Chapter 275: The ritual of nothingness and the return of comrades-in-arms.
After the hidden dangers of Orpheus were completely solved, Calvin's work entered a state of acceleration.
The internal affairs of the sector are arranged in an orderly manner according to the plan under the rules of economic recovery.
The constant arrival of pilgrims and traveling traders became the first spark of the revival of Orpheus.
Diplomatic work with the Storm Star Territory and adjacent star districts is also on the right track. The star domain authorities attach great importance to the war potential of Orpheus. In the context of the successful signing of a series of complex resource and troop handover agreements, they have given long-term support. A special tax holiday of up to 100 years.
Half a year after the Pilgrim Army and Chapter Alliance left one after another, important plans within the sector government were implemented one after another;
As the creator of all this, Calvin himself finally started preparations for his return journey.
Different from when he came, the influence brought by his identity is no longer limited to the Holy Hammer Order.
Under the operation of the empire's ten thousand year government, the Ministry of Interior has complete etiquette standards for the high lords' residence;
The reasons for maintaining the majesty of the empire and inspiring the faith of the subjects of the empire are sufficient enough to not allow Calvin to have any reason to refute.
The arrival of a large number of attendants and supporting personnel required for rituals added a lot of meaningless work to Calvin, who had just escaped from the Orphic affairs.
There were no professional internal affairs staff in the team around him, so his shortcomings that required him to do everything in hand for miscellaneous matters such as today also began to show during this period.
Staff from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Tribunal also arrived one after another in the following days;
The team grew larger but did not improve efficiency. Calvin was deeply troubled by the empire's bureaucracy and could only take over the ever-increasing workload.
Fortunately, all these troublesome matters were solved when the convoy fleet sent by the Storm Star Territory authorities came from the distant star fleet home port of Baka.
The Grand Fleet's intentions were well-intentioned, and Calvin knew this.
But he was already busy enough, and when he learned that his work would be increased again for the nihilistic reason of "the majesty of the empire", he still couldn't help but feel angry.
"I've had enough of this pointless work!"
In the dome hall of the Angel of Punishment, Calvin roared angrily and incompetently at his adjutant.
Sadly, he could only vent his violent emotions in the eyes of his own family;
Outside the door of this hall, he still had to maintain the dignity of a high lord of the empire for the same reason.
Alan Janus stood quietly opposite Calvin, letting his genetic father vent his anger;
As his personal adjutant, he has a clear view of the latter's busy schedule, and is naturally the most empathic with him.
The life of the original body was less than a hundred years old. Under such heavy pressure, it is understandable to complain.
But he didn't come here to listen. In fact, he felt that the news he carried could definitely improve Calvin's mood.
"Please calm down your anger, my lord."
Allen always likes to be called "sir" when he is on official business.
"I can't calm down! Sooner or later the empire will be destroyed by these meaningless red tapes!"
Calvin said, but still adjusted his state.
He turned around twice to cool down his brain, and then asked Allen about the purpose of his trip.
"The fleet from the Storm Star Territory has arrived? Their admiral wants to see me, right?"
"That's right. Lieutenant General Ollivander is waiting for your reception outside the reception room. But you have another visitor, who claims to be your friend."
"oh?"
Calvin looked at Allen who lowered his head and was not in a hurry to ask for the answer.
The young son of Calvin obviously hoped to keep his expectations until the last moment, and he seemed to have no reason to refuse his arrangement.
"Let him come in..."
Calvin said this as he stood on the carpet in front of his desk, waiting for this surprise to arrive.
The closed door opened again after a few breaths after Allen left, and the golden figure that greeted him made Calvin blurt out the name of the visitor in surprise:
"Nicholas?"
"Exactly, if you are willing to add "my friend" in front of it, I think I will be happier."
The tall Imperial Guard Shield Captain took off his helmet and walked towards Calvin with a smile.
His dark eyes still showed traces of his long journey, but the golden color of the brilliant Achilles power armor on his body was still pure.
"Good day, my dear Lord Calvin, the Emperor's Shadow and the Supreme Lord Inquisitor of the Empire."
"Alright alright……"
Calvin helplessly stretched out his hand to stop the giant's aquila salute, and hugged him while pulling him up.
The joy of reunited with his comrades after a long separation made Calvin feel better, but he still couldn't stop complaining from his mouth.
"Do you like this name very much? Or is it only in this way that you can show your good teasing qualities?"
"Please forgive my gaffe..."
Nicholas seemed to be about to salute again, but Calvin, who was used to his behavior, had already begun to roll his eyes upward.
"When did you arrive? Where are the other team members?"
After the surprise of the brief reunion, Calvin became concerned about the status of Nicholas and other members of the Custodes team.
The Tower of Hegemony in the Imperial Palace District has its own complete intelligence network independent of the various ministries of the empire.
They are on a mission unknown but equally dangerous.
As the executive force of this network, every Forbidden Soldier who walks out of the palace is an extremely valuable combat member.
Eleven years have passed since Calvin's disappearance to the end of the Battle of Orpheus. During this long period of time, too many familiar faces disappeared into the river of fate.
"Everyone is here, no need to worry."
Nicholas understood Calvin's concerns, and while placing the helmet on the shelf by the door, he explained to Calvin:
“Kim is in contact with people from the Ministry of Interior to take over the business of ceremonial parades on the return trip;
Otto is in the workshop preparing his car for the reception ceremony in Ophelia;
Alexander and Constantine are docking with the captains of the escort fleet to confirm our next itinerary...
In short, we will take over the ritual matters to ensure that your energy is used where it is most needed. "
"The Emperor's blessing! You have helped me a lot!"
Calvin praised loudly, thankful for the arrival of these professionals.
He could finally break away from these annoying mundane affairs and turn his energy to the research of the true name and the iteration of the Gray Knights' tactics.
These two things have been pre-arranged in his planning schedule:
The former's laboratory on Titan II has been completed and is just waiting for the experimental samples from the Calixis sector to be in place;
The latter has already been discussed many times within the Gray Knights, and it only requires him to serve as the hub of the legion and start conducting exercises in the training ground of the Angel of Punishment.
The arrival of the Imperial Guards not only temporarily freed Calvin from government affairs, but also made up for the embarrassment of not having experts in government affairs in his team.
In a sense, this is the correct way to use the Custodes Guards.
Combat is only the most basic function for these Custodes guards who have received a truly elite education;
The strategy and management of domestic affairs were the most valuable services they ever rendered to the Emperor.
They are not only the Emperor's servants and guards, they are also the Emperor's craftsmen, staff, and governors.
Even in the Emperor's original vision, they were the template and initial leaders for the evolution of the entire human race after mankind achieved racial ascension.
renew…………