Chapter 21

Chapter 21

In the Principal's office at the First Research Institute of Ekson.

"Knock, knock."

Rhythmic knocking sounded, and the gray-haired principal, without lifting his head, said, "Come in."

"Principal."

A young male student entered, still dressed in his research attire, with a uniquely shaped earring shimmering on his right lobe.

"What brings you here?"

Norman finally looked up from his paperwork, pushing his reading glasses up the bridge of his nose as he gazed at the academy's top-ranked fourth-year student, "Adelaide."

"I heard that the problem has been solved?"

Adelaide went straight to the point, "Not from our academy, and there's no confirmation from any other. Moreover, it's said that the solver hasn't even been studying for three years."

Norman remained noncommittal. "What do you want to say?"

"The problem he solved involved a unique algorithm that's related to the project our team is currently researching. Since he's not a student at the school, I'd like to ask the Dean for help to contact him and have a discussion."

Adelaide softened his icy tone. "The brain-computer authentication is reliable. I believe the Dean wouldn't want a promising talent to be wasted outside, gradually losing their potential, right?"

"It's possible, yes..."

Norman pondered for a moment before finally nodding. "Alright, I'll make the contact and try my best to arrange it for you."

"Good." The young male insectoid's cold expression finally curved into a small smile.

"I'll trouble the Dean then."

...

The Research Institute was not far from the First Legion's base. When Norman left his office, a riot had just been suppressed at the entrance of the base.

Recently, the First Legion had been plagued with more and more disturbances. Despite the new General's efforts to suppress them, these die-hard soldiers remained loyal to the previous General, refusing to be subdued.

In the message he had received from his old friend earlier, there were hints of unrest brewing within the royal family. It was best to be cautious with one's words and actions lately, to avoid being caught in the crossfire by aligning with the wrong side.

Norman carefully evaded the escorting guards, letting out a tremulous sigh. "I wonder if I'll even get to have a peaceful holiday..."

The hovercar came to a stop in front of the base, where security was tight, and few insects could be seen passing by, lending the area an air of desolation.

But as the vehicle ascended into the central district's asteroid belt, an incredibly vast and dazzling world unfolded before Norman's eyes.

However, having seen it all before, he was long accustomed to such sights. At that moment, he simply leaned back, closing his eyes to rest.

"Beep, beep. Ahead, there's congestion with an estimated passage time of 10 minutes. Please wait patiently..."

He opened his eyes, hoping to assess the situation outside, only to catch sight of a few insects with familiar silhouettes standing near the entrance of the banquet hall. His expression turned increasingly solemn. "That is...?"

A stream of shimmering argent light cut through half the traffic network with unparalleled dominance, gently hovering to a stop at the entrance. Shortly after, two more vehicles pulled up beside it.

Anto, dressed in his impeccable military uniform, was the first to leap out of his car. Upon seeing the distinctive hovercar belonging to that particular individual, a spark of intensity flickered in his eyes.

"Good evening, Prince Kanuo."

He stepped forward eagerly, opening the hovercar door for the insect inside. He reached out to assist, but was disdainfully pushed aside.

A spotless leather shoe emerged from the car door, stepping directly onto Anton's military boots and using them as a stepping stone to exit the vehicle.

"Scram."

The moment the young male insect appeared, the surroundings seemed to brighten, and all eyes were naturally drawn to him, unable to look away.

His delicate and noble features were accentuated by his slightly curly auburn hair that resembled flames. Dressed in an exquisite, tailor-made suit, he glanced at Anton with his emerald green eyes. "What kind of thing dares to touch me?"

Canno Monte narrowed his eyes, studying the magnificent building before him, his disbelief evident on his face. "What is this nonsense? A high-ranking Admiral can only afford such a dump?"

Anton's embarrassment flashed across his face, but he quickly regained his smile. "My capabilities are limited, Your Highness. I am truly surprised and honored that you have graced us with your presence tonight..."

"I'm doing worse than even my good-for-nothing older brother's one percent."

Canno sneered. "I must have been drunk to think of promoting you back then. What a regrettable decision."

"Noah."

A gentle and mellow voice echoed as a male insect descended from the other side, walking behind Kanuo.

He was dressed in an elaborate gown, with his silky white hair tied at the back of his head, exuding a refined and gentle demeanor. His light golden eyes would slightly narrow when he smiled, evoking a warm, spring-like comfort in those around him.

"Don't be sulky anymore. The First Prince is attending this banquet too. This time, we can't let him find an excuse to slip away."

"Duke Lance," Anto bowed to the male insect, receiving only a meaningful smile in return. "Work hard, your future is bright... Admiral."

They didn't linger at the entrance for long before a servant led them into the banquet.

At the end of the red-carpeted path reserved for nobles, one could overlook the vast and opulent gathering from above, like an all-powerful ruler coldly presiding over the indulgent revelry.

Kanuo couldn't be bothered to glance outside; he directly entered the most central, intimate banquet hall.

The nobles circulating about were all high-ranking officials or somehow related to the royal family. They maintained an appearance of harmony, but to those in the know, they clearly belonged to two distinct factions.

In the very center of the banquet hall, surrounded by countless admirers, stood a male insect named Felix Lot.

The second prince of the current royal family, much beloved and indulged by the emperor, was an empty-headed fool yet still held the qualifications to vie for the throne.

On the other side of the rather deserted banquet hall stood the elder prince, older and more reserved than his arrogant younger sibling. He had once been the undisputed heir to the throne.

But why "once," and why did he fall from grace in just a few short years...

Cano narrowed his eyes and scoffed.

- Of course, it had everything to do with his "sacrificed" older brother, who had been the elder prince's strongest supporter.

As long as he hadn't died, their army was as impregnable as an iron bucket, and the elder prince's status as heir was beyond question. Even if some nobles harbored different intentions, they couldn't shake this reality.

But in the end, he did die.

Cano curved his lips, adjusted his bowtie nonchalantly, and headed in the direction of the second prince.

Tonight, he would claim this male as his own, becoming his dominant partner. Only then could he smoothly intervene in royal affairs and vie for even greater power.

After all, a fool was easier to control like a puppet.

"Clear path ahead, departure imminent. Please fasten your seat belts..."

The traffic, disrupted by the reckless noble male insect, had finally resumed.

Countless hovering vehicles continued on their tracks, leaving the resplendent palace behind.

Norman closed his eyes wearily, yet an image of an incredibly towering figure involuntarily emerged in his mind.

Always at the forefront of battles, stepping up to oppose absurd proposals in the assembly, tirelessly working at the margins of the most barren and miserable regions—

He was the empire's most unyielding line of defense, despite its precarious state.

Alas.

What a pity...

This old man, who had weathered so many years of hardships, couldn't hold back the tears welling in his eyes. His heart was filled with an indescribable mix of bitterness and sorrow.

"No wonder the soldiers of the First Legion keep longing for it and insisting on investigating that incident thoroughly. It's truly a pity..."

This sigh drifted out the car window, dissipating in the endless snowstorm.

*

After that, they didn't mention that kiss as if nothing had happened.

Moreover, due to the permeable nature of their pheromones, Yale found himself enveloped by the lingering, bitter aroma of tea that night after removing the waterproof sheet. He tossed and turned, unable to sleep.

The following encounters took place on the sofa.

Xi Ze didn't lose control like he did the first time, but he would often turn red, collapsing onto the disheveled blankets, soft and warm like a steamed date cake with rising steam.

...He looked so appetizing.

Yale's Adam's apple bobbed, and after a moment of contemplation, he decided to have a midnight snack. He was so hungry that he was hallucinating.

That night, 015 was coerced into overtime, steaming some soft buns under the guidance of the male insect.

Although it was the taste from his memory, there seemed to be something missing. Yale took a bite, then picked up another piece to feed the female insect.

"Thank you... I can manage on my own." Xi Ze hastily took a bite from the male insect's hand, his voice slightly embarrassed as he spoke softly.

Yale held back for a moment but still couldn't resist reaching out to touch the female insect. Indeed, he found the creature soft and warmly radiant, just as he had imagined.

Suddenly, the pastry in his mouth lost its appealing aroma.

...

Once the female insect's condition improved, Yale found himself less occupied and no longer needed to work until six or seven in the evening.

Whenever he returned early, before 015 had finished cooking dinner, he would sit on the sofa and accompany his mate in listening to the news.

"The Emperor Egnyte has recently fallen ill with a cold. Despite several days of treatment, there's been no improvement. A large number of idle court physicians have been punished... It remains uncertain whether His Majesty will attend the annual blessing ceremony this year..."

Yale was adjusting the heating system.

Lately, for some reason, the heating seemed to be malfunctioning. He glanced at the screen in surprise upon hearing this.

"The Second Prince will hold a press conference in one week, where he will announce his engagement to the public."

Rumors had it that the mysterious other party was the Duke's male offspring, none other than the esteemed A+ level male insect, Prince Kanuo!

This wasn't an official news broadcast, and the host insect on the screen often engaged in gossip, not forgetting to say, "Let's congratulate them!"

Finally finished, Yale slumped back into the sofa, catching a glimpse of the strange expression on the female insect's face.

"What's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"

Xi Ze came back to his senses from the news he had just heard. Lowering his eyes to hide his emotions, he softly replied, "…It's nothing."

After teasing the topic for a while, the news anchor moved on to the next subject, covering a hodgepodge of things, but all subtly hinting at a sense that...

Recent events were about to bring a change in the tide.

But Iltar was far, far away from the main planet. All the blood and fire had nothing to do with this small, snow-covered planet.

Fierce cold winds battered the windowpanes outside, seeping through the cracks with a chill, yet failing to breach the warm barrier within.

"Quilt."

Yale was idly playing with his light brain, still lost in thought when a soft blanket was draped over him.

The female insect beside him, with dilated pupils, fumbled to pull the blanket over him. His slender fingers brushed against the thin shirt on the male's body, unknowingly rubbing against it.

It seemed like the heating had been malfunctioning lately; the house wasn't very insulated. It wouldn't be good if Yale caught a cold.

Yale responded with an "oh" a beat later. As he curled up, one corner of the blanket slipped to the ground. He quickly extended a foot to retrieve it, but his inner ankle was suddenly scalded by heat—

The broad palm of the female was burning hot, resting on that delicate patch of skin. The light honey hue contrasted with the fairness, creating an inexplicable sense of bashfulness.

Xi Ze seemed to pause for a moment but quickly picked up the fallen corner of the blanket, tucking it along with the slender ankle into the sofa, wrapping Yale up tightly like a cocoon.

"Don't catch a cold."

He whispered this after completing the task.

The news on the screen continued to play, blending with the sounds of pots and pans in the kitchen.

Breathing in the faint bitter aroma of tea, the remaining fatigue in Yale's body dissipated, leaving only a warm, lazy sensation.

Ah, I don't want to move at all.