Two years had passed since the starport explosion. The investigation had finally concluded, and although it had turned up absolutely nothing, the result was highly satisfactory to those involved.
The purpose of the investigation hadn't been to discover who was responsible, but rather to clarify who was not involved. A final report confirmed that the incident had no connection to any of Planet Ender's high-ranking officials—a outcome that brought joy to all.
Following this, plans for reconstruction and rezoning commenced. The proposal for a new starport, which had long been gathering dust on the Planetary Governor's desk, finally entered the construction phase. Consequently, it was once again time for the various factions to engage in their usual power struggles and profiteering.
Two years had slipped by, yet the procurement of materials hadn't even started. Incoming and outgoing vessels had to rely on the massive warships of the Order of the Dying Rose as temporary starports. Naturally, the throughput was significantly lower than before.
"Hmm, I didn't expect the starport explosion to have this kind of benefit," Yuki remarked, sipping coffee. Whether this beverage was truly the coffee he remembered from his previous life was hard to say, but the effect was similar enough.
Yuno sat across from him, taking small sips of her hot cocoa—or rather, a substance with a similar effect.
"Humans are so fragile," she noted. "Relying on communication and cooperation to survive, yet their communication is inefficient, and they are riddled with mutual suspicion."
The starport's destruction had led to a decrease in imported goods, causing supply tensions on Planet Ender. Yuki had used this crisis to further expand his influence. Now, his supply of food and basic necessities had reached deep into the Mid-level.
The mechanisms of capital were truly useful. He hadn't expected the principle of "productive forces determining the relations of production" to work so well within the setting of Warhammer. The productivity gains brought by rational distribution and management proved far superior to the backward, feudal Imperial structures. Of course, this was just a joke Yuki kept to himself.
"The biomass content of this planet has risen by ten percent," Yuno mentioned. "The fleet will arrive in thirteen years. How much do you think we can increase it by then, Yuki?"
"The fleet accelerated? Only thirteen years left? What should I do? I'm starting to get excited."
"I am looking forward to it as well."
Yuno found a spoon and slowly stirred the liquid in her cup. She had gradually become accustomed to human food. These meals couldn't fully replenish the energy required for her normal activities, but they were delicious.
"The Warp has been relatively calm lately. Slaanesh hasn't been causing trouble."
"Do you just wander around the Warp in your spare time?"
"The Warp is indeed a fine place for a tour. It's just a pity that the things inside aren't edible."
Yuno reached out to grab the toast in front of Yuki but couldn't quite reach it. Yuki handed the bread to her, but she didn't take it. Instead, she opened her mouth, revealing exceptionally sharp shark-like teeth. The meaning was clear. Yuki wasn't foolish enough to miss the hint.
To be honest, at times like this, Yuno really didn't look like a Great Devourer. Yuki stuffed the slice of toast into Yuno's mouth, and she let out a satisfied purring sound.
She's like a little cat, he thought, staring at her face. Yuno gave him a gentle flick on the forehead.
"Stop dazing off. You should be admiring my beauty with all your heart. I put a lot of effort into sculpting this body."
Yuki chuckled. He was about to say something when Elia rushed in.
"Boss! Bad news! The Arch-Cardinal has passed away!"
The couple's daily flirting was forced to a halt. Yuki was slightly annoyed. The death of the Arch-Cardinal wasn't exactly an unforeseen event. The religious leader of the Ecclesiarchy and the highest religious authority on the planet had been terminally ill before Yuki even arrived, clinging to life for a decade through the planet's top medical equipment. Everyone knew his time was short; it was only a matter of when.
Now, the struggle for the position of Arch-Cardinal among the twelve Cardinals would begin in earnest.
"Have everyone ready. If anyone dares to stir up trouble in our territory, skin them alive and make them wish for death. Notify the Cult of the Emperor; have them prepare. They understand religious rituals better than anyone."
Yuki already had a plan. He and Griffith were tied together. If Griffith took power, Yuki could use the Ecclesiarchy's reach to further infiltrate the planet. Before long, he would have to make another trip to the Spire.
Heh, Griffith. I'm going to give you quite the surprise.
Three days later, Griffith's envoy arrived. As Yuki expected, Griffith had decided to play his hidden trump card. On the seventh day, Griffith came to Yuki's headquarters in person and sat across from him.
"Yuki, this is no small matter. This is my lifelong ambition. If you can help me ascend to this position, you will soar to new heights as well."
Yuki sipped his tea leisurely and smiled. "Griffith, what does the selection of an Arch-Cardinal depend on?"
"Individual influence. The dioceses of us twelve Cardinals aren't that different—a balancing act practiced by the previous Arch-Cardinal. Now, it depends on who can garner more support."
"So, what can I do now?"
"I need more resources from the lower levels. At the same time, I need the commoners to demonstrate their conversion to the Emperor's light. Additionally, the Planetary Governor and the Battle Sisters will likely remain neutral, but the Navy is hard to say."
Yuki had already devised a plan, but it carried significant risk, so he didn't discuss it with Griffith yet. He smiled and said, "Rest assured, Griffith. When you sit in the Arch-Cardinal's seat in the future, you won't regret choosing to be my friend."
"I hope so. You must be prepared."
Yuki narrowed his eyes. He knew exactly what Griffith meant. "If we don't succeed... can't you just wait for the next time?"
"Yuki, you don't understand. I want that position too much."
Yuki had inquired about Griffith's past. He had been brilliant since childhood, leading a smooth life all the way to his current high station.
"Interesting, Griffith. In a religion that focuses on suppressing one's nature, you still harbor such ambition." Yuki showed his clean, white teeth. It was a bit strange; he had just been eating, yet not a speck of food remained on them.
"Don't worry, Griffith. I will help you. Trust me. But in return, you must give me what I want."
Griffith nodded. Every Cardinal had their own backing, and the gap between them was small. In such a time, even a minor figure from the Underhive like Yuki could become a player who influenced the entire board.
"Do not act on your own, Yuki. Especially, do not do anything that disrupts the existing order. We must strive for stability."
Yuki's smile remained bright as he agreed readily to Griffith's demands. "Naturally."
However, he was calculating something else entirely. Griffith lacked seniority. Following formal procedures was a dead end. He couldn't let his efforts go to waste at the finish line.
Come then. To the Spire!