Chapter 70

Chapter 70

"Although the Silk Flower Festival lasts only one day, all star systems under the Alliance's jurisdiction will hold flower-viewing events on this day."

"However, ordinary female insects can only attend large-scale public flower-viewing events organized by the Assembly Hall, while male insects are excluded from these public venues to avoid causing disturbances."

"In return, the Male Insect Management Committee will host an exclusive flower-viewing event for male insects on this day. All noble female insects are permitted to enter the Committee's premises to admire the flowers, and at the end of the banquet, they may choose to offer flowers to their favored male. So, Philo—"

Lowering his gaze to the silver-haired male insect who had just returned from Kalms Military Academy, Zhousha smiled faintly and said,

"The Silk Flower Festival occurs only once a year—it's a grand occasion for our entire insect race. You've never participated before, and since you're free this time, why not go and see?"

Then, the elder female insect added softly,

"As it happens, you probably haven't seen Silk Flowers with your own eyes yet. They are our race's most beloved flowers, coming in male and female varieties—stunningly beautiful. You'll surely like them."

Indeed, ever since Philo returned to the Tulas Family mansion, the senior female insect had been urging him not to stay cooped up in his room today.

Meeting Zhousha's eyes and understanding what the elder female insect was hoping for, Philo hesitated. Though he wanted to voice his thoughts plainly, locking gazes made it difficult for the male insect to speak his mind.

Reluctantly, after a long pause, Philo finally left the Tulas estate under the enthusiastic farewell of its residents, accompanied by Gore, who had come to escort him.

Unlike his usual simple attire, the blue-haired female insect was dressed much more formally today.

Taking in Gore's appearance, Philo paused briefly beside the shuttle before saying nothing and stepping inside with his usual smile.

The shuttle emblazoned with the Tulas crest soon took off, heading straight for the Male Insect Management Committee.

Under normal circumstances, the sight of a Tulas shuttle en route to the Committee would have attracted other shuttles attempting to approach.

However, given that many young male insects would be visiting the Committee on the Silk Flower Festival, the Alliance Inspectorate had already stationed officers to maintain order in the airspace, leaving no opportunity for other female insects to get close.

Amid this smooth, uninterrupted flight, Philo soon arrived at the Committee's landing pad.

As the shuttle door opened and Philo stepped out ahead of Gore, he was greeted by a sky filled with dancing crimson petals and a boundless floral expanse before he could even descend the ramp.

This was...

"Silk Flower petals shed readily once fully bloomed. The capital planet's winds are strong today, and rain is expected later, so many petals have been blown loose."

A deep voice sounded behind the male insect as Gore matter-of-factly explained the reason for the fluttering petals.

Yet, despite the female insect's practical and straightforward explanation, Philo—who was not particularly sentimental himself—found himself transfixed momentarily by the sight before him.

It was hard to describe just how mesmerizing the scene was.

Resembling scarlet plumes or scarlet butterflies, the once-clear sky was now filled with drifting Silk Flower petals.

Cinnabar-hued petals, like drops of vermilion, floated before his eyes, beside him, and at his feet, while a heady, intoxicating scent enveloped the silver-haired male insect.

Raising his arm, Philo instinctively caught a petal that had drifted toward him—capturing the source of the fragrance.

Then, as if involuntarily, his gaze grew unfocused for a moment.

Recognition washed over him, and memories that had gradually faded over time suddenly sharpened again.

In that fleeting trance, Philo—no, Zhou Nuo—suddenly remembered countless details.

He remembered the name of his elementary school.

He remembered the ruler his mother had broken while hitting him.

He remembered the brand of fishing rod his father often used.

He remembered the person he had liked... no, wait—there was no one.

Indeed, though Zhou Nuo had been a good-looking and well-liked guy since childhood, he had spent most of his time pursuing music and wanderlust. Thus, he had never seriously liked anyone.

But why was he suddenly thinking of this? He was now... now...

"Philo."

A voice abruptly snapped him out of his reverie.

Looking up, his gaze met the green-haired female insect's eyes at the foot of the ramp. His faraway look faded before he withdrew his hand, watching the petal flutter from his grasp. His brow furrowed tightly.

This was...

"The fragrance of female Silk Flowers can affect an insect's emotions. When concentrated, it even has slight psychoactive properties. Since you've never been exposed to Silk Flowers before, Philo, your resistance to the scent may be weaker."

Gore, who had initially thought Philo was simply admiring the scenery, only realized the male insect had been affected by the fragrance when Li Wei spoke and Philo suddenly retracted his arm.

However, the Silk Flower's scent was most potent when insects were unprepared. Now that he had come back to himself, the male insect no longer seemed lost in thought.

Still, as he glanced once more at the drifting scarlet blossoms and recalled the unbidden memories that arose, he took a deep breath and made his way down the ramp quietly.

"Philo."

Holding a bouquet of Silk Flowers considerably more elaborate than those on the streets, the green-haired female insect approached with a light smile.

Nodding, Philo acknowledged her with a faint smile of his own.

But his gaze lingered only briefly on the female insect's face, and he barely glanced at the flowers in her hands.

Though Philo seemed indifferent to the bouquet, the green-haired and blue-haired female insects shared a look, each appraising the other's flowers.

When they looked up again, though their expressions remained cordial, the wind seemed to carry a slightly sharper edge than before.

Dispensing with small talk, Philo strode forward, heading straight into the Male Insect Management Committee.

This path was now familiar to him. After days of observing Psychic Soothing sessions, Philo had not only gained better control over his own mental energy but had also memorized the Committee's layout.

Yet, even though he had walked this route many times, today's Committee was distinctly different.

"Your Highness Philo, I am Kamen of the Stedfenko Family. I had the honor of meeting you at a banquet before. Greetings."

"Your Highness Philo, I am Furgit of the Sedek Family. I was on a mission off-planet recently, so this is our first meeting. Greetings."

"Your Highness Philo, we exchanged contact information at a banquet before. I'm delighted you could come today. Greetings."

Unlike their usual caution, restraint, and formality, today the female insects at the Committee seemed to have shed their normal reserve.

Less restrained than usual or deliberately subdued, they wore their finest attire, clutching bouquets of carefully selected or cultivated Silk Flowers. With smiles on their faces and anticipation in their eyes, they eagerly approached the male insect they admired.

These confident, glowing females, as vibrant as blooming Silk Flowers, undeniably carried a charm unlike their usual selves.

Their daring today stemmed partly from knowing the male insect wouldn't fault them on this occasion—but also from the pervasive presence of Silk Flowers within the Committee.

Yet Philo did not pause. He responded to each greeting with polite smiles, his demeanor warm yet maintaining a distance that verged on aloofness.

Though the MIMC hall was filled with Silk Flowers, and though the male insects could also catch the heady floral fragrance, at this moment, his violet eyes gleamed like freshly polished amethysts from the depths of a pool—clear, transparent, yet utterly lucid.

"Hey, Philo, you're finally here."

"Quick, quick, come in! Nimir’s been waiting for you all day. Do me a favor and take a look at how well he’s dressed today. I said he looked great, but he didn’t believe me—ugh, drives me crazy."

Unlike the lower-tier male insects who hesitated to approach due to unfamiliarity with Philo, and unlike the female insects who could only exchange a few polite words despite their proximity, the blond male insect, upon spotting the silver-haired male insect entering the room, grinned and barged right over, grabbing his arm to pull him inside.

What’s there to stare at? Why’s everyone looking at him?

He’s a male insect too—what, I can’t even touch Philo?

Raising an eyebrow, Ya Jin flashed a provocative smirk at the two female insects trailing behind Philo. Without waiting for any protest, he dragged Philo straight to Nimir.

"So? Doesn’t Nimir look great today?"

With an arm slung over Philo’s shoulder, Ya Jin bluntly asked the crucial question on behalf of his friend.

Before Philo, who had been hauled along, could respond, the female insect whose ears had already reddened at the blond male insect’s words couldn’t help but speak up first.

"Ya Jin, stop talking nonsense."

"Hey, you’re the one who should stop. If I weren’t satisfied with the outfit you designed for me this time, do you think I’d bother helping you?"

Squinting, Ya Jin gave his buddy a look of exasperation before turning back to Philo.

"Philo, just say it straight—do you like Nimi—"

"Ya Jin, did you hatch without learning manners? Taking advantage of other male insects’ good temper to play matchmaker—you really have no shame."

It had to be said—whenever Ya Jin was present, Siluan always seemed to appear as well.

The two young insects from the House of Qi Mengtu, arriving a step later than Philo, hadn’t even fully entered the room before the male insect’s mocking voice reached everyone’s ears.

Hearing Siluan’s words clearly, Ya Jin turned and retorted without hesitation.

"At least I’m better than a backstabbing fake like you. What, didn’t your family ask you to play matchmaker? Everyone wants the best insects—you can do it, but others can’t? If anyone’s shameless here, it’s you."

"Don’t project your own filthy thoughts onto others. I—"

Now in full view of all insects in the MIMC hall, the black-haired male insect strode straight toward Ya Jin without pause. Once again, the two male insects treated everyone to their usual bickering.

However, behind Siluan, the black-haired female insect who had followed him to Ya Jin’s—and Philo’s—location turned and greeted Philo with a smile, holding a bouquet of crimson flowers in her arms.

Facing her, Philo nodded politely, treating her with the same courteous response as everyone else.

Yet, despite Philo’s impeccable manners and politeness, the other male insects couldn’t help but exchange amazed glances as they watched the female insects unconsciously gathering around the silver-haired male insect.

This year’s Silk Flower Festival—they were truly seeing something wild.

Though the Male Insect Management Committee held the Silk Flower banquet for adult male insects every year, and though this year’s proceedings were no different from previous years—still featuring lavish decorations, premium wines, renowned orchestras, and high-born female insects permitted to attend—there were still differences.

Yes, this year stood out from the past.

First, the number of female insects attending the banquet. Compared to previous years, the number of female insects who had already entered the MIMC by this point was way more.

Looking at it this way, it's no wonder the Male Management Committee specially moved the main banquet hall to the largest venue this year.

Aside from the sheer numbers, the quality and dedication of the females attending this year's banquet are also far superior to previous years.

Just take a look at the females now gathered around Philo—males can't help but cross their arms in frustration.

Gore from the Aogutale Family, the formidable Gore, for one, needs no introduction.

In previous Silk Flower Festivals, he never even presented flowers—ever since he graduated from Kalms Military Academy and was stationed on the frontier planets, the males in the capital could hardly catch a glimpse of him during the Silk Flower Festival.

Then there's Li Wei from the Geshaluolin Family, who’s hardly an improvement over Gore.

When he first came of age, he actively participated in the Silk Flower banquets, but later, he too almost vanished. So it’s no stretch to guess who he’s making this rare appearance for today.

And then there’s Shang Ling from the Qi Mengtu Family. Admittedly, the males of the capital might not have been sure who this top-tier consort candidate had in mind before.

But after the recent government campus tour event, any observant male could roughly guess what this rising star in politics was thinking about.

Beyond them, there’s also Nimir, the most talented designer from the Qiankesilan Family, who made a rare public appearance just for Philo, as well as Li Qi, the promising head of the Inspectorate, the female heir of the Legion Commander of the Second Legion, the youngest current minister of the Star Domain Management Department...

Countless wealthy and powerful noble females from the capital—in previous years, having six or seven of them appear at the Silk Flower banquet at the same time would already be considered impressive. But this year, they’ve all shown up.

True, while males hold a revered status and are respected by all, noble females aren’t potential attendants to be taken lightly.

Considering both family interests and their own future prospects, noble females wouldn’t casually attend the Silk Flower banquet without being certain.

And precisely because of this, the Silk Flowers gifted to males during this banquet are especially precious. If it weren’t so rare, males wouldn’t privately compare the number of bouquets they received.

But clearly, for Philo, perhaps today’s Silk Flowers aren’t all that rare. After all, just the sheer number of Silk Flowers his admirers hold already matches the total number other males received in previous years.

Moreover, if the males aren’t mistaken, many females this year aren’t even holding the Silk Flowers prepared by the Male Management Committee—they’ve brought their own handpicked blooms.

Yes, as the host of the banquet, the Male Management Committee prepares Silk Flowers for every attending insect.

Females can receive a pistillate Silk Flower, while males can receive a staminate Silk Flower. According to insect customs, if a female admires a male, she can present her Silk Flower to him.

Generally, males rarely refuse such offerings.

However, if the male also favors the female, he will return the gesture with his own bloom after accepting hers. Of course, if the male chooses not to reciprocate, it means he has no interest in the female.

At first glance, it might seem like males hold the dominant position in mate selection at the banquet. But in reality, attending females also have their own choices.

For starters, there are females who were only pressured into attending by their clans, as well as those who haven’t yet decided on a preferred male consort. For these females, they can simply attend without presenting flowers to any male.

But even if they don’t present flowers, out of courtesy, females will still receive a flower from the attendants of the Male Management Committee. However, since these flowers are mass-produced by the committee, they naturally pale in comparison to bespoke arrangements.

The difference between the two is easy to spot. In previous banquets, males could see plenty of females holding these uniform bouquets at a glance.

But this year… so far, they’ve hardly seen any females holding ordinary Silk Flowers.

Amused, they shook their heads, many lower-tier males have already begun imagining the grand spectacle of females presenting flowers to Philo later.

Tsk tsk, what a lively scene that will be.

After all, lower-tier males can’t compete with elite males anyway—when the time comes, they’ll just sit back and enjoy the show. The real question is whether the other elite males will feel uncomfortable watching this scene.

Thinking this, the males, ever eager for gossip, exchanged glances at Siluan and Ya Jin, who have already stopped their argument. But before they can get a clear look at their expressions, the music signaling the start of the banquet begins to play.

Turning their heads, all the insects look toward the servitors suddenly streaming in from the side door.

Unlike the male and female insects at the banquet, the uniformly dressed Attendants now approached the crowd with silver trays in hand. At the same time, the representative from the Male Insect Management Committee, serving as the host of the banquet, stepped forward with a smile.

Standing at the center of the banquet hall, surrounded by the crowd, Prince Fei Luo took a wine glass from an Attendant's tray. After the host's opening remarks concluded, like all the other insects, he brought the glass to his lips—though he only took a sip. The Silver-Haired Male Insect then placed the silver cup, still mostly filled with burgundy wine, back on the tray. Ignoring the countless gazes fixed upon him, he raised his eyes, surveyed the scene with sharp focus.

Unlike ordinary banquets, this Silk Flower Festival banquet was distinctly different in both its setup and proceedings. The dim, soothing lighting seemed to ease weary nerves, while the band played low, melodic tunes. The banquet hall was filled with the rich fragrance of Silk Flowers, both inside and outside the windows. And then there were the female insects, whose behavior was unusually tense.

Avoiding eye contact with the others, the Silver-Haired Male Insect observed the scene silently, deep in thought. Female insects repeatedly tried to approach him, but Fei Luo remained close to the few he was familiar with, allowing only brief greetings from others.

The fragrance of flowers grew stronger as the female insects' restlessness intensified. Now, the Silk Flower Festival banquet was finally reaching its climax.

Some male insects, their resistance weakened, allowed female insects to draw near. Likewise, some impatient female insects clutched the flower branches in their arms—symbols of their affection—tightly.

And then—

"Clang..."

The flower-offering ceremony had arrived.

Along with the metallic chime came the sound of footsteps as the Attendants, who had earlier carried wine glasses, reappeared. This time, however, the trays they held no longer bore silver cups of Silk Flower wine but instead displayed male Silk Flowers—similar in shape and fragrance to their female counterparts, yet smaller in bloom and with finer leaves.

No one moved or spoke.

At this moment, the gazes of most female insects in the room were fixed on the male Silk Flower placed beside Fei Luo—the standardized one provided by the Committee.

Even though the female Silk Flowers they had brought themselves were more beautiful, even though Fei Luo's male Silk Flower appeared smaller than those of the others... Fists clenched. The once-bustling hall now echoed only with the band's music and the male insects' light chatter.

As for the female insects—silence. Every one of them subconsciously tightened their holds on the carefully prepared flower branches they had brought.

Amid this silence, as all the male Silk Flowers were placed beside their respective male insects, one guest finally stepped forward.

And the direction of that step was... toward His Highness Fei Luo.

Well, this outcome wasn’t surprising to those present.

Though they weren’t shocked that Fei Luo received the first offering, when Gore, Li Wei, and Shang Ling simultaneously approached him and extended their flowers, the crowd gasped in unison.

Ignoring other potential suitors, the male insects turned almost in unison to watch Fei Luo, now encircled by the three.

Among them, Ya Jin even nudged Nimir beside him, his meaning clear.

Yet, even though Nimir’s flower was meant only for Fei Luo, even though many others also wished to present theirs to him, even if they too wanted to be the first—

Seeing the three female insects surrounding Fei Luo, aware of their influence, fists clenched, the female insects ultimately remained silent where they stood.

Under the crowd’s watchful eyes, Fei Luo lowered his gaze at the three exquisitely beautiful Silk Flowers before him—each equally breathtaking.

Were the Silk Flowers beautiful?

Undoubtedly. Even Fei Luo, who preferred Earth’s flora, had to admit that these were the most stunning flowers he had ever seen.

Especially at this proximity. Even without having drunk the Silk Flower wine earlier, the fragrance alone left him in awe.

It had to be said—while the insect-kind faced hardships, they also possessed many blessings.

They occupied vast galactic territories. They held knowledge and resources beyond human imagination. Even a single flower was breathtakingly unique.

Beyond societal divisions, Fei Luo couldn’t deny his envy.

He admitted it—the longer he stayed, the deeper his understanding grew, and the more he became emotionally attached to this star system and its people.

They stirred his emotions. He felt indignation at injustices, sorrow at misfortunes, and joy at their happiness.

Perhaps, at certain moments, they truly were no different.

But...

Lowering his eyes to the flowers before him, Fei Luo suddenly recalled the memory that surfaced when he stepped off the aircraft earlier.

Was the insect race good?

At least for Fei Luo, whether in social treatment or actions, they had treated him well—except for hiding the truth about Psychic Soothing.

Yet...

"Thank you."

By custom, whether he favored the female insects or not, it was best to accept all offered flowers to avoid embarrassing them.

Thus, taking all three branches at once, Fei Luo smiled and expressed his gratitude.

Genuine warmth lit his eyes, spreading to the corners of his lips and brows. At this moment, he truly meant his thanks for their gifts.

However, as the female insects watched the smile on the Silver-Haired Male Insect’s face, they clenched their fists, faces pale, their fingertips turning cold.

Almost uncontrollably, some barely containing themselves shifted their gazes to the male Silk Flower beside him.

Would he return the gesture?

Had the Prince chosen them?

Though their backgrounds were undoubtedly prestigious—

*Your Highness, have you truly decided? Are you certain of your feelings?*

Breaths hitched. Their gazes weighed heavily on Fei Luo like the storm clouds gathering outside.

Yes—rain clouds had drifted in.

The previously windy sky now showed clear signs of an approaching rain. In such weather, the Silk Flowers’ fragrance grew even more intoxicating.

Yet, as the scent thickened, as the females grew more agitated, as the three before Fei Luo waited longer and longer—

Fei Luo... simply held the three blooms in his hand.

He remained still.

That’s right—Fei Luo stayed frozen.

He didn’t even glance at his own male Silk Flower.

Not even though the three before him were pillars of the insect race’s future.

Not even though he knew them all well—two were even close friends.

But he did not move.

His own flower went ignored.

He never reached for the flower under scrutiny.

Avoiding the gazes of the three insects, the SilverHaired Male Insect did not reciprocate any of them.

This... this is...

Wide-eyed, not just the female insects, even the male insects couldn’t help but step closer to where Philo stood, their faces filled with disbelief.

They couldn't have seen wrong, could they?

His Highness Philo of the Talas family had just rejected the most outstanding and prominent female insects of the capital planet—indeed, of the entire insect race—in one go?

Wait, not a single one of these three caught his eye? If even they didn’t, would he ever find a female insect he truly liked in this lifetime?!

Frankly, every insect who witnessed this outcome was completely shocked. Some, unable to believe it, even grabbed the insects beside them to ask repeatedly if they had seen correctly.

But no, they hadn’t misseen.

One insect might have been mistaken, but every insect in the banquet hall—including those from the Male Insect Management Committee and the Attendant insects—had seen it clearly.

His Highness Philo had indeed outright rejected the three heir female insects from the Aogutale Family, the Geshaluolin Family, and the Qi Mengtu Family.

Yes, heir female insects—not branch relatives, nor insignificant female members of their clans.

The red-eyed Attendant insect responsible for delivering the male Silk Flower branch to Philo stood in a corner of the banquet hall. Witnessing this scene, the Attendant insect’s pupils flickered like flames, and their grip on the tray left deep finger marks in the metal.

At this moment, many insects shared the Attendant insect’s agitation.

Without hesitation, the previously disheartened female insects now wore unmistakable smiles.

Seizing the opportunity, perhaps emboldened by the rejection of those three, the remaining female insects dropped their hesitation and seized the moment to express their feelings.

As other female insects approached, those who had already given their flowers moved back, though—

The blue-haired female insect’s sea-blue pupils lingered on the SilverHaired Male Insect, watching the growing number of flower branches in his hands. Clenching her fists, she quietly lowered her gaze.

The green-eyed female insect’s eyes swept over the untouched male Silk Flower branch beside the male insect, her gaze dark and inscrutable.

The black-haired Female Insect... Hah. Curling her lips, she pressed her fingertips against the diamonds on her wrist until they nearly drew blood.

Outside the banquet hall, the rain finally started falling heavily.

The outcome of today’s Silk Flower Festival banquet, hosted by the Male Insect Management Committee, had shocked every insect.

True, most of their initial predictions had been correct.

His Highness Philo had indeed received the most Silk Flowers during this festival—in fact, he had set a new record, receiving more than any male insect since the tradition began.

Yet, even though this part had been anticipated, the latter half of the banquet had surprised everyone.

In the vast banquet hall, the insects watched as the flowers in the male insect’s hands grew more and more numerous—so numerous that they eventually had to be placed on a table, as he could no longer hold them all.

But despite the abundance of flowers and female insects, despite the rain intensifying the fragrance of the Silk Flowers, despite other male insects forming engagements on the spot... the SilverHaired Male Insect, His Highness Philo of the Talas family—the most sought-after male insect of the banquet—had not given away his own Silk Flower.

No, he hadn’t.

The insects watched until the banquet ended. They watched as the male insect returned his male Silk Flower to the Attendant insect. They watched as he told the Attendant insect to take the flowers he’d received back to his flyer. Finally, they watched as he walked away.

Wait—he was just leaving? Just like that?

The male insects, barely believing what they saw, gazed after the SilverHaired Male Insect with mixed expressions of admiration. The female insects who had come expressly for Philo couldn't hide their disappointment.

If they had been overjoyed and expectant when Philo first rejected Gore, Li Wei, and Shang Ling, now they felt only profound disappointment and confusion.

Were they not good enough?

Or did His Highness feel nothing for any of them?

The Silk Flowers couldn’t have been ineffective—was it truly possible that he hadn’t been moved by anyone?

But His Highness had been kinder to them than any other male insect. He had smiled when accepting their flowers. When he looked at them, his eyes had focused solely on them. How could such a male insect... like none of them?

So, why?

Your Highness, why wouldn’t you give your flower?

As they watched the SilverHaired Male Insect’s retreating figure, countless insects ached to know the answer.

Yet, though some lifted their feet, they ultimately set them back down silently.

In the end, not every insect had the courage to demand an answer from a male insect.

Even if that male insect’s eyes had always held warmth when looking at them... he remained a male insect.

However—

As he stepped out of the Male Insect Management Committee’s doors, Philo, shielded by a hovering holographic rain shield, needn't worry about getting wet. But before he could get far, a familiar hand grasped his arm.

Stopping, he turned.

The SilverHaired Male Insect wasn’t completely surprised to meet a pair of blue eyes. A step behind, the green-haired female insect and the black-haired Female Insect also approached.

"Philo."

"The rain makes the path slippery. Don’t walk so fast."

Releasing his arm, the blue-haired female insect’s voice remained as calm and steady as ever, despite having just been rejected.

But compared to Gore, Shang Ling’s tone was unusually blunt.

"Lieutenant General Gore, Philo might just be too embarrassed to face us again—that’s why he’s walking so fast. The rain has nothing to do with it."

"Philo, it’s still early. Do you have time to talk?" Li Wei, seldom this direct, met the male insect’s gaze.

Admittedly, Philo hadn’t often seen these three female insects competing to speak like this.

Turning to face them, the SilverHaired Male Insect looked at the three insects he had seen most often and interacted with most since arriving in the insect world.

By any measure—whether the insects’ or Earth’s—these three were remarkable. But—

"If you have questions for me, ask them now."

Lifting his gaze, the typically quiet male insect took the rare initiative.

Looking at the three before him, Philo smiled faintly and stated simply,

"I’ll answer you today—if you truly want to know."

In truth, perhaps Philo should have made things clear with these female insects earlier.

But sometimes, no matter how soon feelings are addressed... it may prove pointless.

Silence. The three of them, stunned by the SilverHaired Male Insect's words, all fell quiet for a moment.

Though they had chased after him with questions in mind, seeing Philo like this now, they hesitated briefly.

Resentment? Sorrow?

Perhaps there was a hint of both, but beyond these futile emotions, the three female insects—who had always known exactly what they wanted—had only one pressing question.

"Philo."

In the dim light and rainy haze,

Their frost-veiled gazes all turned toward the SilverHaired Male Insect standing calmly in the mist.

"What type of female insect do you prefer?"

If females like us don't appeal to you, then Philo, what kind of female insect do you truly desire? What kind of life partner do you want?

The female insects who entered the Male Insect Management Committee today represented nearly every profession and temperament found among their kind.

Soldiers, politicians, business owners, freelancers… various careers, temperaments from gentle to reserved to fiery—so many female insects. If none of them appeal to you, then what exactly are you looking for?

Gazing at Philo, the three female insects seemed eager for an answer.

And while Philo might not have been able to answer other questions, this one…

Drawing a slow breath, the SilverHaired Male Insect seemed to collect his thoughts, but it didn’t take long before he spoke softly.

"I grew up on a desolate planet. Perhaps you don’t fully grasp what that truly means."

"Simply put, before I was found, I never realized I was a male insect. Or rather, I never realized I was insect-kind."

Here, his purple pupils seemed to fill with the rain’s mist. Raising his gaze, Philo’s voice was clear and firm.

"To me, whether female or male, you are all just alien species—separate from myself."

"Could you… ever love an alien creature that isn’t one of your own?"

His response was brief, but it was enough to shock every insect present.

Looking at the SilverHaired Male Insect, the three female insects—who had been puzzled until now—lost their calm demeanor after hearing this.

And with that, those who had listened closely finally understood the strange qualities they had sensed in Philo.

So… that was it.

Having been separated from his kind since childhood, even now that he had been found, even if he appeared no different on the surface, his heart had long drifted outside insect society.

He didn't identify as insect-kind.

That was why he treated all insects equally, why he sometimes showed no distinction toward female insects just as with males, and why… he would never consider a female insect as his life partner.

Because… because of such an absurdly simple reason?

Fists tightening, the insects seemed to want to say something, but before they could, the SilverHaired Male Insect had already turned and walked toward the Tulas family’s shuttle bay.

Watching him walk away, the insects lowered their eyes, suddenly realizing that perhaps they had never truly known Philo.

Whoever you are, however you were raised, everyone has history.

But Philo’s past… had been forgotten by everyone.

So, Your Highness…

What kind of story is your past?

Author’s Note:

Philo’s depression countdown begins—it’s coming soon. Let’s mourn the female insects for two seconds.