Chapter 67

Chapter 67

Knock, knock...

Before they could bask in their intimacy for long, the door to the lounge was gently tapped on. Adelaide's voice sounded from outside.

"Your Highness, the ball has entered its second half. Would you be available to join now?"

"Just a moment."

Yale responded, then patted the male insect in his arms, indicating for him to get up. "We have to go. Let me put on some clothes."

Unexpectedly, they encountered a problem right at the beginning. Yale had taken off the garment as easily as removing a sweater, but he found it rather complicated when it came to putting it back on.

"I'll do it."

Xi Ze took over, untangled the intricate knots, straightened out the garment, and draped it over Yale's shoulders.

"Are you tired? If you don't want to attend, we can just head home and rest."

The soft touch of the drone's fingertips brushed over Yale's sensitive Adam's apple, occasionally grazing his neck and chest, causing a slight tickling sensation.

Yale pressed his lips together as he was touched, "It's alright, I'm just not used to staying up late."

"In the nobles who came to greet us earlier, most were from the First Prince's faction, while a smaller portion were neutral. So far, no A-class male drones have shown up; they're likely observing the situation."

He briefly informed Xi Ze about the situation, then, recalling something, his brows knitted slightly.

"I could sense that one male drone has been secretly watching me. His gaze is different from the others. I think his name was..."

"Vito?"

Xi Ze paused in his action, but his expression showed no surprise.

"There are some nobles who have risen to prominence in recent years. Although they're not taken seriously by the old establishment, they've actually become a significant force. They're one of the potential avenues for reform."

"Should I do anything? Like try to gain their support?"

Yale scratched his cheek, asking for advice with a hint of embarrassment.

Straightening the crooked lapel pin, Xi Ze gently kissed the tip of his nose.

"No need, it's them who have to put in effort to please the Sovereign."

"Come on, let me introduce you to the Crown Prince and some other close nobles."

...

Compared to the previous emperor, the current one reigned for a longer time but achieved mediocre accomplishments. He had few offspring throughout his life, successfully nurturing only two princes: Augustus and Felix.

The Second Prince inherited the emperor's youthful appearance perfectly, with a spoiled and arrogant demeanor, while his hair was a mess. In contrast, the First Prince, who was not favored from an early age and was raised by a wet nurse, possessed more of the air of a monarch.

Yale could only comment that good bamboo sometimes yields excellent shoots.

Directly across from him, that "excellent shoot" was looking at them with a smile on his face, though there was an inexplicable hint of mockery in his demeanor.

"Majesty Yale, I've heard much about you."

After brief pleasantries, they exchanged fleeting glances, then sat down in unspoken agreement.

Augsger's attendants stood at a respectful distance around him, forming a protective cordon.

Yale had expected some formality, considering the public's perception of the Crown Prince as stern, with his temperament becoming even more unpredictable after the loss of his only omega. Yet, to Yale's surprise, the atmosphere was not as tense as he had imagined.

However, the male insect before him gave him a similar feeling to Xi Ze at first, only with an added air of a worldly and experienced elder, gentle and composed.

"Your Highness might not be aware, but I met Xilzer when we were both very young. Back then, he wasn't as towering or as formidable as he is now; he was just like a little sprout..."

The conversation during this session was quite casual, with topics flowing freely from one to another. Yale sipped the strawberry milk offered by the male, listening with great interest to the male's so-called "dark history."

"However, our formal encounter took place during our youth, when several military academies jointly organized an armored mecha competition. He burst onto the scene, debunking the elitist contestants to claim the championship with a score that vastly surpassed all others."

Back then, he was a young man eager to showcase his talents and harboring ambitions to reshape the empire. After the competition, he helped Xi Ze deal with some troubles that had come knocking, pulling the insect into his own camp.

Back then, when Xi Ze was on the desolate planet, he went by the name "Xi Ze." It was under this alias that he spent those years before claiming the championship. However, upon entering the military and being bestowed with a formal rank, he had to revert to using his original, registered name.

Upon hearing this, Yale's eyes widened slightly as he turned to look at the male insect. "So it wasn't just something you made up on the spot. Does this name hold any significance?"

Xi Ze, on the contrary, was taken aback. "Didn't you look at that data?"

Due to the secret of his identity, he had compiled his life story from childhood to adulthood into data and transmitted it to the male's optical brain.

Later, Yale would occasionally show signs of confusion, but he assumed that the male simply hadn't read it in detail. Now, it seemed likely that the male hadn't read it at all.

Yale felt a little frustrated, a hint of helplessness flickering in his eyes. He whispered softly to the female.

"I didn't read those records. Knowing your true identity is enough. The rest is your privacy, right?"

"It doesn't matter. You can look through them if you want, Male Dominant."

As expected, Yale received this answer without changing his expression. "Forget it. What's the fun in reading it myself? It's much more interesting to hear you tell me or listen to other insects who know about it."

Xi Ze sighed and explained, "I mentioned before, after severing ties with my family, I lived on a desolate frontier planet for a long time for self-protection. That was the name I used during that period."

"There's no special meaning behind it, but from now on, it will be your exclusive nickname, Male Dominant."

Augustus watched them whispering quietly, his eyes filled with a gentle smile from beginning to end. It was as if he was watching them, or perhaps reminiscing about something through the scene before him.

But they didn't have much time to chat. The night was already very deep, and soon, a different tune began to play in the hall, signaling the start of a special performance at the ball.

Yale was oblivious to all of this.

Many drones, who didn't have a dominant male and had no intention of playing an open game, had already withdrawn on their own initiative. Augus also rubbed his forehead, revealing a hint of fatigue.

"I'm feeling a bit weary. I'll go rest first. Enjoy yourselves."

After bidding farewell, Yale checked the time and realized that it was already very late at night. Just as he was about to pull Xi Ze back to catch some sleep, they were stopped by an unfamiliar voice.

"Your Highness?"

Looking back, he realized it was an unfamiliar male insectoid, someone who had been in the Kanuo circle before. Though he wasn't sure if this one was among his supporters.

"Your Highness, would you like to join in the fun?"

Fun? What kind of fun?

Yale's brow furrowed slightly as he looked at the awkward male insectoid with a hint of curiosity. He glanced past him, taking in the scene in the hall.

There were far fewer insects inside the hall now. Unbeknownst to him, the lights had been dimmed to a warm, intimate glow, casting the entire ballroom in a decadent atmosphere. Amidst the music, there were distinct sounds of water echoing clearly.

Noble Drone males scattered to find their favored spots, while the female attendants and slaves they brought knelt on the ground, heads lowered as they served them diligently. Among them were noble females in elegant evening gowns.

Yale instantly understood the implications and involuntarily furrowed his brow.

"Cough, it's about... various forms of play with the female attendants and slaves. Previously, Prince Kanuo took the lead in these activities, with all sorts of games involved. Would you like to give it a try?"

The drone hinted vaguely, mentioning that he had recently acquired some exciting new female slaves that could be exchanged for playtime.

Yale had already witnessed the sharpness and ruthlessness of this drone earlier, but now he detected an incongruous purity in those dark eyes, something clean and untainted that didn't align with the impending activity.

"Just now was the formal greeting ceremony for Your Highness, a unique ritual among drone circles. Every drone who advances to level A or enters the elite circle goes through this. Are you really not going to participate?"

Yale turned to Xi Ze. The male's expression was calm, giving nothing away, but it was clear he was familiar with this unspoken rule, even tacitly approving such actions towards himself.

"Your Highness, don't be shy! This is a very normal occurrence. In the future, when you enter the upper echelons of society, such socializing will be inevitable."

In this society, such occurrences were commonplace. Whether it was more "open," taking place right there in the main hall seats, or engaging in exchanges of female attendants and slaves among several drones, or relatively "modest," happening privately in rooms on the second floor of the ballroom, the essence was essentially the same.

They treated female worms as if they were their own possessions, mere playthings rather than partners to be respected and cherished.

His anger flared not just because of this distorted custom, but also due to the females' silent tolerance and acceptance.

"I'm not going. Do as you please, but don't invite me to such events again in the future," Yale stated coldly, ignoring the astonishment on the male worm's face. He firmly grasped Xi Ze's wrist and pulled him rather forcefully towards the exit of the hall.

"Let's go."

So what if it was an accepted societal norm, or if there were underlying implications within the male worm community?

He didn't belong here to begin with, nor was he a worm by nature. Why should he adhere to these repulsive rules?

He couldn't change the entire worm society, nor did he wish to expend energy trying to alter anything. All he could do was refuse to participate and protect Xi Ze from enduring such indignities.

The male worm was momentarily stunned, but before he could attempt to persuade them to stay, Yale had already led the female out of the hall.

"What happened? Did His Majesty decline the invitation?"

A familiar voice sounded by his ear, further darkening the already irritable male's expression. He turned his head and, as expected, saw Vito. He replied in a sour tone.

"Yes, I have no idea what's going on, it's driving me crazy."

"Even Admiral Monte can be beneath him, I don't believe he doesn't understand these things. Perhaps he just looks down on us, being naive. He'll know better when he's eventually ostracized and starts to cry..."

The male grumbled and returned to vent his frustrations on his female slave, leaving Vito standing alone, staring in the direction Yale had left, deep in thought.

*

The night was deep, with the moon and stars hidden behind clouds, their true forms indistinct.

A gentle breeze from outside cooled Yale, fully rousing him from his stupor and calming his anger somewhat.

He pressed his lips together and turned to ask Xi Ze beside him, "Should we go home now? Or somewhere else?"

Xi Ze glanced at the surrounding scene and suddenly suggested, "Since we're here, let me take you to see the royal gardens."

The ball was held in the largest palace, but beyond the gilded grandeur of the ballroom, there were many other structures and landscapes. The most beautiful and airy spot had to be the rear garden.

Turning from the main entrance onto a pebbled side path felt like stepping instantaneously from luxury into a tranquil forest. The lush foliage blocked the lights behind them, casting everything in a hazy gloom.

Swooshing...

The insect before him cleared the way by pushing aside the overgrown branches, creating a path for Yale to follow.

"This shortcut is a bit rougher, but it will be faster. Stay close, my lord."

After walking about a hundred meters, Yale caught a delicate scent of roses in the cool night air, instantly refreshing his weary spirit.

"It feels like we're eloping."

His anger had subsided, and he held the insect's hand tightly. He gazed at the tranquil scene in the garden around them.

Under the moonlight, the trees and flowers cast a pale glow, as if they had entered a dreamlike realm unknown to any other insects.

They were two wayfarers who had fled here, leaving everything behind.

Xi Ze brushed aside a branch hanging near the male's shoulder. Hearing Yale's words, he turned his head, his expression indistinct in the dimness, but his ears clearly flushed red.

He let out a low hum, intertwining their fingers instead of just holding Yale's wrist. Together, they ventured deeper into the backyard garden.

The scene before them opened up dramatically.

Yale's pupils constricted abruptly, his gaze momentarily lost.

"I occasionally came here back then, not for the view, but to meet with His Highness to discuss matters. That was about five or six years ago."

Xi Ze's voice carried a hint of nostalgia, followed by a soft sigh after a moment of silence. "Not much has changed here, though."

Amidst the lush plants and blossoming flowers stood a rattan armchair, suspended and swayable by its woven vines, spacious enough for two insects to sit side by side.

"Creak—"

The old chair creaked softly. Yale instinctively held onto the vines, fearing it might collapse suddenly.

The male insect reached out to support Yale's waist, patting him gently before whispering, "It's not just the vines. There are intertwined metal wires inside, very sturdy. You won't fall."

This spot had clearly been deliberately designed. Located on a gentle slope that wasn't too high, it offered an unobstructed panoramic view of the landscape below.

After sitting quietly for a while, the heat they brought from the hall gradually dissipated, and the breeze lifted the strands of hair from Yale's forehead.

At the distant horizon, where the floral ocean met the sky, a luminous moon gradually emerged from behind the clouds.

" Earlier when I said I wouldn't participate in those events anymore, I meant it. My decision won't change with the passage of time," Yale declared abruptly, then he looked earnestly at the male insect.

"So if any other insect tells you something like I'm being unfaithful, know that it's all slander and don't believe it, alright?"

Uncertain whether he would be teased in public or traded away due to conventional norms, the male insect found it better to clarify things from the start.

"I understand. If you were to offer me to another male drone, I would decline as well. My obedience isn't without conditions."

Xi Ze's expression was tender, his gaze deeply fixed on Yale.

Should any other male drone overhear this, they would undoubtedly fly into a rage, perhaps even deeming the female drone's submission inadequate and in need of severe discipline.

Yet, after a momentary pause, Yale responded with a simple yet firm "yes," followed by an irrepressible curve of his lips, clearly in high spirits.

For what he had always cherished wasn't the submissive nature coerced upon a female drone by societal norms, nor did he wish to witness a sacrifice made from being trapped within one's own cage.

Any coerced deviation from one's nature only wears away healthy and passionate emotions, rather than fostering new vitality.

"You should have the awareness to refuse when faced with unreasonable demands. If I ever turn bad in the future, remember not to let yourself be bullied."

Though he couldn't imagine what it would be like for him to be corrupted or assimilated, he knew it wouldn't be something desirable, and he was not afraid to take drastic measures if needed.

Xi Ze was taken aback for a moment before he softly replied, "…You won't."

"I know you won't."

The female insect instinctively repeated himself but, upon some realization, his expression subtly shifted. However, he quickly suppressed the faint worry that had arisen.

The atmosphere grew somewhat heavy. Yale cleared his throat and casually changed the subject, "By the way, what exactly is the function of an S-Class male insect?"

Contemplating the potential issues that might arise from his revelation, he suddenly frowned genuinely.

"Surely they won't make me enter into an arranged marriage and bond with some genetically superior female insect to contribute to the empire's reproductive efforts, right?"

It wasn't entirely out of the question.

Yale pondered seriously for a moment before turning to the female insect at his side, his tone heavy with concern. "I suppose I won't be forced into prostitution, right?"

Xi Ze, having just regained his composure, replied with a touch of helplessness.

"No, you won't. However, there might be periodic sampling for your genes to be studied in the Empire's research institute. There have been significant advancements in recent years, and your arrival might break through the final barrier."

Recalling how he had been explaining the power distribution, noble factions, and their industries to Yale, Xi Ze inwardly acknowledged his oversight for not mentioning what Yale truly needed to know and implement.

"The primary responsibilities of a high-ranking male include providing concentrated pheromones, which can be diluted and replicated for mass production of pheromone potions, primarily for hospitals or battlefields with acute shortages."

"Additionally, they provide mental guidance to noble females on the brink of frenzy, but not in the way you did for me."

Seeing Yale's still puzzled expression, he continued to clarify, "Typically, males of B-class or above can perform non-contact guidance, even attending to multiple individuals simultaneously. The entire process is very swift."

Yale's mental strength seemed to possess both healing and controlling abilities, formidable to an alarming degree. If fully utilized, it could potentially rival an elite mech unit.

Yet, this powerful male was calmly seated on a wicker chair, attentively listening to Xi Ze explain the rules and restrictions, his demeanor gentle and focused.

"Don't worry, take your time to understand everything."

Xi Ze's expression softened, and his voice gradually lowered.

How rare, almost a once-in-a-millennium occurrence, an S-class male insectoid, powerful yet gentle, had unintentionally appeared in that battle and subsequently became a part of the insectoid race.

Then, a year ago, he arrived on Etar, seemingly descending like a divine being to lend a helping hand to Yale and this decaying empire.

Xi Ze never believed in elusive fate, but at this moment, he couldn't help but wonder if Yale was chosen by that compassionate entity to save this crumbling empire and himself.

If fate truly existed, he hoped it wouldn't be too harsh. Yale had already endured so much hardship before finally stepping out of the darkness into this boundless moonlight.

Those profound sufferings were enough to pave the way for a bright and smooth future.

Yale was in the middle of memorizing these thoughts when the voice in his ear suddenly stopped.

He lifted his eyes in slight confusion, "Why have you stopped talking..."

A warm touch landed gently on his cheek, causing his eyes to widen slightly.

That brilliant golden hue shimmered in the hazy night, reflected in Yale's eyes, igniting a fiery glow amidst the deep black, like a night illuminated by stars.

His cheeks warmed with retrospective embarrassment, and his words stumbled out haltingly.

"Why all of a sudden... What's the matter with you?"

Caught in the act of stealing a kiss, Xi Ze showed no intention of hiding it. His lips lingered on that cheek for a moment before he huskily inquired.

"Nothing much, I just wanted to ask if I could kiss you?"

Yale wiped the saliva from his face, ignoring the thumping in his chest, and murmured a retrospective complaint with pursed lips.

"You're blushing."

The hermaphrodite's voice whispered in his ear, tinged with a mischievous smile and warm breath.

Yale covered his face with the back of his hand, finally managing to mumble after a long while, "You must be mistaken."

The amusement in Xi Ze's eyes deepened.

In the past, the male often enjoyed teasing him. He would be delighted whenever he saw Yale's bashful and vulnerable reactions, though it never caused any real harm, it had still troubled Yale for a period of time.

Later, he relaxed significantly and occasionally teased Yale, discovering... that it was indeed very entertaining.

Xi Ze cleared his throat, skillfully suppressing his slightly accelerated heartbeat, and spoke again with a restored composure—except for the still slightly flushed tips of his ears.

Xi Ze let out a soft sigh, recalling Yale's initial remark about eloping, and felt that this palace was indeed too stifling.

Even if one could move freely on the primary planet, there were still many constraints for a male drone... It was just an inevitable reality.

"When all these matters are settled, I'll take all my accumulated annual leave and bring you to other planets for some relaxation. I recall that there are many planets that are quite interesting..."

His voice was soothing, and instead of formally pulling out his light brain to search, he chatted casually, mentioning the memorable fun spots from his memory, occasionally asking what kind of things the male drone enjoyed.

Yale's flush gradually faded from his face as he leaned back comfortably against the rattan chair, swaying his calves leisurely.

"Mm... Do you like flowers? I'm not too fond of them; I can never keep them alive."

"A planet famous for its bread baking? That sounds fun, but I prefer cakes a bit more. Bread is fine too, as long as it's in a normal shape."

"Not eating giant cockroaches or spiders is my bottom line. As for some other creatures similar to beetles, I can tolerate them with some effort."

Yale pondered for a moment. "We can't venture out just yet, but we can explore the vicinity. What's the main planet famous for?"

Xi Ze stumbled for a moment, hesitating for a while.

"When it comes to the main planet... I recall a report that mentioned the amount of metal waste produced annually on the main planet is hundreds of times more than that of other planets."

The food wasn't famous, nor was the scenery. Apart from being the most technologically advanced and having the best location, there seemed to be nothing remarkable about it. Oh, it was even criticized for producing too much trash.

Both Yale and Xi Ze fell silent.

The conversation came to an abrupt end, and the tranquil night returned. Despite the slightly cooler breeze, they only felt a pleasant warmth around them.

Yale took a deep breath, dispelling the last remnants of sleepiness. Unconsciously, he lowered his gaze to his fingertips resting on the bench, not far from the female's.

Yale reflexively moved his fingers but still didn't make contact.

Yet, in the next second, the back of his hand was covered by a warmth. The male's hand was long and broad, with a thin layer of calluses that often gave off a comforting and dependable sensation.

"See, we're holding hands."

Xi Ze's eyes curved slightly as he looked at Yale and chuckled gently.

"…Mm, we're holding hands."

Yale's eyelashes quivered as he softly repeated the words.

He gazed at the male's face under the moonlight. In that fleeting moment, he felt an indescribable flutter in his heart.

How magical.

A year ago, he would never have imagined that he would be sitting in a tranquil garden late at night, gazing deeply into the eyes of a male insectoid, much like Romeo and Juliet.

But the creamy moonlight enveloped them, dissolving all the noise from the outside world.

In this uncommon stillness, amid the interwoven shallow breaths, it was as if they could touch each other's souls -

Both possessing the same purity and luster, like two sides of a mirror reflecting one another.

...No, they were still distinct, and their differences would persist eternally.

Yale thought silently, confronting this reality for the first time.

It was a difference born from spanning an entire universe and eons of time, forged through countless layers of history and ingrained into their very flesh, hidden within each breath they took.

And he, at last, yielded to himself, acknowledging that he could never fully abandon his humanity until his dying day.

But if there was no turning back, then continuing on in this manner wouldn't be so bad, he reasoned.

If there was no... going back?

This thought fluttered across his mind like the gentle wings of a butterfly, evoking a fleeting, peculiar tingling sensation that left Yale momentarily stunned.

That strange feeling soon dissipated, melting away in the moonlight and the gaze of the female creature.

Thus, Yale dismissed those thoughts and curved his lips into a smile, asking for the first time with unprecedented formality.

"May I kiss you?"

Immediately, he was met with a gentle and indulgent chuckle.

"Of course."

"If you'd like."