Eldrad Ulthran—this name might not mean anything to the Imperium of Man, but as a member of the Aeldari, Qelanaris knew it very well.
The Farseer, Eldrad Ulthran, was the Grand Farseer of the Ulthwé Craftworld, the Craftworld that preserved the most Aeldari after their dispersion.
Grand Farseer Ulthran's prophecies had not only helped the Ulthwé Craftworld avert future disasters multiple times but also never hesitated to aid his kin. Many Aeldari from other Craftworlds had avoided crises thanks to Grand Farseer Ulthran's prophecies.
Although the Aeldari now inhabited different Craftworlds, most held Grand Farseer Ulthran in extremely high regard, and even Saam-Han was no exception.
Therefore, when Qelanaris heard from Farseer Anviel that the prophecy came from Grand Farseer Ulthran, he was so shocked that he felt an inexplicable dread and unease.
Lord Ulthran's prophecies were never wrong!
At least, in his memory, there had never been a deviation; each time, he had saved the Aeldari from future calamities!
"Lord Anviel, please forgive my impoliteness, but... is the human in Grand Farseer Ulthran's prophecy the human I saw?" Qelanaris wanted to confirm the contents of the prophecy further.
"Yes and no."
Anviel's answer was ambiguous, and he said indifferently, "To be precise, the human you saw carries a very important 'covenant,' and that is the key."
What the covenant was, he didn't care, nor did he want to know.
But, if that was the case, did it mean... that the contents written by that human on the parchment were all true?!
At this thought, Qelanaris' breathing quickened, and the depths of his constricted pupils seemed to be filled with bloodshot veins: "An... Lord Anviel, if it's really like this, then are we..."
His consideration was actually very simple.
Since, in Lord Ulthran's prophecy, that human's future was closely tied to the fate of the Aeldari, they should go all-in, like a gamble—it was a 'all or nothing'!
Perhaps shocked by the audacious idea of the Farseer, Anviel remained silent for a full half-minute, but as the Farseer who controlled the entire future of Saam-Han, he naturally could not be so reckless.
Moreover, in Lord Ulthran's prophecy, what that human could bring to the Aeldari was not just benefits.
More precisely, Ulthran also couldn't distinguish whether that human's existence, in that chaotic future, would be a blessing or a disaster for the Aeldari.
"Lord Anviel, are you worried?"
Qelanaris looked at the silent Farseer and asked doubtfully, "Doesn't Lord Ulthran's prophecy precisely prove what that human mentioned in the parchment?"
The reason he was so excited was entirely because of that parchment. If what that human said was true, it meant... their Aeldari would have a chance to escape from the sea of suffering and completely escape that damned soul 'curse'!
It was no exaggeration to say.
If anyone could free the Aeldari from the clutches of Slaanesh, even if it meant breaking into Holy Terra and dragging the Emperor from his chair, the Aeldari would not hesitate for a moment!
Of course, provided it was true.
Originally, Qelanaris was only half-convinced, but Lord Ulthran's prophecy made him completely firm in his belief!
Grand Farseer Eldrad Ulthran's prophecies had never been wrong, with a 100% accuracy rate; this was his credibility and strength!
If he said it was, then it definitely was, and if not, it still had to be!
"Qelanaris, this matter is not that simple."
Anviel had a headache and for a moment didn't know how to explain. Every decision he made concerned the survival of Saam-Han, and he had to be careful.
A slightly calmer Qelanaris seemed to have guessed the reason for Anviel's difficulty. If they fully committed to that human, it would inevitably cause huge losses to the already sparsely populated Saam-Han Craftworld!
It was even highly possible that the ultimate beneficiaries would not necessarily be their Saam-Han Craftworld Aeldari. Who could bear to pay such a huge price only to end up with nothing?
This was the reason Anviel remained indecisive.
The Ulthwé Craftworld hadn't moved, so why should their Saam-Han Craftworld be the first to throw itself into the fray?
After a long silence, Anviel seemed to have made a decision. His gaze fell on Qelanaris, and his voice was slow and heavy: "Let Hilda... go."
"You mean..."
Qelanaris was slightly startled. He seemed to have guessed the Farseer's plan and couldn't help but be shocked: "Lord Farseer, Hilda is the most hopeful successor among the younger generation. Isn't this... too risky?"
However, Anviel shook his head and looked at him meaningfully: "It is precisely because Hilda is the last hope to inherit the 'Farseer' that I made this decision."
The Farseer held his staff, turned to look at the Spirit Circuit that housed the soul stones of past ancestors, feeling a sense of loss, and softly said, "This is a necessary price. Hilda will understand my painstaking efforts and intentions." "Yes, Lord Farseer."
Qelanaris bowed his head deeply. He understood that from now on, Saam-Han would be tied to a war chariot, heading towards a future no one could predict.
Whether it was success or failure.
No one knew the outcome. He could only sincerely hope that the gods of the ancient Aeldari... would protect their children!
...
Vigilus, Hyperia Sector.
What happened during the day almost overturned the governor's Mansion, making Lucienne regret it from the bottom of her heart. She shouldn't have been so loose-lipped, saying that she would bear all the consequences!
Now, letters of complaint and reports from the 47th Regiment, the Astra Militarum 35th Regiment, and various influential families piled up on her desk like snowflakes.
Emrys, however, after the incident, retreated to his mansion, closed his doors to visitors, and saw no one.
"You were really too bold this time, lord."
Elsa rolled her eyes helplessly and said crossly, "To release an alien in broad daylight! Fortunately, Colonel Vennidar kept his mouth shut, otherwise the Inquisitor would be knocking on your door by now!"
"Even if he came knocking, does he have any evidence?"
Emrys didn't care how big a stir he had caused outside, and he smiled calmly: "I am the heir of Merlin. Without evidence, what can an Inquisitor do to me?"
"You must be more careful next time." Elsa was also helpless about her lord's willfulness, but she still didn't forget to remind him: "Although there's no evidence, I estimate... quite a few Inquisitors are thoroughly targeting you because of this incident."
"Then I just won't give them any evidence."
Emrys, however, appeared very calm. After all, as a qualified Rogue Trader, it would be abnormal if he didn't have a few Inquisitors watching him.
Just then, the void in the room seemed to twist slightly. Emrys' eyes narrowed, and he immediately shielded Elsa behind him, his psychic power surging like a tide: "Who is it?!"
He never expected Chaos to be so bold, daring to directly invade his mansion. Did they really think he, Emrys, was a pushover?
"Elsa, call for help!"
Emrys' eyes were cold. He immediately donned his Armor of Silence and drew his Executioner Greatsword, fully equipped, and instantly felt a lot more secure: "You dog, daring to show your face to me. If I don't kill you today, I'll change my name immediately!"
However, the next second.
A graceful, slender figure appeared.
From her appearance, she was clearly female, with pointed ears, a tall physique, wearing blood-red armor, looking heroic and valiant. Her fiery red ponytail fluttered, revealing a delicate face with features very similar to humans. Her eyes, like deep sapphire gems, quietly watched him.
"Saam-Han Aeldari, Witchcraft Path, Warlock Hilda Khetok... It is an honor to meet you, Lord Merlin Emrys." The Aeldari woman looked at the bewildered Emrys and said indifferently: "Following the Farseer's command, from now on, I will serve by your side."
Oh no, this really has become a Second Imperium tradition!
But looking at the beautiful 'Hilda' with her exotic charm, Emrys suddenly understood Thirteen. Who wouldn't like an Aeldari lady?!
He had initially thought it was some blind Chaos rabble, but it turned out to be a lady of the Aeldari.
Since the misunderstanding was cleared, Emrys gestured to Elsa that there was no need to inform the kill team.
That was a close call; he almost ruined everything.
Emrys wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, looking at the lady with a hint of resentment.
Instead of using the main entrance, she had to pop out like a ghost. If this Aeldari Warlock of Saim-Hann had been even half a step slower, his pre-heated plasma gun would have directly blasted her in the face!
This was truly the Aeldari style, primarily focused on appearing and disappearing like a phantom!
No wonder the Imperium of Man mistook them for Dark Aeldari. If he hadn't known the plot in advance, Emrys wouldn't have been able to distinguish between the two.
Although on the surface, the Aeldari and humans seem very similar, there are actually substantial differences between them. The Aeldari are born with highly developed senses and have more slender body proportions.
It's no wonder many netizens jokingly refer to them as 'bean sprouts.' For instance, this Aeldari Warlock from Saim-Hann Craftworld is about two meters tall, with extremely well-proportioned limbs that are not overly slender. But don't think that just because they look like 'bean sprouts,' they are easy to bully.
The Aeldari's muscle structure, with its strength, toughness, and elasticity, grants them powerful high-speed mobility. In some situations, even Space Marines are not as agile as certain Aeldari.
Of course, the Aeldari have another advantage, which might be what 3K netizens like most.
The Aeldari do not defecate; they only excrete odorless crystals from their bodies.
From this point alone, it perfectly aligns with the special fetishes of contemporary netizens (excluding certain island nation groups).
Emrys understood this point very well.
The Aeldari Path is a code of conduct that Craftworld Aeldari must strictly adhere to in their daily lives.
These seemingly rigid ancient doctrines are shackles that bind every Aeldari's body and spirit, curbing the inherent flaws in the Aeldari's genes to prevent them from falling back into the vortex of old, and ultimately having their souls devoured by Slaanesh, due to intense sensory stimulation!
The Aeldari Path, which they follow, encompasses all aspects of their lives, from daily production to leadership and combat on the battlefield, each having its own Path.
Such as Warrior, Witchcraft (Farseer), Outcast, Awakening, Dreamer, Artisan, Service, Plant, Leader, and so on, covering almost all facets.
Incidentally, Warlocks are one of the most warlike Aeldari.
They often first embark on the Path of the Warrior, and after mastering it to the extreme, they then transition to the Path of Witchcraft. Therefore, their fighting style is generally very fierce.
Simply put, Warlocks can cleave you with a sword, or they can blast your face with psychic energy, pinning you to a wall so tightly you can't be scraped off.
"Are all you humans so impolite?"
Hilda waited for a long time, but the person opposite was still in a daze. Her brows furrowed slightly, and her tone contained a hint of displeasure.
She had finally managed to bypass the Imperium of Man's heavy surveillance and infiltrate the target's residence, only to encounter a bastard dressed in 'women's clothing' and ready to shoot at any moment.
For a moment, Hilda suddenly wondered if her father was senile and his prophecy was wrong?
Immediately, Hilda fell into deep thought, beginning to seriously consider the possibility of this.
But she quickly abandoned this tempting idea. Although her father was a Farseer, being hit by psychic power truly hurt!
"My apologies, I was rude."
Emrys' apology pulled Hilda back from her fantasy to reality.
Due to the height difference, she could only lower her head to scrutinize the young human before her, then seriously said, "You can call me by my clan, or you can directly call me Hilda. I don't like others calling me Warlock, because I am an Aeldari destined to inherit the Farseer's mantle."
"..." Emrys wiped his sweat and nodded, "Understood, Hilda."
From her serious, even somewhat threatening gaze, he suddenly understood the underlying meaning: 'Call me wrong one more time, and I'll rip your scalp off!'
Perhaps it was just a misconception, but Emrys suddenly had a hunch. She didn't seem as wonderful as he had imagined.
But then, a soul-piercing question from her immediately plunged Emrys into silence.
"Why are you wearing female armor?"
Hilda's gaze contained a hint of scrutiny and strangeness, like an invisible, sharp blade directly piercing his heart.
"No, you've misunderstood, I absolutely have no special fetishes!" Emrys was sweating profusely, wiping his forehead, and to avoid being mistaken for a 'pervert,' he reluctantly explained, "Firstly, I wear this armor purely because of its high defense. Secondly, it's because I'm afraid of being assassinated. Can you understand that?"
"Hmm, I understand."
Hilda nodded, saying seriously, "You are very afraid of death, but it's alright, I will protect you."
She really gave him no face at all, did she?
Although it was true, being exposed so bluntly in front of his secretary still made him feel somewhat 'mortified.'
"This armor's size doesn't quite suit you." However, Hilda was completely unaware of how sharp her words were, continuing to comment on Emrys' attire, "Although the materials and quality are good, it's a bit clunky. If you encounter real danger, it could easily become a hindrance to you." "..."
Emrys' eye twitched uncontrollably. Was Hilda a bit too venomous with her words?
Elsa, standing nearby, saw Emrys uncharacteristically rendered speechless and couldn't help but purse her lips and chuckle softly.
This scene... it was truly too amusing.
Emrys glared back at Elsa, thinking he'd deal with her later, then cleared his throat, "I am truly sorry, lady Hilda. You arrived so late that we haven't prepared any welcoming ceremony for you. Perhaps you could rest for now, and we can prepare something for you tomorrow?"
Anyone with a normal thought process would understand the meaning of this sentence, but unfortunately... Hilda was not.
She blinked, asking strangely, "Why not now? Aren't you a noble? And I happen to be a bit hungry, thank you for the reminder."
"..." Emrys could swear that the number of times he had been speechless in this life and his previous life combined didn't amount to as many as tonight.
"Alright, I will prepare a banquet for you right now, lady Hilda." He completely gave up struggling, reluctantly instructing Elsa to call everyone in the kitchen to prepare a banquet for her.
Before long, a lavish dinner was served. Hilda showed no politeness whatsoever, plunking herself down at the dining table.
Then, completely disregarding her image, she directly stuffed an entire piece of piping hot stewed meat into her mouth, eating while looking at the dumbfounded Emrys: "Are you hungry too? Although human food generally tastes mediocre, I don't mind sharing with you. You can sit down and eat, no need to watch me."
"No, no need. You eat slowly."
Emrys looked up at the sky in exasperation, wondering if he had offended Saim-Hann in some way.
Hilda devoured the entire table of food at an incredibly fast pace, making Emrys wonder if she hadn't been fed on Saim-Hann.
Gracefully wiping her mouth, Hilda looked at him quite seriously, her gaze finally settling on the Oath of Moment armor: "If you really like female-style armor, I can return to the Craftworld and help you steal a better set than this one."
No, this was just too difficult to get along with!
Emrys covered his face, seriously considering whether to ask Saim-Hann to send someone else.
To be so hurtful with every other word, and so venomous with her tongue, such an Aeldari was truly rare. He even suspected if Hilda had taken a 'provoker's' serum!
He had only heard of 'steel straight men' before, but he never expected to encounter a 'radiant gold straight woman' this time!
"No, thank you for your kindness." Emrys covered his face, on the verge of tears. If he really stole a set, where would he put his face!
"Do you think I'm difficult to get along with?"
Just then, Hilda asked a soul-searching question.
After three seconds of hesitation, Emrys gave an answer he would regret for the rest of his life: "No, not at all. I think you're very sincere, hahahahaha."
"That's good. You're the first person to evaluate me that way."
Hilda nodded in satisfaction, looking at the pained Emrys, and said, "I was wondering if you found me too difficult to get along with, I could proactively suggest replacing me with someone else, but since you think it's fine, I hope we can get along well in the future, Emrys."
Damn it, is there any regret medicine?!
Emrys' eyelids twitched, wishing he could slap himself.
Why did you have to run your mouth? Why did you have to stubbornly keep up appearances? Now look, he couldn't shake her off!
However, still not entirely giving up, Emrys cautiously asked, "Um, I'm just asking, I don't mean anything else, if, I mean if, I regretted it..."
Snap!
A pure gold cup was crushed directly, leaving five clear finger marks on it.
In Hilda's cerulean eyes, a chilling coldness seemed to brew: "The thing I hate most is when people lie to me. If you lie to me, for the sake of our cooperation, I won't kill you, but I will definitely beat you until you can't take care of yourself. Do you have any other questions?"
"No, none."
Emrys' eyes instantly became clear and pure, like those of a newborn baby.
Then, under Hilda's gaze, he raised his wine glass, his face adorned with a 'sincere' smile: "Excellent, I also hate it when people lie to me. I love dealing with honest people. Come, for our honesty, a toast! To Vaul, to the Saim-Hann Aeldari!"
He, Emrys, hated her!
Sorry, Lord Guilliman, whoever wants to go to the Second Imperium of Man can go, he wouldn't touch it with a ten-foot pole!
Thinking back now, Emrys somewhat missed Winnie. Although she was also difficult to get along with when they first met, at least she wasn't so hurtful!
In this world, the most desperate thing is to extinguish 'hope' with your own hands. He truly wished he could travel back in time and slap himself twice!
Why be so stubborn! Why care so much about face!
Now look, the hope of returning her was completely extinguished!
Wait, could Saim-Hann have known this all along, and that's why he took this opportunity to conveniently dump Hilda on him?
Emrys made an irresponsible, 'malicious' guess.
Right now, within the Saim-Hann Craftworld, was there perhaps a widespread celebration, a joyous scene of the 'demoness' Hilda finally leaving?
Ever since meeting Hilda, Emrys completely dispelled his unrealistic fantasies about Aeldari. It would have been fine if she hadn't spoken, but every word she uttered was a stab to his heart!
In just a few short hours, their first meeting had left an indelible shadow on him, so much so that he was seriously considering whether to find an opportunity to silence Hilda.
He had originally thought he had stumbled upon a great bargain!
But it turned out that cheap goods were indeed worthless. The Samhian Aeldari were definitely harboring ill intentions, deliberately sending Hilda to torment him!
The welcome banquet left Emrys feeling genuinely exhausted. Even contemplating the schemes of Tzeentch was not as tiring. Looking at Hilda, who had finished eating, he forced a smile.
"Lady Hilda, I will have Elsa arrange a room for you. Please stay with us temporarily tonight. I hope you won't mind."
He wished he could get rid of Hilda immediately, but out of noble etiquette, he had to at least bring this unpleasant banquet to a perfect close.
"Why arrange a place to stay?"
Hilda tilted her head, looking at Emrys with a bewildered expression: "Since I said I would protect your safety, of course I'll stay with you."
Damn, she's latched on!
Emrys was startled and quickly waved his hands, a very forced smile on his face: "No, no, that won't do, lady Hilda. Our genders aren't quite suitable, and it's very safe here; nothing will happen."
"No! This is Vigilus!" To his surprise, Hilda's beautiful eyes widened, and she slammed the table with an imposing demeanor: "No one can guarantee that the power of Chaos won't invade. I must keep you within my sight at all times to protect you better!"
He understood the reasoning, but he politely declined!
"Firstly, lady Hilda, our genders aren't quite suitable. In human terms, this would affect both your and my reputation."
"Secondly, it's really safe here. Even if Chaos power invades, your room is right next door. You'll have plenty of time to protect me, won't you?"
Emrys was still trying to argue. He really didn't want to be in the same space as Hilda, otherwise, he felt he would be driven mad in minutes!
He even resorted to giving Elsa a look, signaling her to stop watching and quickly come save her lord!
"Your Excellency Hilda, considering the characteristics of the Aeldari, I don't think it's a good idea for you and my lord to share a room," Elsa said tactfully.
For the first time, Hilda didn't refute but seriously thought for a few a second and nodded in agreement: "Indeed, although I don't particularly like humans, considering that if a human were to go into heat, it might cause me trouble."
"..."
Emrys no longer wanted to argue.
Dating an Aeldari lady?
This thought, which had only been in his mind for less than a second, was immediately extinguished.
Don't joke around. Without the physical strength of a 'Primarch', how dare he even dream of dating an Aeldari?
Their reproductive cycle... is half a year per instance!
And considering the physical strength of the Aeldari, which is no less than that of a Space Marine, and even surpasses it, it's advisable to stay away from Aeldari The Handmaidens for the sake of one's life.
Finally, with Elsa's help, Hilda was at last sent away. Emrys, dragging his weary body, returned to his bedroom and suddenly felt the entire world quiet down.
In just a few a second, he fell into a deep sleep.
This was the only time he had fallen directly into deep sleep since arriving at Vigilus.
At this moment, the room door was gently pushed open.
Elsa looked at the sleeping Emrys, quietly extinguished the lit incense, then took off his clothes, carefully covered him with a blanket, and finally, looking at his sleeping face, smiled contentedly... The next day.
"Can you stay here?"
Emrys pinched his temples, looking at Hilda with a headache: "Your height is too distinctive. If you come out with me, the Inquisitor will be knocking on my door to execute me tomorrow."
According to the original plan, he was going to the planetary governor's mansion.
Yesterday's incident was such a big deal, and thanks to Lucy, he had his back covered. Today, no matter what, he had to go thank her and discuss the 'water resources' issue.
After hitting someone with a stick, shouldn't he at least offer a sweet date?
But then Hilda appeared, insisting on staying by his side, ostensibly for protection, which immediately made Emrys' head ache even more.
Two-meter-tall women were not unheard of in the Imperium, but those pointed ears undoubtedly betrayed her.
The Inquisitors and many ill-intentioned nobles were already watching him. If he took her out directly, he was guaranteed that the Inquisition would arrive within half an hour. Therefore, to avoid unnecessary risks, he painstakingly persuaded Hilda to stay.
"Don't worry, with me here, no one can harm you!" Hilda said confidently, proudly raising her head like a White swan: "Isn't it just an Inquisitor? I'll help you kill him, and then there will be no problem, right?"
"Enough, enough, absolutely not!" Emrys quickly stopped Hilda, sweating profusely: "There's no need to be so extreme. Please calm down and spare his life."
This girl was too violent, always chopping off people's heads at the slightest provocation!
She didn't even consider who her target was. That was an Imperial Inquisitor. Was his head something just anyone could chop off?
Killing an Inquisitor was tantamount to provoking the Inquisition. Originally, they would have needed evidence, but now, well, no evidence needed... it would directly become a rebellion suppression!
"Not an Inquisitor?" Hilda looked at him puzzled: "Don't worry, I can disguise myself as a Dark Eldar. I guarantee I won't leave any clues or evidence."
"Alright, alright, I know you're very professional, but please don't say such terrifying things to me with such an innocent expression, okay?" Emrys covered his face in agony. He woke up, and the new torment began!
He had figured it out: Hilda was not stupid or foolish; she was simply very naive, to an unimaginable degree. She didn't understand subtlety or jokes and took everything very seriously.
From their brief time together, Emrys discovered Hilda's personality, which could only be described as... a pure heart!
The advantage of such a person was that if he genuinely asked Hilda to kill an Inquisitor, she would probably do it without hesitation, completely disregarding any risks involved.
But the downside was... he would have to be careful with his words from now on.
Otherwise, he feared that one day, inadvertently, because of a joke, Hilda would rush over and chop off someone's head.
"Do you really not need my help?"
A hint of disappointment seemed to flash in Hilda's eyes.
"No, and under the current circumstances, your presence would actually put me in danger." After realizing Hilda's personality, Emrys no longer concealed his intentions and spoke frankly.
"Okay."
Hilda nodded, indeed no longer insisting. But after a few a second of thought, she unclipped a cylindrical mysterious device from her waist and handed it to him: "This is a 'Singing Spear,' the exclusive weapon of every Farseer. It can automatically return after being thrown, and it contains a spiral crystal psychic matrix, embedded with the runes of a farseer, which can easily pierce human armor."
After speaking, she added: "Including some heavy armor. If the situation is too critical, you can detonate it after throwing it, which will create a miniature Warp rift, shredding any creatures and armor within its range."
Goodness gracious... Aeldari technology!
Holding the cylindrical device, the Traveler System displayed detailed information in Emrys' mind.
[Item detected: Singing Spear (Excellent)]
[A weapon forged by the Samhian Aeldari farseer Anviel Kettock specifically for his children, embedded with multiple runes. It can be recalled at will after being thrown, and once it resonates with a psyker, it can even tear through heavy targets.]
[Energy provided: 100000]
That string of zeroes almost blinded him.
Damn, how extravagant! Is this the true value of ancient overlord, Aeldari technology?!
Suddenly receiving such a valuable item, Emrys was a bit unaccustomed to it and looked at Hilda hesitantly: "If you give this to me, what will you use?"
"I have more."
However, Hilda's single sentence instantly shattered his previous sentiment.
As she spoke, Hilda drew another weapon, exquisitely crafted like a magnificent two-handed greatsword, and proudly declared: "Before I left, I specifically visited my father's collection room and took everything usable. This Eldar Warrior's Blade is even better than the one I gave you!"
He didn't expect her to be a rich young lady after all?!
This was completely beyond his expectation. Emrys was even a little jealous; that was the collection room of an Aeldari farseer, who knew what good things were inside?
Emrys suddenly felt that Hilda wasn't so annoying anymore, and even seemed quite cute, but he was also a little worried: "Um... will your father come looking for you because of this?"
"No, don't worry."
Hilda shook her head confidently and said seriously: "Anyway, when he dies, I'm going to inherit the farseer's position, so those things will eventually be mine. I'm just borrowing them in advance."
Emrys couldn't help but give her a thumbs up.
To have a daughter like Hilda, it must be the blessing accumulated by the farseer over eight lifetimes.