The restoration of the Han Dynasty began with the Horus Rebellion.

Chapter 93 Three Brothers of Brotherly Love and Respect

Chapter 94 Three Brothers of Brotherly Love and Respect

Although both are considered top masters of Imperial defense, Perturabo and Roguedon are completely different types. Roguedon tends to build impregnable fortresses, keeping enemies as far away as possible from what needs to be protected.

Peturab, on the other hand, believed that defense was also a means of annihilation. He was more adept at luring enemies into his territory and then ruthlessly crushing and slaughtering them.

Therefore, Guilliman certainly knew that Peturabo would inevitably prepare a trap for him.

From a rational perspective, the Lord of Alteramar knew very well that nothing was more important than ensuring the establishment of the Second Empire. The best decision at this time was to ignore the enemy's provocations and command the Ultramarines' fleet to escort the Great Tyrant and the "Second Empire Emperor," who was procedurally necessary, back to Macragge.

however.

The most dangerous aspect of a trap is never how deadly it is.

It's not about how tempting the cheese on the mousetrap is.

"Let's talk, Guilliman, although I know you don't want to see me."

Looking back now, perhaps the moment the communication channel was hacked, I should have used my power to smash the speaker array without hesitation.

"But one of our brothers wants to see you."

Upon hearing this, Guilliman realized that he could not refuse Peturabo's invitation, or rather, his provocation.

"A brother who is already dead."

Who will it be?

Ferrus Manus?

Corax?

Wokan?

Although in the Empire's official propaganda they were merely "missing," in the eyes of other citizens of the Empire—including Guilliman—the painful fact that they were dead had to be accepted.

However, Guilliman knew that Perturabo had many flaws that Guilliman disliked, but he particularly disliked lying and deception, which meant that it was very likely that what he said was true.

Thinking about this made Guilliman feel his blood boil.

His innate instincts compelled him to become the son of vengeance.

So he came here because if Peturab really showed off his brother's remains to him, he had to confirm his brother's sacrifice with his own eyes and make Peturab pay the price.

However, he seems to be wrong.

Clang, clang, clang...

The sound of his power boots was unusually heavy, as if reminding Guilliman that this was not an illusion.

The rusty, unkempt power armor, the tattered dark green hooded cloak, the mask emitting rhythmic, heavy breathing sounds, and the massive power scythe "Silence" on his back.

All of this reveals the identity of the giant standing before them, who is about the same height as the Lord of Alteramar.

"Motalian?"

"Yes, my brother."

Although it was more muffled and hoarse than before, Guilliman could still recognize it as the voice of his Primarch brother.

"It's a pleasure to see you again."

Mortarian reached out his hand to Guilliman, but the latter cautiously took a step back.

Although Guilliman also extended his hand, it was a commanding hand with a loaded bomb.

"But I'm not happy."

Guilliman spoke slowly and coldly in a low voice.

"I didn't see a brother, I only saw a shameful and despicable traitor."

Mortalian and Guilliman looked at each other for a moment, then sighed softly.

"I will not defend my crimes. There is no doubt that I committed unforgivable acts in Istfan... I cannot even forgive myself."

Guilliman frowned.

"Which part is unforgivable: the betrayal of your father? The betrayal of humanity? Or the betrayal of your offspring?"

"It has all of these, but most importantly—it's a betrayal of my own beliefs."

Mortarian clenched his fists and spoke in a tone full of resentment.

"I spent my whole life guarding against dangerous and evil witchcraft, but I never imagined that I would be deceived by a psychic tyrant who succumbed to chaos... Horus is a puppet of chaos who exploited our discontent with our father and the Empire, leading us all astray."

"Horus is a bastard, but that's no excuse for you to shirk your responsibility."

Guilliman said firmly in an unwavering tone.

"You're right, and I have no intention of shirking responsibility. In the two years since I was seriously injured by Peturabo, I have come to a deep understanding of how many irreversible things I have done."

Mortarian raised his hand and removed his mask.

What came into Guilliman's view was a pale, thin, and haggard face.

And his face was filled with regret and pain.

"If I could, I would like to return to Terra and face any punishment, including death, under my father's judgment; but that is no longer possible under the current circumstances."

Guilliman stared intently at Mortalian, trying to use his keen observation skills to find any clues about the lie.

But he failed, and he knew that Mortalian, unlike some of his brothers—Leon and Alpharis—was not the type to lie.

"However, I know that you, along with Leon and Saint Gilles, established the Second Empire in the Extreme Starfield to continue the flame of the Empire. If you are to judge and punish me, I will do so willingly and without complaint."

"First, the establishment of the Second Empire—at least the current Second Empire—has no direct connection to me. Second, can I interpret this as a surrender... or a transfer of prisoners?"

Guilliman shifted his gaze to Peturabo, who had been silently observing from the platform since the beginning.

"You can also interpret this as a gift I offered to the establishment of the Second Empire."

Peturabo said it casually.

"I tried to persuade Mortalian to join my Retribution Expedition to atone for his past mistakes with concrete actions... but he refused. On the one hand, he believed that his presence would only arouse suspicion and vigilance among the warriors, and on the other hand, he could not accept my deal with Vashtor. On this point, he was just as stubborn as you."

"A perfectly reasonable explanation."

Guilliman narrowed his eyes thoughtfully.

"But that sounds like you're acknowledging the Second Empire, and aren't you afraid that will create more enemies for yourself?"

"First of all, I have never denied the legitimacy of this Second Empire. Although there is a suspicion of manipulating loopholes in the regulations—ultimately, it is an exploitation of the contract. Since the Lord of Humanity has granted this authority, I will not interfere until he personally revoks it."

Peturabo slowly descended from the platform, forming a triangle with Mortalian and Guilliman.

"Secondly, I have never considered you, nor will I ever consider you, enemies, whether it be Mortarion, Leon, Sanguiles, or you... Robout Guilliman. Even though you cannot fully understand me, I still consider you brothers, allies in the fight against Horus—against Chaos."

At this point, Peturabo looked at Motarian meaningfully.

"In any case, I have shared my analysis and understanding of Chaos with Mortarion. Whether you choose to execute Mortarion, imprison him, put him on trial, or forgive him... I believe his knowledge can be of some help to you, including how to deal with and destroy Chaos, how to guard against the Chaos Apostles lurking around you, and information about Mortarion's battles with the Chaos Apostles—"

"You might as well put it more clearly."

Guilliman's pupils contracted slightly; he had finally grasped the key.

"So that's how it is. You're trying to drive a wedge between me and Sun Qian?"