Chapter 64

Chapter 64

Until they returned home, Yale didn't say anything, proceeding as usual with affectionate gestures before tidying up and then washing up together before bed.

On the other hand, Xi Ze, who had narrowly escaped trouble, became unusually restless. After holding the male insect in his arms for a while, he got up and went to the living room, ordering Bai Lang to spill everything.

It was pretty much as he had expected... but since the male insect didn't pursue the matter, it should be fine.

Closing the communicator, Xi Ze rubbed his temples wearily. Losing his sleepiness, he opened his inbox to attend to official business.

In another district.

Countless media insects were working through the night. The writers were tapping away at their keyboards with a clatter, while the photo selectors were sifting through thousands of snapshots to pick the most representative ones... They were tirelessly refining the news about the enthronement ceremony.

Moreover, the one who gave the order required that the news about this ceremony could follow a standard template without errors. More importantly, it was to create hype for another insect participating in the ceremony, requiring various styles of coverage.

This request left the responsible insect scratching its head. While selecting suitable drafts from hundreds of news articles for modification, it kept picking up the microphone to give instructions.

"Formal introduction! Is it ready yet? And something more entertaining, just praise his godly looks. Remember not to compare him negatively with other stars; it might unintentionally generate negative publicity..."

"Remember to engage prominent influencers to redirect public opinion, but the focus should be on the grandeur of the coronation ceremony, with light gossip as a supplement. Otherwise, it could easily arouse public resentment."

"Details! How many times have I emphasized this? Pay attention to the details! The ceremonial attire worn by the insect and the Marshal were both crafted by Master Corleoni. Do I need to teach you how to elaborate on that point?!"

Right before the dawn pierced through the darkness, an enormous attachment landed in Xi Ze's inbox.

The first document was the final draft of the coronation ceremony news. After Xi Ze thoroughly read it and confirmed its accuracy, he opened the subsequent article about Yale.

"Unbelievable! The divine-looking insect that appeared at the coronation ceremony turns out to be... ?!"

"Too Coquettish! Kolani's Couples' Outfits Over the Years..."

"Countdown of the Most Attractive Male Bugs in Recent Years (No Ranking Order)"

As the female bug scrolled through the article, her movements paused. Unflinchingly, she shifted the meticulously edited photo of Kanor to the second place and placed Yale's profile snapshot at the top.

One could only say that it was no wonder they were professional media; even with limited conditions, they had managed to capture many appealing photographs.

However, witnessing the transition from his early sweet and joyful smiles to the evident coldness and sadness later on tugged at the female bug's heartstrings.

Having reviewed everything thoroughly, Xi Ze sent the revised manuscript back and approved the publication request – "Publish it once the edits are done."

With all the tasks taken care of, he rose from the living room and silently opened the bedroom door. He slid back into bed, replacing the long pillow that the male had been hugging in his arms.

"Uh...?"

Yale stirred restlessly but was soothed by the familiar pheromone scent. He nestled deeper into the embrace of the newly arrived female.

7:00 AM.

The morning news had begun airing punctually, while a flurry of explosive press releases were dispatched like snowflakes, creating a massive uproar.

Unperturbed by the turmoil they had sparked, the two insects cuddled up and dozed off again.

*

Yale's identity wasn't actually that secretive. After being rescued from the battlefield, a series of events had drawn attention from various quarters. However, interest waned quickly when it was discovered that he was a D-class.

Later, after the incident, when he chose to go incognito to Etar, he virtually vanished from the main planet. But... those who had seen Yale tended to remember him vividly.

Within just one day, Yale's background and identity were uncovered. Yet, with deliberate guidance, public opinion remained generally positive and favorable.

The following day, the tide of public opinion shifted due to the involvement of another faction, turning increasingly chaotic as both sides stubbornly held their ground.

"Don't look at that," Xi Ze reached out to block the holographic screen in front of him, nuzzling against Yale's cheek.

"It's just paid trolls stirring up trouble. They're being paid to spread lies."

Unfazed and even somewhat amused, Yale dismissed the contentious comments section at the urging of his mate.

"Cough, it's nothing. It was entertaining to read."

He raised an eyebrow, turning to meet the concerned expression on his mate's face. "But you know about online trolls? I thought you were completely clueless about the internet."

"Media manipulation is a skill every politician must master. Public opinion can sometimes dictate the outcome of an issue—it's crucial," Xi Ze explained, taking an item from his military uniform pocket and placing it in the male's palm.

It was a silver-blue button-like object that transformed into a translucent bracelet upon contact with his wrist, hugging it like silk without causing discomfort.

"What's this?"

"A new optical brain, a cutting-edge product from the research institute. It can shield against all current viruses and intrusion methods. It's equipped with anti-eavesdropping and anti-tracking devices, and all files and communications are encrypted at the highest level."

Xi Ze picked up the old optical brain of the male insect and connected it to the new one. All the files were transferred to the new device.

"The news about the S-class male insect will be released tomorrow."

Yale was taken aback. "So soon?"

"Yes, changing the optical brain is just a precaution. But before your official public appearance, it's best for you to stay in the heavily guarded villa to avoid being harmed by any lurking insects."

After confirming there were no errors, he gently squeezed the slender wrist of the male insect, instinctively offering reassurance. "Don't be afraid, everything will be fine."

"I'm not scared."

Yale didn't dwell on it and continued, "After the reveal, I'll be able to move freely, right? That's good, but I guess I should also avoid causing chaos."

Xi Ze reached out to embrace the male insect in his arms, inhaling the gentle orange blossom scent from his soft hair, and chuckled lowly.

"You'll have to appear in public eventually. Not just me, but the Hormone Association will also go to great lengths to protect you. Don't worry too much about it."

While he kept certain matters from the male insect to shield him from the dirty dealings, Xi Ze never intended to keep Yale hidden or let the male insect hide him for protective reasons.

A moon should shine brightly, surrounded by the vast array of stars and bathed in countless admiring gazes. It shouldn't have to hide behind clouds out of fear of harm or criticism.

That wouldn't be fair to Yale, nor to the insects who were denied the sight of a miracle due to the manipulation of the powerful.

Golden sunlight filtered through the glass, illuminating the living room with transparency and brightness. Lying in the embrace of the female insect, Yale sank into the soft sofa, hearing intermittent instructions above his head.

"The royal family will soon hold a ball to formally introduce you. I've brought a specialized team to create makeup and styling for you, as well as tailor some evening gowns specifically for you."

"There are certain taboos at the royal ball that you need to be aware of—I'll tell you more about them later... You've worked hard."

Despite being the one who had put in the most effort in designing and arranging everything, the female insect couldn't hide his concern as he bent down to kiss Yale's ear tip.

"Wait a little longer. Once all this is cleaned up, you won't have to worry so much anymore."

Yale's eyelashes quivered, and he opened his eyes soundlessly.

"Thank you."

He lifted his head to look at the male, his dark eyes filled with sunlight and a gentle smile.

"All this time, you've done so much. It must have been exhausting for you."

"But I'm not a helpless youngling who needs constant protection. You don't need to be so tense all the time. I can protect myself with my mental power, and sometimes...you can rely on me a little too."

He didn't mind Xi Ze using his status as an S-class male for their mutual benefit. After all, those were shared interests.

He stood on the side of the male, their destinies intertwined. He wanted to be a useful sword or shield, not a burden that needed constant shielding.

Xi Ze fell silent for a moment, not evading the topic. When he spoke again, his voice was strained.

"I apologize, Male Sovereign. I understand. It's because I haven't fully adjusted my mindset yet, and I can't bear the thought of you being hurt or taken advantage of, which is why my protection has become excessive."

"It's not that I underestimate your abilities or worth, it's just..."

In any struggle, there would be bloodshed and sacrifices – that was inevitable. He himself was prepared for the possibility of death.

Yet the mere thought of Yale bleeding profusely in his arms or shedding tears after being hurt caused his blood to freeze instantly, filling him with immense fear and agony that he couldn't shake off.

That was why he had reluctantly kept the male insect under his constant protection these days, restricting his freedom to move about. This choice weighed heavily on his conscience each passing day, making every step he took feel burdensome.

"I understand," Yale sighed, leaning in to nuzzle the tip of his nose, a silent gesture of tolerance and intimacy.

"It's alright, just take your time."

"Your posture is truly elegant! However, if you lift your chin slightly more, it will exude even more confidence and arrogance..."

*

Chapter 015 strolled by, swaying like an apple, holding its hands on its hips to demonstrate how effortless the move was, only to receive a glare in return.

With a fox-like grin on his face, the court etiquette instructor continued explaining the intricate noble etiquettes, occasionally reaching out gently to adjust the male insect's posture.

Yale acknowledged with a murmur, diligently repeating the previous action, earning praise from the etiquette instructor as expected.

However, this only made him more tense. That sub-female had just praised him while simultaneously doubling the difficulty of the task.

Having trained up to this point, he no longer took the smiling fox's compliments at face value.

"Go for it! Go for it!"

015 cheered enthusiastically on the side, while Yale's eyes turned lifeless, resembling a dead fish, as a white spirit floated out from his mouth.

How remarkable.

The etiquette master slightly opened his slanted eyes, gazing at the harmonious and joyful scene before him, and softly sighed.

To think that the primary planet is home to such a kind-hearted male insect, and one who is reportedly an S-Rank... Should we say that the Admiral's luck is incredibly good, or dreadfully bad?

Acquiring a treasure is not the hardest part; the greatest challenge lies in fending off countless covetous gazes and restless hands, holding it tightly in one's embrace and guarding it closely by one's side.

But that was no longer his concern. His task was to help the male drone master the etiquette of the ball within the next few days, so as not to give those nobles any excuse to nitpick and make things difficult for him.

"Excellent, let's proceed to the next lesson."

During the day, Yale would study aristocratic etiquette under the guidance of the royal protocol master, and in the afternoons, he would collaborate with Colaini on the design and fitting of ceremonial attire.

Due to the fermentation of the S-Class male insect's news, he had no choice but to suspend all external activities and terminate his project with the academy, despite feeling apologetic towards Adelaide. However, there was nothing he could do.

With his evenings now free, Yale began reading through the Empire's laws, particularly focusing on the section regarding marriage, as he started preparing other documents.

"Knock, knock."

The study door was gently tapped. Without lifting his head, Yale simply said, "Come in."

Chapter 015 poked its head through the door, placing a tray of sliced fruits on the desk. After a moment of hesitation, it asked, "Male insect, we're not going back to Etar, right?"

Yale snapped out of his thoughts, looking slightly surprised. "We shouldn't be returning anytime soon. Why do you ask?"

"Did you bring everything with you? I remember when you returned from outside, you put a box in the drawer. Later, when I was cleaning, I saw it. It seemed to be a piece of..."

It tried to gesture, "A very expensive-looking and beautiful... metal block!"

Room, drawer, box, metal block... Wait a minute? !

Yale's eyes widened slightly, his expression dawning with realization.

That mech's heart!

Although it was auctioned under the name of Admiral Monte, and its authenticity was uncertain, Xi Ze should be able to tell at first glance. If it was genuine, it could help the male insect.

At this moment, neither he nor the male insect were in a position to venture out. It would be best to entrust the item to a trustworthy insect who could pass by.

After a moment of deliberation, Yale turned on his optical brain and dialed a contact on the list.

...

The next morning, a bug rang the doorbell of the villa.

"Your item."

With an awkward expression, Gallagher handed the box to Yale before struggling to say anything else. He then turned around with a grim face, intending to leave. "I'm off. Call me if you need anything."

Yale politely thanked him, opened the box to confirm its contents, and hesitated for a moment before asking, "Would you like to come in for a seat?"

The military male guarding the entrance glanced nervously in their direction, hesitated without voicing any objections, but his movement was still noticed by Gallagher. He waved his hand and walked down the steps.

"No, it's delicate right now. Be more vigilant and don't invite any unvetted creatures for a chat."

The Heart of the Mech quietly rested in the box, shimmering with a lovely silver-blue luster.

Yale placed the box on the bedside table in the master bedroom, deciding to discuss it with the male partner when he returned.

"Why do you have this?"

Xi Ze's expression was filled with astonishment when he saw it, confirming the best assumption.

"The mech I used to pilot was called Guardian II, the final masterpiece left by the Empire's premier mech designer."

Xi Ze took it out of the box and gently rubbed its cold surface with a hint of nostalgia on his face.

"After the Laimir Battle, both my core AI and I were secretly relocated. Now, we've been reunited within the mech I'm currently piloting."

"This container no longer has the function to summon a mech, but in times of danger, it can activate a protective barrier that should provide decent defense."

The Heart of the Mech was placed back into Yale's hands as if passing on a beloved old possession. Though there was a tinge of reluctance, there was no regret.

"You may keep it, or use it for other purposes."

Other purposes...

Yale froze for a moment, gazing at the glittering object in his palm, gradually comprehending its meaning. A faint smile tugged at the corners of his lips. "I understand."

He knew exactly what to do with it.

Xi Ze's response was a softly rising "mm-hmm," but Yale's muffled reply interrupted him before he could inquire further. The male insect pressed against him, silencing any further questions.

Yale submitted gently, allowing himself to be pushed down onto the bed. His ears tinged with a delicate flush as he reached up to unfasten the buttons on his collar.

"There's nothing significant scheduled for tomorrow morning... My lord can do as they please tonight."

"Really?"

Yale nibbled on his throat, feeling the body beneath him tremble slightly. He then began to pull the shirt's hem out from under the belt, one inch at a time.

The female insect, suppressing his bashfulness, replied with a husky voice, "Mm... Yes, it's true."

*

Three days had passed since the announcement of the S-class male insect, and the ball hosted by the royal family was proceeding as scheduled.

Countless nobles flocked to this grand feast, creating an extraordinary sight of shimmering lights cascading across the celestial pathways.

Creak—

Under the layers of military hovercar escorts, a vehicle smoothly came to a halt at the palace's side entrance.

"We have arrived at your destination. ASD is at your service."

The onboard intelligent system sounded formal. Just as Yale was about to step out, the car door was opened from the outside, revealing an unexpected figure standing there.

"Adelaide? What are you doing here?"

This time, Yale was genuinely surprised.

Due to the recent public opinion, he had already informed Adelaide that he would be taking a two-week leave, but seeing him now made Yale subconsciously feel guilty.

It was like the awkwardness of promising to study with a straight-A friend at the library, only to bail on them for an amusement park, and then getting caught at the entrance.

"Your Highness, good evening."

Adelaide's expression was mild, and upon sensing the presence, he gracefully inclined his body, performing a most respectful bow with the gloved hand resting on the car door.

"I am the second son of the Rayah family, classified as a moderate noble. I have been sent by my family to attend this ball and serve as Your Highness's guidebug," Yale acknowledged him with a simple thank you, momentarily at a loss for words.

Before him, Adelaide was attired in a distinctive formal attire, a stark contrast to his appearance during experiments, exuding an air of unfamiliarity.

"Your Highness, this way... So, would it be possible to return for our project after the ball?"

The male bug abruptly turned his head, dropping the formal address as he urged, "I've encountered another conundrum recently. Every moment spent away from it is torturous."

The momentary awkwardness vanished.

Yale cleared his throat softly, "It should be possible. I'll seek your assistance when the time comes to excuse my absence."

Adelaide nodded satisfactorily and stepped forward to lead the way.

He was led through a side entrance to the private lounge for drones, where he found Bai Lang waiting. He was informed that Xi Ze had other arrangements and would need some time before they could meet.

"Alright, I understand."

Yale furrowed his brow slightly but didn't comment further. After settling onto the sofa, he activated his light brain.

As he calmly allowed the makeup artist to work on his face, he began reviewing the itinerary of the upcoming ball.

On a whim, he started searching for past ball events. Scrolling casually, the page happened to land on the ceremony when Xi Ze was promoted to Admiral.

Despite having seen numerous glowing tributes to the alpha drone in recent times, Yale still found them fascinating.

The title and content were all standard, but—

"What's with this photo? Did it get stained?"

Confused, he rubbed the drone's face vigorously, only to find the light red smudge stubbornly remaining, which irritated him.

"Why would they choose this photo for the news?"

"That's exactly how it happened."

Bai Lang, standing behind, suddenly spoke up, his gaze fixed on the photograph alongside the male insectoid.

"Kano, Duke Lance's only male offspring and also the Marshal's younger brother, poured wine all over the Marshal during the coronation ceremony."

"Although the Marshal changed his clothes later, Kano had coerced the invited media into publishing this candid shot."

Yale's pupils constricted, and his movements froze.

"At that time, the Marshal had just achieved a great feat but, due to his expedited elevation, his control over various factions was still tenuous. The nobles seized the opportunity to relentlessly bully and ostracize him, even humiliating him in public..."

As Bai Lang recounted the situation, he couldn't help clenching his jaw, the anger in his voice escalating.

Staring at the photo in the news, Yale's lips pressed into a thin line, his expression unusually cold.

Judging from the pattern of the wet fabric, the female insectoid had been drenched from head to toe with alcohol, explaining the extensive coverage.

The red wine stained the white hair, spreading a large area of filth down the neck and even soiling the medal worn on the chest, leaving the military female looking rather disheveled.

Yet he remained upright with an air of detached severity, as if he didn't take such insults to heart. Even when he raised his gaze to meet the camera, it only made the viewer instinctively shrink back in awe, without any trace of mockery or disdain.

"The marshal later investigated a secret network in Cano. That settled the matter. There's no need for you to be too upset," Bai Lang said, remembering that today was Yale's turn in the spotlight, and not wanting to ruin the mood for the male lead at this moment.

Yale closed his optical brain and nodded indifferently, closing his eyes and leaning back on the sofa, signaling the makeup artist to continue.

The room fell silent once more.

It wasn't until the melodious entrance chime of the ball sounded that Yale suddenly spoke up.

"Can an S-Class do anything they want?"

Bai Lang hesitated, sensing a foreboding feeling. He ventured cautiously, "They can almost do as they please within the empire... What does Your Highness wish to do?"

But Yale didn't answer his question.

...

Not until Adelaide returned from outside and led Yale to a side entrance designated for entrances did he finally meet the hurriedly arriving female insect.

"I apologize, Lord Male. I'm a bit late."

Xi Ze wore an apologetic expression, but with an outsider present, he didn't feel it appropriate to display too much intimacy. Instead, he approached quietly and whispered a few words of advice.

"The Rayan family may not be among the elite, but they hold a unique position due to their scholarly achievements. If you have any questions, feel free to ask Adelaide; he will assist you in handling matters."

He reached out to adjust Yale's collar, still concerned about the male insect's tendency to get drunk easily.

"By the way, remember not to drink later. You don't need to worry about being rude. If any insect tries to force you to drink, just walk away. I'll join you shortly..."

Despite not being the type to nag, the insect couldn't help but repeat these words, fearing that Yale might be wronged when out of sight.

Yale's Adam's apple bobbed subtly.

That photograph resurfaced in his mind, and a hint of hostility crept into the corners of his eyes. The more he softened due to this concern, the more he couldn't resist flexing his knuckles, silently accumulating his anger.

Adelaide glanced at their wristwatch and whispered a reminder, "Your Majesty, the time is almost up."

"Sigh, what's the point of me saying all this... Please, go on in."

Xi Ze let out a slight, helpless sigh. He realized he was indeed too nervous and finally released his hold, stepping back into the shadows.

"Your Highness?"

Yale stood amidst opulence that bordered on excess, turning his head to look at the female insectoid who lingered behind him.

Light and darkness seemed like a distinct dividing line.

The crystal chandeliers within the palace refracted golden light, outlining a clean silhouette behind him.

Standing by the entrance, he blocked the torrent of golden radiance, causing the female insectoid's figure to blur.

He wasn't sure what expression he wore, but he could clearly see the reluctance on Xi Ze's face, yet it was tinged with gentle urging and encouragement, akin to a mother watching her young cub head off to school alone.

But perhaps this was right... It didn't matter if they were in the light or the dark, on the righteous or evil side, in front of the curtains or behind them. Whether they would be changed, corrupted, or lost in the process was insignificant. As long as they stood together, that was enough.

Yale suddenly smiled.

A mother would never wish to see her cub become a tyrant outside, but what could be done?

One must be prepared to face severe retribution if they dare to harm or insult that cherished presence deep in one's heart.

He turned around and stepped into the bewildering glow, one step at a time.

Author's Note:

Yeye's ultimate move is loading...

It's a metaphor that conveys a blend of affection and familial love, a bond that is indivisible between them. It's a story of a stoic male parent figure and a wayward, mischievous child, a dynamic that's both twisted and oddly endearing (thumbs up).