Chapter 60: Seeing Through Without Exposing

Chapter 60: Seeing Through Without Exposing

Hilmeth, now in the restroom, felt his muscles tense up.

His usually calm blue eyes were now churning with dark undercurrents and waves.

His gaze fell upon his hand stained with pink juice, his breath already in disarray.

He raised his hand and tasted the strawberry juice.

Sweet.

Suddenly, the veins on the side of his neck became prominent, like tree roots growing, leaving twisted traces on his cold, pale skin.

Hilmeth clenched his fist tightly, his face stern, his breath heavy and labored.

However, a flicker of desire shimmered in his eyes, like red flowers blooming on an icy river, transforming the cold landscape into something captivating.

He awkwardly turned on the water and washed his hands, his expression blank. It wasn’t until the cold water diminished the prominent veins on the back of his hand that he leisurely dried them.

Checking the time, he realized 20 minutes had passed.

The Norman race is known for following their instincts. Hilmeth had never understood what "following instincts" truly meant, but now, he grasped it.

*

The awkwardness of the strawberry-feeding moment passed, and they settled into watching a movie in the living room, both lost in thought and not speaking much.

For dinner, they ate food prepared by the summit. A delivery robot brought two boxes with three dishes and a soup each, along with a set meal of strawberry jam and sliced bread.

In the Canglan Star Region, food is both expensive and rare. Even the highest rulers can’t afford to eat such meals regularly, let alone ordinary people.

However, Cang Cheng and Hilmeth took well to the food provided at the summit and didn’t feel any discomfort. In fact, Cang Cheng even criticized the food for not being fresh enough.

Cang Cheng: “This is frozen chicken, not tasty.”

Hilmeth: “Fresh chicken has more chew to it.”

Cang Cheng: “The vegetables in the soup are dehydrated.”

Hilmeth: “No wonder it tastes a bit mushy.”

Cang Cheng: “The strawberry jam isn’t sweet enough; it’s been watered down!”

Hilmeth: “Shall I process it for you?”

Cang Cheng paused for a moment in his chewing.

His grip on the fork tightened slightly. “Thank you,” he said.

“It is my honor to serve you, Your Highness.”

Hilmeth stood up, took the strawberry jam, and headed to the kitchen to process it.

Cang Cheng’s eyes followed Hilmeth the entire time.

Hilmeth skillfully adjusted the induction cooker’s heat, poured the jam into a container, added sugar and the remaining strawberries, and stirred everything together evenly.

“I didn’t expect you to be handy in the kitchen,” Cang Cheng said, propping his head up with one hand. Unseen by Hilmeth, his pure black eyes gleamed with a frosty edge, as if hiding something deeper.

"My family likes it."

Hilmeth turned down the heat and turned his back to Cang Cheng. His gaze was on the utensils, but his thoughts were clearly elsewhere.

"My family… what are they like?"

Cang Cheng tried to keep his tone calm, but his voice betrayed him, rising a bit higher than usual.

"Lively, whimsical, and very important to me."

"I haven’t heard any whispers about the general having someone like that around. You’ve kept him well hidden."

"I didn’t keep him hidden."

Hilmeth’s hand paused mid-action. He rested one hand on the counter, his back muscles becoming more pronounced.

"I didn’t keep him hidden."

Cang Cheng made a simple sound of inquiry, "Oh?"

"When I first met him, I wasn’t being my true self."

Hilmeth lowered his head, his voice sounding a bit muffled. "I want to meet him again, as my true self."

"I see..."

Though the tone was light, as if he didn’t care much, Cang Cheng’s fork had already reduced the bread to crumbs.

"He’ll accept me again, right?"

Hilmeth sounded as if he was asking himself, but also as if he was asking Cang Cheng.

"Who knows?"

Cang Cheng’s expression was cold. "After all, you didn’t tell him anything. Lying is the hardest thing to forgive."

Hilmeth remained silent, but the hand on the counter made a cracking sound, crushing the synthetic metal table into pieces.

"Sorry, I didn’t control my strength."

He silently cleaned up the mess, then took the strawberry jam, putting it in the microwave with a cooling function for 10 seconds.

The strawberry jam was ready.

"This is my first time making strawberry jam, so I hope you like it."

Hilmeth placed the jam in front of Cang Cheng with an unchanged expression.

Cang Cheng looked at the beautifully colored jam, then at the silver-haired general with pure black eyes.

A faint smile played at the corners of his lips. "Having the famous general of the star domain make jam for me, if anyone found out, I’d probably get blown to bits!"

His eyes curved into a smile, but it didn’t reach them.

"No."

Hilmeth said simply, offering no further explanation.

"Too bad my bread’s a mess now. Guess I won’t get to try the general’s special jam."

Cang Cheng used his fork to poke at a white blob that no longer looked like bread.

Hilmeth tightened his hand by his side.

"But since you went through the trouble of making jam for me, why not..."

Cang Cheng scooped a large spoonful of the super-sweet strawberry jam and held it up to Hilmeth's mouth.

"General, why don't you try it yourself?"

Hilmeth's gaze was fixed on Cang Cheng, whose eyes and mouth were curved upwards like a sly little fox.

He opened his mouth and ate the super-sweet jam.

His mouth was instantly overwhelmed by the sweetness.

It was very sweet, and quite cloying.

But because it came from Cang Cheng, he took it all in stride.

The general finished the jam without flinching or raising an eyebrow.

Cang Cheng asked, "What do you think?"

Hilmeth glanced down, his eyes meeting Cang Cheng's amused gaze. "Very sweet."

Cang Cheng snorted, not bothering to hide his displeasure.

Cang Cheng didn’t touch the strawberry jam. Instead, he put it in the freezer.

Maybe he’d give it a try when he was in a better mood.

The ever-diligent general cleaned up the kitchen and left the dining room spotless.

Just as he was about to leave, Cang Cheng called him back.

"General."

Cang Cheng's voice carried an unconscious trace of amusement. "I've heard there's an S-class Weapon and Spirit Runes Development meeting in a few days?"

Hilmeth stood still at the door, the dim yellow light casting a softer shadow on his usually sharp features.

"There is."

"I want to go."

Cang Cheng lifted his chin, speaking in a definitive tone.

Cang Cheng's invitation only allowed him to attend D-class meetings; he couldn’t enter S-class meetings at all.

He hadn’t been interested in the meeting anyway, but... given someone's identity, it was quite amusing, and he felt like doing something about it.

Hilmeth frowned.

Cang Cheng's eyes turned cold. "No?"

"No." Hilmeth replied, "If you enter this meeting through my connection, others might find out."

"Oh? I don’t mind being linked to you. Are you saying you’re too good for a powerless fifth prince?"

"That's not what I meant."

Hilmeth lowered his eyes.

The light caught on his long, snow-white lashes. Shadows cast a layer of gray over his lower eyelids, making the otherwise unstoppable general appear somewhat vulnerable.

It was then that Cang Cheng noticed Hilmeth's lashes were just as white as snow.

"So, General, do you agree or not?"

Hilmeth raised his eyes. "Prince Cang Cheng, it's not safe to be tied to me. Are you sure?"

As the pinnacle of military prowess in the Canglan Star Region and the unchallenged leader of the military department, many people admired Hilmeth, but there were also many who wanted him dead.

This was why Hilmeth had always been a loner, and the only people he was close to were his teammates.

"I’m dead serious. Are you in, General?"

Cang Cheng’s presence was intense.

Their eyes locked in a heavy silence.

As always, Hilmeth was the first to break the tension.

"I understand. I'll come to pick you up in a few days."

Hilmeth compromised.

Before leaving, his gaze fell on the black fur ball brooch on Cang Cheng's chest.

"The brooch suits you."

Cang Cheng picked up a pillow and threw it over.

The soft pillow hit Hilmeth gently and then slid to the floor.

Hilmeth's expression softened. "See you the day after tomorrow."

*

A few days later, Cang Cheng, holding the observer pass given by Hilmeth, attended the top-secret S-level Weapon and Spirit Runes Development Conference.

The participants were already seated around the round table. The director of the Weapon Research Institute, the director of the Strategy Institute, the Minister of Finance, and the director of the research institute for Spirit Runes—all the power holders who had absolute say in the future development of the Canglan Star Region—were gathered at this conference.

Hilmeth sat at the side of the main seat.

Dressed in his military uniform, his expression was solemn and full of pressure, making him seem unapproachable. This was completely different from the relaxed demeanor Cang Cheng had seen in him a few days ago.

Observers sat in tiered seats five meters from the round table. Most were top figures in the military field, and a small number were successors from prominent families.

Cang Cheng didn’t recognize most of them, but he didn’t need to.

Cang Mu, the first prince, took his place at the head of the table, flanked by his aides. The third prince did not appear.

Cang Mu’s gaze swept across the observer seats and paused when it reached Cang Cheng's position.

He clearly hadn’t expected to see Cang Cheng there.

Cang Mu nodded slightly at Cang Cheng and soon began presiding over the meeting.

As the designated next successor of the Canglan Star Region, Cang Mu had already taken over a small portion of power, and today marked his first official presiding over an S-level meeting, signaling that he was ready to take the reins of power in the Canglan Star Region.

Cang Mu: "Next, we are going to discuss the development plan for weapons and Spirit Runes in the Canglan Star Region for the next four years. Please present your topics."

"The research institute has already developed a weapon amplifier that can unleash S-grade attack power in a short period of time, but the energy consumption is enormous, and more research funding is needed."

"The weapons are primarily supplied to the military. I wonder how much funding the military is willing to provide for this research?"

"The main material for the exoskeleton armor needs to be replaced with metal from the outer star regions. For the development of the Canglan Star Region, I believe the military is willing to take on this task."

"...The research on planetary-level, ultra-long-range energy cannons should be put on the agenda. With this kind of armament, the military strength of the Canglan Star Region will be greatly enhanced."

However, building such planetary-level weapons requires robust Awakened individuals. I wonder if the military can spare some personnel to support us?"

The older individuals took turns speaking, all targeting the military. They hoped the military would provide funding, materials, and manpower.

The military enjoyed high prestige among the Awakened, and Hilmeth had never been defeated, enjoying the highest popularity among the public.

These elders, sensing their positions were unstable, began to stir.

Cang Mu did not intervene to mediate but instead waited for Hilmeth's response.

Based on past meeting experiences, Hilmeth would reject half of the requests. But even agreeing to half would be enough to make the Awakened cheer for a while.

After all, they received substantial research funding each year, and anything extra from the military was just icing on the cake.

Hilmeth had turned a blind eye to these people's little tricks before. Having been saved by the emperor, to repay the emperor's life-saving grace, Hilmeth would not delve deeper as long as they didn’t cross his line.

This time was different.

Besides protecting the Canglan Star Region, Hilmeth had other goals.

"I wasn't aware that the research funding, materials, and personnel needed to be consulted with me.

Without the military, can't you walk independently? Or are your machines unable to function without us?

Are the people under your command just for show?"

Hilmeth’s voice was as cold as ice, devoid of any warmth or emotion.

"If you wish to proceed, you must submit a feasibility report, outline the phased submission schedule, and include penalties for delays. The contract will be signed under legal supervision.

Oh, and the research results need to be available for the military to use for free. If you all agree, then let's proceed."

One of the elders slammed his hand on the table and stood up, shouting, "Hilmeth, don't push us too far! Everything you in the military eat, use, and equip—isn't it all produced by our manufacturing bureau? Are you not afraid that I'll cut off your weapon supply?"

"Go ahead."

Hilmeth's gaze was icy. "I haven’t investigated the leak of our armament configuration—yet. Until this matter is resolved, the military cannot risk using the weapons produced by you all."

As soon as the matter of the configuration leak was mentioned, those who had been aggressive just moments ago shrank back.

During the Spirit Rune battle, the enemy studied our weapon configurations in detail, nearly leading to a devastating loss for the Canglan Star Region.

If they had truly lost, Hilmeth, as the team leader, would have been branded a traitor to the entire star region.

However, neither the leak of the weapon configuration nor the fact that Hilmeth was seriously injured was reported. The media in the Canglan Star Region always reported only the good news and ignored the bad.

But just because the public didn't know didn't mean the power holders were unaware. The truth was known only to those in power, who had their own reasons for keeping it hidden.

It's been half a year, and there has been no progress regarding the leak of the system configuration. Some people even suggest brushing the issue aside.

It's absurd.

Cang Mu intervened to mediate the situation. "I will arrange for this matter to be handled, and we will give the Admiral a response within a month. We were negligent in the first half of the year, so please don't blame the Admiral."

Hilmeth remained expressionless. "I appreciate your efforts, first prince."

Cang Mu continued, "As for the other proposals, please submit a feasibility report first. Without concrete evidence, no one can determine the required investment, making it impractical to discuss without a proper report."

Although the others were reluctant, the feasibility report followed the formal review process, so they had no reason to refuse.

"We understand."

"Is there any other agenda?"

A mild-mannered middle-aged man sitting at the end of the round table raised his hand. "Um... what do you think about applying Nature Spirit Runes to thermal weapons, or forming a Spirit Rune Masters brigade?"

This man was Vice Director Zhang Chun of the Spirit Runes Research Institute.

The Director was obsessed with ANKEN's Spirit Runes and didn't want to leave the institute, so they had to send the Vice Director to attend the summit.

But he also wanted to study the Spirit Runes...

The Director was really too much.

Spirit Runes in the Canglan Star Region had always been used as support tools and weren't taken seriously. The annual funding for the Spirit Runes Research Institute wasn't much, just enough to maintain normal operations.

With the rare initiative taken by the Spirit Runes Research Institute, the attendees were reminded that such an institution even existed.

The Spirit Runes Research Institute had long been overlooked.

Before the weapons research team could argue, Hilmeth cast the first vote of approval.

"I agree. General Qin Yan encountered ANKEN on the star network not long ago and lost. The value of Spirit Runes is self-evident."

At the temporary base, Qin Yan sneezed. Who could be talking about me?

Cang Mu also showed interest. "ANKEN has indeed been quite famous among the Awakened recently. I've heard his name several times. However, it's a pity that the Spirit Runes he draws are only grade B, which is somewhat weak.

If the institute can develop A or S-grade Spirit Runes, it would significantly benefit the Canglan Star Region."

Although Cang Mu didn't explicitly support it, his attitude didn't seem to be against it.

With the backing of two major figures, the Spirit Runes Research Institute's 'Spirit Runes Development and Innovation 4-Year Plan' became the first proposal to be approved at the meeting. The next step would be the funding review process.

This outcome led many to speculate that Spirit Runes might finally gain recognition.

Is it too late for them to begin studying ANKEN's Spirit Runes?

The meeting dragged on without any other highlights, and after four hours of tedious discussions, Cang Cheng walked out, yawning.

As he got on the shuttle back to his villa, a shadow fell before his eyes.

He looked up and saw Hilmeth, who had been ruthless in the meeting, now with a friendly glint in his blue eyes.

"Mind if I catch a ride with you?"

Cang Cheng raised an eyebrow. "What if I say no?"

"Then I'll shamelessly get in the shuttle as well. I believe Your Highness wouldn't mind."

"You should really let others see you like this; there's not a trace of the military's stabilizing pillar left."

Although he said that, Cang Cheng still shifted over.

"Get in then."

"Thanks for your generosity, Your Highness."

Hilmeth sat next to Cang Cheng, and the shuttle started to levitate.

Hilmeth pressed a few buttons on the control panel, switching the shuttle to low-speed sightseeing mode, which extended the travel time to half an hour.

Cang Cheng noticed his actions but didn't stop him. "Looks like you have some free time, General."

Hilmeth glanced sideways, his expression focused. "I just want to spend a little more time with you, Your Highness."

Cang Cheng was about to retort but was left speechless by his words.

"How do you even talk like that?"

Seeing this, Hilmeth's lips curled into a slight smile. "Every version of you is adorable."

He quickly changed the subject. "Did you find the meeting boring?"

"A little. It's all about resource distribution, but honestly... You spend billions on weapon research every year, and I don't think these conventional weapons are that impressive."

Honestly, Cang Cheng thought the weapons Ming Bai developed in three months were better than the ones on the market.

"They're old, clinging to the original system without seeking innovation."

Weapons that were considered decent 10 years ago couldn't handle the ion shields from foreign star regions today.

Both weapons and Spirit Runes needed a major overhaul in the Canglan Star Region.

Cang Cheng was curious. "Does the military get the same weapons as those on the market?"

"A bit stronger, but not much different from what's available commercially."

Hilmeth lowered his gaze, his eyes resting on Cang Cheng’s thoughtful profile. His black lashes fluttered like butterfly wings.

A momentary lapse in focus.

Cang Cheng said, "I want to see the military's weapons. You wouldn’t refuse me, General?"

Hilmeth's response was a beat slow. "Hmm?"

"I want to see the military's weapons. You wouldn't refuse me, General?"

Cang Cheng suddenly looked up, his bright black eyes locking onto Hilmeth’s, intense and unwavering.

Hilmeth's heart skipped a beat.

He averted his gaze from Cang Cheng, trying to calm his irregular heartbeat.

Cang Cheng leaned in, curiously staring at Hilmeth, who seemed a bit off.

Why did it feel like Hilmeth was... avoiding him?

Was he imagining things?

Hilmeth placed his hands on Cang Cheng's shoulders, preventing him from getting closer.

He took a deep breath and said, "Got it. How about we meet tomorrow? I’ll make the arrangements."

"Sure, thanks, General."

Cang Cheng readily accepted.

As he spoke, a thought crossed his mind, and he suddenly reached out to lift a strand of the other's silver hair, placing it in his palm.

The hair was soft and cool, sliding smoothly through his fingers with a faint minty scent.

Hilmeth froze, his voice hesitant. "Cang Cheng?"

Cang Cheng smiled and casually let the hair slip from his fingers.

"Just curious about your hair, General. Hope you don’t mind."

He spoke as if it were no big deal.

Hilmeth’s hand tightened into a fist at his side.

"I don't mind."

Afterward, Cang Cheng didn’t make any surprising moves.

He didn’t ask why Hilmeth was so accommodating to him.

From their first meeting, Hilmeth had been openly familiar, and their interactions felt too close. Even the conversation while making strawberry jam seemed to spell out the truth right in front of Cang Cheng.

But since Hilmeth wasn’t going to explain, Cang Cheng decided not to press him.

But if Hilmeth thought he could just brush this off, he was sorely mistaken.