that ancient oath!"
"Why should I believe you?"
Just a simple sentence, asking her to believe that he was the representative of the Golden Throne, was indeed a considerable challenge. However, Emrys was well prepared. From his private space, he took out the master-crafted power sword, which contained the great power of the Golden Throne, had once cut off the head of a Khorne Greater Daemon, and belonged to a Living Saint!
"This is my evidence, Ms. Ilia."
Emrys gripped the greatsword, its edge burning with golden flames, proving his words.
To prove that one is the Emperor's agent in the mortal realm, nothing surpasses this sword.
This is a blessed blade, a divine artifact exclusive to the Imperium's Living Saints. If Emrys hadn't considered that this sword belonged to Winnie, he would have surely pocketed it long ago. How could he lady such an opportunity?
Facts also proved that the moment Ilia saw the sword, she could feel the power flowing from it.
That tangible yet formless psychic energy, although untouchable by the "Soulless," deeply resonated with the inherited memories of the sisters of Silence.
"I need a reason," Ilia said, her voice hoarse.
"Soon, the Custodes Marshal will reassemble you all." Emrys pondered for a moment, then decided to reveal some information he knew.
"As you can see, since the Great Rift opened, the influence of psychic powers and the Warp has grown stronger. The Imperium needs your strength. This is the judgment made by the Primarch, Guilliman."
"Now, we can return to the initial question." He reined in his smile, becoming serious and solemn.
"Lady Ilia Vigilant, are you still willing to uphold the ancient oath, pledge allegiance to the Emperor on the Golden Throne, and give your life for him?"
This ancient oath, after countless years, seemed not to have faded.
In fact, it appeared to have grown heavier.
Ilia was silent for a moment, then said softly, "When the sisters of Silence faced questioning from the Ecclesiarchy and the High Lords of Terra's council, our only trusted comrades, the Custodes, merely watched silently as we were expelled and disbanded."
"Please let me finish," Ilia's gray eyes showed a hint of displeasure. "I don't like to be interrupted, especially when I'm speaking."
Emrys silently made an 'OK' gesture.
And Ilia, a sister of Silence, seemed lost in thought.
"I have never seen Holy Terra with my own eyes, nor have I ever sworn an oath before the Golden Throne."
"When I was very young, my mother always described to me the Holy Terra of ten thousand years ago, the mythical era when the God-Emperor still walked among mortals, but... I don't understand."
"She, who had never seen Holy Terra with her own eyes, upheld a vague, utterly ridiculous oath until her death."
"Even at the moment she died of illness, she was still shouting 'Emperor.'"
A hint of sorrow flickered in Ilia's eyes. She looked up at Emrys.
"You can accuse me of being a heretic, because I never took a vow of tranquility, and my silence was merely out of bother. I also cannot forgive the Imperium, the High Lords, and even the Custodes, who have ignored the plight of the sisters of Silence for ten millennia."
"Please tell me, what do we fight for?"
Facing Ilia's question, Emrys actually understood her thoughts.
The Ecclesiarchy branded them as 'unclean,' and the world regarded them as inauspicious, suffering wherever they went.
And the Custodes?
For ten thousand years, they merely watched all of this from the Imperial Palace within Terra's high walls.
It was impossible for there to be no resentment in their hearts.
Moreover, the current sisters of Silence were no longer the original group. Perhaps they still believed in the Emperor, but their hearts had become riddled with holes.
And this sister of Silence before him, she was certainly not a so-called heretic; she was merely looking for a reason to dedicate herself and fight.
The sisters of Silence are heretics? This might be the biggest joke in the entire universe.
"No, the reason you feel lost is simply because you have never seen 'it,'" Emrys said after a long deliberation. "I will not force you with any so-called oath. The Imperium, and indeed humanity, owes you too much. Even if you ultimately refuse me, you can still gain your freedom. Consider it my humble compensation."
"You mean, I can leave even if I refuse you?" Ilia raised an eyebrow, her expression serious.
"Yes, if you need help, I can assist you in leaving." Emrys' expression was calm, his gaze unwavering.
"I very much hope for your help, but I will never force you, because I once received help from a sister of Silence."
These words came from his heart, without a hint of pretense.
He was indeed very envious of the sisters of Silence, but on the condition that they were willing. What was the point of forcing them if they weren't?
Furthermore, Guilliman would soon unite with the Custodes commander to reassemble and rebuild the sisters of Silence, so he didn't need to put all his eggs in one basket.
Ilia was silent for a long time, the candlelight in the living room flickering, seemingly foreshadowing her inner struggle.
Emrys lit a cigar, blowing smoke, enjoying himself without rushing, quietly waiting for an answer.
After a long while, Ilia finally spoke.
"I'm sorry, I still cannot understand my mother's reason for upholding that oath."
Hearing this, Emrys couldn't help but sigh softly, extinguishing the finished cigar.
"I won't force you. If you want to leave, please tell me."
As he spoke, he was about to get up and leave, but then he heard Ilia say.
"But... I want to find the answer myself."
"You mean?" Emrys' extinguished hope was reignited by this sentence.
"I am willing to join you," Ilia took a deep breath, as if regaining her resolve, hope returning to her eyes.
"I only have one request: in the future, take me to see that sacred Imperial Palace on Terra, if you can."
"No problem, leave it to me!" Emrys beamed, immediately patting his chest and assuring her.
"Even taking you to see the Emperor is no problem!"
"Good, then it's settled." Ilia nodded, a hint of hope in her eyes.
"Oh, I almost forgot to ask you." Emrys looked at the simply dressed sister of Silence and asked, "Where is your Vow Armor?"
To his surprise, Ilia, who had been so confident a second ago, suddenly showed a somewhat embarrassed expression.
"Uh... sold it."
"???"
Emrys froze, then asked somewhat stiffly, "Then... what about the Execution Greatsword?"
"Also, also sold it"
Ilia had already hung her head in shame... Why didn't you sell yourself too???
"Wasn't I sold, and then you bought me back?"
These few short sentences almost caused Emrys' brain to short-circuit.
He felt his temples throbbing wildly, and a vague, bad premonition arose in his heart.
He couldn't be encountering another 'eccentric,' could he?
He thought about it carefully; it seemed that few of the people around him were normal.
A War Witch whose mouth seemed poisoned, clearly a melee fanatic, yet yearned to be a priest; Necrons who spent their days immersed in studying souls, but actually wore human skin to cosplay humans every day; and a C'tan who was suspected of being overly extreme.
And this one before him was truly a heavyweight!
A sister of Silence who dared to sell even her Vow Armor and Execution Greatsword—no wonder she was captured alive by dozens of noble private soldiers.
Isn't that just pure karma?!
"You dared to sell even your Vow Armor and Execution Greatsword?!" Emrys' tone was already filled with disbelief. Was this something you could just casually sell?
"What could I do?" Ilia said, her face full of grievance.
"By the time they were passed down to my generation, they were completely damaged and unusable. I was also being tracked by a damned Inquisitor, so to escape, I had no choice but to sell them for a ship ticket. I had intended to hide here for a few years, but who knew I'd get caught?"
Great, confirmed, another 'talent'!
Emrys suddenly felt a bit regretful. He should have asked for more details earlier!