Chapter 138

Xia You and Lu Yinghui eventually boarded the royal battleship to the Imperial Star.

Although Xia You spent more time here, her memories were so faint that no emotional remnants were left.

Upon returning, Lu Yinghui became busy implementing new proposals. While the emperor seemed hands-off, Marshal Uncle Lu Yinghui took over the task of liaising with the major legions on behalf of the crown prince.

Logically, this role should have been assigned to Lu Jiuzhu. But the emperor and empress were preoccupied with sharpening their knives against the aristocracy. They never intended to hide the energy stone mines, but the issue of energy stone depletion couldn't be wholly funded by the national treasury.

Fan Yuxin had chosen his position wisely and watched other aristocratic families with clenched faces as the royal family's tactics stripped them of their assets.

The Fan family used to lead the Senate. After Fan Yuxin's sudden return to power, they maintained a low profile in the Senate. Their representative sat silently during meetings, unmoving like a statue.

Many nobles lamented the decline of the once-glorious Fan family.

Now, their new head, freshly from the First Legion, has been promoted to the crown prince's confidant. Changing his military badge, he descended upon the Senate, becoming an authoritative figure.

Recently, many old aristocratic families on the Imperial Star have become stricter in grooming their heirs. Fan Yuxin, who saved his family from crisis, was often regarded as the ideal heir in other families.

It's a pity that while he succeeded in his career, he found little luck in love.

Upon awakening, Lu Jiuzhu returned to the power center immediately. Her former subordinates were rescued from the protected areas by Xia You. Cheng Zhiyan, who greatly admired Lu Jiuzhu, decided to continue serving her after consulting with Xia You.

Becoming the matriarch of a family was clearly not in Cheng Zhiyan's plans.

The ambitious Snow Bun Cat declined the marriage proposal of the Lynx Cat, leaving the latter with nothing but the image of her retreating figure.

This duo, teetering between friendship and romance, would need a considerable amount of time to find their groove and determine the relationship that best suits them.

Before Xia You left the Blue Star, Zhuo Xi had her test drive a biological mech, but didn't let her take it, mentioning some parameters still needed adjustments.

Perhaps due to the extended sleep in the hibernation pod, Zhuo Xi now seemingly adopted the schedule of a sleep-averse robot.

Out of desperation, Xia You had to ask An Jing to ensure, by any means necessary, that Zhuo Xi maintained a human's sleep schedule.

Miss Capybara might be laid-back, but she's always been strict about her employer's requirements. Zhuo Xi always finds himself at a disadvantage with her and usually gives in, obediently retreating to rest.

An Jing is quite pleased with the marshal's residence at the Blue Star base. After confirming with Xia You that there's no intention of divorce or parting with the marshal, she continues her relaxed routine of eating, sleeping, and soaking.

After all, her illness was completely cured after a few sessions in the medical pod, so she no longer had to worry about saving up for treatments.

Xia You's guards, as initially agreed, were on a lifelong contract. Their current task is simply to ensure Zhuo Xi doesn't die, which means Xia You can finally enjoy a more comfortable life.

Meng Wenxuan stayed on Blue Star to continue researching energy stone purification. Given his age and experience, he shouldn't have been the lead researcher.

But... no one was better suited than him, being a healer who could converse with Xia You and was familiar with Blue Star.

His name will forever be etched in history alongside the new era of psychic power.

Wei Cheng, as the deputy to the marshal, naturally returned to the Imperial Star with Lu Yinghui. However, he'd occasionally gamble with Meng Wenxuan. Even if he lost most of the time, he never tired of it.

As for Uncle Zhou...

Xia You peeked from beside the sofa to watch Uncle Zhou methodically set the dining table, then nudged Yuan Yuan, who lay beside her.

Yuan Yuan looked up, one eye purple and the other gold.

Xia You whispered, "Uncle D seems to have left for real. I used to ship him and Uncle Zhou together..."

Yuan Yuan gave her a resigned glance and typed with his paw: [Uncle Zhou doesn't like the Imperial Star. He mentioned a few days ago he'd explore after your award ceremony.]

Xia You: "Wow... Why didn't Uncle Zhou just detain Uncle D for a while? What if he can't be found later?"

[He won't get lost. Mr. D must have at least ten trackers on him, from mouse to man.]

Xia You: "..."

Xia You took a sip and identified the distinct flavor.

Uncle Zhou and Uncle D, is this some kind of enforced love?

I've seen many of this type in aristocratic romance novels I read ages ago... I didn't expect Uncle Zhou to have such a taste.

"Xia You?"

Immersed in his thoughts of the majestic eagle and the little hamster, a smile crept on Xia You's lips, growing more amused by the second. Rubbing his hands together in glee, he was startled when Uncle Zhou unexpectedly spoke, causing him to clutch Yuan Yuan tightly.

With a guilty look that darted away momentarily, Xia You, cradling the leopard in his arms to soothe his nerves, tried to regain composure. "Uncle Zhou, what is it?"

Uncle Zhou gazed at Xia You thoughtfully, then with a smile, reiterated, "Have you decided on an outfit for the award ceremony?"

Just the mention gave Xia You a headache.

Regarding his formal attire, his sister had sent one from the palace, Qu Qi specifically matched one for him, Uncle Zhou prepared one, and even Latiao had one delivered...

There aren't ready-made prince outfits; each was custom-made with a lot of thought, unique in its own way.

How on earth could he possibly choose?

Uncle Zhou glanced at Yuan Yuan, a meaningful smile playing on his lips, "Speaking of which, Mr. Yuan Yuan must've prepared one too, right?"

Xia You's expression became slightly awkward.

"Ah... Yes... Indeed, he has..."

Yuan Yuan puffed out his chest with pride.

Xia You raised a hand to gently push down the proud leopard's head.

……

"This outfit, might it be... a bit too extravagant?"

Xia You hesitated, eyes fixed on the dazzling prince outfit before him.

Lu Yinghui was very confident in his taste. He had specifically chosen a shimmering fabric, adorned with gem-encrusted buttons, and the intertwined white and gold palette truly enhanced the wearer's elegance.

"It's stunning," Lu Yinghui, looking pleased, said while glancing between the glittering outfit and the equally radiant Xia You, "Want to try it on?"

Xia You felt that this outfit appeared... quite heavy at first glance.

But it must be said, although overly ornate, its beauty was beyond reproach.

When Xia You emerged from the wardrobe in the outfit, Lu Yinghui was almost left dazzled for a moment.

Xia You smoothed the cape on his shoulders, looking at Lu Yinghui with eyes shimmering brighter than countless stars, a radiant smile playing on his lips.

The depth of Lu Yinghui's gaze intensified.

Xia You spoke with deliberate slowness, "Your Highness, are you sure you want me to wear this to the award ceremony?"

Lu Yinghui swallowed, his voice a little hoarse, "...I'm indeed having second thoughts, but I might need a little more persuasion to change my decision."

The outfit was truly a masterpiece of intricate craftsmanship. Xia You knew the intricacies of the upcoming award ceremony and already had some plans in mind, so he needed to convince His Highness in other ways...

Xia You stepped forward, having replaced his initial slippers with a pair of ankle boots that better matched the outfit.

He approached Lu Yinghui, backing the marshal, who was standing by the couch, until he sat down, with Xia You kneeling between his spread legs on the sofa.

He leaned in closer.

Lu Yinghui's hand twitched, but just as he was about to lift it, Xia You gently pinned it back onto the armrest with their fingers interlocked.

Lu Yinghui, leaning back on the couch, gazed up at his partner and asked languidly, "Where did Xia You take lessons for this?"

"Certainly not from Qu Qi," Xia You chuckled.

Though called out for once delving into romantic manuals, Lu Yinghui's response was calm. He caressed Xia You's fingers, moving upwards, "I've always believed that learning showcases a commendable attitude."

Tracing lightly from the palm, all the way up to the wrist.

"...And talent."

Xia You shivered slightly, quickly grabbing Lu Yinghui's hand, his sapphire-blue eyes fixed on him.

Lu Yinghui ceased his movements, giving Xia You the reins, letting him take control.

A hint of playful anticipation sparkled in his eyes.

Without a hint of fear, Xia You seized the moment when Lu Yinghuai was distracted. Her psychic tendrils swiftly reached out, binding Lu Yinghuai's hands and feet to the sofa, winding around him multiple times securely.

Lu Yinghuai: “?”

Even after extracting the psychic crystal of the insect queen, there still remained traces of zombie virus and insect psychic powers within Lu Yinghuai's mind. Xia You's psychic tendrils delightfully swept through, and her psychic strength unsurprisingly advanced to the SSS rank.

At the same level, it became evident that Lu Yinghuai couldn’t break free from the tendrils' grasp without harming Xia You's psychic strength.

Xia You withdrew her hand from between Lu Yinghuai's fingers, leaned in close to his face, and whispered something into his ear with a hushed tone.

Lu Yinghuai's pupils constricted.

After a few seconds, unable to resist the allure, Lu Yinghuai responded with a muted voice, “Really?”

Xia You looked down upon him, her eyebrows slightly raised: “Mhm.”

Lu Yinghuai closed his eyes briefly, taking a deep breath. When he opened them again, his expression was calm, but his eyes seemed to burn with intense passion.

“As you wish, Your Royal Highness.”

The man's deep and humble voice slid out, smoother than the finest silk.

A shiver crept up Xia You's spine, exploding in her mind.

A psychic tendril extended, gently tracing the marshal's military attire he hadn't yet removed, moving past Lu Yinghuai's neck and jawline to caress his handsome cheek.

Xia You swallowed nervously.

Lu Yinghuai looked at her, still the legendary marshal of the empire, but his demeanor was no longer calm and gentle; instead, it showcased the sharpness and coldness of a battlefield warrior.

The psychic tendrils slowly intertwined and eventually shaped into a gleaming gold gag.

Xia You had worn it many times for Yuan Yuan.

Yet, this time, she felt a hint of anxiety. Her fingertips were cold as she precisely placed the gag between Lu Yinghuai's lips. The strap stretched backward, sliding past his dark hair, and fastened snugly behind his head.

Xia You's breathing grew slightly erratic.

As if enchanted, Xia You's fingers traced the smooth edge of the gag, moving downwards until they rested on Lu Yinghuai's Adam's apple.

……

Subsequent images in Xia You's mind melded into a yellowish haze. With a vigorous shake of his head, he dispelled the thoughts of the gag, the frustrated heavy breathing of a partner wanting closeness but being denied, and the bulging veins.

However, despite the small price paid, the overtly flamboyant dress, given its other symbolic meanings, was meticulously preserved by Lu Yinghuai in the wardrobe.

——To later be added to the gem collection room in the Blue Star Marshal's Mansion.

"In any case, that dress can't be used anymore..."

Xia You mumbled, quickly changing the subject.

"Uncle Zhou, did His Highness wear the Prince's attire when he was knighted?"

Zhou thought back: "Not exactly. Since the knighthood conferred both the Marshal rank and the title of Prince, he wore the First Legion's military uniform that day."

Between military uniforms and ceremonial attires, if ranked, the military uniform indeed holds a higher prestige.

Xia You holds no military rank and, naturally, cannot wear a military uniform in public settings. Yet, this gave rise to another idea in his mind.

"Uncle Zhou, isn't there a unique uniform for healers?"