Chapter 51

Chapter 51

In the café.

Yale looked at the military omega sitting across from him and said expressionlessly, "What do you want to say?"

Just now, Lymand had thrown a spherical device around him, which seemed to create an invisible barrier. His mental attack had slowed down significantly, leaving him no choice but to sit here and talk.

"It seems that you're quite concerned about that slave you picked up," Lymand commented casually before quickly growing impatient and lowering his gaze. "Forget it, there's no time. I'll get straight to the point."

"You probably don't know this, but that omega is a – heavily convicted war criminal."

Yale's pupils constricted slightly, but his expression remained unchanged.

He tilted his head towards Lymand and questioned sharply.

"Show me any piece of evidence—court verdict, news reports, video footage, list of defectors… anything will do."

Lymand's movement paused.

All his actions were based on the secret communications and orders from that Admiral, without any tangible documents, nor could there be any.

Extra-judicial punishments and insectoid experiments both violated the Imperial Constitution, but they were unspoken pleasures among the nobility, never to be openly acknowledged.

But in front of a dominant male, condemning a lowly female slave was always a mere matter of words. With a vague accusation and ample compensation, that female slave would instantly be cast out.

Although Lymand found this dominant male to have excellent character, he assumed that, faced with such a grave charge as war criminal, the male would at least deliberate cautiously.

Yet Yale didn't hesitate to stand by the side of that female slave, his words and actions revealing unwavering trust and protection.

"How could it be nothing? It's hard for me to believe, based solely on the colonel's account, that my mate is a war criminal."

"Even a Military Minister doesn't have the right to arbitrarily sentence a bug without due process. To directly label my mate as a war criminal without any evidence is highly offensive."

Yale wasn't one to talk much, but his successive confrontations with the military female before him indicated the depths of his displeasure.

"..."

The male insect on the screen scowled angrily, his eyes slightly raised at the corners, giving him a fierce appearance. But to Xi Ze, it was indescribably adorable.

Moreover...

That was enough.

Xi Ze's cold expression softened as he gazed intently at Yale on the screen, his eyes deep with emotion.

This immediate choice to believe in and protect him had completely erased any resentment he might have had.

His once-fruitless search for years, followed by the shattering of those illusions, had unexpectedly come true in this place and situation. It was truly...

Xi Ze's tongue felt a little numb, and he trembled subtly for an instant.

He could almost still smell the pleasant scent emanating from the male insect, a subtle caramelized aroma intertwined with the fresh, moist air after snow melts.

But as his gaze swept over the uncleared snow on the male's body, his eyes turned cold again, and he switched to another channel to urge, "Hurry up."

Such a fondness for grasping collars, I wonder if your hands would still be so insolent once caught.

In the café, the non-negotiation continued.

Feedback of the ambush had already reached his earpiece; not many of the subordinates he brought, both overt and covert, were still in contact, nearly half of them had gone silent. But these few minutes were ample time for his purpose.

Lymand clicked his tongue in frustration, then softened his tone after a moment's thought.

"Perhaps there's been a misunderstanding."

"Let me explain this from the beginning... I took charge of this male drone five months ago."

Five months prior.

Lymand received a secret communication. The First Legion's general, who had ascended to power a few years back, appeared grave as he informed Lymand of the task to interrogate an important war criminal on Aital Star.

It was an injured military drone, completely naked, with his wrists and ankles bound by restraints. He was folded into a small box and smuggled aboard a starship via the garbage compartment.

On the surface, Lymand oversaw the border defense forces stationed in a remote galaxy, but secretly, he also conducted illegal interrogations for nobles and the military.

As an experienced handler of "key war criminals" delivered in such a manner, he no longer experienced any superfluous emotional fluctuations.

Underground punishments were far more brutal and savage than formal interrogations. Countless military females had perished within them, making it a terror to all insects.

It was only their own kind who understood their weaknesses the best, but also inflicted the coldest and cruelest punishments. Each torture method was precisely designed to target the vulnerabilities of female insects, aimed at utterly destroying both their bodies and spirits in the shortest time possible.

The order from above was to apply the tortures directly, pushing the limits while ensuring the female's survival, inflicting as much agony and suffering as possible.

During Lymand's tenure as the executor, no insect had ever survived an entire session of torture intact. They either broke down mid-way or succumbed to death, without exception.

Yet, the military female named Xi Ze became the sole exception.

The Admiral's instruction was to show no mercy at all, even requesting Lymand to transmit the torture surveillance for scrutiny. His cautious attitude astonished the insects... Or perhaps, it wasn't scrutiny, but rather, relishing the sight of this female enduring the torment.

Soon, he understood why Anto was so vigilant.

That military female with radiant golden eyes and silver hair, no matter how battered, mangled into a bloody mess, or reduced to a pile of mud, whether silently weeping or gasping in silence,

whenever he found the slightest respite, he would regenerate like an indomitable weed on the roadside, slowly but relentlessly restoring his spirit.

Those clear golden eyes had been tainted with blood, pus, and countless impurities. Most of the time, they were blank and unfocused, overflowing with pain that even the executing drones dared not meet directly.

Yet, as long as those eyes didn't shut tightly due to unconsciousness or dilate lifelessly from death, they held onto a fragmented golden radiance that no torture or humiliation could extinguish.

Lymand entertained the thought of extracting those eyes, but soon he realized it would only be a futile act born from frustration and a admission of his defeat.

After three rounds of interrogation, Lymand was swarmed with a myriad of complicated emotions.

With no further orders from the legion, he ceased his work and set off to quell the unrest in the garrison that had been infiltrated by the star pirates.

It wasn't until the admiral's inquiry that Lymand learned of the drone's disappearance. Further investigation revealed that Yale had intercepted him.

"That's the situation. This is the standard procedure for dealing with high-profile war criminals. I cannot divulge specific details, but if Your Excellency searches the Star Network, you'll find that I'm not lying."

Lymand selectively omitted certain irregularities and merely outlined the standard process of interrogating a drone, attempting to put pressure on Yale. Refusing to hand over the drone would be obstructing military affairs.

Yale, however, recalled the video he had seen earlier, the military boot stepping on Xi Ze's head. In this moment, the identity behind the boot crystalized in his mind.

Anger welled up in his chest, scorching his heart and chilling his tone.

"So, you were the one tormenting the omega all along?"

Lymand's breath hitched.

He hadn't expected the alpha to focus on that point.

Xi Ze's command tone slowed involuntarily as he fixated on the alpha on the screen, his Adam's apple bobbing slightly.

Even knowing that his identity was questionable, that his existence would bring about numerous troubles and dangers, did he not entertain even a fleeting thought of abandoning him?

Lymand clenched his fists at his sides, a surge of inexplicable anger rising in his heart.

"It was me! But didn't that omega deceive you too, Sir?!'

"It's clear that you have a liking for this omega slave, but I doubt he has been truthful about his true identity. When it comes to ill intentions, I'm far from being the only one!"

"Oh, but why is that any of your concern?"

Yale rolled his eyes, his tone cold and indifferent, his uncooperative attitude obvious.

The contingency plan deliberately brought along was dwindling, and the pace of casualty reports in his earpiece had slowed slightly. Yet, the negotiation before him had reached an impasse.

Lymand took a deep breath and abruptly changed his tone.

"Perhaps, Your Excellency hasn't considered making the most of this opportunity? We could cooperate."

Yale, who had no intention of responding further, perked up his ears, a hint of wariness creeping in. "What do you mean?"

"It's not that I don't want to directly reveal the true identity of this drone to you. The matter is entangled with too many complexities; he's involved in deep waters, beyond the reach of mere pawns like us. But—"

"In this situation, we can exploit the intricate web of interests to reap substantial gains."

"This is an opportunity for me."

Lymand lifted his gaze, his wolfish eyes cold and fierce, harboring a latent ambition.

"The main star system is too distant. Admiral Anto's influence can't reach here immediately. There's no need to surrender the slave. By spreading the news of his escape to the main star system, I can divert the military's attention temporarily. Then, I'll volunteer to lead the pursuit."

"At this point, with the family's support, I can secure a transfer from the border defense force, connect with the legion, and smoothly return to the main star system."

"You certainly have quite an imagination."

Yale scoffed, a hint of annoyance flickering in the corners of his eyes. "So, what's in it for me?"

"You won't have to do a thing. The slave will still be yours. All you need to do is announce that you're his alpha and provide his location."

"You can seize this opportunity to ask the Military General for various benefits - star coins, residences, resources... Even use this as a stepping stone to enter high society and become a higher-ranking noble."

"Should you still fancy this slave later on, you can keep him safely in the basement. If things go south, you can hand him over as a means to save your own life."

Lymand narrowed his eyes. "What do you think, sir?"

Yale abruptly lifted his gaze to the insectoid and stood up abruptly.

"I've said it multiple times, he's my insectoid. Not for sale, not to be transferred, not to be given away."

"There are no other options, and I have no intention of considering what you've proposed."

He still remembered how pitiful Xi Ze was when he found him that night, almost dying in the snow. Later on, the insectoid had shown severe symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.

The injuries were merely healed by medication, but that didn't mean the perpetrator had been forgiven.

He had no right to represent Xi Ze and suppress his disgust and hatred to seek these profit-oriented collaborations.

Not to mention, it wasn't a collaboration at all; it was a more cruel form of torture and endless humiliation – a vicious method that could grind a military omega to death.

"If, in the following, Colonel, you still have no intention of revealing anything substantial and only resort to these empty, delusional inducements, then you can leave now, because my answer won't change."

Having said that much, Lymand had given up on appealing to reason or emotion. He stood up abruptly, his voice deep as he tore off the mask of politeness.

"What if there are no laws? What if you're unwilling? Have you considered the consequences of offending a military admiral?!"

"All promotion paths will be blocked, forced into massive debts with nowhere to work or live, even having your citizenship revoked secretly, living in constant fear of threats and pursuit… Don't think for a second that such actions are beneath them."

Lymand finally noticed a slight change in the male insect's expression, and promptly softened his tone.

"Selling this omega slave to me might be the easiest solution. You'll get satisfactory compensation without offending the admiral. Why not?"

"I thought Colonel would have something else to say, but it seems all you have are these threats. How disappointing."

Yale's expression darkened completely as he locked eyes with Lymand, enunciating each word deliberately.

"It would be more worthwhile to beg that admiral for a fake arrest warrant than to act like a shameless pirate, blocking someone else's entrance and forcefully buying and threatening."

He was practically cursing at this point, leaving no room for Lymand to maneuver. He was like a porcupine, spiking out his quills in defense.

Yet, he had hidden the female in his family under his soft belly, protecting her from being taken away or slandered.

Yale stared directly into Lymand's eyes, his jet-black irises burning brightly with fury, like a star piercing through the long night.

"Get lost!"

Simultaneously, the sound of shattering glass echoed through the air.

Bang!!!

"We've received an abduction report. There's a male insect suspected to be held hostage here. Nobody move inside!"

A fully armed squad burst through the door, clad in bulletproof vests and metal helmets, adorned with weapons and ammunition. Their stern command, amplified by their headsets, filled the coffee shop.

The channel in the headset fell utterly silent. Lymand's gaze turned icy cold. Seizing the moment when Yale's attention was diverted, he reached out towards him.

"BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG!!"

But before his hand could touch the male, it was instantly pierced by laser fire, a blinding blue light accompanied by flying flesh and blood.

Lymand gritted his teeth, swallowing a groan. He broke free from the military female who had rushed to restrain him, desperately struggling to reach Yale. His voice rasped hoarsely.

"He's been lying to you... his name, identity, rank... how much of it is true? You trust him so much, seeking a compromise, but be careful not to get stabbed in the back!"

He didn't get to finish his sentence as Yale was pulled into the layers of defense and protection of the anti-explosion military, shielded from all harm, including the gruesome scene of subduing Lymand.

"Sir, are you injured?"

A muffled voice emerged from beneath the heavily armored helmet.

Yale looked at them warily, momentarily unsure of the situation. "No, who are you?"

"Peacekeepers of the planet."

Before the leader could answer, someone more enthusiastic among them interjected, his wide grin visible beneath his helmet.

The squad leader pushed him aside roughly before turning to speak calmly, "When the Fashan Star Pirates attacked Etar, we were called in temporarily to maintain order. A drone reported the situation here just now."

"Ah... Thank you for your hard work then."

Yale said, half skeptical, before quickly adding, "Can I go home now?"

"No need to thank us, it's our duty. Allow me to escort you back. We'll increase patrols around here, so feel free to call on us if you need anything."

The squad leader signaled, and the circle of soldiers parted, transforming into a pathway that led all the way to the entrance of the alley, and perhaps even further, to Yale's doorstep.

Exiting the café, Yale finally realized how many soldiers had arrived. They were now efficiently clearing the area or keeping watch, looking serious and professional.

Silently following behind the squad leader, Yale could sense numerous discreet gazes, curious or investigative, but none of them held any malice.

"Is this the Admiral's Alpha?"

A soldier, standing guard with his weapon, stood tall and composed, without any unnecessary movements. The black visor of his helmet did little to conceal his curious gaze.

"It seems... heh heh."

"Watch those green eyes of yours, or the Admiral might double your training!"

The soldier beside him, guessing his thoughts, playfully rolled his eyes but couldn't help noticing the growing number of eager gazes from others.

"Scat, scat, scat!"

The squad leader coughed slightly, feeling awkward, then turned to whisper, "My apologies, sir, but this..."

"No problem."

Yale had been lost in thought, suddenly grasping something, though without concrete evidence.

"You... I'm not very familiar with your kind, but do you belong to any particular legion?"

The military omega fell silent for a moment before murmuring, "In the past..."

His words were muffled, and Yale was somewhat puzzled but didn't press for more.

They were just a few steps away from his front door. He fished out his key from his pocket, and the military omega tactfully stopped behind him.

However, before he could insert the key, the door opened from the inside.

Xi Ze was standing inside, his expression gentle yet filled with concern. Lowering his gaze, he softly called out, "Alpha Ruler."

Before being pulled in, Yale remembered something and turned to the military omega outside. "Thank you for bringing me back."

The military omega watched from a distance, then raised his hand to make a gesture upon hearing Yale's words. After confirming that the door had closed, he adjusted the rifle on his back and jogged down the stairs.

...

The voice still echoed in his earpiece, and it took Xi Ze a long while to fully regain his composure. He blinked slowly.

The situation was under control, far better than he had anticipated. Throughout the negotiation, which could be deemed a threat, he had never been discarded or abandoned.

The male's temper had always been mild, but he'd lashed out and told the other to leave this time. Was it because he'd heard about those unpleasant experiences and was feeling distressed for him?

With this thought in mind, an undeniable glow of joy slowly gathered in his golden eyes. Xi Ze pressed his lips together, exerting self-control as he tried to calm the unusual emotions surging through his body.

Even when the male returned home, that fluttering sensation remained.

"Male Sovereign..."

Closing the door behind him, Xi Ze pulled the male into his embrace. The thin, cold body beneath his palm tugged at his heartstrings. "Male Sovereign."

Yale was still pondering over the chaos from earlier. Hearing his voice, he lifted his gaze and spoke softly, "I just faced a threat. Did you know?"

The female insectoid froze.

Without waiting for a response, Yale continued, "That military female, Lymand, said that you've been hiding your true identity from me. I'm aware of this, but... can't you tell me now?"

"Surely you're not a war criminal, right?"

There was a hint of uncertainty in his voice. Although he found it absurd, he couldn't help but ask.

"I'm not."

Xi Ze paused, gently pushing the male's shoulders to create some distance. His golden eyes locked onto Yale's with unwavering focus as he spoke in a slow, solemn tone.

"Male Sovereign, I never had any intention of betraying you. Do you believe me or him?"

Yale met his gaze and suddenly smiled. "Of course I trust you."

The tension in Xi Ze's jaw softened abruptly. Despite their unresolved issues, he couldn't help but curve his lips slightly, his eyes gleaming slightly.

"But—"

Yale's brows lifted slightly. His tone seemed light, but there was a hint of gritted teeth behind it. Reaching out, he pinched the soft flesh of the female's cheeks and pulled harshly.

"I can't wait that long! The enemy is already at our doorstep, and you're still hiding things from me!"

"Tell me, what's really going on? Who are you and what status do you hold? How did you end up here, and what's your purpose?"

The handsome face of the female insect distorted under the pull, looking somewhat comical. His voice muffled, he said, "This matter is a bit complicated…"

"I'm listening," Yale said, looking at him calmly, clearly not planning to let the matter slide as before.

Xi Ze hesitated for a long while, seemingly trying to find the right words, but in the end, he fell silent and whispered apologetically, "…I'm sorry."

Yale gave him a steady look, then released his grip on Xi Ze's face. There was a red mark left on the skin, looking rather pathetic.

"You looked so prepared just now, I thought you had already crafted a better excuse."

The female insect paused and spoke softly, "I just don't want to deceive you anymore."

Yale was almost amused by anger. He took a deep breath.

"How many times have you lied to me? Besides, how do you plan to solve this problem if you don't speak up? What if the army really comes knocking, or that Major General comes to snatch the insect again when I'm not home?"

Upon mentioning this, Xi Ze regained his composure, his tone firm and reassuring, "Don't worry, I'll handle it well. It will never affect His Majesty the Male."

"Something like today won't happen again."

By now, how could Yale not realize that this male insectoid was anything but ordinary, possibly even a high-ranking officer in the military? It was just unclear how he ended up here.

Suddenly, he asked, "What about you?"

Xi Ze was taken aback.

"You—where are you going? What's your true identity and purpose? I don't even know if that's your real name. When you leave… where will I find you?"

The male's voice was soft, suppressing his emotions deeply, but his words rushed out anxiously.

A complicated identity meant inevitable responsibilities and departure. When Lymand came knocking, the things he had deliberately avoided thinking about were laid bare before him.

The thought that this male insectoid might vanish one day, with the vastness of the universe and its myriad planets, left him clueless as to where to search for him, knowing nothing about his name or identity.

He understood the sensitivity of the matter and that it couldn't be easily discussed. However, he refused to be kept in the dark like a fool. It would make him feel that their relationship was built on a foundation of air, lacking any substance.

"I'm sorry, but this situation will be resolved soon. At that time, I'll personally tell you everything."

Perhaps the balcony door wasn't properly closed, allowing the wind and snow to seep in. Yale, standing barefoot on the carpet, felt a chill run through him from head to toe.

He reached out to push Xi Ze away, stepping back a few paces before turning to walk into the room.

"Stay there. I need some time alone."

Author's Note:

Both Yeye and the General have many secrets from each other. But the General isn't deliberately keeping silent. The next chapter will clarify things for you all!

But both of them are overly protective darlings, aren't they? WW

Yeye:

Got something hidden from me? Then I'll be the one to ask. What's with you trying to sow discord?

Once tormented Xi Ze? Trash! Scram far, far away! (The little hedgehog is fierce)

General:

Tormented himself? Remarkable composure maintained.

Managing to trip the dominant male and make him fall face-first into the snow? Such a despicable move! Chop it off! (Haha)

Lymand didn't die; he escaped and has a minor role later on.