Chapter 17: The Imperial Cult

Bayev reminded, "My lord, have you forgotten? You need to have your body checked. Please come with me to the chapel."

At Bayev's reminder, Eden finally recalled this matter.

He had indeed promised to visit Bishop Doni for an examination of his health issues.

Seeing Bayev's respectful yet firm demeanor, Eden understood.

This senior steward still didn't fully trust him.

But it was understandable. After all, Eden had been attacked by Chaos heretics and had lost his memory.

His behavior had become strange, and anyone would be suspicious.

That's why Bayev insisted on bringing him to the chapel for a checkup.

If anything was truly wrong, the priests of the Imperial Cult would certainly be able to identify it.

Bayev was struggling internally, unsure of what to do if the examination revealed a problem.

Lord Eden was the last of the Grant family. If something were wrong with him, the family would cease to exist.

At that point, where would they go? What would happen to them?

For the past few days, Bayev had wrestled with this dilemma. In the end, he had chosen to take Lord Eden for the examination.

No matter the result, even if Lord Eden had turned to the dark powers, Bayev would still offer his loyalty.

"My lord?"

Bayev anxiously awaited Eden's response, afraid of being refused.

"Let's go..." Eden nodded, agreeing to Bayev's request.

This was actually a good thing. It would be a chance to dispel everyone's doubts about him and solidify his identity.

Bayev, being his senior steward and most loyal confidant, wielded considerable power and held many secrets.

If Bayev continued to harbor doubts about him, it could cause significant trouble down the line.

As for the possibility of something being uncovered during the examination, Eden had no fear.

His soul had fully merged with Ron Grant's, so no matter who examined him, they would be convinced he was the same person.

This could also be an opportunity to clear his mind and maybe even spark some inspiration to solve his current problems.

Relieved by the governor's response, Bayev sighed. "Please follow me, my lord. Bishop Doni is waiting for you."

As Eden followed Bayev, he took the opportunity to ask about the current power structure and control over the royal district.

Eden's authority was secure, at least within the territory.

After the rebellion, Bayev had been authorized to conduct a major purge.

He had taken the opportunity to eliminate opposition and various Imperial agents stationed on the planet.

Bayev had attributed their deaths to the heretical rebellion, claiming they had perished in the fight against Chaos.

Looking at this seemingly kind and gentle steward, Eden couldn't help but think, This guy is something else!

Bayev constantly invoked the God-Emperor's name, yet didn't seem all that loyal.

But, as Eden considered, Bayev's primary mission was to serve and protect the last remaining heir of the Grant family.

Any threat to Eden had to be dealt with.

Without Bayev, Eden might not have survived until now.

Eden could only commend him, "Well done."

"I'm glad you understand, my lord," Bayev replied respectfully. "Everything is for the continuation of the Grant bloodline."

Overall, Bayev was an exceptionally competent steward, possibly even extraordinary.

Without him, the royal district might have already fallen.

Even the food shortage, which Eden was now struggling with, had been anticipated by Bayev.

His plan was to implement stricter controls in the royal district.

To preserve the greater good, some people would have to be sacrificed, their bodies processed for protein and water to sustain the military.

By doing this, the royal district could survive for a few more decades.

By then, the Warp storms should have subsided, and the district could re-establish communication with the outside world to seek solutions.

If the Imperial reinforcements arrived by then, so much the better.

But Eden had rejected Bayev's plan.

If it were implemented, it would bring immense suffering to the people, and countless lives would be lost.

In that case, how would they be any different from the Hoffman family or the savage warbands?

That was something Eden couldn't accept.

Moreover, he knew the Great Rift would last much longer.

At the far eastern edge of the galaxy, the Ultramarines' homeworld Macragge should currently be engulfed in blood and fire.

The Ultramarines would eventually repel the Chaos forces and, in the sanctum, resurrect their Primarch—Roboute Guilliman, the Lord of Ultramar and the Emperor's Thirteenth Son.

Once Guilliman awoke, he would serve as the Regent of the Imperium, launching an unyielding crusade to liberate countless worlds from the dark side of the galaxy.

But that would take time, time that he did not have.

Bayev's plan would merely prolong the inevitable, with the same tragic outcome.

Eden had a better solution, but he was facing obstacles.

As Eden pondered how to inspire hope among the suffering populace, Bayev's voice interrupted his thoughts.

"My lord, we've arrived..."

The hovercar stopped at the foot of the steps leading to the Imperial Cult chapel in the royal district.

The chapel was constructed of black stone and heavy metal, its exterior covered in statues depicting scenes from Imperial history and images of saints.

At the top was a large stained glass dome, gleaming brightly under the harsh sunlight.

Eden stepped out of the car, gazing at the magnificent and solemn structure, feeling a sense of awe.

The Imperial Cult never failed to impress. Just stepping out of the car, Eden could feel the reverent and mysterious atmosphere.

It was a bit deserted, though. There were hardly any people around.

Eden glanced at Bayev, wondering, Did this guy purge the place too?

As the official religion of the Imperium, the Imperial Cult was one of the most important organizations in human society.

The Cult, or the Ecclesiarchy, was responsible for spreading and maintaining the belief that the God-Emperor was the one true deity.

The Ecclesiarchy was vast, with a presence on millions of Imperial worlds, guiding countless citizens in their worship.

Its headquarters were located on Holy Terra, covering almost the entire continent of Antarctica.

The Church promoted the Emperor's worship through its teachings and maintained a powerful militant arm.

Fanatical priests carried both scripture and guns, often wielding chainswords.

Anyone who desecrated the Emperor faced the harshest judgment!

With such power, it would be difficult for the royal district to purge the Ecclesiarchy, right?

And besides, purging the God-Emperor's most loyal servants would be an unspeakable heresy!

In this universe, gods did exist, and the Emperor was practically one.

Even if it was unlikely, what if the Emperor himself got angry and brought down divine punishment? Who could withstand that?

Eden eyed Bayev with suspicion.

What exactly was going on here?

(End of Chapter)