บท 109: Cain's Finest

"As I try to impress on the young whelps in my charge these days, it isn't the scarlet sash and the fancy hat that makes you a commissar, it's the way you wear them. The troops you serve with are never going to like you, but if you can get them to respect you that can be almost as good. Remember, you're going to spend most of your career on a battlefield with them, and they've all got guns, so making them think you're a liability is never going to be a very good idea."

- Commissar Ciaphas Cain

Commissar Ciaphas Cain, the Hero of the Imperium and one of the greatest warriors who fought countless battles without the need for genetic enhancement and to live over 200 years decided to open a tavern/inn under his name.

With his trusty aide Jurgen standing behind him, he cut the red ribbon with his chainsword to start the grand opening of 'Cain's Finest.' The gathering of this magnitude was larger than he expected, from Chapter Master William, his lady friend the Living Saint Rana, and Lord Creed to everyone from the new regiment of Valhalla guardsmen who came to celebrate Cain's somewhat semi-retirement/business.

It took a small number of former Imperial Fists to finish the construction of Cain's Finest within one week and by the time it was done, the building was ready to serve the customer and fortified against any potential enemies within the perimeter. This is because the outer wall was built with the finest bricks but the inner wall was built with the toughest steel to withstand even the bolter rounds (Courtesy of the former Salamanders who supplied the metals). The doors were built in solid wood but hidden between frames, there lies a thick solid steel door, that can shut the door with a single lever to initiate a lockdown protocol.

Aside from the walls and doors, the tavern has two floors with a standard fantasy world style to blend the building with the rest of the world's standards. A white building with a red roof symbolizes the color of the Commissar's crimson sash can be seen a mile away as this distinct look easily attracts potential customers. Before entering the building, the sign hangs above that says 'Cain's Finest' with Aquila, the double-headed eagle holding a beer mug and spoon.

The interior of the building is fancy and decorative for a standard tavern. After receiving permission from Lord William to purchase land and build, Cain was contacted by the former Blood Angels. During the construction of the tavern, the former Blood Angels provided paintings of high quality and masterful statues of Cain and his adventures. Due to Cain's numerous adventures and published documents, thanks to a certain inquisitor, Space Marines managed to produce a large number of decorations to enhance Cain's establishment.

Set behind the front desk, Cain's infamous portrait of himself standing in front of the red flag of the Imperium can be seen (Reference to Choose Your Enemies). After passing the front table, the customers are welcome to the open area big enough and wide enough for the Leman Russ tank to be inside where people can relax and enjoy small snacks as comfortable chairs and tables are provided. This is also where people can enjoy pictures of Cain's adventures and memorabilia such as chainsword, laspistol, Commissar uniform, etc (Fake duplicates) with a golden plate explaining the items underneath.

Further inside to the right, customers can enter the dining area where a fully built kitchen can cook all kinds of dishes including especially requested meals. The dining area can accompany over 200 people and Cain made sure to hire enough staff to run the business at full capability as he wants to make sure his employees are well taken care of including having leave days.

The second floor is for an overnight stay for customers who couldn't get inside and have to stay outside of the capital. To make sure customers can stay comfortably, Cain asked a few natives of the New World about the charismatics of the Abhumans including Dragonborns who Cain was curious at first about their ability to breathe elemental for a short period of time.

'I have to make sure their rooms are fireproof.'

Each room is a decent size with a bathroom so customers don't have to worry about sharing a bathroom or using of well behind the building. This prevents any contamination of the water sources and provides privacy so the customer won't have to worry about certain discomfort. With each room having a window, they can enjoy the fresh air and sunlight which is unknown to them, the windows also have steel hatches between walls to prevent unwelcome intruders.

Finally, the most important part of the tavern is the drinks. Because of Cain's successful mission during the unification of Legellan, the city up in the mountain supplied Cain with its finest brew of ales and beers. To store the drinks cold and well-preserved, Cain's Finest has a basement with temperature control to store cold drinks and room temperature drinks such as wines from various places within William's realm of Terranovis.

Cain is a very unusual Commissar of the Imperium. To serve the Imperium of Man and the Golden Throne, he possesses diplomatic skills and disciples to tolerate the Xenos existence when needed such as negotiation with Tau emissary. As for his duty as Commissar, he has a unique take on how to treat men and women of the Astra Militarum in which they respect and watch his back in the middle of the battle. For Cain, a man of his caliber to open a business in the New World to semi-retire is unimaginable but in the mind of the Hero of the Imperium is simple.

'Finally, I don't have to worry about my life. No daemons, traitors, or oversized bugs, just me and my tana tea for the rest of my peaceful life.' Cain thought as he gave a tour of the building to Lord William and Living Saint as he smiled and shined with the satisfaction of his new life. Unknown to him, the dark cloud gathered for his next unexpected and unwanted adventure waits for him.

"'Come on, men! Do you want to live forever!' The noncom in charge of the squad must have been on something, I thought. Nobody spoke like that outside of badly-written combat novels."

-Commissar Ciaphas Cain

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The business is booming as customers of all races stop by Cain's Finest to enjoy exceptional meals, drinks, and first-rate overnight stay commendation. There were a few troublemakers once and a while but Jurgen and his trusty metal club made sure no trouble went any further than one or two exchange of punches.

It only took two days for the entire realm of Terranovis to hear about Cain's Finest and recognize it as one of the best establishments before entering the capital. For this reason, no Abhumans felt discrimination of any kind as their stay was comfortable and welcoming. With happy travelers and merchants in and out each day, Cain's business expanded within a matter of a month, creating its own business district and well-respected town outside of the capital wall.

Later to be known as Cain's Community, the place became a large town of diverse races with no issues. Based on Cain's greatest achievements and adventures, the idea of serving the community became a pinnacle standard to which many individuals became respected public servants and military leaders in the future wearing a crimson sash.

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One day, a stranger entered the tavern and passed the letter only for Cain to read. It was Jurgen who received the letter and was as diligent in his job as Cain's aide, he accept the letter and made sure no one would get any idea of reading it.

Before Jurgen could as who the stranger was, the man in the black cloak left the building in a hurry as if he were being chased. One of the staff members chased him outside, but to her surprise, the man disappeared without a trace, which made the situation more questionable.

Jurgen passed the letter to Cain in his office after making sure the letter wasn't dangerous for the Lord Commissar (such as laced with poison).

"A letter for you, sir. The person who delivered the letter just left without any word." Jurgen passed the letter to Cain and left the office as he had other duties. With no idea who would send the letter, Cain opened the envelope and read the content.

'What in the Emperor's throne?' Cain read the letter twice before putting it down on the table. The letter came from a certain noble family of high rank within Alderim and based on what letter was written, Ciaphas Cain knows the person who wrote this as he met her during Grand Royal Ball a few months ago.

"I'm going to be a father." The thunder flashed, and lighting rumbled the sky as dark clouds gathered.