"To the heroic spirits of the Astral Knights, to Chapter Master Soshiyang, and to your warm hospitality,"
Mazar raised his wine glass and said loudly, and everyone responded.
"We respect the ascetics for their outstanding achievements, the Magyar Chapter Commander, and your firm belief!"
Soshyan also raised his glass.
"May the empire live forever!"
They drank it all in one gulp, and the soldiers sitting at the elegant long tables in the grand banquet hall also raised their glasses in response.
There are a hundred guest Astral Knights sitting here opposite their colleagues from the Ascetic Chapter. This time Lord Magyar only brought his own honor guard and some soldiers from the first company. Even so, the number is greater than that of the Astral Knights. All people put together are many,
Immediately after the speech, the music started, and a flood of servitors came out of the kitchen to serve the first of many dishes.
Soshyan and Mazhar sat across from each other at the main table.
Lighting balls floated above the banquet hall and candlesticks with flickering flames lined the dining tables. The combination of the two filled the hall with a golden light that reminded many present of the otherworldly halo of church domes.
The dinner was a pleasant one, where camaraderie was forged between the two Chapters and the warriors got to know each other.
The initial unfamiliarity and wariness soon turned into familiarity and mutual appreciation.
At the end of the banquet, the two sides even had a friendly swordsmanship contest.
The Astral Knights are fighting here with Armin, and the Ascetic Chapter is fighting with a young warrior from the Glory Guard.
After the two sides fought for dozens of rounds, the representative of the ascetic side frankly admitted his defeat after the sword in his hand was knocked away. Armin hugged the other side in a friendly manner and gave each other weapons.
Magyar marveled at the swordsmanship of the Astral Knights. They didn't look like new recruits at all, but instead looked like experienced swordsmen.
At the end of the banquet, the warriors from both sides got rid of the shackles of etiquette and began to move freely in the venue, chatting and getting to know each other. Only Thor quietly left in the middle of the banquet. He did not want to attract too much attention.
As for Soshyan and Mazhar, they came to the private room exclusive to the Chapter Leader.
Here, they needed to have a deeper conversation.
"To have the Chapter back on its feet in such a short time is indeed a remarkable achievement, lad."
Following Soshyan into the room, Mazar glanced around with a smile.
"This is by no means a slight. I have never doubted your ability. However, I am still shocked by your achievements. This castle, those experienced warriors, everything."
Soshyan pursed his lips.
"It's a responsibility, we all have a responsibility, that's all."
"Ah, indeed."
Mazhar whispered, as if thinking about something Soshyan could not possibly know.
"Please take a seat."
Soshyan pointed to the long table in the center of the room.
A long table carved from a boulder occupies half of the room. There are seats around it, all made for the Astartes' body shape. Each seat is made from the same material as the long table. granite.
Apparently, Soshyan planned to use this to entertain other visiting Chapter Brothers in the future, and Magyar was the first guest.
"Are these your handiwork?"
"in case for need."
Mazar nodded, sat in the nearest seat, and spread his armored hands flat on the table.
Soshyan then sat across from him.
"To be honest, I have heard a lot of complaints about your Chapter recently, especially from the Navy. Some people think that you and your Chapter have crossed a line."
"It is an expedient measure. The number of the battle group is too small now. Warships that emphasize high-speed assault and gang-hopping operations are not suitable for us. On the contrary, the navy's ship types are more in line with our needs to destroy enemies at long distances."
"Since you mentioned the current situation."
Mazhar gave a playful smile.
"Then I'm curious, what other enemies do you need to destroy?"
"All enemies of the Emperor."
Soshyan's answer was flawless. Fortunately, the other party did not bother with this issue again.
"Ignore the Navy for now. In fact, I have another purpose for this trip."
After a moment of silence, Lord Magyar looked down at his hands and said:
"You may have guessed it."
"Yes."
The Ascetic Chapter Master raised his head to meet Soshiyan's gaze.
"You mentioned your plan to me, it must not be without purpose."
Soshyan said calmly:
"There are not many war groups stationed in the Storm Star Territory, and now is a troubled time. Every war group is moving around and going on expeditions."
"Then let me tell you the truth, I hope you and your war group can help me, Soshiyang."
Mazar said sincerely:
"Although some of our strength has been restored, it is far from enough. I hope you can help me safeguard the Emperor's broken territory and help me defend the will of mankind."
"It really breaks my heart that you used the word help."
Soshyan sighed and shook his head.
"This is ironic, no offense intended, Lord Magyar, we are also Astartes, what you mentioned are our responsibilities, yet you are doubting our loyalty?"
A tremor of remorse flashed across Mazar's noble face.
"What harsh words."
"But it's all true, and I probably should have said it earlier. I firmly believe that as a hero of the Empire, an elder, you can give some guidance to the young survivors of our broken Chapter, yet you talk to me with doubts, This hurts me."
"I never said anything like that."
Mazhar suddenly laughed.
"You used the word help, so you subconsciously think that I will find all kinds of excuses to shirk. You are reminding us of our responsibilities."
Such straightforward words made Mazhar feel a strange sense of relief.
But he also saw that Soshyan seemed a little uneasy in such a straightforward conversation.
"Well, it's my fault."
He frankly admitted:
"I did have my doubts, as many Chapters that suffer heavy casualties will refuse most calls for a period of time."
"That is true, but our ancestors' spirits are watching us, and we will not retreat."
This actually made Lord Magyar hesitate.
"but"
He pondered for a moment, tapping his fingers on the table, and looking at the chapter badge hanging on the wall intentionally or unintentionally.
"The situation of your battle group is indeed worse than I thought. The proportion of new recruits is too large and the number of soldiers is too small. I thought you had at least a hundred warriors at first."
"We will not be intimidated by this."
"Okay, my proposal is over, and I take it back. However, I still hope that your war group can participate in some outpost battles, and at least give your warriors a chance to practice."
"It is obligatory."
Soshyan nodded firmly.
The banquet finally came to an end with the laughter of the warriors. The Ascetic Chapter will stay here all night and will leave at dawn.
Soshyan made an agreement with Lord Magyar to gather at the edge of the Fulun galaxy one month later.
When it was all over, Soshyan returned to a room next to the private meeting room.
Opening the door, Saul was sitting on a chair in the room, with his arms folded across his chest, seemingly closing his eyes and concentrating.
After hearing the footsteps, he opened his eyes, and then a meaningful smile appeared on his face.
"Your eloquence is much better than your swordsmanship, Soshyan."
The other party smiled bitterly and shook his head.
"Stop making fun of me. Didn't you teach me these words, Instructor Saul?"
"Ha, no matter what, at least I got rid of that boy."
As he spoke, he stood up and stretched his limbs, and the air was suddenly filled with the sound of bones colliding.
"It's been a long time since I've moved my muscles. I hope the green skin won't disappoint me too much this time."
