Chapter 27

Chapter 27

There was no need to point out which being he was referring to. Any insect who had seen Philo would immediately know which one he meant.

With shimmering metallic silver hair and deep purple eyes, even if the facial features didn’t match Philo’s exactly, many insects in the arena had already noticed something amiss.

Indeed, silver hair and purple eyes weren’t exclusive traits of Philo—after all, the insect race boasted a wide variety of hair and eye colors.

But even so, among the insect race, especially high-ranking insects, those who possessed both silver hair and purple eyes were still exceedingly rare. Not to mention, even within the same color spectrum, there were subtle variations in shade. Just as within the blue spectrum, light blue, dark blue, cobalt blue, and lake blue each had their own distinct hues.

Yet, the purple eyes of this Bclass Female Insect below were nearly identical to those of a certain male insect—both bore the exact same violet hue, even the shape of the eyes was strikingly similar.

His eye twitched. Philo leaned in to double-check the registered photo of the female insect on the floating screen, afraid he might be mistaken. After confirming repeatedly, he stared at the female insect registered as "Ailo," his emotions complicated. (Note: "Ailo" is a play on "Philo.")

Though he knew this was insect society, and though he understood that male and female insects were different genders here, drawn to each other…

Even so, seeing a female insect express affection toward him in this manner rendered Philo speechless.

"This insect must have illegally used a realistic appearance simulator. Even if only partially mimicking certain features, it still violates the Male Insect Protection Regulations. Philo, you can file a direct complaint."

Uncharacteristically, Gore’s voice was icy and stiff, even urging the male insect to pursue legal action against the offender.

But…

Though equally unsettled, Philo—who was merely unaccustomed to being admired in such a way—had no intention of pressing charges over something like this.

After all, the insect hadn’t outright impersonated him completely. Taking it to court would be excessive. Still, if it were just the appearance, that would be one thing—but the name "Ailo" too…

"Ahem, it’s fine. Forget it. I was just a little surprised, that’s all." Scratching his head, Philo realized he had underestimated just how fervently female insects here idolized male insects.

He had assumed their admiration was more akin to human celebrity worship. But compared to humans, the insect race’s fanaticism was on another level.

At this thought, an uncomfortable shiver ran down Philo’s spine. He averted his gaze, no longer paying attention to the female insect whose profile mirrored his own, and instead turned his focus to the defending champion on the opposite side.

Admittedly, as an Aclass Female Insect who had held the arena’s title for over half a year, this contestant at least appeared far more normal.

His brows relaxing, Philo shifted his attention to the other insect, finally regaining some interest in the match. But whether it was his imagination or not, this title match didn’t seem as intense as he had expected.

"The defender is distracted."

As if sensing Philo’s confusion, Gore—whose gaze had been cold since earlier—now watched the two insects in the arena with an even icier expression.

Frowning, the male insect quickly caught on.

Indeed, the earlier exhibition match had been fiercely contested, yet now, in what should have been an even more heated championship bout, one side seemed to be holding back.

Could it be because…

Lowering his eyes, Philo leaned back into the massage chair, his gaze no longer fixed on the arena below.

In stark contrast, the spectators in the general seating area erupted into chaos. Some, noticing something amiss, curiously snapped photos. Others, who had bet on the defending champion, began shouting curses. Still more egged the challenger on, urging her to press her advantage. The cacophony of voices made today’s match livelier than usual.

Gore’s expression darkened completely, but before he could speak, an incoming call shattered the silence in the private booth.

"Psychic Outbreak?"

Standing abruptly, the blue-haired female insect’s voice dropped low as her attention instantly shifted away from the farcical match below.

"The Male Insect Management Committee hasn’t performed the Psychic Soothing yet?"

"Take them to the containment facility immediately. Have the guard team secure the entrance."

"I’m on my way. Keep an eye on Ferre and Patton—no one fires a shot until we’re certain!"

Psychic Outbreak…

Turning, Philo also stood, having caught every word. He quickly asked the female insect, who had ended the call, "A female insect in the military is experiencing a Psychic Outbreak?"

Her fingers flying over her communicator’s navigation panel, Gore shook her head grimly. "It’s not confirmed yet, but the likelihood is high. My apologies, Philo. I must head to the Male Insect Management Committee immediately."

"Don’t worry about it. No need to apologize—just go. But… do you need my help? I mean, I still don’t know how to channel my psychic energy, but you’ve said you can sometimes sense it, right?"

Nodding, the male insect showed no intention of stopping her. Yet, encountering a potential Psychic Outbreak for the first time, Philo instinctively asked if there was anything he could do.

Regrettably, Gore shook her head. "You’re not yet in a state to perform Psychic Soothing for female insects. Besides, the Male Insect Management Committee has male insects on rotation daily. You don’t need to come, Philo. It’s just that I won’t be able to accompany you today. Let me escort you back first."

"No, no, don’t worry about me. Your situation is urgent—you should go straight there. I’ll have my Attendant pick me up later." Seeing he couldn’t be of help, Philo didn’t want to hold her back.

A Psychic Outbreak was life-threatening. Compared to something as trivial as escorting him home, Gore needed to hurry and handle the crisis.

With that in mind, Philo waved his hand firmly, refusing Gore’s offer to take him home first.

Unable to sway him and with no time to spare, the female insect reluctantly agreed. Still, before leaving, she took extra precautions.

"Li Qi, Philo’s Attendant will come to fetch him later. Until then, you must not leave his side for even a second."

Her expression stern, the blue-haired female insect’s tone allowed no disagreement.

The gold-haired female insect, who had been happily spectating from their private booth just moments ago, first glanced at the black-haired Female Insect entrusted to her, then studied Gore’s expression.

Without needing further explanation, Li Qi—guessing some major incident had likely occurred in the military—simply nodded. "Understood. Go handle your business. I’ll make sure this little friend of yours is safely handed over to his Attendant." Raising a brow, the hastily recruited guard agreed readily, though her tone still carried a playful edge.

Ignoring Li Qi’s jest, Gore turned to Philo and apologized once more with utmost sincerity. After reiterating that Li Qi must stay by his side, the blue-haired female insect swiftly departed under their watchful gazes.

Standing in place, Philo frowned as he watched Gore’s retreating figure vanish through the booth’s door. If he had known, he wouldn’t have agreed to go out today. He could only hope the two military female insects would be alright.

"Hey, kid, quit spacing out."

Unconcerned with Gore’s abrupt exit, Li Qi—realizing Philo’s Attendant wouldn’t arrive anytime soon—simply sat back down to continue watching the match.

"There’s nothing you or I can do about that guy’s business. Might as well relax and enjoy ourselves a bit longer. Oh, you don’t mind if I snack on some of this, do you? The variety here looks great—you ordered it, right? Gore’s never been one for treats."

Chattering away, the female insect didn’t wait for a response before helping herself to the refreshments.

Glancing at the gold-haired female insect, Philo didn’t mind her familiarity. In fact, perhaps because this insect—who clearly knew Gore well—was so at ease, the male insect, who had been unconsciously weighed down by guilt and worry, gradually calmed down as well after standing silently for a while.

True, in his current state, he couldn’t be of much help. But… that didn’t mean he was entirely useless.

"Excuse me, I need to step out to make a call. I’ll be right back."

Without waiting for Li Qi’s reply, the black-haired Female Insect gestured to his communicator, as if suddenly remembering someone he needed to contact, and quickly strode out of the booth.

The female who had been snacking paused for a moment, unsure whether he should really stick close to this youngster who was either underage or timid. Seeing that he was indeed just standing not far from the VIP box door, the female decided not to bother.

After all, his only responsibility was to ensure this one was handed over to his attendant. As for the rest, there was no need to sweat the small stuff.

Turning back, Li Qi, who had bet on the defending champion today, resumed watching the match. Soon, Philo outside the VIP box also finished his call and returned to his seat with a slightly more relaxed expression.

It was still early for the attendant from the Toras family to arrive, but even though Philo had returned, Li Qi, who had been abruptly called to act as a guard, showed no interest in engaging with him.

Come on, agreeing to Gore’s favor to watch over this little one was already generous enough. As for chatting or playing along—hard pass. Who had the patience to babysit? He couldn’t care less about his own two younger brothers.

Without turning his head, Li Qi, an A-Class Female, with a playful personality but undeniably formidable combat skills, was now whooping it up for the fighter he had bet on.

The previously quiet VIP box had, in the blink of an eye, transformed into a completely different atmosphere.

Not drinking, and noticing that Gore’s friend didn’t seem inclined to talk to him, Philo—who had already eaten plenty of nuts—nursed his juice while waiting for his attendant.

Of course, he steered clear of alcohol, knowing all too well how limited this body’s tolerance was.

Unfortunately, the male insect didn’t realize that while alcohol could easily make one drunk, drinking too much juice could also lead to a desperate bathroom run.

With no one to chat with and no interest in the match, Philo—still somewhat worried—mindlessly chugged a bit too much juice.

Seeing that the Toras family’s attendant hadn’t arrived yet, he stood up, intending to visit the restroom first to relieve himself.

Credit where it’s due, though Li Qi wasn’t keen on interacting with the little one, he was still responsible. Noticing Philo getting up to leave, the female quickly asked where he was going, even halfway out of his chair as if to follow.

But—

"I need to use the restroom."

"…" Well, that was something he didn’t need to accompany him for.

Since the youngster wasn’t leaving the fighting pit, and this was the VIP area—where even the restrooms were exclusive to VIPs—there was no need to worry about him running into too many strangers.

With that thought, Li Qi’s half-hearted rise promptly settled back down. Glancing at Philo, he asked half-heartedly, "Need me to come along?"

Though he phrased it as a question, judging by the female’s on-again-off-again move, Philo politely declined.

"Thanks, but no need. I’ll be right back."

"Oh, alright then. Don’t dawdle. If you can’t find it, just ask the attendant at the door." Satisfied with the young female’s answer, Li Qi nodded casually before turning back to the match.

Standing up, Philo—who genuinely needed to go—quickly left the VIP box.

Not wanting to wander around lost in such a large venue, Philo followed the attendant stationed outside his VIP box through the corridors toward the restroom.

Though he had asked the attendant to guide him, he felt awkward having them wait outside the restroom. Fortunately, the attendant complied and left after showing him the way.

Before long, the male insect finished his business, washed his hands, and headed back to the VIP box.

It had to be said—the VIP area was top-notch. The spacious corridors were nearly empty as Philo walked, with hardly any other insects in sight. Presumably, the other VIPs were all glued to the matches.

Zoning out, the male insect absentmindedly glanced around as he walked.

But perhaps some things were better left unsaid. One moment, Philo was thinking how few insects he’d seen—the next—

"Song Emperor?"

His footsteps halted as an incredulous voice rang out at the intersection between the VIP corridor and the staff passage. Standing there, Philo stared at the familiar female insect in the distance and instinctively called out his name.

Hearing this, the two insects walking side by side ahead immediately looked up.

The female insect standing further inside was taller, but the low light made his face hard to discern. Beside him, a pair of familiar amber eyes turned toward Philo.

Their gazes met—Philo’s filled with surprise and confusion, while the other’s held only… coldness, danger, like the last icy glint of sunset.

Eyes of such a warm color now sent an involuntary shiver down one’s spine.

Frozen in place, Philo stiffened momentarily under that gaze but quickly touched his ear clasp, realizing the female insect likely didn’t recognize him, hence the guarded look.

Unfortunately, before he could explain, Song Emperor glanced at the black-haired, black-eyed male insect and turned away without stopping.

Seeing him leave, though puzzled by his presence here, Philo—also unwilling to reveal his identity—merely gave the female insect one last look before continuing on his way.

Fine. They weren’t supposed to cross paths anymore anyway. If Siluan found out they’d met, he’d only take it out on Song Emperor again.

With that thought, Philo turned away as if he’d mistaken the insect and kept walking.

But—

"Sir."

An unfamiliar voice—low in pitch and slightly hoarse.

It clearly didn’t belong to Song Emperor or Philo.

Arms crossed, the unfamiliar female insect who had turned sideways at some point called out amiably to the black-haired insect seemingly about to leave.

"Were you just calling my friend?"

……

Seriously? He’d already pretended not to know them—why was this insect insisting on asking?

Pausing mid-step, Philo hesitated on how to respond when Song Emperor jumped in first.

"I don’t know him. Probably an old fan. Let’s go—I need to return to attend His Highness Siluan this afternoon. Don’t waste time."

Not sparing Philo a glance, Song Emperor—far colder in tone and expression than he ever was around Siluan—fixed a heavy stare at his companion.

The unfamiliar female insect’s brows lifted slightly, unfazed by the glare, his interest seemingly perked up instead. Meanwhile, hearing Song Emperor’s reply, Philo quickly got the message.

As if he’d never stopped walking or heard the call, he turned the corner and headed back to his VIP box.

"What took so long? Any longer and I’d have thought you fell into the toilet."

Still idly snacking, Li Qi couldn’t resist ribbing Philo when he finally returned.

Ignoring the dig, Philo’s thoughts stayed stuck on his encounter with Song Emperor.

Back when Siluan had gone after him, this female insect named Song Emperor had also took the heat, even getting demoted from his status as Siluan’s attendant.

To square things with this female who had suffered because of him, he had agreed to Shang Ling’s tutoring sessions, allowing the latter to care for Song Emperor at home.

Later, whenever Shang Ling came to tutor him, Philo would ask about Song Emperor’s situation. Shang Ling had sworn up and down that Song Emperor had gotten his old spot back as Siluan’s attendant with the same treatment as before.

But though Shang Ling said so, Philo hadn’t seen Song Emperor since. He often worried how the female insect held up under a hothead like Siluan.

But from the looks of it today, he probably didn’t need to worry too much. At the very least, this golden-haired female could still move around freely, and from the way she spoke, Siluan seemed quite close to her—and she herself seemed quite fond of Siluan too.

Thinking of this, and recalling how the female insect had insisted on returning to Siluan’s side back then, Philo also felt reassured.

After all, he wasn’t one of the insect-folk. As long as the other party wasn’t implicated because of him, her lifestyle choices were her own. Though he didn’t quite understand it, Philo could at least respect her decision.

Ding-ding

A crisp sound rang out as the communicator on the male insect’s wrist emitted a notification tone.

Putting thoughts of the Song Emperor aside, Philo smiled and stood up upon seeing the lit-up screen of his communicator.

Next to him, Li Qi, who had also noticed the little one’s communicator activity, rose to his feet as well. Stretching lazily, the female insect drawled,

“Come on, little one, I’ll see you out.”

“Thanks.”

“Heh, quite polite, no wonder Gore takes such good care of you.” Ruffling the little female insect’s hair, Li Qi—who had two hot-tempered younger brothers—couldn’t resist praising the well-behaved and unassuming youngster.

With that, he threw an arm around Philo’s shoulders and walked out. Perhaps bored from being unable to watch the competition for the time being, the female insect, unusually talkative, started chatting.

“By the way, which family’s female insect are you? How come I’ve never seen you before? How did you meet Gore? Or are you some distant relative of his?”

Li Qi, a noble-born female working in the Alliance Inspectorate, had been away on a mission for a long time, chasing down a group of outlaw insects near the capital planet. He had only returned a few days ago to report and take a break.

Inherently proud and eccentric, Li Qi had a habit of monologuing. Just like now, before Philo could even answer a single question, Li Qi had already barraged him with questions.

But soon, the female insect’s questions no longer required Philo’s answers.

“How dare you!”

“Li Qi Lantlin, what are you doing? Take your hands off him!”

Li Qi: *…Why is the Toras family attendant here to pick up this little one?*

An unfamiliar insect from the Toras family, still young, and Gore calls him ‘A’Luo’—so this little one’s name must be…

“Thank you, Mr. Li Qi. You can go back to watching the match now. Thanks for your help today.”

Unbothered by Li Qi’s over-familiarity—knowing the other simply mistook him for a female insect—Philo hadn’t decided earlier whether to reveal his identity.

But now, seeing that his own attendant seemed to recognize Li Qi, Philo roughly understood that this Mr. Li Qi was likely not insignificant in the capital. Well, that settled it—he no longer had to agonize over whether to introduce himself.

Turning around, he politely expressed his gratitude to the stunned female insect, who had already let go and was staring at him in shock. Then, accompanied by his still-angry attendant, Philo left without another word.

Without delay, the black-haired female quickly disappeared under the escort of his attendants.

But—

Standing frozen in place, Li Qi felt as though those few minutes had stretched into half a lifetime. Despairingly, he replayed every single thing he had just done in front of His Highness—whom he had once admired after seeing a photo and secretly admired.

He called him *little one*.

He ate his snacks and drank his fine wine.

He didn’t accompany him to the restroom.

He even mocked him for taking too long and joked about him having fallen in!

Clutching his hair, the gold-haired female insect slumped to the ground in despair and let out a frustrated roar.

“Gore!”

“Couldn't you have said something?!”