Chapter 58

Chapter 58

Like the arched doorway, the interior of the Psychic Soothing hall also followed a curved, domed structure.

Before Philo even stepped inside, merely observing the architectural design from the doorway, he felt an inexplicable sense of familiarity.

The central elevated platform at the venue, surrounded by spiraling tiers of observation platforms—this elliptical structure was clearly modeled after the shape of an egg.

An egg—an insect egg. It was likely a unique aesthetic preference of the Insect race.

Distracted by thought, the Male Insect’s attention was momentarily captivated by the venue’s design and vast space, causing him to overlook the fact that, while their entrance was spacious and luxurious, another narrower side door was continuously admitting female Insects in silent, swift succession.

Not a word was spoken, let alone any clamor.

Their heads slightly bowed, all the female Insects entering the Psychic Soothing hall followed the floor markers, quickly and orderly taking their assigned positions.

It was clear that each female Insect here knew her designated spot in advance.

In fact, upon closer inspection, one could easily notice that the female Insects positioned closer to the central platform held significantly higher military ranks or government positions compared to those on the outer tiers.

The Insect race truly practiced caste distinctions to the extreme.

However—

Once they had taken their positions, the female Insects, who had initially kept their heads lowered as a sign of respect toward Male Insects, instinctively raised their eyes toward the central platform ahead.

Even though His Highness would not arrive for a while, it did not stop them from automatically looking in the direction he would appear.

With this motion, the first female Insect to look up soon noticed an anomaly—three figures standing at the main entrance, which was normally reserved for the Male Insect His Highness conducting the Psychic Soothing. None of them were His Highness Wenfeide, scheduled to perform the session today.

Frowning, the female Insect’s gaze sharpened like steel as she scrutinized them.

At the same time, the Male Insect who'd been admiring the architectural style outside fully entered the venue and turned his attention to the female Insects gradually occupying the surrounding platforms.

Then—

"...His Highness Philo?"

Eyes locking onto the figure at the center of the entrance, the first female Insect to recognize him breathed the name she'd cherished, almost in disbelief.

The name "Philo" acted like a magic spell. Even though the first whisper was nearly inaudible, nearby female Insects immediately caught it and lifted their heads.

Like a pebble dropped into a still lake, ripples spread instantly. One after another, the female Insects turned their shocked gazes toward the entrance.

Had just one female Insect seen him, it could have been dismissed as a trick of the eye. But now, with dozens of eyes locked in the same direction, there could be no mistake.

Their fists clenched, tension suddenly crackled through the air in the venue, which had been calm moments ago, as the female Insects realized that the figure standing not far away was indeed His Highness Philo.

Unlike those on Capital Star's streets, who could cheer freely upon encountering a Male Insect, those who entered the Male Insect Management Committee were strictly instructed to maintain proper etiquette at all times. After all, while Male Insects were a rare sight outside, within the committee, encounters were far more likely.

The basic etiquette for meeting Male Insects was so elaborate that it could fill a small booklet—no loud noises in their presence, no unkempt appearances, no running or chasing, and so on.

With so many restrictions, it was no wonder the female Insects now stood stiffly, the tension palpable.

However, unlike the female Insects in the B-Class or C-Class Psychic Soothing venues, those in the A-Class venue were either commoners who had risen through the ranks and experienced lower-class soothing sessions or nobles who had encountered Male Insects at various social events.

Thus, while they were undoubtedly excited and nervous at the unexpected sight of Philo, they managed to maintain their composure.

If there was any breach of etiquette, it was perhaps the overly intense gazes of some young female Insects, who had forgotten the committee’s warning against prolonged, unauthorized eye contact with Male Insects.

For Philo, who had long grown accustomed to being surrounded by adoring female Insects, their silent stares were hardly noteworthy.

In contrast, his chief assistant Leslie coolly swept his gaze over the surrounding female Insects, his senior management Insect uniform serving as a silent reminder. The momentarily unruly female Insects reluctantly averted their eyes.

Yet, perhaps aware of Philo’s temperament—and seeing that he did not seem displeased—many still stole occasional glances toward the entrance.

Turning away, Philo paid little attention to these details. After briefly scanning the expressions of the female Insects in the venue, he focused on those standing on the platforms closest to the central stage.

Unlike the calm, even curious female Insects on the outer platforms, those on the innermost tiers—especially the highest-ranking ones—did not look well at all.

In fact, several high-ranking Military Female Insects appeared visibly strained, their discomfort barely concealed.

Among them were two general-rank Military Female Insects. One kept her head lowered, lips pressed tightly together, fists clenched as if restraining herself from the moment she took her position.

The other was pale-faced, seemingly enduring intense pain, barely reacting even when murmurs arose around her.

These two...

Frowning, Philo understood why Leslie had mentioned earlier that the A-Class venue could sometimes be noisy.

"Your Highness, knowing you would be observing today, we have prepared a seating platform for you."

Stepping aside, the female Insect who had been attentively monitoring Philo’s reactions gestured toward a slightly conspicuous seating platform at the side of the venue.

Yes, a seating platform.

A white, semi-transparent oval table paired with matching chairs.

Located slightly behind Philo’s initial line of sight, he had missed it earlier while focusing on the female Insects ahead.

However—

Glancing at the empty central platform, which lacked any furnishings despite its size, Philo turned to the golden-haired female Insect and murmured,

"You haven’t even prepared seating for the Male Insect conducting the Psychic Soothing. Wouldn’t it be improper for me, merely an observer, to sit?"

Since he was here to learn from senior Male Insects, he should at least match their level of formality—if they stood, he shouldn’t sit.

Smiling faintly, the golden-haired female Insect explained softly,

"Your Highness misunderstands. The central platform is equipped with an elevator mechanism. Every Male Insect His Highness conducting Psychic Soothing is provided with seating and assistance tools, and the venue’s environment is customized to each His Highness’s preferences."

"His Highness Wenfeide prefers minimalist decor, hence the lack of decor today. As for seating and tool usage, those are choices His Highness Wenfeide will make upon arrival."

She then pointed to Philo’s designated seating area.

"Your smart table also features elevator buttons and style adjustment controls. You may adjust the environment to your liking."

Noticing that all female Insects had now taken their positions, she added quietly,

"His Highness Wenfeide will arrive shortly. Perhaps Your Highness would like to rest at the seating platform for now?"

It had to be said—female Insects selected to serve Male Insects were exceptionally tactful.

Even when subtly reminding Philo of the time, her words were impeccably phrased, as if solely concerned with his comfort.

Catching the underlying message, Philo nodded and, accompanied by Gore, made his way to the seating platform.

As he moved, the female Insects throughout the venue—outwardly composed but inwardly tracking his every step—shifted their attention to the newly added seating area.

But although he had already stepped onto the seating platform and was resting his hand on the premium elliptical seat, Philo was in no hurry to sit down. Instead, he leaned idly against it and began examining the various buttons on the long table.

The male insect's gaze swept swiftly over the buttons, and soon, Philo had a general grasp of all the settings on this high-tech platform.

It had to be said, the Male Insect Management Committee had really put thought into it.

Though the platform appeared simple at first glance, it was actually loaded with high-tech features.

Just the decor themes available for Philo to choose from numbered in the dozens—ranging from nature meditation theme, aromatherapy theme, space exploration theme, and so on.

With so many options, if Philo were to experience each one, it would take months before he repeated any.

Not to mention the elevator mechanism on the table. Even though Philo hadn’t yet selected the items or equipment he wanted raised, just a glance at the item database linked to the system gave him a clear idea of how comprehensive and thoughtful the Male Insect Management Committee’s preparations for male insects were.

Though, perhaps a bit too considerate.

Noticing that the inventory even included prepared items like flowers, stuffed animals, and cushions, Philo quirked his lips, realizing that these so-called "comfort items" were likely meant to keep male insects happy.

But, keeping male insects happy…

His amethyst eyes, like polished amethysts, shifted slightly as Philo smirked and opened the inventory to select an item before pressing the lifting mechanism button.

Shortly after he pressed the button, the previously silent main entrance of the venue, which had been undisturbed since their arrival, echoed with slow, shuffling footsteps.

Standing straight, the female bugs who had been stealing glances at Philo immediately straightened up, lowering their heads in respect for the arriving male insect.

It could be said that the female bugs who frequented the A-Class psychic soothing venues—especially those from the capital planet’s upper crust—had a fair understanding of the temperaments of most male insects who fulfilled their psychic soothing duties at the Male Insect Management Committee.

For example, His Highness Siluan from the Qi Mengtu family, though known for his short temper and disdain for interacting with female bugs—even disliking being looked at—and prone to lashing out with psychic energy when angered, was undeniably exceptionally powerful psychically. His soothing sessions always adhered strictly to the required duration, and the results were consistently effective. Thus, female bugs assigned to his sessions were generally quite satisfied.

Then there was His Highness Ya Jin from the Qiankesilan family, whose temperament was far milder than Siluan’s. He was also unusually fond of interacting with female bugs, and both the duration and effectiveness of his psychic soothing sessions were reliable. However, if a particularly attractive female bug chose his session, they needed to be extra cautious—this highness was infamous for flirting with beautiful insects without offering any real commitment. Most female bugs who made it to the A-Class Male Insect Psychic Soothing venues aspired to become official wives or concubines of male insects, not casual flings.

Aside from these two, the temperaments of the other A-Class male insect highnesses were also familiar to the female bugs in the venue.

If asked which A-Class male insect they most wanted to be assigned to, opinions might vary. But if asked to name the one they least wanted, the answer would be nearly unanimous.

After all, the news that His Highness Qi Limei from the Sakhoff family was prone to ditching his duties at the last moment… was practically widely known on the capital planet.

Fortunately, today’s A-Class male insect fulfilling the psychic soothing duty wasn’t their worst nightmare—though he wasn’t the younger male insect many had hoped for either.

As for today’s highness, Wenfeide, his temperament was undoubtedly familiar to the female bugs. Those who didn’t know had surely inquired after learning which A-Class male insect they were assigned to.

In short, His Highness Wenfeide was the epitome of a typical old-guard A-Class male.

His temper wasn’t the best, but neither was it the worst. Though he always looked grumpy when fulfilling his duties, at least he didn’t snap at female bugs without reason.

Moreover, due to his age, he had little interest in flirting with female bugs and no known peculiar preferences. As long as the female bugs were careful, they needn’t fear provoking him.

However, he did have one notorious habit: dawdling and laziness.

Older male insects naturally provided less effective psychic soothing than younger ones, but many high-ranking elders also cut corners on the duration set by the Male Insect Management Committee, worried about the strain on their health.

This was a common issue with elder male insects performing psychic soothing, which was why female bugs preferred younger ones.

But while most elder male insects started late and ended early, His Highness Wenfeide took this to an extreme.

Simply put, his psychic soothing sessions sometimes didn’t even last half as long as those of younger male insects.

For female bugs with less severe psychic domain issues, this might be tolerable. But for those on the brink of critical instability, such "soothing" was barely worth mentioning.

Like a parched desert wanderer, they were given just enough water to survive—but never enough to quench their thirst.

In severe cases, it was akin to a temporary fix that makes things worse—brief relief followed by a violent rebound of even more severe psychic domain chaos.

Yet, despite knowing this risk, the female bugs still came.

After all, even death was preferable to withering away in the desert.

"Ding…"

"Ding…"

"Ding…"

The ceremonial chimes signaling the male insect’s arrival rang out, and the previously pensive female bugs all stood at attention, not daring to look up.

Countless female bugs bowed their heads humbly, awaiting the male insect’s entrance. In stark contrast, Philo—who had been observing—raised his head and turned to face the door.

His gaze settled ahead, and the Silver-Haired Male Insect easily took in the appearance of His Highness Wenfeide, whom he was here to observe today. And then—

Clad in a plain robe, followed by two assistant female bugs, the elder male insect trudged in slowly, gripping a steaming glass, his face blank and grumpy as he sipped and swayed with each step.

The elder moved sluggishly, radiating the exhaustion of an overworked office drone. Remarkably, he wore no lavish accessories—not even bothering to comb his hair, as if he’d just woken up.

This attire, this aura… truly befitted the male insect highness whom Leslie had described as preferring simplicity.

But rather than simplicity, Philo’s lips twitched as he felt like he was looking at a burned-out bureaucrat too lazy to bother with appearances anymore.

In this state… if no one motivated him, Philo genuinely wondered if the elder would nod off halfway through.

Perhaps Philo’s gaze was too conspicuous compared to the others, or perhaps the emotions in his stare were too distinct, but the slow-moving elder—who had been heading straight for the central platform—finally noticed something amiss and turned to look in Philo’s direction.

Then, their eyes met.

The elder’s unfocused, cloudy silver-gray eyes locked onto the young male insect’s bright, vivid purple ones.

As if reminded of something by those spirited eyes, the elder’s seemingly collapsed soul straightened slightly, and his foggy head cleared a little.

Ah… now he remembered. Someone had mentioned a young male insect coming to observe today. He hadn’t paid attention at the time and nearly forgot.

So, it was Yi Jia Fa’s newly found son.

He quite liked this young highness, though he hadn’t had the chance to speak much at the last two banquets.

Pausing, the elder’s previously blank face softened into a warm smile, and he even beckoned Philo over.

Beckoning? Was he calling him?

Seeing that the elder didn’t seem in a hurry to start the psychic soothing, Philo hesitated only briefly before walking over.

"Little Philo, so you’re the one the Male Insect Management Committee said was coming to observe? Why the rush? It’s better to learn these things later."

There was no malice—the elder’s question was genuinely curious and amused.

But upon hearing this, Philo, who had just stopped before him, couldn't decide whether to laugh or sigh.

The words were sincere, but perhaps a bit too sincere.

With a raised brow and a smile, even though the elderly male insect's question was rather difficult to answer, Philo responded brightly.

"There's no helping it. Though I can't use my psychic powers right now, I deeply admire all the Highnesses who steadfastly fulfill their psychic soothing duties. That's why I wanted to come observe their excellence in advance."

"Especially you, His Highness Wenfeide. I’ve long heard that not only is your psychic rank as high as A-Class, but you’re also the leading figure among A-Class male insects of your generation, an outstanding practitioner in psychic soothing."

"This time, I’m exceptionally privileged to have the chance to observe you performing psychic soothing. I’m truly grateful and excited. I’ll definitely learn from you how to wield psychic power—you’ll be my guiding light in mastering psychic abilities..."

Compliments piled up, one after another.

Sweet words flowed in abundance.

The elderly male insect, who had initially intended to persuade the young one to return to rest, who had planned to lounge for half an hour before starting, who had only meant to go through the motions today—suddenly found himself straightening his back, smoothing his hair, and stepping onto the platform.

His lips twitched as he looked at the bouquet of flowers the young male insect had given him. Wenfeide, who had been so flattered that he absentmindedly agreed to showcase his prowess as a leading A-Class male insect, shot an exasperated yet amused glance at the little schemer who had poured on the charm.

Indeed, from their previous encounters at banquets, he had already sensed it—this young male insect of Yi Jia Fa’s was truly a clever and eccentric one.

Ah well. Since the little one had gone to such lengths to coax him, he’d put in some effort today.

After all, Wenfeide was no ordinary A-Class male insect.

Setting down the cup he had been using to idle away time, he lifted his gaze. The male insect who had seemed on the verge of collapsing from exhaustion upon entering now had a gleam in his silver-gray eyes.

Unlike many young male insects who relied on auxiliary tools, or his usual lazy self who took forever just to prepare, the male insect on the platform simply withdrew his smile and steadied his focus.

Soon, an invisible, wave-like force spread throughout the sealed venue.

The energy was familiar—female insects who had received Wenfeide’s psychic soothing before could easily recognize it as his.

Yet, at the same time, it felt unfamiliar.

Though it was undeniably Wenfeide’s psychic power, though he had soothed many female insects before, this time was different. Entirely different.

Soft, gentle, devoid of impatience or suppressed resentment.

Some of the more perceptive female insects even faintly detected hints of pride, care, instruction, and warmth within the energy.

Such psychic power, such intensity of soothing.

Deep within the platform, female insects who had been clenching their fists in agony gradually relaxed without realizing it.

Normally, female insects with such severe psychic domain conditions might feel relief afterward, but the process was never pleasant. Most male insects performing the soothing, even if not in a terrible mood, still radiated reluctance and impatience through their psychic energy, making the experience far from comfortable.

This time, however, many fatherless female insects present experienced for the first time just how wondrous a male insect’s psychic power could be—beyond anything they had imagined.

Lips pressed tight, some female insects couldn’t help but slump in relaxation even before the soothing ended.

Among them, Gore, standing closest to Philo, benefited the most.

Male insect psychic energy spread from points to lines, then into waves. Naturally, some areas received more attention and thus more energy, while neglected spots got less.

As the focal point of this session, the area around Philo was flooded with psychic energy—several times more than what the others received.

Though Philo couldn’t gauge the extent of Gore’s relief due to his own inability to use psychic power, seeing the usually stoic female insect visibly relax, her pupils rounding slightly, he smiled and turned his attention back to observing Wenfeide’s technique.

Unlike the female insects, Philo wasn’t experiencing the soothing—he was studying the way the psychic energy was released.

Though Yi Jia Fa had guided him many times before, this was his first exposure to such a large-scale release.

Now that his constitution had improved, allowing faint psychic emissions, his sensitivity to other male insects’ energy had sharpened significantly since his arrival in the insectoid society.

As the session progressed in silence, the Male Insect Management Committee’s allotted time eventually came to an end. The elderly male insect’s wave-like energy gradually receded.

When the last strand of psychic power returned to his forehead, Philo opened his eyes to meet the gaze of a visibly exhausted yet immensely proud Wenfeide.

This time, the young male insect didn’t resort to playful flattery. Instead, he bowed deeply in the traditional salute of one male insect to another.

Accepting the gesture with undisguised pride, the elderly male insect’s expression flickered with a trace of sorrow.

Finally, looking at the earnest young male insect before him, Wenfeide’s eyes held a fleeting shadow of grief and resignation. Without sparing a glance at the unsteady female insects around them, he left the venue with the same indifferent demeanor as when he had entered, supported by his assistants.

As for Philo…

Frowning at the elderly male insect’s drained state after the large-scale psychic soothing—having only witnessed Yi Jia Fa’s minor psychic exertions before—he suddenly turned to his chief assistant, Leslie.

"Male insects seem to tire more easily than female insects after using psychic power. Is that just my imagination, or…?"

……

Silence.

Unexpected silence.

Unlike the other female insects, Leslie, whose psychic domain was relatively stable, remained composed despite being in the soothing venue.

Yet, when the gold-haired female insect met the silver-haired male insect’s questioning gaze, her pupils constricted sharply. Even though Philo had asked her many routine questions before, this one sent a chill down her spine.

"Your Highness… you’ve never heard of the Male Insect Psychic Depletion Theory?"

"Depletion Theory? No. What does it mean?"

Why was it specifically about male insects? Why not all insectoids?

This was Philo’s first official visit to the Male Insect Management Committee since arriving in insectoid society—and his first exposure to this information.

At his response, Leslie’s expression tightened further. The other female insects who had regained their footing also turned toward him in shock.

Sensing the stares, Philo instinctively glanced around.

But for once, the female insects—who would normally cling to his gaze—averted their eyes in something akin to panic.

Scanning the room, Philo realized something crucial had been overlooked. He turned to Gore, whose composed demeanor had returned.

Yet this time, faced with the silver-haired male insect—one who had received no care or support from female insects in over twenty years, who had been thrust into duty the moment he was found—the usually forthright blue-haired female insect found herself unable to answer.

Silence spread through the psychic soothing venue.

Clenching their fists, the female insects who had just been soothed felt no joy—only an unspoken sorrow.

No one dared answer Philo’s question.

A question none of them had the courage to address.

(A/N: My apologies for the delay—I wished to complete this scene properly!)