Chapter 123

When Lu Yinghuai returned home, Xia You was nestled in the chair behind the study desk, with a half-drunk glass of milk placed on the table.

Lu Yinghuai promptly closed the door and scanned the projection screens hovering next to Xia You.

Most of the projections were research analyses related to energy stones, with occasional displays showing case reports from the hibernation center.

Hearing footsteps, Xia You looked up in Lu Yinghuai's direction and smiled, "You're back."

Lu Yinghuai paused in his steps.

Although he'd made many seemingly fearless sacrifices, Lu Yinghuai's personality wasn't exactly magnanimous. It's just that he mostly didn't care before.

Seeing the playful smile on Xia You's face, the corner of Lu Yinghuai's lips also curled up into a grin.

He is mine.

Marshal Lu can sacrifice a lot, even everything, but Lu Yinghuai would give his all to protect the precious one in his embrace.

Recalling the words Wei Cheng mentioned earlier that day, Lu Yinghuai lowered his gaze, showing rare hesitation.

"Xia You…"

"Your Highness, I have something to share!"

They both spoke simultaneously.

After a brief pause, they both laughed.

The chair behind the study desk was spacious; when Xia You curled up in it, there was always plenty of room to spare.

Xia You shifted to the side, clearing some space, and patted the empty spot, asking, "Would Your Highness like to sit?"

As Lu Yinghuai began to approach, Xia You playfully sized him up with her hands, then sighed with mock regret, "Your Highness is too big, you won't fit."

Lu Yinghuai, catching on to Xia You's playful tease, raised an eyebrow. Standing by the armrest, he reached out, letting his fingers caress the nape of her neck, gently squeezing, "Are you certain?"

Xia You had only intended to tease, but sensing something in Lu Yinghuai's deliberate manner, she felt a tingle down her spine and quickly pushed him away, "Truly, there's no space! Let's move to the couch."

Lu Yinghuai chuckled softly, bent down to scoop up Xia You, who was seated cross-legged, in one smooth motion. He then sat down, cradling her in his lap.

Xia You: "…"

With an unruffled expression, Lu Yinghuai commented, "See? Now we fit perfectly."

Xia You glanced up at the impeccably dressed and ever-serious Lu Yinghuai, then down at herself, dressed like a young lord. For a moment, she felt oddly self-conscious, but she quickly adjusted to her comfortable "seat" and leaned back into him.

One of Lu Yinghuai's hands rested on Xia You's waist while the fingers of his other hand lightly pinched her earlobe. From behind, one could clearly see the pale skin behind her golden hair, with faint blush marks occasionally revealed as the strands moved.

Memories of kissing the nape of Xia You's neck, eliciting a raspy moan so different from her usual clear voice, caused Lu Yinghuai's gaze to darken slightly.

Xia You shifted her head, rubbing her ear and mumbled, "It feels like Your Highness has taken a recent liking to pinching my ear."

Lu Yinghuai's hand returned to the armrest as he clarified, "It's not recent. I've always been fond of it."

Xia You: "…?"

After a brief pause, Xia You turned to face him in his embrace, her expression bemused, "Then, Your Highness, you truly are... quite restrained."

I never realized he had such a quirk before.

Lu Yinghuai nodded in agreement, "Indeed, it's not easy."

Xia You: "…"

After a prolonged silence lasting over a minute, Xia You earnestly suggested, "Your Highness, perhaps we should keep some things to ourselves?"

Some things are better left unsaid.

Lu Yinghuai lowered his gaze, concealing the frustration in his eyes.

He never really believed in that book, but now his beloved indeed seems to prefer things more understated…

After spending the afternoon distractedly reading the "Essential Manual" at home, Bao paused momentarily, deciding to give it another go.

Lu Yinghuai retrieved a velvet box from the spatial portal, placing it in Xia You's hand.

Xia You tilted her head slightly and opened the box, revealing a shimmering gemstone necklace inside. It looked extravagant at first glance.

Jewelry inherently has no gender; those who see this necklace would only admire its brilliant sparkle and pure hue. Of course, the giver and receiver of such a gift often envision different scenarios.

Xia You gasped silently, eyes wide in surprise.

Seeing Xia You's clearly delighted reaction, Lu Yinghuai felt that the manual he'd spent his afternoon on wasn't entirely in vain.

At least tonight, he and Xia You wouldn't be sleeping in separate rooms.

Just as Lu Yinghuai was about to speak, Xia You turned to him with the box and asked, "Your Highness, is this for me?"

Lu Yinghuai nodded.

Xia You said with a playful smile, "May I make a few adjustments then?"

Lu Yinghuai was perplexed but nodded nonetheless.

The next second, Xia You's psychic tendrils emerged, grabbing the gemstone necklace and placing it on the table, proceeding to pry the gems off it.

Lu Yinghuai: "..."

Xia You hissed softly, murmuring, "These are set quite firmly..."

Lu Yinghuai, with his extensive experience in prying gems from jewelry, silently handed her the necessary tools from his spatial portal.

The psychic tendril quickly snatched the tools, giving Lu Yinghuai's finger a casual pat, devoid of any intimate intentions.

Clearly, the tendril still remembered being teased by Lu Yinghuai days ago, being constantly pinched and prodded. The once-affectionate tendril now seemed indifferent to Lu Yinghuai and slightly aggressive towards Bao.

For the next half hour, Xia You seemed to be on a mission, diligently prying off the shimmering gems.

Lu Yinghuai held Xia You, resting his chin on her shoulder, simply watching her work on the necklace.

After working for so long and with more than half still left, Xia You, with aching hands and weary tendrils, wondered, "Is this really a necklace? Why does it feel so long?"

Lu Yinghuai paused for a moment, then took Xia You's fingers, teaching him the proper technique.

Who could have imagined that the Marshal of the Empire would be in a warmly lit study, holding his lover, prying apart a piece of jewelry he'd recently splurged on?

Recalling the astonishment of the other party on the star-net when he made the order, especially upon learning his identity and delivery address, Lu Yinghuai looked a bit awkward.

In no time, Xia You was touching the scattered "stars" on the table, admiring them fondly.

However…

Picking up the bare chain, Xia You held it against his neck. It really was quite long…

Seeing he couldn't hide it any longer, Lu Yinghuai took Xia You's hand and draped the lengthy chain around his waist.

It fit perfectly.

It was hard for Xia You not to suspect that the size was custom-made by someone.

Xia You fixed his gaze on Lu Yinghuai.

Lu Yinghuai pulled him close, closing his eyes, and succinctly relayed what he and Wei Cheng had discussed during the day.

Xia You hummed lightly, stashing the "sinful" waist chain into his spatial portal, momentarily sparing Lu Yinghuai.

However, after listening to Lu Yinghuai's unbiased account, Xia You narrowed his eyes perceptively and said, "Your Highness, are you planning to set this matter aside, wait for the situation to escalate with the live-streamed treatment, and only cooperate once the legions can't suppress public opinion?"

Lu Yinghuai nodded.

Xia You wasn't fond of playing political games, but as Lu Yinghuai once said, regardless of the life or path Xia You chose afterward, he might not like it, but being in the vortex, he had to understand and be adept.

Xia You turned, looking at Lu Yinghuai a few times, relaxed into his embrace, snuggled, and flatly stated, "I disagree."

He rejected Lu Yinghuai's decision as if it was the most natural thing to do.

Lu Yinghuai merely hummed in response, his tone rising, indicating for Xia You to continue.

Pinching and playing with Lu Yinghuai's fingers, Xia You said, "If this matter causes a public outcry later on, Your Highness will undoubtedly become the target of criticism. As much as people once admired and revered you, the backlash will be filled with resentment. I won't agree to put you in such a position."

"That's too unfair," Xia You muttered, "No, I can't stand such injustice."

Lu Yinghuai felt as if he was holding a small furnace in his arms. It wasn't burning hot but exuded extreme warmth.

He whispered, "One side will always have to compromise."

"But it shouldn't be us," Xia You retorted. "You're not alone now. We have a cat, an eagle, a hamster, and me at home. All of us can't stand being wronged." Leaning closer to Lu Yinghuai, he gently kissed his cheek, "Our family has grown. Your Highness, you have to change your thinking. You can't keep sacrificing yourself like you used to."

"If it was Your Highness who compromised before, for the sake of fairness, it should be someone else's turn now."

"Besides," Xia You hummed softly, "Why should one person bear the burden of everyone's grievances? It's so heavy. Why?"

Even though Lu Yinghuai was the one holding Xia You, the imposing man seemed to be drawing strength and support from his lover.

After a long silence, he said solemnly, "Alright."

Xia You murmured, "Actually, I think visiting other legions isn't a bad idea."

Lu Yinghuai immediately became alert and sat upright, "Their companion beasts aren't as numerous as in the First Legion."

Xia You: "... Do I look like someone who'd go just for some fluffy creatures?"

Lu Yinghuai: "..."

Xia You cleared his throat, "That's not the point. The point is, I can live-stream my visit."

"Your Highness, right now you've made a proposal, but the other legions aren't accepting it, correct?"

"Given that, I'm not employed by the First Legion but by His Majesty. So it would be quite legitimate for me to visit and treat other legions, wouldn't it?"

"For an inspection tour, there's a set duration, and I'd have to visit all major legions. There might not be enough time for treatment."

"I do want to treat more people, but the legions are so far away. I have a family, so naturally, I'd want to return home. I can only make the most of the inspection tour time to treat the severely afflicted soldiers."

Xia You stretched out his words and sighed deeply.

"If only all the major legions would send their soldiers with severe mental disorders to the Blue Star. They all fight for the empire and should enjoy equal medical treatment. I genuinely don't understand why the deputy marshals won't agree to this proposal."

Lu Yinghuai: "..."

To be honest, Xia You's strategy was deeply poignant.

Several major legions aimed to pressure Lu Yinghuai with public opinion. However, Xia You made a point to personally treat the most critically afflicted in their homes, leaving behind those who could wait a bit longer. Before departing, he'd lament, "Such a pity. Everyone could have been cured if only the legion's higher-ups agreed that the legions are all one family."

Lu Yinghuai caressed Xia You's belly.

Xia You asked, "What are you doing? That tickles!"

Lu Yinghuai pondered, "When did it turn all dark in here?"

Xia You boasted, "It's said that the student surpasses the master."

Lu Yinghuai chuckled softly, "Alright, we'll do as Xiaoyou suggests. I'll propose the legion inspection to His Majesty, and we'll embark after spring."

The two were affectionate for a while longer before Lu Yinghuai inquired about the matter Xia You wanted to discuss when he first entered.

Remembering, Xia You fetched a screen from the side, pointing at the text as he told Lu Yinghuai, "Your Highness, while treating Yucat today, I found that the parasitic condition in her psyche is much milder than others. Not that there's less gray matter attached, but rather fewer parasites deep in the core of her psyche."

"So I inquired in detail about her use of energy stones since her spiritual awakening."

Xia You opened a file on a soldier, zooming in on a particular section.

"Miss Yucat hails from planet SR-002, where energy stones are scarce. Hence, before she was exceptionally recruited by the First Legion, she had never encountered an energy stone."

"This suggests that as her psyche was forming, Miss Yucat wasn't influenced by energy stones. This might be why her psyche has the least degree of parasitic infection."

This undoubtedly corroborates Xia You and Meng Wenxuan's suspicion that there's an issue with the energy stones.

Lu Yinghuai paused, deep in thought.

To be honest, Xia You's wish to inspect the energy stone mines wasn't a major concern. But truthfully, Lu Yinghuai had an unsettling intuition, feeling uneasy about Xia You going there with others.

As if knowing what was on Lu Yinghuai's mind, Xia You's eyes flashed with certainty, and he wore a confident smile.

"I know what you're worried about, Your Highness. I'll handle this arrangement. Rest assured."

……

After discussing some more details, it grew late, so they left the study, heading towards the bedroom one after the other.

However, when they reached the bedroom door, Xia You's hand found its way to the doorknob of his own room.

Lu Yinghuai: "…?"

I thought we made up? Why are we sleeping in separate beds?

The book clearly said that if a loved one accepts an apology gift, it means they've let go of their anger.

Lu Yinghuai stood by the door, gazing intently at Xia You.

Xia You: "I'm going to take a bath, I'll head over later."

Lu Yinghuai felt that something was amiss.

But it had indeed been that way before.

Lu Yinghuai turned and went to the rose garden downstairs, deciding to pick the most beautiful rose while Xia You was bathing.

Yet that night, the marshal waited and waited in the adjacent bedroom, but Xia You never appeared.

Sensing a presence at the door, Lu Yinghuai quickly stood up and opened it.

Outside, a large black panther was firmly enveloped by the healer's psychic barrier, looking rather dejected as it lay by the door.

Draped across the panther's waist was a long waist chain, stripped of all its gems.

Lu Yinghuai: "…?"

The chain was custom-made to fit Xia You's waist; how on earth did she manage to put it on a panther?

The fragments of Xia You's shattered psychic barrier, resembling healing sparks, landed on Lu Yinghuai's shoulders. Instantly, he reestablished the psychic connection with his familiar, and his expression turned peculiar.

The robust black panther slowly sat up, and tied within its soft belly fur, by the ends of the chain, was a standard pink bow.

The initial vision of the sparkling gem-studded chain draped on his love's slender waist vanished.

Lu Yinghuai: "…"

Taking a deep breath, Lu Yinghuai took out the blasted book that had cost him both money and peace from his spatial nexus, and threw it out the window.

*

The passing shadow outside startled Hamster D, making it sit upright and alertly perk up its ears.

Uncle Zhou calmly remarked, "It's alright. It's likely the master tossing a book."

The golden hamster, dressed in a light pink skirt, wore an expression that screamed 'indescribable.'

[Should I ask how you know all this so precisely?]

Uncle Zhou poured himself a glass of water and then peeled a pine nut, placing it in the outstretched paw of Hamster D.

"With the master sulking like this, when will Xia You let out the frustration in her heart? Now, let her tease the master a bit. They'll reconcile soon enough."

The hamster stuffed the pine nut into its mouth, sat on the table nibbling bit by bit, and then glanced at the person sitting beside it.

Uncle Zhou leisurely said, "Under the right circumstances, using reasonable and non-overbearing means to foster harmony and affection between the household's masters is a fundamental lesson for a butler."