As the Spiritus Libertatis came within visual range of those on the ground, people started to recognize the ship. Flooding onto the streets like a tidal wave, millions of civilians rushed to the main road with cheers and cries of joy. While the public excitedly awaited our arrival with bated breath, my distant relatives were far less enthusiastic.

“Hehe, they look like they have seen a ghost!”, Slaanesh giggled, leaning over my shoulder to get a view of my monitor. “What do you think is going through their heads right now? Do you think they are afraid of your pending judgement, or maybe enraged that their rule has come to an end?”

“Probably a bit of both.”, I chuckled as the empress choked out one of her aides for saying something.

“Have you thought of a suitable punishment for them?”, Slaanesh inquired, glancing back at me.

I had considered publicly executing the Anethum family and their few allies, but a swift end was too kind. After all the stress and suffering they had caused the public, they needed to reimburse the citizens in full. Financial compensation would be insufficient, and torture was too gory to be shown in a public setting.

“Hmm… I could have the masses decide how many consecutive life sentences they should serve. When a consensus is made, I will curse them with immortality and regeneration to ensure they cannot die before the end of their prison sentence.”, I said, speaking aloud. “For the duration of their punishment, they would be forced to slave away in service to the public. Cleaning up trash, hauling garbage, sweeping the streets, unclogging sewers, and many more tasks would be theirs to carry out.”

Cackling with glee, Slaanesh liked my idea quite a lot. Not only would I be taking the throne out from under her, but the rest of her life would be spent toiling away in the dirt. Aroused by my cruel suggestion, the former Chaos God plopped herself down on my lap. Before she could do anything, though, I firmly grabbed her by the back of the neck.

“Mmm, I love it when you get rough with me, Victor!”, Slaanesh purred, shaking her hips vigorously.

“Enough, Slaanesh.”, I snapped. “You have been behaving yourself all day; do not ruin your streak now. If you promise to maintain your professional demeanor… I will take you on a proper date. Just some shopping and dinner, nothing sexual afterward.”

“A… A date?!”, Slaanesh gasped, genuinely surprised by my offer. “What would I have to do to get laid afterward!?”

Giving her a blank expression, Slaanesh relented and pitched a genuine counteroffer.

“A romantic date, and I get to play the part of your loving wife until we leave the planet. No sexy stuff, just hand-holding, hugs, and some kissing.”, Slaanesh said, giving me a smug look.

“You can ride on my shoulder, hold my hand, and hug me; absolutely no kissing.”, I said, countering her.

“One kiss, at least!”, Slaanesh demanded.

Shaking my head, I adamantly refused to allow Slaanesh anywhere near my lips. They were reserved exclusively for my family; no one else would ever touch them. Sensing I would not budge on the subject, Slaanesh backed off and accepted my terms. Letting go of her neck, she immediately snuggled up against my chest with a stupid smile.

“Supreme Commander, what flags should I instruct the flag bearers to fly?”, Colonel Atilius questioned over the radio as he was getting our forces into parade formation.

“We will fly four flags.”, I replied. “The banner of arms for the Bartford family and the Second Legion, the Caspiel Empire flag, and the Imperium of Man flag.”

“Understood, sir.”, Colonel Atilius acknowledged. “Also, the music selection you picked out is primed and ready. It is set to begin playing when the men start marching down the dock ramp.”

Rising from my seat, I formally transferred control of the ship to the helmsman. Heading to the forward hangar with Slaanesh, she wrapped herself around my arm with a big grin.

---Five Minutes Later, 3rd Person POV---

*Disposal Unit (Imperium Mix) begins to play*

Marching down the forward docking ramp in perfect sync, hundreds of Automatons and Helldivers began their trek toward the imperial palace. As the first row of soldiers came into view, the crowd made their excitement and joy heard as their fervor spiked. While the public’s attention was drawn to the military parade and music, the space marines and nobles focused elsewhere.

‘So, the descendant who arrived at our nation’s doorstep is from the Bartfort bloodline. She will be emboldened by the fact it is not Aremus himself.’, Praetorate Heliros Avirax thought, already making plans to deal with Empress Anethum’s antics. ‘Hopefully the heir has a backbone; otherwise we are- ‘

As Victor came into view, casually walking in the middle of the formation, Avirax, his men, and nobility felt their hearts leap out of their chests. Moving on instinct, all of them dropped to one knee as they acknowledged him as Aremus’ heir. Certain peace would be restored to the empire; they excitedly waited to formally greet him.

“You have to be fucking kidding me!”, Empress Temrance Ranon Anethum howled, her voice drowned out by the fever-pitched crowd and parade. “He has only just shown himself, and they are bending over backward to show their approval and loyalty. Kill every single one of those pieces of shit this instant!”

Looking down at Victor, Captain Wardley’s HUD began flashing an evacuation alert. Marked as a high-level threat in Dahl’s database, company policy was to disengage and flee.

“Fuck that, we are out of here!”, Captain Wardley spat, signaling his men to abandon their position and retreat to the evacuation point. “Good luck dealing with him. You are going to need it!”

Dumbfounded that they were abandoning her now, after she had just paid them a large lump sum, Empress Anethum chased after him with her aides.

“You were so sure of yourselves just a few minutes ago. Why are you fleeing like cowards now!”, Empress Anethum seethed, grabbing the back of his uniform.

Shouting at her to let go, Captain Wardley drew his pistol and jammed it into her gut. As he was about to pull the trigger, the gatehouse violently blew apart. Tumbling through the air, the group crashed onto the courtyard lawn as metal and stone rained down on them. Doing their utmost to avoid being flattened, a few people noticed two blurs flying back toward the parade. As they attempted to pick themselves up, a swarm of Doombots phased into existence all around them.

---Victor POV---

“My name is Victor von Stark, descendant of Emperor Klordius Aremus and Isabella Fou Bartfort. I have come to claim what is mine by birthright and right the injustices wrought upon Aremus’ people.”, I spoke in a booming voice, catching Stormbreaker and Volendrung. “The Anethum family and their supporters are hereby stripped of their assets, properties, titles, and wealth. My trusted Doombots, please escort those criminals to the dungeon.”

As the Doombots went to strip them of their arms and armor, the leader of the mercenaries ripped a small device out of a vest pocket. Pressing the only button on the unit, he flipped me the bird, believing he would get away with it. When nothing happened, his smug confidence plummeted like a stone.

“The moment I arrived in orbit, any hope for escape vanished for you.”, I said telepathically. “Thank you for verifying the Dahl Corporation has access to the Pharos network, though. I am already working to blacklist your employer’s access to it moving forward.”

Angrily tossing away the remote, the Dahl mercs drew their weapons, refusing to be taken prisoner by me. Before they had the opportunity to get a single shot off, the Doombots and my family dogpiled on them. Ruthlessly cutting every one of them down, they extended their suffering as compensation for those lost aboard the Artemis Space Station. Raising her hands immediately, Temrance and her aides made it abundantly clear they surrendered.

“On your feet!”, Aela snapped, prodding the fallen empress with her blade. “Any lip from you, and I will gut you like a damn horker!”

“Yes, ma’am!”, Temrance shrieked, wetting herself from fear. “Please do not kill me; I am too young to die.”

Handing them over to the Doombots, my family rushed to join in the parade. Wiping the blood from their faces, they cheerfully greeted onlookers with smiles and waves. Unsure why Slaanesh was riding on my shoulder, Isha, Lileath, and the Daedric Princes glared at her venomously. Wisely choosing not to pay them any mind, Slaanesh focused on being the most supportive wife she could be.

---Twenty Minutes Later, Imperial Throne Room---

Wrapping up the parade, I walked up to Aremus’ throne and let myself sink into the ancient chair. Relieved everything went off without a hitch, a long sigh left my lips as ministers, nobles, and Praetorate Avirax shuffled into the room. As everyone settled into their seats, the Leviathan’s second in command stepped forward to greet me.

“Allow me the honor to be the first to greet you, Emperor Stark.”, Avirax said, bowing his head. “Riokara informed me that Primarch Aremus fell in battle within the Imperium’s borders. If I may, I would like to hear more about it before anything else.”

Instead of answering him, I handed over a sealed letter my grandfather gave me. Instantly recognizing the Emperor of Mankind’s seal, he shakily opened it and read its contents. As he skimmed through its contents, a somber expression slowly crept over his face. Once he was finished, Avirax tucked it away beneath his armor.

“Those who placed themselves in stasis to await Aremus’ return will be devastated to learn what befell him and their homeland. I will break the news personally and ensure they see the Emperor’s commands.”, Avirax spoke, dropping to one knee again. “I, Praetorate Heliros Avirax, hereby officially recognize you as both Emperor of the Caspiel Empire and Primarch of the Second Legion.”

Rising to his feet, he took a position on my left side and brought the room to order. Asking those present to swear fealty to me, one by one ministers and nobles came forward to greet me and recognize me as emperor. Once I had an opportunity to speak with those present, I got straight to work.

“The first order of business is the reversal of all the former empress’ policies. Aremus built the Caspiel Empire on the principle of equality for all, no matter their race. To that end, any laws or policies that go against this are to be rendered moot.”, I spoke, receiving agreeable nods from everyone. “Those harmed by Temrance’s stupidity will be compensated from the confiscated items taken from the Anethum family and their allies.”

“It will be done, your highness.”, the finance minister spoke as he and the internal affairs minister lowered their heads.

Projecting a star map of the region for everyone to see, I highlighted the sectors currently under enemy control. Visually seeing for the first time how dire the situation was beyond our borders, regret flashed across the faces of those present.

“The Caspiel Empire will no longer take a backseat to the terrible situation affecting the rest of this region. Praetorate Avirax, prepare our forces to rendezvous with the armada I brought to apply further pressure onto the invaders. After a few days of consistent losses, the enemy will be much more willing to negotiate a ceasefire.”, I stated, motioning for the guards to shut the doors. “Before we proceed any farther, I will provide you with a fuller picture of what is happening here…”

Transmitting data packets to everyone’s data tablets, I began the lengthy process of getting them up to speed on current events.