"Heh," Samuel chuckled softly.
Lyon's typically stoic and "upright" demeanor truly aligned with what many elves considered their ideal. It reminded Samuel of Dorn, another of his sons, who was infamous for his sharp tongue and rigid adherence to duty but was surprisingly popular among the elves for his steadfastness, discipline, and sense of honor.
Of course, Dorn's sarcasm and abrasive personality often drew ire from the older generation of elves. Only someone like Aoei Losrian, who possessed unshakable patience and admiration for Dorn, could tolerate his thorns.
Unlike Dorn, Lyon wasn't necessarily sarcastic, but his cold and serious attitude was enough to attract admiration from the young elf waitress, whose glances during their interaction had been anything but subtle.
Lyon had already noticed the unusual interest from the waitress long before Vulkan's teasing remarks. Even so, seeing his brother and father amused and cheerful about the matter, he chose not to show any dissatisfaction.
If it had only been Vulkan present, without their father in the room, Lyon likely would have responded with irritation. He would have delivered a curt remark along the lines of, "Vulkan, I'm not here for trivialities like this. You should know that such jokes serve no purpose."
However, Lyon understood Vulkan's intention—his teasing was an attempt to bridge their emotional distance and establish a more relaxed rapport between them.
Lyon simply shook his head, took a measured sip of tea to moisten his throat, and then calmly said to Vulkan:
"Elves remain a non-human race. Besides, I have no interest in such frivolous emotions."
Lyon's remark wasn't simply an attempt to brush the topic aside—it also reflected a deeply ingrained skepticism toward non-human species. His upbringing and personality, combined with the fact that Atlas had once been embroiled in tense conflicts with Pandora from the Avatar universe, had shaped a strong "human supremacy" ideology in Lyon's worldview.
This ideology wasn't explicitly displayed in public, as Lyon understood the necessity of preserving the Empire's political unity and harmony. But in private, especially when only family was present, he made no effort to hide his true feelings.
If Russ were here to hear Lyon's statement, he'd undoubtedly burst out laughing and say something along the lines of:
"Who cares if they're human or not! Giving Father some grandchildren is the real priority! Haha! Dorn's already handled his share! And have you seen how lonely the old man looks lately? Give him a grandkid or two to brighten his days!"
Such a comment would no doubt stir up reactions from everyone involved, yet it encapsulated Russ's carefree attitude toward life and relationships.
Unlike Russ, Vulkan was neither brash nor carefree. However, he couldn't help but express his own perspective on the matter, especially as it diverged from Lyon's.
Vulkan, whose formative years had been shaped by adventures alongside humans, elves, dwarves, and dragons in a multiracial universe, had a more tolerant attitude toward allied non-human races.
With a soft smile, Vulkan replied:
"Brother, I think your words are a bit narrow in scope.
When it comes to hostile alien species, especially those that pose a direct threat to the Empire and humanity, I have no hesitation—extermination is always the answer, and I feel no remorse.
But those who fight for the Empire, like the Sangheili warriors, or those who have been loyal to Father from the beginning, like the elves and dwarves, deserve to be seen as allies.
As the wisdom of ancient China teaches us, civilization's endurance relies not just on bloodlines but on the ideas and alliances we foster. Humanity can lead, but without inclusion and openness, we can't ensure the long-term prosperity of the Empire."
Lyon fell silent for a moment, his icy gaze unwavering. After considering Vulkan's perspective, he finally responded:
"Vulkan, I understand the importance of inclusion and alliances for the survival of civilization. Allies are indeed valuable, and the Empire does need support from others.
But no matter their allegiance, non-humans are not, and will never be, human.
We can make use of their strength, but we must remain vigilant. Their loyalty stems from mutual benefit, not instinct or trust.
Today they may serve the Empire; tomorrow, if circumstances change, they may stand against us to protect their own interests. While I respect your perspective, the safety of the Empire must always come before notions of inclusion."
Vulkan's expression remained gentle, though his tone carried quiet conviction:
"Brother, I understand your caution, as well as your dedication to the Empire's safety.
You're right—they are not human. But we humans do not live in isolation. Our strength lies not only in our weapons and armies but in our ability to unite those willing to stand alongside us.
Trust carries risks, yes, but without it, we risk becoming isolated and overwhelmed by the challenges of the wider universe."
Lyon scoffed coldly, his lips curving into a slight smirk as he retorted:
"Isolated and overwhelmed? Hah! What does it matter?
We have our brothers. We have millions of loyal Astartes. We have countless brave human soldiers and the might of our bioengineered armies.
Any enemy, no matter where they come from, who dares challenge the Empire will be annihilated—down to their very species if necessary!"
Samuel, watching the increasingly heated exchange between his sons, decided it was time to intervene.
"Ah-hem."
A light cough from the Emperor was all it took to halt both Vulkan and Lyon in their tracks.
Vulkan, who had been preparing to make another rebuttal, immediately quieted down, while Lyon's piercing gaze softened ever so slightly. Both of them realized that their discussion had veered dangerously close to outright confrontation.
Vulkan, ever the warm-hearted brother, broke the tension first.
"You're right, brother. With all of us united, and Father leading us, the Empire will flourish and endure for eternity.
And let me assure you, Lyon—if it ever came down to saving a non-human ally or saving you, I wouldn't hesitate for even a moment. I'd always choose my brother.
Even if it cost me my life, I wouldn't want to see you harmed in any way."
Lyon's expression wavered slightly, his usually steely gaze flickering with something softer. However, his tone remained measured and reserved:
"Vulkan, you're too sentimental at times. Self-sacrifice isn't our duty—protecting the Empire is.
If you were to give your life for me, the Empire would lose one of its strongest warriors, and Father would lose a son.
Your greatest contribution to the Empire is to fulfill your duties, not to throw your life away for me."
Though his words were firm, there was a subtle warmth in Lyon's eyes, a hint of gratitude for Vulkan's unwavering loyalty.
Samuel, watching the exchange, couldn't help but shake his head with an amused smile.
The fact that Lyon could express even this level of concern and acknowledgment was a testament to how much he valued his bond with Vulkan—even if he wouldn't openly admit it.
"Today is for relaxation and conversation," Samuel reminded them, his tone light yet authoritative. "Not for debates."
His gaze lingered briefly on both sons before adding, "And let's not forget that our main objective today is to enjoy some fine food and drink."
"Understood, Father," the two Primarchs said in unison.
As if on cue, the door to the private dining room slid open, and the young elf waitress reentered with a tray of exquisite dishes.
She moved gracefully, setting the plates on the table with practiced precision before fetching a cabinet filled with bottles of the potent 76° Baijiu.
After uncorking one of the bottles, she poured three glasses, her movements elegant and deliberate.
When she finished, the waitress smiled warmly and said, "Please enjoy your meal. If there's anything else you need, don't hesitate to let me know."
With that, she exited the room, her gaze lingering on Lyon for a moment longer than necessary before finally closing the door behind her.
The elf's attention had not gone unnoticed by Vulkan, who smirked mischievously at his older brother.
"You know, brother," Vulkan began, his voice laced with humor, "if you ever decide to change your mind about elves, I think you'd find yourself quite popular among them."
For the first time in what felt like an eternity, Lyon allowed himself a small, genuine smile.
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