Chapter 100: Testing the Waters

Chapter 100: Testing the Waters

The next day at work, Amber arrived unusually early. He was certain that he had injured the assassin's arm the previous day. By checking if there was a wound on Fang Yun's arm, the truth about his identity would be revealed.

The clerical work in the office was tedious and boring. Amber sat at his desk by the window, seemingly focused on the screen of his optical computer, but in reality, he was keeping an eye on the comings and goings of the bugs in the office.

Unlike Fang Yun, who was quick to stand up for justice and loved to chat with others, Amber could be described as somewhat aloof. Yet, for some inexplicable reason, ever since their fight in the cafeteria yesterday, his "popularity" seemed to be soaring at an almost imperceptible yet rapid pace.

"Oh, Sir Amber, you're here so early!"

"Sir Amber, are you hungry? I baked some cookies; you can have them to tide you over."

"Good morning, Sir Amber. If you need any help with your work, just let me know. I'd be happy to assist you."

Ten minutes after clocking in, Amber's desk was already piled high with snacks generously given by his colleagues. However, Fang Yun, who usually arrived right on time, hadn't shown up yet. His empty workstation stood out conspicuously.

Even Vog noticed something was amiss, muttering, "Strange, why isn't Fang Yun here? He's rarely late... Could it be that he lost to you yesterday and is too embarrassed to show his face?"

Amber raised an eyebrow. "I doubt it. Maybe I went a bit too hard on him yesterday and accidentally hurt him."

As they were talking, a familiar figure suddenly appeared at the office entrance—it was Fang Yun. He didn't offer any explanation for his tardiness, sitting down at his desk and starting to work. When asked by a bug nearby, he simply replied in a cheerful tone, "Nothing much. The Black Hawk Corps is currently holding public recruitment for new members. I went for an interview this morning and got accepted."

This news caused quite a stir in the office. The Black Hawk Corps was always the military's core force, meticulously nurtured. The lowest rank an oviparous bug from the corps could achieve was major, and at least five admirals in the empire had come from the Black Hawk Corps. It was unexpected that a male bug like Fang Yun could also be selected.

"Sir Fang Yun, you're truly amazing. I heard that the selection process for the Black Hawk Corps is incredibly strict. Only one bug out of a hundred gets in, and in all these years, only three male bugs have been admitted!"

Fang Yun seemed a little embarrassed by the praise. "Actually, I was just lucky. The Third Prince happened to be inspecting today. He said my skills were good, so he chose me."

The subtle implications in this statement were even more surprising than the previous news. Amber paused in his typing, looking over with interest.

A colleague teased, "The Third Prince is an unmarried oviparous bug. Sir Fang Yun, you're so handsome. Could it be that he has taken a fancy to you?"

Fang Yun blushed deeply. "It should... shouldn't be. The Third Prince just said it offhandedly."

Few could maintain their true selves under the extreme system of the insectoid race. Most bugs who came to this species would be like birds drowning in the deep sea, gradually submerged in the glittering lights and red wine that did not belong to them.

Fang Yun might have come from a world of equality, but the walls he had built in his heart were being eroded by the adoration and love of the oviparous bugs, developing cracks. And once the cracks appeared, how far away could the collapse be?

Vog deliberately raised his voice. "Is that so? Then I must congratulate Sir Fang Yun. But I heard that he and Siflai have already started discussing marriage and he has vowed to marry only her. No matter how much the Third Prince likes him, Sir Fang Yun wouldn't agree, right?"

Fang Yun's vow to marry only Siflai had spread throughout the military long ago, envied by many bugs. Those military females secretly regarded Fang Yun as their dream bug, and he had no shortage of admirers.

Vog intentionally burst the bubble, putting Fang Yun on a pedestal and roasting him over the fire. Upon hearing this, the flush on Fang Yun's face from being teased instantly faded. He gave Vog a cold look, his emotions unreadable, and managed to force a smile:

"Of course."

Vog clapped his hands gleefully. "Sir Fang Yun, you are the most devoted male bug in all of Heiz City. It's just a pity that the Third Prince's affection will never be reciprocated."

Several male bugs who were close to Vog also chimed in sarcastically, "Sir Fang Yun, I really feel sorry for you. After all, Siflai is still just a petty officer first class. There's no inheritance for him in his family, and if he wants to advance further, it'll take at least a few more years. The Third Prince is different. He might inherit the throne someday. If you married him, you could soar to the top in one step, turning from a sparrow into a phoenix."

Vog nudged his companion with his elbow, disapproving. "Ah, every bug has their own aspirations. He doesn't want to become a phoenix; he just wants to be a sparrow for life. We should respect that."

Laughter erupted in the office, especially from Vog and his friends, whose laughter was the loudest. Fang Yun clenched his fists in silence, wishing he could punch each of them, but unfortunately, he had already received a warning for what happened in the cafeteria yesterday, and he couldn't afford to cause trouble again.

A sparrow? So what if he was a sparrow?

At least sparrows eat bugs.

What was so great about Vog and those bugs? They were just from noble families. Wait until they fell from their pedestals and see how arrogant they could be then!

Seeing that Fang Yun wasn't responding, Vog pressed on as if he had hit a sore spot. "Sir Fang Yun, actually, the Black Hawk Corps may not be suitable for you. After all, the combat equipment inside is very expensive. If you accidentally damage any parts, you won't be able to afford the compensation with ten years' worth of imperial welfare subsidies..."

"The equipment wear and tear is naturally covered by the empire and would not be borne by the soldiers. Sir Vog, you're worrying too much."

Just as Vog was getting carried away, a voice interrupted him, coming from an unknown direction. Everyone looked towards the source and saw that there was an additional figure at the door. Leading the group was none other than the Third Prince Numaner, who had come to inspect the military department. Following behind him were several military officials, causing everyone to hastily stand up from their seats.

Vog had spoken without thinking and found himself in a tight spot, but he was unwilling to admit his mistake. He could only shrug awkwardly. "Well, that's certainly a nice perk."

In his mind, however, he wondered how much the Third Prince had heard outside. If he had only heard the last sentence, it would be fine, but if he had heard the earlier part...

Amber calmly reassured him. "Don't worry, he just arrived."

Vog asked in surprise. "How do you know?"

Amber pointed to his ear. "I heard it."

Vog lamented. "Why didn't you tell me earlier?"

Amber glanced at him with a raised eyebrow. "You talked too much; I couldn't get a word in."

Vog was speechless.

Although no one knew why the Third Prince had suddenly come over, he undoubtedly held high hopes for Fang Yun. Walking up to his workstation, he showered him with praise. "Sir Fang Yun, in the history of the empire, only three male bugs have been selected to join the Black Hawk Corps. These gentlemen later achieved remarkable accomplishments. I sincerely hope you can surpass their achievements. Considering the rigorous training, I will apply for an additional subsidy for you. You can focus on your training with peace of mind."

It couldn't be denied that the Third Prince knew how to win over bugs' hearts. With these words, even Fang Yun, who had a straightforward personality, felt deeply grateful, stammering, "Thank you very much for your recognition. I will definitely train hard."

The other bugs in the office, seeing this, suddenly became alert. Judging by the current situation, could it be that the Third Prince really had feelings for Fang Yun?

Although the Third Prince had come today to inspect the military department, there was no need for him to specifically detour to the clerical area. After praising Fang Yun, he seemed to remember something, his gaze falling on the workstation by the window. He smiled warmly. "Sir Amber, it's been a while."

Amber's attitude towards everyone was roughly the same. Hearing this, he nodded slightly, maintaining a polite distance. "Your Highness, it's been a while."

The Third Prince spoke with a hidden meaning. "The Black Hawk Corps is currently recruiting new members. Your skills are so good that even oviparous bugs can't compare. It would be a shame if you didn't give it a try. The position of deputy chief of staff is still vacant. Are you interested?"

He unexpectedly extended such an olive branch, shocking everyone. Goodness, not only was the interview waived, but he would directly become the deputy chief of staff. Wasn't this backdoor too wide open?! Could it be that the Third Prince was interested not in Sir Fang Yun, but in Sir Amber?!

This thought initially sounded absurd, but upon closer consideration, it made perfect sense. In terms of appearance, Sir Amber was more handsome, and in terms of skills, he was also more skilled. According to what Director Pedi said, he was also a rare S-class male bug. Compared to this, Sir Fang Yun was completely outmatched.

Unfortunately, Amber declined. "I've only recently joined the military department and am not qualified for this position. I'm afraid I must decline your kind offer."

Prince Third seemed taken aback that Amber would refuse; the amiable smile on his face froze for a moment. He quickly regained his composure and, looking at the male insect's stunning yet indifferent features, lamented, "Is that so? What a pity. The treatment of male insects within the military is always very generous, and we can even issue permanent residency permits."

Amber came from a third-class star. If he were to dissolve his engagement with Ludwig, he could only stay in the capital for a year at most. Without the financial backing of the Lanyi family, his living conditions would likely not be much better than Fang Yun's.

Still unmoved, Amber merely smiled. "Is that so? That is indeed regrettable."

The office staff didn't have to wear uniforms; they were required to dress formally and wear their ID badges every day. Amber was always impeccably dressed in a suit, the brand unidentifiable but clearly expensive. Prince Third's gaze swept over him casually, noticing the diamond watch on his wrist. The brand logo looked particularly familiar, priced at around two million star coins in luxury malls—a clear indication that it exceeded what one would expect given his position.

He doesn't seem to be short on money...

A question arose in Prince Third's mind, but he didn't show it on his face. Instead, he smiled slightly. "In that case, I won't force the issue. If you change your mind, feel free to come find me anytime."

As he was about to leave the office, hurried footsteps echoed down the corridor. A group of female soldiers rushed over, their expressions anxious. "Your Highness, something terrible has happened! Colonel Braun and General Gede of the Third Army are fighting!"

Prince Third's expression changed. "How did this happen out of the blue?"

The messenger stammered, "It seems there was dissatisfaction with the distribution of military merits. Last time, when we eradicated the alien beasts, General Gede received first-class merit, and you personally awarded him a medal. But that mission was seemingly accomplished together, and Colonel Braun couldn't bear it, so they started fighting."

Prince Third's eyes darkened as he gestured for her to stop. "Lead me there."

He had only recently taken charge of the Third Army. How could such an incident occur now? If it reached the Emperor's attention, wouldn't it tarnish his reputation for being unable to maintain order?

Prince Third left the office with his subordinates, rushing towards the scene of the incident. Unexpectedly, he encountered a familiar figure in the corridor, stopping subconsciously. "General Ludwig?"

Ludwig stood with his hands in his pockets, leaning against the corridor's decorative wall, looking bored. It seemed he had been waiting for some time. Upon seeing Prince Third, he straightened up and performed an elegant shoulder-touching salute, impeccable in every gesture. "Your Highness, what a coincidence."

Prince Third's eyes flickered. "General Ludwig, what a coincidence. Were you waiting for someone here?"

Ludwig replied with a smile, "I was waiting for you."

Prince Third frowned. "What?"

Ludwig's gaze shifted behind him, hinting at something. "I needed to retrieve some documents, so I was waiting for you to exit the office."

Prince Third, thinking of something, glanced back at the office. Amber sat by the window, and he subtly furrowed his brow, though his smile never wavered. His words carried a probing undertone. "Is that so? Quite a coincidence. I saw Lord Amber inside just now. Given your awkward relationship, do you need to avoid each other?"

Ludwig didn't mind letting him discover the truth—or rather, he wished Prince Third would realize it. "No need. I'm looking for him."

Ludwig held a dark blue tie, slender yet impossible to ignore. He played with the tie, winding it around his prominent knuckles, his tone casual yet like an animal marking its territory. "Lord Amber accidentally left something with me yesterday. I just happened to return it to him."

The implications of this statement were rich, leaving Prince Third momentarily speechless. The only thing he could determine was that Ludwig and Amber seemed to have a complicated relationship. It felt like an eternity, yet only a few seconds passed before he managed to force a smile and utter:

"General, I have matters to attend to, so I'll take my leave."

His smile vanished instantly upon turning away, replaced by an ugly grimace.

Ludwig didn't care about Prince Third's mood. Seeing him depart, he smiled faintly and slowly rose to find Amber, tapping lightly on the corridor window.

"Tap tap tap—"

Amber spotted Ludwig from afar. He opened the window, feigning seriousness. "General, is there something you need?"

Seeing Amber's flirtatious smile irked Ludwig. He had never been one to compete for affection, but today, he found himself doing just that. However, the satisfaction of ruffling Prince Third's feathers earlier improved his mood. He handed over the tie, saying simply:

"Here."

When they had gone shopping, he had thought it suited Amber perfectly, and on a whim, he had secretly purchased it.

Amber raised an eyebrow. "Why are you giving me a tie for no reason?"

Ludwig discreetly scanned the surroundings, noticing that all the insects in the office were secretly watching them. There was an inexplicable sense of claiming ownership, and the corner of his lips curled. "It's a gift for you."

Leaving those ambiguous words behind, he closed the window and departed, leaving the office in a state of excitement and speculation.