Chapter 18

Chapter 18

Two days later.

"What exactly are you trying to say?"

Yale set down the documents in his hand and frowned at the screen of the communication device in front of him. It was quite rare for Huiys to display such uncertainty, especially when they were merely discussing the detailed plan for follow-up treatment.

"I apologize... I didn't mention earlier that this male's reproductive system has suffered severe damage and requires specialized treatment," Huiys said with a hint of remorse, clearing his throat.

Damage to the reproductive system was a serious matter, especially in a species like the Zerg, which still retained their primitive reproductive instincts. No male Zerg would willingly accept a damaged male as their partner.

Considering this, Huiys had initially chosen not to disclose the situation to Yale.

"Damaged reproductive system?"

Yale furrowed his brow, realizing that Xi Ze had been enduring the pain all along. Anger tinged his expression.

"You've been like this for so many days, and you even came in for a checkup once. Why didn't you tell me about this until now?"

He took a deep breath, still unable to suppress his shock and anger. Uncharacteristically, he lashed out sarcastically.

"Are you not aware of how absurd your behavior is? Did you buy your medical license?"

Hughes apologized repeatedly. Only when Yale's anger subsided did he explain with a bitter smile.

"I didn't tell you because I was afraid you wouldn't bring the Zerg back if you knew. Anti-inflammatory medication was prescribed at the time, so there shouldn't be any inflammation or infection."

"I've already checked on the Zerg's condition. His self-healing ability is gradually recovering, but he still needs deeper treatment. Are you... willing to accept that?"

Yale's lips remained pressed together in displeasure as he said stiffly, "Treat him however you need to. What could I possibly object to?"

"Because we'll require your pheromones and 'body fluids' to be used alongside the medication for 'deep' treatment."

Hughes emphasized those two words and cautiously raised his eyes to observe the male Zerg's reaction. Indeed, he saw a mixture of surprise and disbelief after comprehension dawned.

"Wait, are you saying...?"

"Yes, precisely what you think it means."

Is the male drone some kind of thousand-year-old ginseng?

Just a whiff, a bite, or even insertion of its roots can heal an injured female? Even divine medicines aren't that omnipotent, are they?

Yale was almost dumbfounded.

"Cough... It seems that you, sir, haven't had a female companion before and might not know the specifics. I'll send you a file later for reference when you put it into practice."

Before he could recover, the communication was cut off. Then, his optical brain beeped, indicating a received file.

"Hughes: The medicine will be delivered to you via express. You can start the treatment officially tonight."

Yale's expression was complicated. After a moment of hesitation, he still didn't open the file named 'How to Make Your Female Drone Scream with Ecstasy and Beg for More...'

Forget it, he'd better wait until the medicine arrives... before looking at it.

*

But what arrived even sooner than the medication was the fabled Insect Guardians Association.

"Who?"

The moment he heard that name, Yale sat up from the sofa, catching a glimpse of the corners of Xi Ze's lips flattening, as if he was displeased.

Only then did Yale recall that this seemed to be an organization dedicated to protecting and advocating for male insects, which might not hold the most friendly stance towards female insects.

"015, take Xi Ze to the room. There's a small sofa in there."

After ensuring the female insect was concealed, he opened the door to find an unfamiliar insect standing outside.

"Good day, may I ask if you are Sir Yale?"

The insect introduced himself.

"I am an employee from a branch of the Insect Guardians Association. We detected a change in your marital status earlier, but due to a shortage of personnel, we are only visiting now. Please forgive our tardiness."

"Our system has registered that this is your first time having a female insect. The Protection Association holds the responsibility to provide guidance. We have also brought along some specialized tools for you."

Upon seeing the large package behind him, Yale nodded after a moment of silence, "Well then, come in."

He was still quite puzzled about this so-called guidance until the insect soldier opened the parcel.

Inside were various objects, both familiar and unfamiliar, all related to intimate activities, filling up the entire box with their dark luster.

Yale was once again left speechless.

The worker insect casually picked one up and began explaining its usage, "As you can see, this is..."

Most male insects would already be well-versed in these matters even before their secondary differentiation, rendering such guidance unnecessary. However, it was his job to explain, and he couldn't stop until the male insect interrupted him.

Yale's expression became increasingly complicated.

He had intended to interrupt the insect's explanation but then thought that some of these items might be used for tonight's therapy. It was better to understand them beforehand than to rush at the last minute, so he remained silent.

The living room fell quiet, with only the insect's diligent voice explaining the uses of the objects.

"...

The house wasn't soundproof, so Xi Ze could clearly hear the commotion outside.

He understood better than Yale the purpose of the Insect Guardians Association's visit and also realized… that their peaceful days were likely coming to an end.

What was truly terrifying wasn't the mental guidance or the accompanying physical activity, as those could still be considered a harmonious merging of both body and soul.

But the use of such methods indicated pure abuse, devoid of gentle caresses and kisses. Only bloody agony was inflicted, something no creature would enjoy except for the perpetrator.

As a child, he had witnessed this scene far too many times—his male parent beaten until bloodied, collapsing unconscious in a pool of his own blood, his lifeless gaze drifting towards the corner where Xi Ze hid.

That was a nightmare that haunted his entire childhood - more terrifying than the sight of flesh torn apart on battlefields, and even half as horrifying as a professional interrogation chamber. It left an abyssal hole burning in his heart, perpetually oozing with dark blood.

Throughout this period, he could tell that there was no punishment room in the house, not even a single one of these tools.

But... Xi Ze preferred to believe that the male insectoid wasn't fond of such possibilities rather than that he simply didn't understand them.

Once interest was piqued, it would be only natural for the male to experiment on the slave, and beginners often lacked control, leaving him unsure how much longer his body could endure.

However, their interactions over time seemed to have eroded his defenses. Those gentle, tender moments filled the hollow space, though the pain still lingered, it was no longer sharp and intense.

Xi Ze's gaze was fixed on some indistinct point in the void, his confusion yet to dissipate. Unconsciously, his eyes revealed a delicate and vulnerable golden shimmer.

Alpha, Master.

He rolled these words around in his mouth, muttering them silently over and over again, a hint of fear and longing escaping his awareness at the corners of his eyes.

...

"You see this? It's designed to secure an Omega's limbs so they don't move around too much..."

Yale had been resting his chin in his hand nonchalantly until he heard this, his eyes widening slightly.

This could come in handy during treatment, preventing the Omega from moving and potentially worsening their injuries.

"This one is an endoscope and syringe for opening the reproductive cavity. It can be filled with milk or... "

Ah, if the application of medicine isn't done professionally, there's a high chance of aggravating the injury. Specialized tools seem better than using fingers.

Yale's interest piqued slightly, but as he listened further, he found it lacking. The tools seemed useful but not entirely legitimate, causing his brows to furrow once more.

The worker drone spoke until its voice grew parched. It accepted the water offered by 015 and drained it in one go. Then, it asked, "May I use your female slave to demonstrate?"

Yale froze for a moment. When he regained his composure, his expression turned slightly cold as he almost stiffly refused, "No."

The worker drone laughed awkwardly but displayed a hint of disdain.

"It's understandable that you're possessive since it's your first female drone. But in reality, she's just a lowly female slave. Use her without hesitation; there's no need to be frugal."

He had disciplined countless tough female drones, including military ones. He prided himself on being an expert in handling such tools, and those male drones were more than happy to watch a free show.

"You haven't tried it before, so it's normal that you aren't interested. Perhaps you'll develop a liking after watching."

The drone winked suggestively. It picked up a long whip from the box and cracked it in the air, producing a sharp sound.

"I guarantee I'll beat that wretched slave until her skin splits and she cries in agony, begging for mercy!"

"First of all, I won't let you touch him," Yale emphasized, enunciating each word.

His expression turned utterly cold as his dark eyes fixated on the insect before him, unintentionally exerting dominance that made the creature's complexion shift. "Secondly, he is not my submissive. Please show some respect."

"And lastly, thank you for your explanation, but you may leave now."

A hint of a smile curved his lips, though his eyes betrayed little amusement.

The working insect was utterly stunned, its movements stiff, unable to speak for a moment.

Eventually, it stammered, "Umm... Well... Let's end this tutorial here. I'll ju... "

It hastily left, practically fleeing, not daring to slam the door behind it.

The living room returned to its previous tranquility.

Yale paused, picked up the fallen whip from the ground, and tossed it back into the box. After a moment of hesitation, he examined a few more items carefully.

Forget it, they don't seem very reliable. I'll look into them later.

He put the props back and closed the box, moving it to a corner. From a distance, he called out to the little robotic butler.

"015, bring Xi Ze out. It's time for lunch preparation."

...

The male insect had yet to mention that matter. Although he initially entertained the idea of burying his head in the sand to avoid it, the anticipation proved to be more torturous than expected.

Xi Ze leaned on the sofa, lost in thought for a moment. Suddenly, he softly called out to the robotic butler, "015?"

"What is it? What is it?" 015 put down the mop and eagerly approached. "Is there anything I can assist you with?"

"Was there a box in the corner?"

He asked hesitantly, having heard dragging sounds in the room earlier. The noise didn't last long, suggesting that the prop-filled box shouldn't be too far away from him.

015 turned its head and immediately spotted the cardboard box next to the sofa. "Yes, do you want me to fetch it for you?"

Xi Ze hesitated for a moment, but then the male insect's voice suddenly echoed in his ear, trailing off with a slight rasp—

"015, bring that box to my room."

In Program 015's protocol, Yale's commands took priority, and it promptly carried the box to the room with enthusiasm.

The male insect on the sofa seemed to freeze. From Yale's perspective, he could see the corners of the insect's lips tighten as it averted its gaze, lowering its eyes to avoid his inquisitive stare.

"What's wrong?"

Yale shifted sideways to let 015 pass. Not hearing Xi Ze's response for a while, he didn't mind and instead suggested, "If you're bored, you can listen to some news or take an afternoon nap."

Xi Ze opened his mouth, as if he wanted to say something but then stopped. After a moment of silence, he softly acknowledged with an "Mm-hmm."

With a snort, 015 diligently moved the box to the bedside and asked, "Should I disinfect the contents for you?"

"No need. By the way, there will be a delivery later. Can you help me sign for it?"

Yale tilted his head slightly, gesturing for it to leave before kicking the box under the bed.

Even though the male insect couldn't see, it was better to hide the box properly. Otherwise, it might spark some unwanted misunderstandings.

He hesitated for a moment before turning on his light computer again and downloading the compressed file sent by Xiuyis. The filename that popped up made his forehead twitch slightly.

Yale took a deep breath.

*

Until dinner was ready, the male insectoid didn't emerge from his room. 015 knocked on the door for the third time in doubt, finally receiving a response.

"…What is it?"

Yale opened the door in a daze. When he met 015's incredibly innocent gaze, he subconsciously averted his eyes. After regaining his composure, he coughed awkwardly.

"It's time for dinner, right? Alright, go ahead and eat. I'll wash my face first."

The dining table was as quiet as a chicken coop. All life forms present, except 015, seemed preoccupied with their thoughts, possibly troubled by the other party, but none of them had the intention to openly communicate.

"Tap."

The thick bottom of a cup gently hit the tabletop, producing a crisp sound that pierced through the eerie silence.

After a whole day of mental preparation and an afternoon of torment from the compressed file, Yale felt that his heart had become as calm as still water.

"Xi Ze, come to my quarters tonight."

After much deliberation, he spoke, startling the very insects around them.

"AH?" 015 was utterly confused.

Xi Ze's body trembled slightly, his actions freezing in place.

"Also, you might want to prepare yourself? You know... that..."

Yale intended to speak with confidence, but after much hesitation, he still couldn't bring himself to say 'stretching', his ears gradually turning red. "That... you know..."

The male insectoid's voice wavered, revealing his internal struggle and distress. The implications were so obvious that there was no need for guessing.

The sword hanging above his head finally fell.

Xi Ze's eyelashes quivered as his grip on his utensils tightened. However, to his surprise, he felt neither anger nor sadness, only an eerily calm numbness.

"...Alright."

Author's Note:

Okay, okay, okay (flies rubbing hands)

Your little darling has suddenly appeared!! And here I am, casting a hook to ensnare your heart (tycoon's deep affection) (dog holding a rose in its mouth).