Lloyd fell into a rare silence.
He wondered if he had misheard; was this thing an Ancient Relic?
To confirm he wasn't hallucinating, Lloyd forced a smile, his expression stiff as he said, "Um—Lord Charles, did you perhaps misspeak? You should know what 'Ancient Relic' means, right?"
Actually, it wasn't surprising he was so cautious.
Almost everything related to the "Ancients" was incredibly complex, reaching heights beyond the Imperium of Man's grasp, even involving aspects of soul, psychic energy, the Warp, time, space, and many other dimensions!
And such a relic, no matter what it was or what its function, its value was immeasurable; even just news of it would attract countless factions vying for it!
It could even trigger a war!
"Earl Lloyd, may I interpret your words as questioning my 'Emrys' family?!" Emrys glared, slamming his hand on the table.
"How dare you, a mere frontier Rogue Trader family, question the reputation of my 'Emrys' family? old man, you've got a lot of nerve!"
—Lloyd's forehead pulsed with veins. Despite his good upbringing, being called an old man to his face ignited a surge of fire in his heart.
But it was useless; facing a supposed scion of the 'Emrys' family, whether genuine or not, what could his anger accomplish?
Thinking this, Lloyd suppressed his rage and put on a calm smile.
"Lord Charles, please calm down.
I am not questioning your family's reputation; I deeply admire and respect the Emrys family. However, you should be aware of the weight of the term 'Ancient Relic.' As a merchant, it's natural for me to ensure the authenticity of this item, isn't it?"
"So what do you want?" Emrys frowned and asked.
"May I examine it?" A glint of light shone in Lloyd's eyes as he stared intently at the 'armor.'
"Of course." Emrys waved his hand dismissively.
"Look all you want; I doubt you've ever seen anything like it!"
His words, both direct and implied, were filled with the arrogance of a top noble, which only increased Lloyd's disdain for this 'Charles.'
Soon, Lloyd was circling the iron crate, carefully observing the 'Destroyer Armor.'
Inside, there were many mysterious patterns, seemingly similar to Eldar runes, and the metal used for the outer layer was unlike any he had ever seen.
As a Rogue Trader, Lloyd's discerning eye was exceptionally sharp; he immediately recognized that this armor was definitely an 'artifact' belonging neither to humans nor to any known race.
In other words—it was highly likely that this was truly a creation of the 'Ancients'!
Instantly, Lloyd's heart burned with excitement; a genuine 'Ancient Relic' was immeasurably valuable and possessed unimaginable wondrous uses!
"Have you seen enough?" Emrys deliberately waited for him to finish before asking impatiently.
Lloyd reluctantly averted his gaze and cleared his throat a few times.
"I'm truly sorry, Lord Charles, but an Ancient Relic is a bit beyond my scope. What do you wish to exchange it for?"
Finally, they were getting to the point. Wasn't all this circling for this very moment?
"What do you have?" Emrys crossed his legs, speaking nonchalantly.
"I've heard that the Fernando family in Wanderer's Port has everything I can imagine, and nothing I can't buy. Do you have anything that can compare to my 'Ancient Relic'?"
"Heh heh, Lord Charles, your request is a bit too broad." Lloyd chuckled, then, after some thought, said.
"I do indeed have things that can compare to an Ancient Relic—but I must first confirm if this item of yours is genuine and if it is as you say."
"Are you playing games with me?!" Emrys immediately grew angry, glaring at him.
"Didn't you just look at it?!"
"Lord Charles, please calm down. I only gave it a cursory glance just now and couldn't confirm its authenticity." Lloyd deliberately feigned deep thought for a long time, then said with some difficulty.
"How about this, I can't confirm the authenticity of this item for now. I hope you'll allow me to take it back and have a professional appraise it. How does that sound?"
"Do you take me for an idiot?" Emrys sneered.
"What if you swap it out midway?"
"Lord Charles, I swear upon the God-Emperor and the honor of the Fernando family." Lloyd said with a serious expression.
"I would never do such a thing. Besides, you are a scion of the 'Emrys' family; how would I dare to deceive you?"
Emrys feigned hesitation for a moment.
"Well, alright then—I trust that the Earl of the Fernando family wouldn't be a liar. If you dare to deceive me, I swear I will make you realize the cost of deceiving the Emrys family!"
"Naturally, Lord Charles."
Looking at the foolish-looking 'Charles,' Lloyd's face was smiling, but inwardly, he was sneering, having already planned his next move.
As for Emrys, he was also very pleased.
He had originally thought it would take more effort to deliver this 'gift' to Fernando, but who would have thought that old man Lloyd would be so cooperative!
Greed knows no bounds!
The stronger a person's desires, the easier they are to manipulate, and Lloyd was just such a person.
Soon, the auction's warm-up concluded.
Emrys and Lloyd, as if they regretted not meeting sooner, were still reluctant to part even after it ended, agreeing to meet again at the official auction in a few days.
Upon returning to the manor, Jackal finally asked, "The package has been delivered?"
"Mm." Emrys nodded, his gaze directed towards the core area of Wanderer's Port, which was the Fernando family's stronghold, a slight smile on his lips.
"I hope the Fernando family will like this gift I've given them."
"Ah, someone else is about to have bad luck."
Jackal shook his head, his tone seemingly a bit sympathetic, but his face showed genuine schadenfreude.
"If the Fernando family knew that a 'C'tan' was hidden inside that armor, they probably wouldn't be smiling."
He couldn't help but want to laugh when he recalled the Earl of the Fernando family's beaming smile as he left.
He couldn't possibly truly believe that Emrys' gift was so easily accepted, could he?
"I hope you'll be sensible."
Emrys lit a cigar, savoring the strong tobacco scent, then slowly exhaled, his gaze profound.
"Otherwise—don't say I didn't give you a chance. I don't want to make things too big either."
"I don't think they'll trade honestly."
Jackal scoffed dismissively.
"I bet you that old man will renege."
"Then it's not my fault."
Emrys flicked the ash from his cigar, a cold sneer on his face.
"I've given them a chance. If they can't seize it themselves, and take my kindness for weakness—then don't blame me for being ruthless."
There were still a few days until the official auction, so Emrys, having nothing to do, took Jackal and wandered around Roaming Port.
Selena had been reprimanded and fired because of the previous incident, which gave him a lot more free time.
In fact, in a sense, it also saved Selena's life; the deeper her involvement with him, the more likely something bad would happen to her.
Perhaps his acting convinced the Fernando family that he was a descendant of the Aquinas family, as even the number of people monitoring him had significantly decreased.
The west side of Roaming Port was a chaotic trading zone, where everything imaginable could be found, a gathering place for all sorts of shady characters, making it a unique 'black market'.
Just as they entered a nearly deserted corner, a person emerged from the side, filthy and clad in ragged robes, blocking their path.
However, this person, who looked like a scavenger, spoke startlingly.
"Pleased to meet you — Lord Emrys!"
Exposed?!
Before Emrys could speak, Jackal, like a phantom, appeared behind the person, drew the dagger from his waist without hesitation, and moved to end his life.
"Wait!"
Emrys quickly spoke, stopping Jackal.
It was only then that the man became aware, realizing that a dagger was at his throat; the chilling, icy touch made him break out in a cold sweat.
What's going on?!
He had been approached by the other party's guard without realizing it, and a dagger was now at his throat!
"Wait, I am Inquisitor Aldrich Norwich, sent by the Inquisition to investigate the Fernando family!" he quickly declared, fearing that another half-second's delay would result in his head being severed!
"Inquisitor?" Jackal's voice was hoarse, echoing in his ear like a venomous snake.
"What evidence do you have to prove you are an Inquisitor?"
"Inside the lining of my clothes, there's a 'rosarium' emblem issued by the Inquisition," Aldrich said rapidly.
Jackal fumbled in his clothes for a while and indeed found the 'rosarium' emblem. After confirming his identity, he lowered the knife from his throat.
"My apologies, my guard is a bit… impulsive," Emrys apologized on Jackal's behalf.
"You weren't hurt, were you?"
"It's fine, I understand." Aldrich smiled wryly and shook his head, then looked at Jackal, a hint of surprise in his eyes.
"I didn't expect your guard to be so formidable. I didn't even notice when he appeared behind me. Truly impressive."
How could he not be formidable?
The current Jackal had undergone three biological modifications by the Engineer of the alien world; his physical attributes could almost crush a Stormtroopers!
However, an Inquisitor appearing in Roaming Port, and deliberately disguised in such a manner, made Emrys somewhat perplexed.
"Your Excellency Aldrich, why are you disguised like this?"
"Let me introduce myself first." Aldrich cleared his throat and said solemnly.
"I belong to the Conclave of the Inquisition's Ordo Hereticus, and I was ordered to investigate the Fernando family. As for why I'm disguised like this, it's because if they discover I'm to live, they will stop at nothing to kill me!"
"You are an Inquisitor, who would dare to kill you?"
Emrys' expression changed slightly, somewhat surprised.
"You must have guessed, haven't you?" Aldrich's expression was bitter as he said.
"In Roaming Port, besides the Fernando family, who else would dare to kill an Inquisitor?"
From this statement, Emrys realized the gravity of the situation. What exactly had the Fernando family done to be willing to kill an Inquisitor?!
"What exactly is going on, Your Excellency Inquisitor Aldrich!" Emrys asked with a serious tone.
Aldrich briefly explained what happened.
He was ordered to investigate the Fernando family a year ago. According to internal Inquisition data, many Rogue Trader disappearances had occurred in Roaming Port over the past decade, and heretics and xenos frequently attacked surrounding starports, causing immense losses. Yet, the Fernando family always managed to avoid losses.
Therefore, the Inquisition suspected the Fernando family of colluding with alien forces and sent him to investigate.
Initially, there was nothing. Although Aldrich suspected the Fernando family, he couldn't find any concrete evidence.
But the turning point came six months ago. By chance, he discovered the 'shadow Dome' Council. After finding a way to infiltrate it, he found evidence of the Fernando family colluding with heretics, and also discovered another, even more astonishing, matter.
Aldrich immediately tried to send a psychic message to the Inquisition, but it was intercepted. He then decisively fled Roaming Port.
However, as soon as his ship entered the Warp, Aldrich's fleet was surrounded by a large number of Drukhari pirates.
After a bitter battle, the combat personnel suffered heavy casualties.
On the brink of despair, Aldrich activated the ship's self-destruct sequence, then used alien technology to sneak back into Roaming Port, hiding in the most chaotic Western District, biding his time.
It wasn't until today, when he accidentally encountered Emrys, that he risked exposure to appear and stop them.
As for why he recognized Emrys, the reason was quite simple: Emrys was on the Inquisition's investigation list, and he was among the highest-ranked.
The crime of the Fernando family being willing to intercept and assassinate an Inquisitor made Emrys feel an increasing sense of foreboding, and he asked.
"Your Excellency Aldrich, what secret did you discover?"
Even if the Fernando family colluded with xenos, it wouldn't warrant killing an Inquisitor, would it?
"They… want to declare themselves kings!"
Aldrich's voice was filled with an unspeakable rage, his pupils streaked with blood, his clenched fists showing bulging veins, and his temples throbbing, indicating the immense emotional upheaval he felt when speaking those words!
"At the shadow Dome Council, I discovered the Fernando family's plan to split Imperial territory and cooperate with heretics to occupy Roaming Port!"
"Hiss."
Even though Emrys was usually audacious, always jokingly calling them 'Yellow Weasels,' he was genuinely shocked upon hearing these words!
The Fernando family wants to declare themselves kings!
Have they gone mad?!
"Your Excellency Inquisitor, you must understand what that statement implies." Emrys took a deep breath, still finding it hard to believe, and looked at him with a serious gaze, saying in a deep voice.
"Unless you can provide evidence, I find it very difficult to believe your accusation."
The reason he did this was not to protect the Fernando family, but to uphold the dignity, power, and status of the Trader Dynasty!
If today, an Inquisitor could accuse the Fernando family of treason without conclusive evidence, then tomorrow more Inquisitors would accuse the Emrys family!
Looking at the serious-faced Emrys, Inquisitor Aldrich also sighed.
"I apologize. Although I witnessed it with my own eyes, my evidence was destroyed on the ship when I escaped. As of now, I have no evidence to prove that the Fernando family has betrayed the Imperium."
"My apologies, Inquisitor Aldrich."
Emrys shook his head, and in the face of the other party's disappointed gaze, he said firmly, "You have no evidence to prove that the Fernando family has betrayed the Imperium and the God-Emperor, and I cannot assist you."
Without evidence, Emrys naturally couldn't fully believe his accusations against the Fernando Dynasty, especially concerning betrayal of the Imperium.
To be honest, whether it was colluding with xenos or secretly bribing Space Pirates and Navy admirals, Emrys didn't consider any of it a big deal.
After all, everyone was a Rogue Trader.
Who hasn't done something illegal? Not to mention others, just himself—colluding with the Eldar, maintaining close contact with the Necrons, and even having an Iron Man Legion suspected of being AI. If these things were to come out, his fate might not be much better than Fernando's.
Ultimately, it came down to one point.
He was a Rogue Trader, and his identity and status put him at odds with the Inquisition. How could he possibly believe an Inquisitor's unsubstantiated accusations?
There were plenty of fanatics among Inquisitors; if he helped one accuse Fernando today, tomorrow it would be Merlin' turn to be falsely accused without evidence.
"No, I think you might have misunderstood me, esteemed Lord Emrys." After a brief moment of disappointment, Aldrich quickly regained his composure and said, "The reason I told you this is not because I hope you can help me accuse Fernando. I understand your difficulties."
"Then what do you want me to help you with?" Emrys raised an eyebrow, puzzled, "If it's about leaving this world, I can offer you some assistance."
Aldrich's expression suddenly changed, and he quickly waved his hand in refusal.
"No, please don't do that, Lord Emrys!"
"Are you afraid?"
From Aldrich's face, Emrys saw a hint of deep fear.
"That's right." Aldrich swallowed, nodding.
"You might not know, Wanderer's Port—it has long been completely controlled by Fernando. Any Warp astropathic message is intercepted and reviewed in advance, and only transmitted after being confirmed as correct."
"The Fernando family is that powerful?!"
Upon hearing this, Emrys' expression subtly changed. The Fernando family's control over Wanderer's Port seemed to have completely exceeded his expectations!
"I wish it were false, but—" Aldrich's face was bitter, and he sighed deeply.
"Not only that, I suspect that even if one enters the Warp, as long as they are still in this star system, they will be directly targeted by the Fernando family. My fleet—that's how it disappeared."
The Eternity Forge—Carol had mentioned this to him, an 'Old One relic' that could navigate freely in the Warp, fearless of Warp storms, and lock onto target navigation routes!
Emrys frowned. It now seemed that during Merlin' decline, the Fernando family had acquired another artifact that could actually intercept Warp astropathic messages!
In this way, the entire Wanderer's Port, from inside out, had been built into an impregnable fortress by the Fernando family!
No wonder Aldrich accused the Fernando family of intending to declare themselves kings and carve up Imperial territory.
As far as the information Emrys had received, the key wasn't whether Fernando truly intended to do so, but rather that they genuinely had the capability to do so. That was the most terrifying part!
"Although I used alien technology to fake my death and secretly returned to Wanderer's Port, I suspect the Fernando family knows I'm still alive!" Aldrich continued.
"How are you sure they know you're not dead?" Emrys asked.
"They have been blockading the Warp astropathic messages from here to the outside world." Aldrich's face was filled with bitterness.
"If not for that, I would have used the rosarium to send the information here back to the Inquisition long ago."
Emrys stroked his chin, summarizing the current situation.
In short, Fernando suspected Aldrich was still alive, had been secretly investigating, and had blockaded Wanderer's Port's external Warp astropathic messages, completely cutting off Aldrich's possibility of calling for outside help.
Troublesome. —
Emrys frowned deeply. He was here to steal the family star chart and didn't want to get involved in such a major conflict.
If not handled well, it could easily escalate into a war between two major Rogue Trader Dynasties, or even the entire Wanderer's Port star system!
"Lord Emrys, I know of your deeds on Roselle and Vigilus." Aldrich exhaled, his gaze resolute as he said, "Therefore, I want to entrust you with something. This matter is of great importance. Wanderer's Port is the Imperium's route to the Segementum Obscurus, and also an important resource and frontier. It absolutely cannot fall into the hands of traitors!"
"—Tell me what it is first, then I'll decide whether to help you." Emrys sighed, thinking to himself that his luck was too bad; why was he always getting caught up in trouble?
"Make the right decision when necessary." A smile, subtly strange, appeared on Aldrich's face.
"That's what I want to entrust you with. It's very simple, isn't it?"
"—Explain it more clearly to me."
A vein throbbed on Emrys' forehead. Why did that sentence sound so wrong?
"I've been very clear, Lord Emrys." Aldrich put his hood back on, the corner of his mouth beneath his lower face curving upwards.
"Make the right decision when necessary. It's not difficult."
"Wait, explain what you mean. What is 'when necessary'?" Emrys frowned.
However, Aldrich no longer elaborated.
"Time is almost up, Lord Emrys. I must leave. Staying longer will attract unnecessary trouble. Please remember my words!"
After saying this, Aldrich turned and hurried away, leaving a bewildered Emrys and Jackal.
"This—what does that mean?!"
Emrys was confused. Do Inquisitors dislike speaking plainly now, preferring to be riddlers?
"Listen, should I grab him back?" Jackal scratched his head. He wasn't used to these kinds of matters, and now he felt his nerves were about to burn out.
"Forget it—" Emrys waved his hand, refusing, his gaze still fixed in the direction Aldrich had departed.
"This matter of the Fernando family intending to carve up Imperial territory, do you think it's true or false?"
"I don't know." Jackal shrugged, shaking his head.
"To be honest, what Fernando has done, I think it's not as bad as yours—you are much more dangerous than them."
Emrys, choked by the remark, glared at him fiercely.
"Now I finally understand how Galahad always felt like chopping you to death back then!"
"Not that bad, not that bad—" Jackal nervously wiped sweat, then said seriously.
"I do have a way to find out if Fernando is really planning a rebellion, and it can also help you find the star chart."
"Shadow Dome Council?"
Emrys stated the answer a step ahead.
"Yes, that council." Jackal said slowly.
"Didn't the Inquisitor just say? He infiltrated the shadow Dome Council and only then discovered evidence of Fernando's intent to rebel. Why don't we go there too?"
Meanwhile, after bidding farewell to Emrys, Lloyd returned to the family estate, located in the core area of Roaming Port.
Here, magnificent golden towers, constantly enveloped in a radiant glow, illuminated the entire night sky of Roaming Port.
This place was also known as the 'Ever-Shining Towers'!
It symbolized the Fernando family, like an eternal Sun, shining upon Roaming Port, never setting!
However, even within the vast Fernando family, only a very few knew that the true symbol of the family's power was actually underground!
Directly beneath the tallest spire was an inverted pyramid-shaped building, its overall color a dark shadow gray, unlike the exposed golden exterior.
This was the 'shadow Dome Council'!
Lloyd, carrying the iron box, took a private elevator all the way to the depths of the 'shadow Dome', which was also the tip of this inverted pyramid.
Pushing open the heavy door revealed a reception room.
Dim and gloomy was the prevailing atmosphere here; even the crystal chandeliers hanging from the dome emitted only a faint, cold light, and seven people sat around a massive round table.
"Mr. Lloyd!"
The seven stood and bowed.
"Sit."
Lloyd took the main seat, his gaze sweeping around, then he placed the briefcase on the table, his expression indifferent.
"I've gathered everyone this time for this item—"
Under everyone's curious gazes, he opened the iron box, revealing the Destroyer armor inside.
At the same time, detailed information was projected to each of the seven.
"The item is right here," Lloyd tapped the table with his index finger, his gaze calm.
"Now, tell me your thoughts."
"Hiss, a relic of the Old Ones!"
"I've never seen these patterns before!"
"I speculate that the patterns engraved inside the armor should be some kind of incantation similar to those of the Eldar, which can inject energy into this armor, or serve a control function!"
"These patterns—they contain unimaginable power, and it's highly possible they are a key for us to decipher Old One technology!"
The product of Kamar-Taj magic combined with Asgard Runes, two profound magical systems, directly drove those present into a frenzy!
"Speaker, this thing—where did you get it from?!" One of them was even gesticulating wildly with excitement.
"It's too precious, the value of this thing—it's simply unimaginable!"
The man's frantic reaction even made Lloyd pause.
"Sage Byrne, is this thing really that valuable?"
Although he was certain that this armor had a significant connection to the Old Ones, he never expected it to make 'Sage Byrne' so excited!
"Lord Speaker, if we're talking about practical value, it might not be as good as the 'Eternal Furnace,'" Byrne paused for half a second, but the fervor in his eyes was palpable to everyone present.
"But in terms of research, its value is immeasurable, because it very well could be the 'key' for us to unlock Old One technology!"
Hearing this, Lloyd's pupils constricted slightly, and his heart rate suddenly accelerated significantly; no one understood better than he the meaning contained in the phrase 'a key to unlock Old One technology'!
The Eternal Furnace was an Old One creation!
However, they only knew how to use it, unable to understand the logic of its operation, let alone repair it, which meant that once it was damaged, it was completely broken!
But now, the key to unlocking Old One technology was laid out before them; if they could decipher those mysterious writings, they might be able to freely create even more powerful Old One technology!
By then... they would be the overlords of humanity, and even the entire Milky Way Galaxy!
"Mr. Lloyd, where did you get this thing from?" Sage Byrne urgently pressed.
"I'm sorry, I might have to disappoint you," Lloyd clearly understood his thoughts; the place where this item was unearthed might hide even more secrets, but he regretfully shook his head and said.
"This item was stolen by a scion of the Emrys family from their family's treasury, and he wanted to sell it to me."
"The Emrys family?" Byrne was stunned for a few seconds, a little wary.
"Hiss, this is a top-tier noble family of the Imperium. This boy has a lot of nerve, daring to steal even this thing. So, do you think we should accept it?"
"Why be afraid?"
At this moment, the old man sitting on the left slammed the table.
"It's just the Emrys family, isn't it? We're taking the item. If they have the guts, let them come!"
However, the old man on the right held an opposing view.
"No matter what, the Emrys family is still a top noble family of the Imperial Holy Realm, and the power they can wield is far beyond what we can imagine."
"Then what do you mean?" The old man on the left glared.
The old man on the right coughed a few times and raised an objection.
"We are not yet ready to completely sever ties with the Imperium; the time is not right. I believe appeasement is paramount; there's no need to fall out with them. Although this item is good, it's currently a hot potato."
"What about the Emrys family?"
The old man on the left snorted coldly, his tone full of disdain.
"Let alone the Emrys family, even the Mechanicus of Mars, what do we have to fear?"
"You're too arrogant, Lawson!"
The old man on the right immediately reprimanded.
"Even if we are on the frontier, and the Imperium's main forces are currently tied up in the shadow, we are absolutely not to be provoked. If we are exposed prematurely, only utter destruction awaits us!"
"Heh heh, I think you're too timid, Dane!" The old man named Lawson on the left scoffed.
"You also said that the Imperium's main forces are currently tied up in the shadow. What do we have to fear? Even if a Space Marine Chapter comes, with the 'Eternal Furnace,' we are completely unafraid!"
"Enough!"
Annoyed by the bickering, Lloyd roared, interrupting the two arguing individuals, and slowly said.
"The value of this item is immense. I have decided that it must be kept, no matter what!"
Seeing that everyone still seemed to have some reservations, he slowly spoke to reassure them.
"Don't worry, this boy wasn't discovered when he stole it, and besides, the Emrys family has kept it for so many years without realizing its importance, so we don't need to worry too much."
"Yes, lord Speaker."
Regardless of their inner thoughts, since Lloyd had made his decision, the remaining people could only agree.
"Next is the second matter."
Lloyd's brows furrowed, and he said coldly.
"Is there any news about the Inquisitor's whereabouts?"
"No news yet," Dane's face was grim, and he said coldly.
"But please rest assured, he cannot escape Roaming Port. Even if it means trapping him—I will trap him to his death here!"
"What did the Inquisition say?"
Lloyd was still uneasy, looking at another old man.
"Do not show any flaws. Now is the most critical time, and I do not wish for even the slightest mistake, understand?!"
"Understood, Speaker."
The old man grinned and said.
"Inquisitor Aldrich got lost in a Warp storm. What does that have to do with us? Even the Inquisition couldn't blame us!"
"Very good, gentlemen."
Lloyd was satisfied and nodded.
"When the plan succeeds, Fernando will not forget your contributions. Let us raise our glasses together and toast to the arrival of that day!"
"To Fernando!"
"To Fernando!"
"To Fernando!"
"To all of you!"