NOVEL NEXT Chapter 25: Inheritance
On their respective worlds, these governors wielded near-absolute power. They could establish their own laws, design their political systems, and even dictate social norms. Some planets still practiced archaic systems like slavery simply because their governors preferred it, while others were barely governed at all. The Empire maintained a hands-off policy unless a governor openly rebelled. As long as taxes were paid and loyalty to the Emperor was upheld, a governor's rule was their own.
In his youth, Kayvaan had detested the idea of living under his father's shadow as a noble. He had wanted to prove his worth through his own abilities, not by relying on his family name. That determination had driven him to run away, where he eventually crossed paths with "Corvus," the primarch, one of Emperor's son and the founder of the Raven Guard.
Under Corvus's teaching, Kayvaan had risen to prominence as a space marine. He fought valiantly for the Emperor, for the Raven Guard, and for humanity itself. His efforts earned him countless honors, yet none of his achievements could erase his name or lineage. No matter how far he climbed, he remained Kayvaan Shrike—the heir to an Sub-Sector Governorship.
"Who hasn't made foolish choices in their youth?" the old man said with a small smile. "But we grow, mature, and learn to shoulder the responsibilities that come with our names."
"If inheriting the governorship is my responsibility, I will accept it." Kayvaan straightened, his tone resolute. "Still, there's something I don't understand. Nine thousand years have passed. How is this inheritance still intact?"
"Time is irrelevant," the envoy replied. "Even if the universe itself were to collapse, your family's claim over the three galaxies would remain. The only exception would be if your family had no heirs left, in which case the Empire would reclaim the planets. But that has never happened, and the House of Nobles exists to ensure it never does. Protecting the rights of noble families like yours is essential for the stability of the Empire itself. Nobles are its cornerstone."
"I see… I can only express my gratitude."
"This is our duty, Lord Kayvaan. However, your thanks should go to your sister. Without her efforts, the lands rightfully belonging to your family might have been confiscated long ago."
At the mention of his sister, Kayvaan's brow furrowed. "If we're discussing my sister, then I have a question."
"Please, go ahead."
"When I left home, wasn't the governorship meant for her? My father had more than one child. The title didn't have to fall to me. My sister had just as much of a right to inherit as I did. By all logic, the governorship should have passed to her descendants. So why is it coming back to me now?"
"This is a family matter, and I don't know much about it," the old man said, bowing slightly. "I'm sorry I can't provide more insight, but there's no need to worry. Within three days at most, your unfair imprisonment will be lifted. Your family has already sent a ship to pick you up. If the journey goes smoothly, it's expected to arrive in three months. When that time comes, you'll naturally hear the full story from them."
Only a fool would speak on things they didn't understand, and he was no fool. A person who couldn't control their words would never be trusted with a role as important as steward of the House of Nobles. He nodded, pushing down the curiosity bubbling within him. After all, compared to nine thousand years, three months wasn't very long. Soon enough, he'd learn everything.
"I understand," he replied.
The old man inclined his head in acknowledgment. "Sir, I've brought some documents for you today. These include a general introduction to the three galaxies under your control. Please take a look." With that, he opened a sleek black briefcase and carefully laid a dozen neatly bound files on the table in front of Kayvaan.
Kayvaan picked up one of the files and skimmed through it, but the dense language and technical terms quickly made his head spin. Tossing it aside with a sigh, he said, "Can you summarize this for me instead? I understand how to govern a planet, but these imperial bureaucratic documents? They're like deciphering an alien language."
"It would be my honor," the old man said graciously. He approached the table, pulling a folded star map from the files. Spreading it out, he pointed to three faint markings. "Here are the general locations of the galaxies under your governance. Unfortunately, the House of Nobles' think tank hasn't compiled a detailed star map of the Eastern Fringe Territory yet. This map will have to suffice for now."
Kayvaan frowned as he studied the map. "The Eastern Fringe Territory? And it's this far from the center of the empire?"
The old man nodded. "That's correct. While you own three star system, they're located in a remote corner of the Eastern Fringe, far beyond the reach of the emperor's direct influence. To the empire, the Eastern Fringe is an undeveloped frontier, considered wild and untamed. The galaxies under your control are in an especially isolated region."
Kayvaan's brow furrowed deeper. "So, I've been given three star system, but they're in the middle of nowhere? That's a rare setup for any Sub-Sector Governors."
"It is indeed rare," the old man agreed. "An interstellar consul like yourself, governing multiple galaxies, is almost unheard of. The only drawback, as you noted, is their remoteness."
Kayvaan narrowed his eyes. "What happens if those areas are attacked? How does the empire respond?"
The old man didn't flinch at the question. "Under normal circumstances, the empire rarely allocates military forces to defend such distant territories."
Kayvaan snorted. "You don't need to tell me that. I've served as a space marine—I know how the empire operates. If a planet is attacked, the surface troops try to hold the line. If they fail, the commander pulls out, abandoning the planet while summoning the interstellar battle group for a counterattack. That's how it works in well-connected territories. In remote areas like this? They'd probably leave it to burn."
He leaned back in his chair, suspicion flaring in his chest. "Three star system—such immense power handed over so casually to someone who just woke up from stasis? Something's off here. Wait a minute." His eyes sharpened. "You mentioned earlier that these galaxies are 'so far away that even the emperor's will cannot reach.' That wasn't just a figure of speech, was it?"
The old man hesitated, then sighed. "I assumed you were already aware. My apologies. No, that phrase isn't metaphorical. Allow me to explain."