Chapter 29

Chapter 29

"Hmm."

With a smile and a nod, Du Dafei watched the young female who he'd watched grow up, his lips curving slightly.

"Though I must admit, I had no idea you and Philo had grown so close, Gore. After all, today was the first time he contacted me since his return."

The young master of the Tulath family wasn’t just exceptionally gifted—he also seemed rather reclusive.

Aside from Shang Ling, whom his family had insisted on assigning to him, many insects had tried to approach Philo, but so far, none had succeeded.

In truth, Du Dafei had been too busy lately to pay much attention to the Tulath family’s recent visitors. When Philo’s call came through, he’d initially suspected it might be about his own female child, Shang Ling. But to his surprise, the boy had reached out for Gore’s sake.

At this thought, Du Dafei’s gaze lingered on the blue-haired female officer’s face, his curiosity growing.

"Have you been visiting Philo often lately, Gore? Did General Zhousha send you?"

Considering the possible connections between Gore and the Tulath family, Zhousha seemed the most likely reason.

Over the years, though Admiral Qinluo had passed away, Zhousha—once his subordinate—had always looked out for Gore.

The blue-haired female insect nodded, made no attempt to deny it. There was no point—anyone who paid attention to the Tulath family’s transport logs would notice that, aside from Shang Ling, another female insect had been frequenting their estate.

In fact, the only ones in the Qimengtu family unaware of this were Du Dafei and Siluan.

Seeing his admission, Du Dafei quickly understood why Philo had suddenly asked for his help. That boy’s compassion was unusual for a male.

Smiling at the thought, Du Dafei didn’t question Gore further about Philo. Instead, his eyes flicked to Jensen, now kneeling before the gathered insects, before lifting his gaze back to Gore.

"Today’s incident was indeed a failure on the Male Insect Management Committee’s part. I will hold Qi Limei Sakhoff, the male insect responsible for today’s Psychic Soothing, accountable in accordance with regulations. Jensen’s attempt to conceal and act independently will also be punished according to the Committee’s protocols."

"However, since the two female insects from your unit accidentally injured a C-class Male Insect, when they've recovered, they must personally visit the injured male to apologize and pay compensation. The specifics can be discussed with the male’s Committee liaison later."

His tone softened slightly as he observed the solemn young female insect before him.

"Officially, as the Committee’s director, you can always come to me with any issues here. But even setting that aside, your father and I have known each other for years. You may always request help if you ever need it."

"Thank you, Lord Du Dafei."

Saluting with a clenched fist, Gore—often criticized for his lack of respect toward male insects—showed impeccable etiquette toward the senior male, revered by both genders.

Yet such formality maintained distance. Female insects could never truly let down their guard around males. Still—

Du Dafei’s eyes crinkled at the corners with amusement as he recalled the young male who’d boldly called him for help today.

If Gore really could establish a connection with Philo, he might not need Du Dafei’s assistance in the future. Undoubtedly, General Zhousha had introduced them with that very thought in mind.

It made sense. The military currently had only one S-class Female Insect with Psychic Power—Gore—and her psychic domain was chaotic. While part of the blame lay with the Capital Star’s A-class male insects, who generally disliked her, the truth was that A-class males were incapable of properly soothing an S-class female.

But Philo’s psychic power…

Du Dafei understood.

If that were the case, though, Shang Ling would need to improve his efforts. Come to think of it, the boy’s workload had been excessive lately. Perhaps it was time to speak with the Ministry of Duties about reducing his workload…

Unaware of Gore and Du Dafei’s conversation outside, Siluan and Ya Jin had already finished an initial assessment of the two restrained female insects’ psychic domains.

Luckily, the pair had held on. Though unconscious and nearly collapsing, their military discipline had kept them from crossing the threshold.

Choosing one randomly, Ya Jin began the Psychic Soothing, his brow glowing faintly. His earlier playful smirk had vanished—this was a serious matter.

Soothing a female insect was one thing; calming one on the verge of a Psychic Outbreak was entirely another. The latter demanded significantly more energy.

Truthfully, if not for Du Dafei’s influence and the chance to connect with the Tulath family’s Philo, he’d never have taken on such an unrewarding task.

Excessive use shortened one's lifespan, and he’d rather live long enough to spend time with more companions. Dying young would be a tragedy—especially if that bastard Qi Limei lived longer than him.

The thought rekindled Ya Jin’s anger.

Even within the same class, psychic power varied. Though both were A-class, Qi Limei’s abilities approached A+ level, surpassing his and Siluan’s.

Yet the man avoided Committee duties at every turn, accepting fines and penalties rather than fulfilling his duties—leaving others to rectify his neglect.

Sure, they earned more contribution points for handling his neglected tasks, but what good were resources if you died young? Worse, his behavior drew scorn from males and females alike. But the shameless individual endured the isolation, clinging to his precious face.

This time, he’d better hide well. If Ya Jin found him, he’d mar that handsome face!

"Done."

Siluan, more focused, finished first. As his psychic energy receded, one of the frenzied female insects slumped to the floor, her crimson eyes dimming.

Noticing Siluan’s completion, Ya Jin pushed aside his grievances and soon had the second female stabilized.

The inner door of the Psychic Restriction Zone swung open, drawing all eyes.

Unlike the stoic Siluan, Ya Jin flashed a roguish grin, tweaking the chin of a nearby guard before addressing Du Dafei.

"Those two are stable now, Uncle Du Dafei. Don’t forget—Philo owes me for this."

At his words, the tension dissolved—except for Jensen, still on the floor.

Nodding, Du Dafei readily agreed to the young male’s demand.

Meanwhile, Gore bowed deeply to the two males, his gratitude mirrored by Deputy Director Bays and the guards—though one rubbed his chin awkwardly.

Siluan ignored them entirely, while Ya Jin snorted, still miffed at Gore’s earlier refusal.

Yet despite their coldness, the female insects’ eyes shone with reverence—all except Gore, who remained composed.

Annoyed by the attention, Siluan urged Du Dafei to leave now that their task was done.

But with an A-class male and the Committee’s deputy director involved, Du Dafei couldn’t simply walk away.

Siluan considered departing alone, but Du Dafei—intent on having him join the Committee soon—wouldn’t allow it.

Soon, Du Dafei and Siluan led the Committee guards away with Jensen in tow, while Ya Jin boarded his private craft, returning to the Qiankesilan estate.

Once the males had left, Gore dispatched Bays to assist the investigation before escorting the unconscious Military Females back to base.

Yet—

Aboard his flight craft, the blue-haired female insect dialed a newly saved number.

"Beep… beep…"

The archaic ringtone repeated, unanswered.

But—

Pursing his lips tightly, the female wordlessly lowered his wrist as the device showed no response.

Some other time.

Some other time, he would personally go and express his gratitude.

Without lingering, the military's designated aircraft soon departed from the vicinity of the MIMC.

With the departure of the military females, the MIMC began a series of internal rectifications regarding the incident. The punishment for Qi Limei went without saying—fines, written self-criticism, and confinement. Currently, the penalties for male insects who haven’t committed heinous acts are limited to these, though the severity varies.

For Qi Limei this time, it likely meant an exorbitant fine, a humiliating public confession, and an unreasonably long confinement.

For any other male insect from a less affluent background or one who was more concerned about reputation, being notified of such punishments might have been unbearable. But for Qi Limei? Not so much.

Perhaps aware of his temperament, Ya Jin, who was forced to clean up his mess this time, stormed into his corporate offices and caused a scene. Had Qi Limei not already fled the capital planet upon receiving the news—only to be caught and immediately confined upon return—Ya Jin truly intended to break down his door and beat the reckless insect senseless.

As for Jensen, his punishment was simpler: suspended without pay and demoted, a result of the Sakhov Family’s vigorous lobbying. After all, the two female insects had ultimately been unharmed, and considering this, immediate expulsion from the MIMC would have been excessively harsh by the rules.

In short, under Du Dafei’s involvement, the MIMC swiftly issued a statement and publicized the disciplinary actions for the incident. Because of this event, not only did Du Dafei’s reputation within the military rise even higher, but Siluan also formally joined the MIMC, even landing a more senior position than originally planned.

But regardless, these were all developments for later. In truth, on the day of the incident, not only was the MIMC in turmoil, but the atmosphere in the Aogutale Family was just as tense.

"Your Highness Philo, you’ve returned."

Standing at attention, the attendant by the aircraft landing zone greeted the disembarking male in a low voice.

Still wearing his disguise device, Philo instinctively nodded in response. But the attendant today seemed unusually tense, his shoulders sinking even lower at the acknowledgment.

Frowning, the male insect glanced up at the mansion, finally realizing how eerily silent the entire estate was.

Without another look at the attendant or allowing those behind him to follow, he strode through the landing zone and entered the grand hall—then froze.

*Thwack.*

A barbed whip lashed straight across the backs of the kneeling attendants. Blood seeped from their necks downward, staining the once-pristine floor with sticky red trails and shattered chitin fragments.

Heads bowed, as if impervious to the pain, every attendant on duty that morning when Philo left knelt in silence, letting their blood pool.

Lowering his gaze to the hand that had just wielded the whip, the still black-haired Philo’s eyes darkened.

"Father."

The male insect about to strike again paused at the familiar voice behind him.

"Philo, you’re back." Turning, Yi Jia Fa, who had been too focused on punishing the attendants, only now noticed his son’s return.

His eyes quickly swept over Philo, lingering on the disguise device. Yi Jia Fa’s frown deepened. "You’ve finally returned, Philo."

"How could you go out without telling me? The capital planet is teeming with scheming females! For your first outing, you didn’t take a single attendant and even disguised yourself with this thing—what if something had happened?!"

Clearly, Yi Jia Fa’s temper, building since he’d learned of Philo’s solo excursion, was now reaching its limit. Even though the butler had said Philo sent for attendants to escort him back, the furious male insect had first punished those who’d failed in their duties.

"You’re too soft-hearted. That’s why these wretches dare to slack off and disrespect you. They knew you’d just returned and were unfamiliar with everything, yet not one of them advised against it—letting you leave with just a military female! If I don’t discipline them today, they’ll soon be getting above themselves!"

"And that female insect from the Aogutale Family—I never liked how often Zhousha sent him to see you. You’re new here, so you don’t know his character. That female has never understood how to properly respect male insects. To presume to take you out today—once Zhousha returns from the military, I’ll—"

His fingertips lightly brushed aside the torn fabric on the back of the foremost attendant.

In the Interstellar Era, especially among upper-class families like the Aogutale, even the attendants’ clothing was of high quality.

Yet the specially designed whip had sliced through the fabric with ease, leaving deep, bleeding welts on the attendant’s back.

Insect physiology was unique; ordinary weapons rarely pierced their skin. Females, especially, instinctively activated their chitinous armor when attacked.

But against male insects, this defense vanished—as it had now.

Trembling, the attendant remained motionless as the black-haired male insect examined the bloody punctures left by the whip’s barbs. Though his body shuddered with pain, he dared not move.

Frowning at Philo’s sudden approach, Yi Jia Fa hesitated mid-tirade. Before he could continue, the black-haired male insect, staring at the blood on his fingertips, spoke first.

"Did they not tell you I insisted on going alone?"

"They did, but that’s no excuse for failing to explain the risks properly. Philo, don’t be soft again. These creatures only learn through pain."

Seeing his son’s expression, Yi Jia Fa—remembering the incident with Song Emperor—feared Philo’s misguided mercy. He seized the whip once more.

"Philo, you were never taught how to discipline female insects. That’s why they deceive you so easily. Remember, you’re a male insect—born superior. Don’t waste sympathy on them."

"Today’s incident is the ideal opportunity to teach you how to handle insolent females."

As if fearing Philo might intervene, Yi Jia Fa coldly raised the whip and brought it down again.

*Crack!*

The sharp sound of leather meeting flesh echoed. It was no wonder male insects favored whips—the barbed lashes delivered both pain and a satisfyingly intimidating crack.

Especially when angry, a good whipping seemed to cool their anger quickest.

But—

A drop of blood trailed from the torn earlobe down the jawline.

The unexpected lash had not only torn the young insect’s delicate skin but also knocked loose the ear cuff perched on his ear.

Turning his head, letting his now silver bangs fall over the fresh lash mark on his nose, the male insect lifted his gaze. Two pairs of matching violet eyes met—one cold, the other stunned, panicked, and confused.

"Your Highness! Wh-why did you—? You’re bleeding! Apply pressure here—someone fetch the medkit!"

"Call Gu De immediately! That whip’s barbs were soaked in corrosive solvent—it needs treatment now!"

Though the floor was already smeared with blood, though the attendants had endured worse before, the sight of the young male insect’s bleeding face—the fine barbs’ work—sent the room into chaos.

Ignoring his own whip-marked hands, the butler grabbed gauze to stem the bleeding—only to be pushed away.

Refusing help, not sparing a glance for the attendants behind him, the young male insect stood tall, letting the blood flow from ear to neck.

Philo—or Zhou Nuo—stared silently, icily, at Yi Jia Fa, the biological father of this body, at this world’s male insect.

His gaze held little emotion, scarcely any anger. Yet even so, Yi Jia Fa’s arm trembled, his eyes darting away with what might have been shame.

The air was both clamorous and eerily still.

He didn't move or flinch, as resolute as the moment he had blocked the whip.

A unique voice, one that any bug that heard it would hardly forget—like cracking thin ice—echoed through the hall.

"I don't need this kind of lesson."

"Nor can I learn it."

Author's Note:

Update's out early today - no need to wait till 6 PM! [Rose]