[Warhammer: Starting as a Planetary Governor] Chapter 59/60/61 (Patreon)

Chapter 59: The Arrival of the Emissaries

Arila hoped, desperately, that her name would appear on the list.

If it did, she would be able to go to the Sacred Square, to see the Emperor's statue and the benevolent Governor with her own eyes!

There were ten spots available on the third production line.

One by one, the overseer read off the names.

Each worker whose name was called wept with joy, kneeling in gratitude to the Emperor and the Governor for this great honor.

Arila watched the overseer closely, praying her name would be called.

But as the list came to an end, she still hadn't heard her name.

Her heart felt as if it had fallen into an endless abyss.

How could this be? She had worked so hard!

She didn't understand why she wasn't chosen as one of the active workers.

"Over… Overseer, I…"

Arila couldn't hold back any longer and timidly raised her hand, wanting to ask why.

Crack!

In the next instant, the overseer's whip cracked loudly against the ground, sending a sharp sound through the air.

"Those on the list, follow me to meet the Emissary. The rest of you, get back to the line and keep working. No complaints!

If I catch anyone slacking off, I'll make sure you regret it!"

The overseer glared menacingly at Arila, his eyes warning her.

If it hadn't been for the Emissary's visit today, and the factory director's specific instructions to be more lenient, the overseer's whip would have already lashed across Arila's back.

Seeing the overseer's warning, Arila swallowed her words and dared not speak again.

She could only watch the ten workers with envy as they followed the overseer to meet the Emissary.

If they passed the inspection, they would get the chance to go to the Sacred Square.

But for Arila, that chance was gone.

Choking back her frustration, she wiped away the tears at the corners of her eyes and returned to the production line.

Suddenly, the heat on the assembly line seemed unbearable, and the fumes seeping through her broken mask stung her nose terribly.

It was as if no one ever cared about her.

Even though she had worked so hard, no one ever noticed.

No matter how much she felt wronged, she still had to keep working.

In her weakened condition, she wondered if one day she might end up like her parents, dying at her station.

Maybe only when she collapsed and died on the assembly line would anyone finally notice her.

Perhaps they'd even pity her, saying, "Arila was such a diligent worker. This workshop has lost one of its best."

Her mind wandered, imagining her own death, filling her with sorrow.

But the noisy machinery quickly snapped her back to reality—she was still on the clock!

She hurriedly resumed her work, murmuring to herself for encouragement:

"Arila, you're the best worker here. You can do this!"

"Arila!"

Hmm, was someone calling her?

Arila was confused. It had been so long since anyone had called her name since her parents had passed.

She thought she might have been imagining it.

"Arila!"

This time, she was certain someone was calling her, and she quickly turned around.

It was the overseer, glaring at her with a stern expression!

She panicked:

"Overseer, I've been working hard. Please, don't punish me!"

Seeing no response from the overseer, she quickly continued:

"Is it about my mask?

By the Emperor, I accidentally broke it. I swear I won't ask for a replacement, and it won't affect the workshop!"

The overseer, breathing heavily, said nothing, almost scaring Arila out of her wits.

Then, to her shock, the overseer's face broke into a broad smile.

"A-A-Arila, no need to worry. I'm here with some important news for you…"

The overseer's tone was unnaturally polite, as if afraid of offending her.

He had nearly run himself breathless to get here.

"You need me… for something important?"

Arila couldn't believe her ears. The overseer was being nice to her?

Normally, he would just call her "Hey, you!" or worse, "that one over there!" and strike her with his whip without a second thought.

"Yes, Arila. Please, follow me quickly. The Emissary wants to see you specifically…"

What?

Arila's mind went blank. Though she wasn't the brightest, she knew this was something good.

"Come quickly now… And the rest of you, get back to work. Anyone slacking will answer to me!"

The overseer, catching his breath, led Arila away, but not before shouting at the other workers as a matter of habit.

Realizing how that might look, he quickly turned back to Arila, speaking softly:

"Apologies, Arila, I didn't mean to raise my voice and bother your ears. Please forgive my past offenses…"

The overseer looked as though he might cry, terrified of offending Arila, who had been personally summoned by the Emissary.

"No… no problem…"

Arila, still in a daze, followed the overseer toward the reception area, where the Emissary and the factory director were waiting.

In the factory's reception hall, the director was drenched in sweat as he anxiously faced the two Emissaries, both dressed in black uniforms, representing the Governor himself.

These Emissaries had the power to execute him on the spot!

Two days ago, the King's Court had issued a notice, instructing each region to submit a list of active workers, explicitly warning against any falsification or negligence.

If the Governor's Emissaries found any issues, the offenders would face severe punishment, and in serious cases, execution on the spot!

The message from the King's Court had been clear.

No sane person would dare tamper with this list.

The factory director had worked tirelessly, reviewing every name submitted by the overseers, carefully examining the workers' faith and family backgrounds before finalizing the list.

To ensure fairness, he had even excluded his own brother-in-law.

Yet, there was still a problem.

The woman Arila, whom the Governor had taken a personal interest in, was not on the list!

How could this happen?

In fact, Arila's name had been added by Eden on a whim.

The other night, Carter had promised Arila he would pass on her feelings to the Governor.

And true to his word, he had mentioned Arila to Eden.

Eden, finding the story amusing, had noted her name.

Later, when preparing the list, he had casually added it.

What he hadn't expected was the amount of attention it would draw.

Upon seeing that Arila had been specifically marked by the Governor, Bayev immediately dispatched Deville and Popov to ensure nothing went wrong.

That's how the current situation came to be.

The factory director was on the verge of collapse, convinced that his life—and his family—was over.

"There's no need to be afraid…"

Deville looked at the trembling director and tried to reassure him.

Worried that his usual cold expression might be too harsh, he gave the director the smile he had just learned from Popov.

"Mercy, Emissary! By the Emperor's name, I swear the list was thoroughly reviewed. There's no mistake.

I had no idea Arila was someone the Governor was looking for!"

With a thud, the factory director dropped to his knees.

The Emissary's sinister smile made him tremble, certain he was about to be executed.

"You wretch!"

Deville was momentarily taken aback. This time, he was genuinely angry, his hand instinctively moving toward his laser pistol.

"Whoa, whoa, Deville, take it easy. Remember to be friendly. We're here to help the workers.

Didn't the Governor say we should engage with the people?"

Popov patted Deville on the shoulder, urging him to stay calm.

Deville glared at Popov, feeling even more insulted and humiliated.

That coward, giving him orders?

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 60: The Workers' Representative

"Hmph!"

Deville, though somewhat displeased, held back his frustration.

He snorted and stepped aside.

After all, Popov was praised by the Governor, and Deville was not—at least, not yet.

He simply didn't have the qualities the Governor needed right now, but he would learn and adapt.

For now, he would tolerate that coward for a little while longer.

Popov, seeing Deville back down, finally let out a sigh of relief.

If Deville had harmed someone unjustly, it could have resulted in a rebuke from the Governor.

Despite everything, Popov truly cared about Deville.

In his mind, he and Deville were like brothers who had survived life-and-death situations together.

Of course, by that, Popov meant that Deville had once saved his life.

Popov gently helped the factory director to his feet: "Stand up, we're not demons here. As long as there's no falsifying of names to deceive the Governor, nothing will happen to you."

Popov stared into the director's eyes: "But if the list has any issues, we will follow the rules. You may be punished—or even executed."

Though Popov had a reputation for being a coward, he was still a certified official of the King's Court. His authority, backed by the Governor, was no less than that of an enforcer.

"I swear on my life, the list is correct!" the factory director vowed, almost as if swearing an oath.

"Good!" Popov narrowed his eyes and smiled warmly again.

Soon after, Arila was led into the room by the overseer.

In the room, she saw the normally high-and-mighty factory director and the two imposing Emissaries, both dressed in black.

She was so shocked that she didn't know what to say.

The factory director quickly introduced her: "Emissaries, this is our factory's outstanding worker, Ms. Arila!"

"Emissaries!"

Arila hurriedly bowed in greeting.

"Ms. Arila," Popov said, pulling out a small box, "we are here on behalf of the Governor to invite you to participate in the Emperor's Ascension Festival."

"In recognition of your excellent performance, the Governor's palace has chosen to bestow upon you the title of Workers' Representative.

On the day of the festival, you will lead your factory's workers into the Sacred Square to receive the Emperor's blessing!"

This announcement left both Arila and the factory director in shock.

A medal bestowed by the Governor's palace—what an honor!

Even Deville and Popov were a bit envious, as neither of them had received such a medal yet.

Of course, that would change if they continued doing their jobs well, and they could aim for even greater honors in the future.

The Workers' Representative medal was something Eden had ordered to be designed, intended for outstanding workers in various fields.

Each region would select one or several workers to receive the medal, and the young officials from the new Secretarial Department would present them.

However, Eden had never specified that Arila should receive the Workers' Representative medal.

It was Bayev who had assumed that since her name was specifically added by the Governor, her status couldn't be ordinary.

So, he arranged for her to receive the honor.

Popov carefully opened the box to show everyone its contents.

Inside was a red medal with elements of a golden lion and hammer.

Arila, overwhelmed with excitement, took the medal and pinned it to her chest.

She was so happy that she almost fainted.

By the Emperor, not only had the kind Governor invited her to the festival, but she was also being rewarded?

This was beyond anything she had ever dared to dream!

"Congratulations, Ms. Arila!"

"Thank you, Emissary... And thank you, kind Governor..." Arila stammered, her words jumbled with excitement, but no one cared about the details.

Wearing the medal wasn't the end of it; there would be an official announcement, a ceremony, and her name would be entered into the King's Court records.

The police would even provide some level of protection for her.

The Interior Department would send personnel to teach her how to fulfill her new duties.

But all these formalities were beyond Deville and Popov's concern.

The factory and the Interior Department would handle the follow-up.

Soon, Deville and Popov left the reception area to inspect the list of active workers.

Their task was crucial, as they needed to filter out any underperformers or those whose faith was weak.

More importantly, they had to identify any bad elements or heretics.

After the Emissaries left, it was just Arila and the factory director.

Arila, still unsure of what to do, said hesitantly:

"Factory Director, should I go back to the production line now?"

The director, beaming with a smile, quickly stopped her:

"Ms. Arila, no need to rush back. You should rest here for a bit!"

Saying this, he personally poured her a glass of water.

After all, Arila was now the face of the factory—a representative of the Governor himself!

There was no way he would send her back to the production line, where she might collapse from exhaustion.

The director was already thinking of promoting Arila to a higher management position.

Only such a position would be suitable for her now.

As soon as a worker received a medal from the Governor, their status changed.

No matter what their past was, their future would be completely different.

They could rise above their previous circumstances and potentially even join the ranks of the nobility one day.

It was a glimmer of hope for the downtrodden.

This system gave the lower classes a path to ascend.

It showed them that no matter their poverty, anyone who worked hard for the King's Court and the Governor would receive the rewards they deserved.

Only through this promise could hope endure.

And this was the Governor's gift to his people.

Arila, this once unfortunate worker, had received that gift.

But right now, she had no idea how much this blessing would change her fate.

She was simply lost in joy.

In just two days, she would go to receive the Emperor's blessing.

And she would even meet the kind Governor himself!

What would the sacred bread and water taste like?

Sitting on the sofa in the reception area, Arila's mind wandered, lost in a daydream.

It wasn't until the director spoke again that she came back to her senses.

"Ms. Arila," the director said sincerely, "I've given it some thought. From now on, you won't have to return to that dirty production line…"

"Huh?"

Arila thought he was about to fire her and quickly pleaded:

"Director, are you firing me? Please don't…"

"No, no, no!"

The director was even more panicked than Arila: "By the Emperor, I would never do that. You're an important representative of this factory. There's no way I'd fire you!"

Firing Arila, after the Governor had just given her a medal? That would be suicide!

"Really?" Arila asked, still unsure.

"Of course not!" the director reassured her, explaining:
"Ms. Arila, what I meant is that, as a representative of this factory, you deserve a higher position."

He took out a form listing the factory's higher management positions.

"You can choose any position you want!"

Finally, Arila understood: "You're promoting me, and I can choose my own job?"

This was an unexpected bonus!

By the Emperor, today was the luckiest day of her life!

"Yes, Ms. Arila. Please, tell me—what position would you like?"

"Overseer!" Arila answered without hesitation.

"Huh?"

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 61: The Restoration of the Sacred Icon is Complete!

Arila's response left the factory manager a bit puzzled.

An Overseer?

That's almost the lowest level of management.

It barely counts as a management position at all.

He had initially thought that even if Arila wanted to become the factory manager, he could grit his teeth and agree.

After all, he could just give her an empty title, one that wouldn't involve any real responsibilities, or assign someone capable to assist her.

But he really didn't expect her to choose to be an overseer.

"Arila, are you sure you want to be an overseer?"

"Absolutely!"

"Would you like to reconsider?"

Arila shook her head firmly in response.

She wanted to be an overseer.

As a worker, her daily life consisted of working on the assembly line in the workshop, day after day, assembling the mechanical components required by the King's Court district.

During breaks, she could only walk along a fixed route back to the living quarters assigned by the factory. She had almost no personal time at all.

One could say that the small assembly line workshop was her entire world.

Her daily interactions were mostly limited to the overseers who oppressed her with whips.

For her, being an overseer was the best position she could imagine.

She remembered how her father used to boast when he was alive, saying that he worked the hardest and would surely become an overseer one day!

Little did they know that management positions within the factory were mostly reserved for those from the Upper Hive.

People like them, from the Lower Hive, hardly had any chance of becoming managers.

A worker was just a worker, destined to remain so for life!

As someone from the Upper Hive, the factory manager could not comprehend Arila's choice. He couldn't fathom that she might not know about any other positions besides being an overseer.

This was the gap created by their different social classes.

Seeing Arila's determination, the factory manager sighed and replied:

"Alright, Arila, I respect your choice.

From now on, you are an overseer.

Someone will come shortly to handle the paperwork and explain how to carry out your duties as an overseer!

As for your area of responsibility, it will be the third assembly line where you used to work.

Of course, if you ever change your mind, feel free to come find me..."

An overseer, huh?

Well, in any case, she'll still be the most powerful overseer in the factory.

Once she gets the hang of it, I'll find a chance to promote her slowly.

The factory manager thought to himself.

At that moment, Arila barely heard the factory manager's words. She was already completely immersed in the joy of becoming an overseer.

Hehehe!

She was the best Arila ever!

Her father never achieved it, but she did!

Thank the God-Emperor!

And thank the merciful Governor!

Achoo!

"Who's thinking of me?"

On the balcony of the spire mansion, Eden suddenly sneezed.

He rubbed his nose and looked towards the Holy Square.

What met his eyes was the towering and majestic hundred-meter-tall statue of the God-Emperor.

It had once been desecrated by heretics, left in ruins.

That represented the suffering and humiliation endured by the King's Court district, and even the Imperium itself, during this catastrophe.

Due to the Great Rift in the Warp, nearly half of the Imperium's territories had fallen into darkness, ravaged by xenos, heretics, and Chaos Daemons.

Urth was one such world.

But now, the statue of the God-Emperor had been preliminarily restored, returned to its original grandeur.

Only the final gilding and gemstone inlay remained.

This was a symbol, the first step in a great crusade.

He, Eden Grant, ruler of Urth and the Planetary Governor of the Imperium, would begin to reclaim the planet and save other worlds from the dark side of the Imperium!

In the Holy Square, Bayev directed the artisans as they made the final preparations.

These artisans were tasked with decorating the entire Holy Square—raising flags, laying out luxurious carpets, and more.

They also had to complete the gilding and inlay of gemstones on the statue of the God-Emperor before the night of the Emperor's Ascension Day.

Fortunately, everything was progressing smoothly, and they would meet the deadline.

Bayev looked up at the statue of the God-Emperor and couldn't help but pray:

"God-Emperor above, please bless us!

Bless us that, under the leadership of the Governor, we may emerge from this terrible darkness!"

For the past five years, Bayev had been in a state of despair.

As the Grand Chamberlain of the King's Court district, he was fully aware of the dire situation.

He knew that there was no hope left for the King's Court district.

Its most likely fate was to fall into chaos and be overtaken by the Hoffman family.

But the Hoffman family, with their schemes and short-sighted incompetence, had no chance either.

They had already been tainted by Chaos.

Their control over the King's Court district would only make things worse.

Ultimately, Urth would not escape the clutches of Chaos and face total destruction!

In the face of such despair...

The Governor had long since abandoned hope, neglecting all duties and spending his days in debauchery.

But Bayev, the most loyal servant of House Grant, could not give up!

He could not afford to show even a hint of despair, nor let such emotions crush him.

Day and night, he worked tirelessly to assist the Governor, handling all the administrative duties.

Yet all he could do was delay the inevitable, to give the darkness a little more time before it consumed everything.

In truth, he had long prepared himself for the end.

When the King's Court district fell, when the last of the Grant bloodline perished, he and his family would go with them.

It would be their final act of loyalty!

But since that attack, the Governor had changed after losing his memory. He started taking care of official matters and trying to save the King's Court!

These past days, Bayev had been observing the Governor.

He initially thought the Governor had turned to the dark gods of Chaos, which explained the sudden change.

But regardless, it was a good thing.

As long as the Grant bloodline continued, even if it meant following them into corruption, Bayev would not hesitate!

However, over time, he dismissed that idea.

The Governor, in fact, showed greater care for his people than even his father had. This was not the behavior of a Chaos follower.

Rather than believing that the Governor had turned to Chaos, Bayev preferred to believe that the Governor had been blessed by the God-Emperor!

That was why he had changed so much, becoming more compassionate and wise, and gaining godlike, mysterious powers.

Seeing the recent changes in the King's Court district, Bayev 's despair had gradually faded.

Although the situation was still tough, he believed the Governor would perform more miracles and lead the district out of danger...

At the entrance of the cathedral, Bishop Doni leaned on his staff as he walked out.

He gazed at the newly restored statue of the God-Emperor, tears streaming down his face.

It was finally restored.

Not only had the statue been repaired, but the Emperor's Ascension Day festival, which had been canceled for years, was being held once again.

The Church would proceed to the Holy Square to bless the people, distributing sacred bread and water.

All of this was thanks to the Governor, and Bishop Doni was becoming increasingly convinced that he was the one chosen by the God-Emperor.

The all-knowing, all-powerful God-Emperor had shown Urth the way!

And they, the Emperor's loyal followers, had only to follow the one chosen by the Emperor. The sword in his hand would cleave through the darkness and lead the faithful into the light!

Bishop Doni gazed at the grand statue of the God-Emperor, his heart swelling with devotion.

To the chorus of the Seraphim, he fervently recited the hymns of gratitude to the almighty God-Emperor.

Let the Emperor's torch burn bright, dispelling all specters of the void!

(End of Chapter)