Chapter 10

Chapter 10

News of the Sovereign bringing back a young man quickly spread beyond the palace walls, reaching the ears of the noble branches as well. However, when they confirmed its veracity, they couldn't help but be astounded.

After all, this Sovereign was unlike any before him, having never before brought anyone back to the Royal City.

"I heard he came from the slums."

"What do you think of that person?"

"He's quite unique..."

Upon these words, everyone turned their gazes towards the individual in question. If Lu Wei were there, he would have recognized him as one of Smart Guy's associates.

"I meant unique in the way he speaks and behaves, not that he possesses any extraordinary abilities..."

In other words, rather peculiar.

Indeed, worthy of being someone who could engage in conversation with that monarch.

Last time, they even vomited in front of them, which frightened them into thinking that the other party had become pregnant so soon.

In the end, it was confirmed that it was indeed impossible.

To be honest, when that young man threw up during the Interstellar Summit, it caused quite a stir. Even if there was only a one in a million chance, if he were truly pregnant, their branch's only opportunity would be lost.

The eldest among them, who held the highest status, spoke, "Forget it, it's not a big deal."

"After all, the House of Hao has always struggled with fertility. Let alone him bringing someone here, even if we matched him with every compatible receptor in the entire Empire, who could bear offspring for him?"

It wasn't without reason that he spoke so confidently. The more powerful someone was on Emperor Star, the harder it was to find a suitable partner. The royal bloodline faced an even greater challenge, and even if they found a match, they might still be unable to conceive.

History had already proven this point, and the current monarch was more powerful than ever before. For him to have an heir would be nothing short of the universe turning upside down.

"Looking at the current trend, it seems that the throne will soon be ours to inherit."

This elder was the highest-ranking noble of the branch, long suppressed by the royal lineage. Finally, they could vent some frustration, "Hmph, although God has granted them such immense power, it seems they don't intend for their lineage to continue. It's time for the House of Hao to come to an end."

"Yes," echoed one of the branch's descendants. "Speaking of which, does anyone know the compatibility rating between that commoner and His Majesty?"

Others scoffed, "Could it be that some commoner just happens to be a perfect match for His Majesty? Even half of the royal cadets spend their entire lives without finding a partner, let alone someone from the royal bloodline."

The chances of matching with His Majesty must be 0.00000001%, right? There might not be such a person in the entire galaxy.

Even if there were an infinitesimal chance that it was truly that person, the likelihood of them being able to conceive offspring would be negligible.

In other words—His Majesty would have no descendants.

The next ruler, no, all future rulers would come from the cadet branches!

The elder gazed into the distance, his eyes gleaming, "Today should be the day of Huo Jin's genetic disorder episode. I doubt there's any need to continue with this interstellar summit."

Everyone knew that once His Majesty's genetic condition flared up, he would never attend an interstellar summit again. There had been no exception since he ascended to the throne.

According to protocol, news of the summit's cancellation would soon follow.

The aide reminded, "But Old Luo, it seems the appointment for today hasn't been canceled yet."

"..."

Impossible.

—Or perhaps not.

This was an exception to the routine, a first in nearly a century since His Majesty ascended the throne. For the first time, the interstellar conference hadn't been canceled on his illness day.

"How is it possible for him to conduct the interstellar conference normally when he should still be in the midst of his episode?!"

—

The Interstellar Conference.

The cadets had already investigated Lu Wei beforehand; they'd heard that the young man was quite unconventional. However, when they actually laid eyes on him, they couldn't help but feel embarrassed by his audacity.

Today, Huo Jin had even brought that commoner along to the interstellar conference.

The commoner wore a black tank top and flip-flops that exposed his toes, and he yawned lazily.

Every person present, excluding him, was dressed in impeccably tailored uniforms with their badges and insignia meticulously aligned, accentuating the peculiarity of that particular individual even more.

This commoner not only showed no respect towards them but also lacked any sense of etiquette.

As expected, someone from the slums!

Unlike the others, Old Luo didn't focus on the eccentric young man but instead stared at His Majesty with an expression of disbelief.

"How is this possible..."

The old man's astonishment was hard to conceal.

He had witnessed firsthand the onset of illness in other royal family members. It was a tormenting headache that no medicine could alleviate, causing their eyes to turn bloodshot like demons, unable to control their explosive rage. They had even exploited these episodes to manipulate and sway numerous ministers to their side.

Huo Jin's condition didn't resemble an episode at all.

Could it be...

The old man instantly turned his gaze to Lu Wei, sitting beside him, his face reflecting both surprise and curiosity.

Lu Wei held hands with His Majesty the Dog, something he would normally avoid in public due to its overly affectionate nature. But if they didn't maintain physical contact, the dog emperor would get a headache.

So, he had no choice but to brazenly hold hands with His Majesty in front of everyone.

"..."

Brother, our relationship is really ambiguous.

Lu Wei noticed a bald old man looking their way and stared back fearlessly.

The monk quickly averted his gaze.

Lu Wei: ?

Their exchange was observed by Huo Jin.

His Majesty the Dog gently squeezed his hand, "Try not to show your disdain to these people."

Then he added, "Any one of them here could devour you whole."

The Dog Emperor paused, "Just keep being like this, happy every day, sleeping and eating here. That's perfect."

Lu Wei pounded him, "Who are you talking about?"

It could only be said that he wasn't an idiot. He could tell at a glance that the other party had an ulterior motive, and their scheming was not hidden in the slightest.

Lu Wei didn't dare to imagine what kind of foolish image he presented in the eyes of the Dog Emperor.

Forget it, anyway, the Dog Emperor was a fool in his eyes too.

They were fools to each other, so it balanced out.

If not for being forcefully dragged here by the Dog Emperor, Lu Wei wouldn't have wanted to come.

The Dog Emperor complained of a headache and insisted on his constant companionship, saying that the pain would go away with him around.

He had earned his position through a transaction, yet now he had to accompany someone.

Tsk, what a hassle.

During the meeting, Lu Wei found himself idly gazing at the ceiling and counting how many bald individuals were wearing wigs, or how many pretended to be attentive while their minds wandered elsewhere... As he scanned the room, his eyes fell upon a familiar face.

The Adjutant.

He could never forget the grudge of being shut out.

The Adjutant maintained his smile for a moment, but it quickly vanished.

Lu Wei:)

With silent lips, the Adjutant conveyed, "Look, my plan worked, didn't it? The Emperor is genuinely behaving normally now."

Lu Wei:)

Adjutant:...

After locking eyes, the Adjutant guiltily averted his gaze but still sensed the intense, menacing aura emanating from Lu Wei.

No, no matter what, he hadn't made a mistake, had he?

This time, His Majesty was able to attend the interstellar conference in a normal state.

There was no doubt that this young man held a special place in His Majesty's heart.

This was the first exceptional interstellar conference in a century.

His Majesty, who would usually be absent at this time according to protocol, not only showed up but also didn't exhibit any signs of illness.

He was even holding hands with the youth from the commoner district.

Lu Wei knew that many were secretly observing him, but he couldn't be bothered with their gazes.

After being tormented by His Majesty the previous night, he hadn't gotten any decent sleep. Now, with some respite, drowsiness began to set in, making his eyelids flutter together.

Noticing Lu Wei's pallor, His Majesty asked, "Do you need me to accompany you for a rest?"

Putting on a polite, fake smile, Lu Wei declined, "No... that won't be necessary."

With a subtle glance, Lu Wei hinted: There are still people downstairs waiting for you to preside over the meeting.

Without his explicit statement, the Canine Majesty understood his meaning: "It doesn't matter."

"..."

The Canine Majesty raised an eyebrow, gazing at him intently: "If something's bothering you, why didn't you say anything when we arrived?"

"How would you not know what's bothering me?"

They were in the middle of an interstellar conference, and His Majesty intended to walk out with him in front of everyone?

His Imperial Highness the Canine yawned indolently, descending the golden steps with a casual stride. "Shall we go?"

Lu Wei: "..."

Are you using him as an excuse to go back and sleep yourself?

Without taking the initiative to hold hands, His Majesty the Canine raised his head to stare at him with his dark, glossy eyes.

Emperor Pup: "You're naive and slow-witted, with tender hands and a soft belly. You idle away your time sleeping, and when you open your eyes, all you know is how to be coquettish. How could you possibly contend with these cunning old foxes?"

Lu Wei grumbled, "Damn it, do you have some kind of mental issue? I seriously studied and got my bachelor's degree, you know?"

Moreover—when had he ever acted coquettishly??

The Canine Emperor gave him a withering glance.

That gaze stung Earth Brother considerably.

With clenched teeth, Lu Wei said, "Do you want to step outside and settle this?"

The Canine Emperor replied, "Coquettish behavior won't work here."

Lu Wei: ...F*ck.

Before leaving, Lu Wei glanced at the others. They all remained silent; any complaints they might have probably wouldn't dare be voiced out loud.

Ah, so they were really serious?

No wonder His Majesty was known as the Tyrannical and Temperamental Emperor – he could do whatever he pleased.

As Lu Wei, lying in bed on the verge of sleep, slowly savored the situation, he realized something.

He had unwittingly taken on the role of the ruinous, enchanting concubine!

The gaze from those below was as if they were looking at King You of Zhou and Bao Si from the end of the Western Zhou Dynasty.

Bao Si, but in a straight, masculine version.

A beauty causing strife, alas.

A decadent king and his bewitching concubine, alas.

The beacon fire that fooled the lords, alas.

But His Majesty's punches hurt terribly, so no one dared to complain.

In the meeting room after their departure.

The fact that the Emperor would come today was already perplexing enough for the week. It was even more astonishing that he seemed to be in a normal state of mind. Now, they had noticed his indulgent affection for that young, impoverished omega.

"Could they possibly be a match?"

"How could that be? The royal bloodline isn't so easily compatible."

There were those who rejoiced and those who grieved.

"Perhaps it's not entirely a bad thing." This at least proved that His Majesty still desired intimacy, making it possible for them to send someone to his bedside.

The aide was well aware of what these people were thinking.

"..." Who gave them the confidence to believe that His Majesty had become more approachable?

It was clear that His Majesty only softened when with Lu Wei; otherwise, he remained the same familiar monarch.

The aide was the one who best understood the king's intentions.

What difference did it make if His Majesty didn't attend a galactic conference? There was only one reason for his presence—

This move likely aimed to make them see who Mr. Lu was, a declaration of sovereignty.