Chapter 46

Chapter 46

After much turmoil, the matter of the male enrolling in the military academy was finally settled.

Though the incident had initially caused unpleasantness and nearly led to Kalms Military Academy being besieged, the situation was ultimately resolved relatively smoothly, thanks to the male at the center of the event taking on most of the responsibility for explanations and calming tensions.

On the Starnet, the female spectators continued to leave comments—some even abusive—on the Kalms Military Academy’s official site. However, as time passed, the attention of most females inevitably shifted.

After all, females were far more interested in males than in the military academy. And this incident involved a male who had not only made rare public statements but had also, unprecedentedly, appeared publicly.

Watching the replay of the silver-haired male’s figure and listening to his gentle, clear voice, many females found their moods improving significantly. Some even fantasized about whether Prince Fei Luo might hold another live broadcast someday.

But it was clear, even if unspoken, that the likelihood of this happening was very low.

In reality, Fei Luo—now eagerly anticipated by many females to make another appearance—had no intention of further deepening his impression among the insect populace.

However, though he had no such desire, there were others who couldn’t wait to take him out to meet guests.

"No! If you stop me from causing trouble for Kalms Military Academy, fine. But if you refuse to attend these banquets too, then I—I won’t eat!"

Slamming his silverware onto the tablecloth, Yi Jia Fa’s expression darkened as he listened to his son’s repeated evasions and refusals.

Unfortunately, unable to resort to force and outargued, the older male could only pout, finding no leverage over Fei Luo.

Pausing mid-bite, Fei Luo glanced at the virtually untouched plate across from him.

Though the incident had been resolved, Yi Jia Fa was dissatisfied with both the method and the outcome. In his view, as an A-rank male, Fei Luo shouldn’t have had to go to such lengths, let alone personally appear in a live broadcast to explain himself to other insects.

Who were these insects on the Starnet? Mostly lower-rank insects from other star regions—even the males among them were of low rank.

For Fei Luo to lower himself to explaining to such creatures—were they even worthy?

As an A-rank male, Fei Luo could have simply sued any low-rank male who questioned him for disrespect, making an example of them through the Alliance Court.

Yi Jia Fa was certain that after punishing a few, no one would dare disrespect Fei Luo again.

And yet, Fei Luo had even spoken in defense of Kalms Military Academy. In Yi Jia Fa’s eyes, the academy’s audacity in conducting such a reckless solo assessment warranted being dragged to court as well.

Putting down his own silverware, Fei Luo looked at Yi Jia Fa, who was still visibly upset about being restrained from causing trouble. He pursed his lips slightly.

Indeed, as an A-rank male, Fei Luo had many ways to resolve the situation.

The fastest and easiest solution would have been exactly what Yi Jia Fa suggested. But while efficient, it would also have caused the most negative consequences.

First, Kalms Military Academy would inevitably face trouble. Under such circumstances, even if Fei Luo eventually enrolled, most staff would probably be too intimidated to teach him properly, let alone wholeheartedly.

Second, failing to appease the others in time could have led to full-blown riots and accidents.

Judging solely by the Alliance Transportation Department’s records of traffic violations in the capital that day, had Fei Luo not intervened to calm the agitated females, the academy might have faced trouble—but the greater danger would have been the chaos and potential severe traffic accidents caused by the insect crowds.

Finally, while Fei Luo could have used his status to suppress low-rank males, their offenses were limited to inappropriate online remarks. Even if he sued, under both the Male Insect Protection Regulations and the Alliance’s highest laws, the most they’d face would be apologies and compensation.

Such slap-on-the-wrist punishments wouldn’t serve as a deterrent—instead, they’d only fuel the animosity between him and those males, likely leading to constant pestering.

While this wouldn’t affect Fei Luo much, it would create needless trouble for Kalms Military Academy and other females.

Whether dealing with humans or insects, the whip and the honey must both be used appropriately. Unfortunately, most males here believed only in the whip, stingy with even a drop of honey.

"I really don’t want to attend too many banquets, but you’re right—I’ve had too little social interaction since arriving in the capital. Since I’d also like to thank a few friends, why don’t we host another banquet instead?"

Seeing Yi Jia Fa’s immediate delight, Fei Luo added with a light smile,

"However, let’s keep the guest list small—just the families you mentioned earlier. Also, I’d like to personally prepare the invitations for the Aogutale Family, Qi Mengtu Family, Qiankesilan Family, and Geshaluolin Family."

"You'll prepare them yourself?"

Even in his joy over Fei Luo finally agreeing to attend a banquet, Yi Jia Fa couldn’t help widening his eyes at this.

Since arriving in the capital, Fei Luo had always avoided deep social connections. The Aogutale and Qi Mengtu Families were understandable—Gore and Shang Ling had often visited to tutor him. But how had the Qiankesilan and Geshaluolin Families become involved?

Just as Yi Jia Fa was about to press for details, Fei Luo spoke first.

"By the way, Father, when do you think we should hold the banquet?"

"Huh? The timing? Let’s do it in a couple of days—the sooner, the better. I’ve long promised those fellows I’d show you around. Now, with your military academy assessment just over..."

Distracted by the question, Yi Jia Fa’s initial inquiry slipped his mind.

Soon after, invitations bearing the Tulas Family crest were sent out. Nearly every major family monitoring the Tulas Family’s movements quickly learned of Yi Jia Fa’s plans to host another banquet celebrating his son’s achievements.

Upon receiving the invitations, most families accepted without hesitation. Many who hadn’t been invited but heard of the event even proactively contacted the Tulas Family’s chief insects.

Given the young prince’s reclusive nature, missing this chance to interact with him might mean waiting indefinitely for another.

Indeed, Fei Luo’s aversion to socializing was now common knowledge in the capital.

Yet, after the military academy incident, regardless of the younger generation’s views, the family patriarchs had taken notice of the young prince’s potential as a potential mate.

Fei Luo’s assessment and live broadcast hadn’t just captivated younger insects—many elders had also watched. Though some had only caught up later, this didn’t stop them from discerning the young prince’s temperament from the footage.

In short, to the older generation, the young prince—who’d stirred up so much commotion since his return—had handled the situation with remarkable intelligence.

Unlike the younger insects, who were enamored with his looks, speech, and bearing, the family heads unanimously described him first and foremost with that word.

Some might admire his perseverance, fearlessness, endurance, or unique interests after watching the assessment footage. But after the live broadcast, most elders’ primary impression was of his intelligence.

The incident’s real cause wasn’t so much the military academy assessment as male jealousy.

Rivalry among males was common, and the Tulas young prince’s unconventional path—choosing a route no other male had attempted—had inevitably sparked backlash.

For males, botching such situations carried no real consequences. Most would never have bothered to address it personally.

Yet, not only had the young prince taken initiative, he’d done so with such skill that few lingering issues remained.

Though he’d spoken sparingly, his words had defused much of the jealousy among males, even winning some over. He’d also effectively soothed the females’ emotions. Finally, after supporting the academy’s strict standards, he’d framed the entire matter to a discussion on the Alliance’s commitment to universal safety.

Such clear logic, such tactful wording—this prince hardly seemed to come from a military family like the Tulas.

But undeniably, with this display, Fei Luo had truly caught the attention of the major families’ leaders.

When selecting mates for their daughters, family heads considered three factors: the pair’s psychic compatibility, their families’ wealth and influence, and the male’s character and capability.

A male like Du Dafei had once been hotly contested.

Though Yi Jia Fa was also an A-rank male—even better-looking—Du Dafei had outshone him in temperament, judgment, and ability.

Years later, time had proven them right.

At the very least, Du Dafei’s current role as head of the Male Insect Management Committee had boosted the Qi Mengtu Family’s status further.

In fact, Siluan, who was now assigned by Du Dafei to serve on the Male Insect Management Committee, could originally be considered the most suitable prospective mate selected by the leading insects of the great families in this generation.

Unfortunately, no one expected that the Tulas Family would unexpectedly present a male insect with A+ level mental power at this juncture. Moreover, despite growing up on a desolate planet, this male insect exhibited both exceptional talent and admirable temperament.

Thinking of this, the leading insects of various families' smiles widened as they watched the male insect speaking confidently on the replay of the live broadcast.

Among them was the Geshaluolin Family.

"Mother, you wanted to see me?"

Raising his eyes, the young female insect gazed intently at the elderly female insect seated behind the opposite desk with jade-green eyes like polished glass. His expression was calm, and his tone was composed.

The elderly female insect, who had been busy signing documents, quickly stopped what she was doing upon hearing this voice.

Two pairs of similar green eyes met, and the slightly cloudier pair curved slightly. Wei Er Geshaluolin, the Geshaluolin Family’s patriarch in this generation, smiled faintly and gestured for him to sit.

"There is something. Please sit first. How’s your workload been lately?"

Standing up, the usually busy patriarch now found rare time to inquire about his female offspring's work.

The young female insect's expression remained unchanged. Though unsure why the question had suddenly arisen, he answered as usual.

"Manageable."

After all, it wasn't like when he had just taken over the work. Having grown accustomed to the workload over the years, there was no way he would suddenly find it overwhelming now.

His gaze lingered on Wei Er as the latter stood to pour water. The young female insect, who had not yet sat down, continued,

"Mother, there's no need to pour water for me. I have an online meeting soon. If you don’t have anything urgent, I should get going."

With that, the green-haired female insect prepared to exit.

However, unlike usual, when the elderly female insect would not disturb him further upon hearing he had work, this time, Wei Er did not let him leave immediately.

Holding a porcelain cup, Wei Er handed it to his female offspring and, instead of letting him go, gestured for him to sit on the guest sofa in the study.

Unlike the study of Tulas Family's Zhousha, which was a study in name only, the Geshaluolin Family's study was a proper study through and through. Clearly visible through the transparent glass cabinets were numerous books, including many priceless antique tomes.

If another insect were to enter this room, they would likely be astonished once again by the Geshaluolin Family's wealth and their love of historical relics.

Though others might be surprised, the two female insects of the Geshaluolin Family, who shared similar tastes and hobbies, were undoubtedly quite accustomed to the room's furnishings.

Lowering his eyes, though unsure why Wei Er insisted on keeping him today, the young female insect still pushed back his meeting and sat down quietly.

Fortunately, once the young female insect was seated, Wei Er cut straight to the point and directly asked the main question he had in mind.

"Li Wei."

"Are you acquainted with His Highness Philo of the Tulas Family?"

...

A soft clink.

The young female insect, who had just picked up the porcelain cup, paused slightly upon hearing a familiar name, causing the lid to tap against the cup and produce a crisp sound.

Seeing this reaction, Wei Er let out a quiet laugh. His slightly graying green hair, usually combed neatly back, trembled slightly with his laughter.

Instead of picking up his own cup, Wei Er, far from being displeased, smiled lightly.

"No wonder the Tulas Family sent an invitation to the banquet this time. And what’s more, the invitation was stamped with His Highness Philo’s personal seal."

Every insect had their own unique insignia. Compared to the simpler patterns of female insects, male insects' insignias were undoubtedly far more ornate and elaborate, making them easily distinguishable.

According to the current banquet etiquette on the capital planet, if a banquet was held under a family’s banner, the invitation should bear the insignia of the family's responsible insect.

Only for intimate, private gatherings would the invitation be stamped with the host's personal insignia.

The news that the Tulas Family was once again hosting a celebration banquet for their young master soon spread among the major families on the capital planet.

However, unlike the large-scale banquet last time, it was said that His Highness Philo wanted to keep things low-key this time, so only a small banquet was planned, inviting only insects and families with close ties to the Tulas Family.

Because of this, many insects who had not received invitations recently took the rare initiative to call Zhousha or Yi Jia Fa, asking to attend and pay their respects.

As a family consistently ranked among the top three on the capital planet's wealth list, the Geshaluolin Family naturally had no worries about receiving an invitation.

But while receiving an invitation was not surprising, the odd part was that this invitation bore the personal insignia of His Highness Philo.

After some inquiries, Wei Er learned that most other families had received invitations stamped with the Tulas Family's insignia. Thus, it was clear that the invitation they received was indeed personally issued by His Highness Philo, who was rumored to be notoriously aloof.

"The invitation explicitly addressed you by name. It seems His Highness Philo has taken quite a liking to you."

Fond...

This word, when used to describe a male insect's attitude toward a female insect, was undoubtedly somewhat ambiguous.

Lowering his gaze, Li Wei said softly, "We only ran into each other in a game. We barely know each other."

In a game?

Hearing this, the elderly female insect arched a brow, clearly not expecting this to be how the two had met.

But—

Folding his hands, the elderly female insect, who had poured water but did not drink it himself, fixed his slightly clouded eyes on his only female offspring. Without commenting on the closeness of their relationship, he changed the subject.

"I heard that several families' female insects approached your father to request Bernice’s hand in marriage, but Bernice refused, saying he isn’t ready to settle down yet. Do you think his reason is genuine?"

Not ready to settle down?

Bernice, already the oldest unmarried male insect on the capital planet, might have been believable five years ago, but now, no insect would take this excuse seriously.

Moreover, aside from not having an official marriage contract with a primary consort, the number of concubines he had taken was no fewer than any other male insect with a primary consort.

Li Wei kept his gaze down, silent.

Yet his silence spoke volumes.

Closing his eyes briefly, Wei Er stood up, retrieved a now-rare hardbound book from the transparent cabinet behind him, and handed it to the young female insect.

"Read aloud the contents of Article 72 of the Male Insect Protection Law and Article 28 of the Alliance Inheritance Law for me."

The order of the legal provisions was so deeply memorized that it could be recited without flipping through the book—proof of how many times the elderly female insect had studied it.

Lowering his gaze, Li Wei took the compendium of Alliance laws from his mother’s hands. After a brief pause, he found the corresponding sections and read aloud.

"Article 72 of the Male Insect Protection Law states: If the male insect’s female parent is not the official primary consort of his birth father, but merely a secondary consort, attendant insect, or even a stranger, then, based on the principle of protecting the male insect’s physical and mental development, all rearing costs before the male insect enters into a marriage contract must be covered by the primary consort. If the primary consort dies before the male insect enters into a marriage contract, the male insect shall inherit equally with the primary consort’s offspring."

"Article 28 of the Alliance Inheritance Law states: The will-based inheritance law applies only when the deceased has no minor offspring or no unwed male heirs. If either of these two conditions exists, unless the beneficiary possesses a highest honorary distinction conferring exemptions, the deceased's will is null and void."

The two legal provisions, not very lengthy, didn't even take a minute to read aloud.

Yet, these very two provisions are what Wei Er has studied for many years, and continues to study them to this day.

The Geshaluolin Family is renowned for their expertise in commerce, technology, and passion for research.

Their family owns countless companies and industries, with the most famous being the Star Network, their primary enterprise. Because of this, accumulated over generations, the Geshaluolin Family is undeniably filthy rich.

Yet, but what good is wealth? Perhaps the Insect God deemed they possessed too much, which is why Wei Er, despite entering a marriage contract with a B-Class Male Insect shortly after adulthood, only managed to produce a daughter when the male’s fertility was nearly depleted.

Yes, just a female child.

Gazing at Li Wei, this green-haired, green-eyed child who's clearly pure Geshaluolin blood, Wei Er’s clasped hands went slack.

Originally, given the Geshaluolin Family’s wealth and influence, Wei Er could've landed a marriage contract with an A-Class Male Insect back then. However, considering the dwindling numbers of the Geshaluolin lineage—now down to just his line—he opted for a B-Class Male Insect for better breeding chances.

They had hoped that, based on the fertility rates of B-Class Male Insects, the Geshaluolin Family might gain another male child. Unfortunately, while the B-Class Male Insect did father a son, it was born to a concubine.

Lifting his gaze, the old female insect looked at the child before him, the spitting image of his younger self, and spoke gently.

"I quite like His Highness Fei Luo. You seem to get along well with him—that’s good."

"Most importantly, His Highness Fei Luo is a Super A-Class Male Insect. According to the Male Insect Management Committee’s regulations, as long as he fulfills sufficient Psychic Soothing obligations, he won't get some basic honor badge like regular male insects, but a supreme honor badge instead."

"The status of a primary spouse is tied to that of the male. This badge may be the only chance to preserve the wealth our Geshaluolin Family has accumulated over all these years."

With that, Wei Er’s gaze settled on the young female insect still holding the book across from him, his green eyes dark and unreadable.

"Li Wei, you must come up with something really special for His Highness Fei Luo at this banquet."

"Your birth disappointed me once. This time, do not let me down again."