Chapter 99

Chapter 99

Most common citizens of the Alliance were unaware of the news that Lord Philo would be heading to the Sadiq star system.

After all, to maintain internal stability within the Alliance, the true state of the war could not be disclosed, nor could the already implemented lure operation. Naturally, the news that the Alliance’s most beloved Lord Philo would be heading to the frontlines also could not be made public.

However, though the Alliance was temporarily attempting to conceal the truth from most common citizens, within the capital planet—especially among the aristocratic circles—there were hardly any insects who didn’t know of Philo’s impending departure to the frontlines.

The lure operation secretly orchestrated by Shang Ling had initially been known to only a handful of insects. But as the plan began to show results, the number of active and passive participants had long since become countless.

After all, to deceive General Zhou Sha indefinitely and to perfectly conceal the operation from other high-ranking military officers who would never approve of such a plan, the scheme was destined to require the support of many insects.

Shang Ling had little difficulty securing this support. Compared to the results that would be achieved upon the plan’s success, the condition of sacrificing only a few ordinary female soldier insects was seen by many as a worthy trade.

Yes, worthy.

Look, though the war had progressed to this point, with countless female insects dying for this plan, one had to admit—their deaths had meaning.

They had successfully held back the Star Beasts, even using large-scale suicide attacks to annihilate an S-class Star Beast, severely crippling the Star Beasts’ offensive momentum.

They had successfully protected General Zhou Sha. Since the female soldiers carrying the decoy devices had already lured away the high-tier Star Beasts in advance, General Zhou Sha undoubtedly did not have to fight to the death.

Such developments, such exchanges—even if some insects might have initially been reluctant to accept such an operation—now, with the facts laid bare before them, compared to letting Lord Philo take the risk, the insectfolk were clearly more willing to accept this outcome.

But… though they were willing to accept it, even if the female insects who had already perished were willing to accept it, in the end, there were still those who refused.

“Apologies, Your Highness Siluan, Your Highness Ya Jin. Lord Philo does not wish to see you.”

Bowing slightly, the elderly butler—who had aged drastically in just a few short months—now faced two esteemed Highnesses who had come specifically to visit, daring to refuse their request to see Philo.

This scene, admittedly, was something the insects in the Torras mansion had grown accustomed to lately, so none were particularly shocked. After all, ever since the news of Philo’s decision to go to the frontlines had spread, too many insects had sought to see him. Yet he had refused almost all of them.

“Did you make it clear to him? Did you tell him it was me asking for him? He won’t even see me?”

He did not resort to violence. Though the raven-haired lord was furious and anxious, he unusually refrained from laying hands on the old female insect before him, only disbelievingly repeating his question.

Running a hand through his hair, Ya Jin—who had also been shocked by the news of Philo’s decision to go to the Sadiq star system—had come today as well. Hearing the butler say that Philo refused to see them, he couldn’t help but frown.

“Your Lordship’s mental state is already unstable. At a time like this, he actually wants to go to the frontlines? I doubt he'll return alive.”

As soon as these words left the golden-haired lord’s mouth, he felt several pairs of eyes glaring at him in fury.

This feeling—admittedly—was something Ya Jin had rarely experienced since birth. Yet, remarkably, the golden-haired lord did not take offense at the other female insects’ disrespect. Instead, he continued speaking to the seemingly immovable old steward.

“I think it’d be best if you let the two of us see him. We’re both Male Insects. Maybe if we talk to him, he’ll change his mind. Surely you don’t want to see your Highness go to his death, do you?”

Ya Jin had always been blunt and sharp-tongued. Though his words were harsh—so harsh that several female insects couldn’t help but glare at him—his intention to persuade Philo to reconsider was something the others couldn’t help but silently agree with.

Yet… though the Male Insect’s words held reason, though all the retainers in the Torras mansion also wished to stop their Highness from going to the border…

“Apologies, Your Highness. Lord Philo does not wish to see you.”

As if those were the only words he could say, as if those were the only words he was allowed to say, the bowing old steward did not even lift his gaze, mechanically repeating what he had said earlier—what Philo had said.

And the moment the old steward bowed, behind him, before Philo’s door, stood the solemn female soldier guards of the honor guard, holding plasma weapons approved for temporary use.

With such protection, as long as Philo refused and did not consent, even if it were Ya Jin or Siluan forcing their way in, they would open fire without hesitation.

His hands balled into fists, the raven-haired lord’s eyes gradually reddened with suppressed emotion. Ignoring the steward who could only relay messages, he stared at the tightly shut door and shouted loudly:

“Philo, you bastard!”

Who gave you the right to go to the border planets? Who gave you the right to refuse to see me? Who gave you the right to avoid me ever since you woke up in the medical center last time?

You figured it out, didn’t you? You know I like you, don’t you? You're disgusted by me and don’t even want to see me anymore, do you?

You think I want to look at you? You think I want to like you? If it weren’t for you manhandling me back then, why the hell would I pay attention to you? Why would I go against my parents again and again to help you?

You know everything. You understand everything. But now, you won’t even see me…

His fists clenched tighter, the raven-haired lord’s eyes grew increasingly darkening with fury. Then, suddenly, unexpectedly, he shoved aside Ya Jin—who had been trying to negotiate with the steward—and bull-rushed forward.

The raven-haired lord’s movements were too abrupt, too decisive. Not only was the old steward pushed aside, even Ya Jin, standing closest to him, failed to react in time. Thus, the raven-haired lord successfully bypassed the steward and approached the guards behind him.

Head raised, fists clenched, Siluan remained as spoiled and impulsive as ever—doing whatever he wanted without regard for consequences.

He seemed blind to the weapon muzzles now pointed at him by the guards. He seemed oblivious to the tension on the verge of erupting into violence. His gaze fixed on that tightly shut door, stubborn, ignoring all warnings, he marched forward with unyielding determination.

And then—

Bang.

The sound of a plasma rifle striking the ground. The shattered fragments of stone bounced up, the loud crack against the floor tiles serving as another stark reminder to all present of what the honor guards’ weapons signified.

Silence. An eerie silence.

A palpable tension spread through the Torras mansion. Even Siluan’s steps seemed to falter momentarily at the first warning shot at his feet. But… lifting his gaze, though the raven-haired lord’s arms trembled, his legs did not.

Today, he would see him.

Before that bastard left, he would see him.

If these guards truly wanted to stop him, fine—then they should aim at his heart, at his head, not just his feet.

Never before had the raven-haired lord’s eyes been so calm, yet so ferocious. He truly was not afraid. He truly would see him.

Watching Siluan like this, seeing the raven-haired lord's determination, Ya Jin clenched his fists, briefly at a loss and anxious.

Philo’s standing in the hearts of the military insects was unmatched by any other—not even A-Class Male Insects like them. If Siluan was hellbent on forcing his way into Philo’s room, these guards—who now had eyes only for Philo's safety—wouldn't hesitate to shoot.

Seeing the weapon muzzles now aimed at Siluan’s legs, Ya Jin set his jaw, about to step forward and pull back the unhinged lord. But someone moved faster than him.

“Take His Highness back. Lock him up.”

Catching the Male Insect who had been stunned by the neural pulse, the raven-haired female insect who had arrived belatedly held the activated neural disruptor without a second thought.

Though the tactics were somewhat brutal, it had to be said—for Male Insects, whose psychic abilities were formidable but bodies fragile, this was indeed the fastest way to subdue them.

Ya Jin gaping in shock at the scene. Though he knew Shang Ling was Siluan’s full brother, given Siluan’s notorious rage, Shang Ling truly wasn’t afraid of being torn limb from limb once Siluan woke up.

Throwing Shang Ling a complicated look, Ya Jin couldn’t help but feel a moment of grudging respect for him.

Truly, brothers through and through—both equally insane.

Turning away, handing the unconscious Siluan to the retainers behind him, Shang Ling calmly faced the old steward with perfect composure, offering a thin smile as he said:

“I would also like to see Lord Philo. Could you please ask if His Highness would receive me?”

“…Very well. Please wait a moment, Lord Shang Ling.” Perhaps still rattled from seeing a Male Insect being electrocuted into unconsciousness, the old steward’s response came a half-second too long.

And Ya Jin, who had initially assumed Shang Ling had come only to retrieve Siluan, couldn't help but stiffen at the exchange between the two Insects, then cast a puzzled glance at Shang Ling.

This... he truly hadn't expected that at such a critical moment, this black-haired female Insect—usually the most skilled at navigating relationships—would also come seeking Philo. Yet Philo wouldn’t even deign to see them, the male Insects; how could he possibly agree to see her?

At this thought, Ya Jin had already anticipated the steward’s response, and the other Insects similarly expected Philo to refuse. But this time, they were all wrong.

"Ms. Shang Ling, His Highness Philo has agreed to see you. Please come in."

The same bow, the same soft tone—but this time, the old butler’s words were not a rejection.

Not a rejection. Truly not. But… how could it not be?

Turning their heads, lifting their eyes, every Insect in Toras Manor clearly showed astonishment and confusion. Amidst this sea of stunned gazes, the black-haired female Insect remained silent, quietly stepping forward toward the male Insect’s chamber.

The door opened. Then closed.

Once shut, it cut off all the agitated whispers outside. Inside, the two Insects sat facing each other—a rare and long-awaited moment.

Looking at Philo, at this silver-haired male Insect whose beauty remained unmatched even now, Shang Ling smiled. Though she was the guest, she took the initiative to pour tea.

"The Capital Star’s weather has been dry lately, Philo. Before you ask me anything, have some water first."

No matter her true feelings, female Insects typically behaved with deference, propriety, gentleness, and refinement in public.

Just as now. Even though she knew exactly what the male Insect wanted to ask, she could still smile faintly and speak softly, as if nothing were amiss.

Yet...

Gazing at Shang Ling, at this black-haired, black-eyed female Insect, Philo did not—unexpectedly—mention the ambush plan as she had anticipated. Instead, he spoke softly:

"Shang Ling, I really like your appearance."

The hand pouring water froze midair, the steady stream abruptly halting. The female Insect’s gaze on the cup paused briefly—then she lifted her eyes to meet Philo’s, her dark pupils deep and silent.

Their eyes met. The male Insect paid no mind to the emotions in her gaze, simply staring quietly into those hauntingly familiar, beautiful black eyes before murmuring:

"You might not realize it, but you have such beautiful eyes, such beautiful black hair."

The Insect race was too dazzling.

Not only were their strength and influence radiant throughout the universe, but their appearances were also extraordinarily striking.

Hair in every color, eyes in every shade—unlike other races with nearly fixed features, the Insect race displayed incredible variety and brilliance.

Yet brilliance had its beauty, and subtlety had its charm.

At least in Philo’s eyes, even though he himself now had silver hair and violet eyes, even though he had seen every possible hue of hair and eyes, he still preferred the appearance of this female Insect before him more than any other.

Black hair, black eyes—somewhat simple, yet with a quiet radiance.

This appearance, this face—Philo liked it. He truly, deeply liked it.

"Shang Ling, I have no questions to ask you."

As if his earlier praise had been nothing more than a passing remark, the silver-haired male Insect sitting across from the black-haired female Insect lifted his lashes, his words abruptly shifting direction.

With no formalities or idle pleasantries, the male Insect now had neither the mood nor the time for extended conversation with the female Insect before him—and there was no need.

Looking at Shang Ling, Philo simply pushed a small box on his desk toward her.

"This contains all the bonuses I’ve earned during my service in the Male Insect Management Committee. Since you masterminded this trap, I assume no one understands the identities of the fallen comrades better than you.

I’d like you to distribute all this money to the families of every insect who participated in this operation. If any have no surviving relatives, please donate the remaining funds to the Survivors' Home on my behalf."

Two simple paragraphs, easy to understand, and largely within the black-haired female Insect’s expectations.

Looking at the box beneath Philo’s hand, Shang Ling didn’t reach for it immediately. Instead, she quietly raised her eyes, carefully studying the male Insect before her.

The world’s current view of Philo was unimaginably high—some even believed he might be the Insects’ chosen savior.

Otherwise, how else could they explain the existence of such a kind male Insect?

Yes, every Insect thought Philo was extraordinary.

They believed he was tender-hearted, kind, empathetic—caring toward all Insects, especially compassionate toward female Insects. Countless praises were heaped upon him, endless adoration poured his way.

No Insect saw anything wrong. No Insect thought Philo unworthy of such beautiful words.

But... where was this male Insect’s tenderness? There was no one more unyielding than him.

Tilting her lips slightly, the black-haired female Insect suddenly let out a soft laugh.

"Philo.

I thought this time, you’d strike me directly. I didn’t expect..."

I didn’t expect you wouldn’t even want to lay a hand on me now.

Did Shang Ling not know the consequences if Philo discovered the ambush plan?

She did. Of course she did.

That was precisely why she chose to hide it from him. That was why she collaborated with General Zhousha’s aide to conceal the plan from all who might oppose it.

She understood perfectly well that this would make Philo despise her. But as a female Insect born knowing only how to conquer, not surrender, she still chose to do it.

Because compared to the alternative—Philo likely marching to war himself after Zhousha’s death in battle—the black-haired female Insect would rather earn his hatred and use her own strength to keep him here.

Yes, Shang Ling wanted to keep him.

She wanted to keep this Insect who had said he would never like her. She wanted to keep this Insect who had clearly given up the will to live. She wanted to keep this Insect whom she still liked—no, loved—so deeply, even if he didn’t feel the same.

But alas, even the ever-calculating black-haired female Insect couldn’t stop the male Insect from frequent visits to the Male Insect Management Committee. She couldn’t prevent him from associating with other female Insects.

Yet...

"I’ll deliver this money for you. But Philo, I don’t regret it."

As if determined to make the male Insect before her fully understand what kind of Insect she was, as if to ensure this Insect—whom she might never see again—would remember her forever as someone unique, Shang Ling’s voice was clear, her tone deliberate.

"I don’t regret planning this ambush, even if you despise me for it.

I don’t regret trying to stop you, even if I failed.

Philo, I’m a selfish Insect. I won’t foolishly wish you happiness or freedom in the future like those fools.

I love you, so I’ll fight to keep you, to battle for you. I might even want to trap you."

At this, the female Insect, staring into the male Insect’s utterly calm eyes, suddenly deepened her smile—one so deep it seemed to cut to the bone.

"So, Philo, you'd better come back alive this time."

"If you don't return... I promise, I'll do something even more detestable than the lure-and-kill operation."

I don’t care if you hate me, because what I care about more is whether you’ll leave me.

Don’t talk to me about how true love means letting go, about making you happy. Philo, you know I’ve never been that kind of female who cares about others.

Picking up the box, the female didn’t linger this time, not even drinking the water he had just poured, as if he intended to leave just like that.

But—

"You won’t."

Standing up as well, the male, who had just been threatened by the other, showed no change in expression at this moment.

He simply watched the black-haired female quietly, observing this young female who was rarely so flustered, then spoke softly.

"Shang Ling Qi Mengtu, though I haven’t deeply understood you, I’ve read your policies, your political proposals."

"I admit you’re a selfish insect, and indeed one who would spare no means to achieve your goals. But you’re not one without political ideals of your own."

"If I live, you might do all sorts of things against the Alliance’s interests for my sake. But if I die, a pragmatist like you would see clearly what you should do now."

Here, the silver-haired male’s words sounded almost sarcastic, yet his tone was inexplicably gentle.

"The Alliance is exhausted now, the insect race is too weary. Shang Ling Qi Mengtu, I look forward to the day you truly understand and enact your policies."

"And one more thing—"

Raising his hand, the silver-haired male handed over another box from his desk.

"Please give this to Siluan for me, and tell him his atrocious temper... really needs to change."

Without exception, apart from Shang Ling, Philo refused all requests for meetings.

Even Shang Ling, as estimated by the insects outside the door, didn’t speak with Philo for long. In fact, after leaving Philo’s room, the black-haired female simply stormed out of the Toras Estate, clearly having failed to persuade Philo not to go to the front lines.

This outcome, this situation, as night fell and the insects began to be escorted out by the Toras Estate’s staff, left those across the capital planet who were concerned about Philo’s condition and decision losing hope.

But just as the insect race was beginning to give up, just as they were helpless, suddenly, a new visitor arrived at the Toras Estate.

And this visitor was even permitted to enter Philo’s room.

This was...

"I thought you’d come early like the others to persuade me."

Looking at the green-haired female, Philo smiled lightly and gestured for him to sit.

Bowing his head and sitting quietly, Li Wei didn’t rush to explain why he had come so late, merely asking softly,

"Has His Highness Yi Jia Fa not returned yet?"

"I asked His Highness Du Dafei to take him to a secure planet for a while. He’ll probably return only after I’ve left."

Of course, by then, Yi Jia Fa would learn that his son had gone to the front lines.

Not lingering too much on Yi Jia Fa, as the two insects had much to discuss today, and if they didn’t speak quickly, time might indeed drag on very late.

"Philo."

"All the lure mechanisms for the lure-and-kill operation were provided by me privately. I’m sorry, I deceived you."

The green-haired female was unusually forthright today, confessing everything completely from the start, with no intention of hiding anything. Of course, it might also be because the truth was out.

"I know."

The male didn't say it was okay, he only said, "I know."

Just as during the banquet when Li Wei was deliberately humiliated, the male wouldn’t easily forgive Bernice on Li Wei’s behalf, nor would Philo now casually forgive Li Wei for the female insects who had already died.

So he only said, "I know," not "It’s okay."

"Li Wei, don’t apologize to me. Your apology isn’t owed to me. On the contrary, I should apologize to you."

Looking at the green-haired female before him, at this female who could so calmly conceal the lure-and-kill operation from him, Philo gave a faint smile and said softly,

"To you, to all of you, to many of the insect race, I perhaps owe an apology."

Without waiting for Li Wei to refute or question, the male, who had been holding back his feelings since receiving the news at the Male Insect Management Committee, now, before a friend he had once truly considered, couldn’t help but let some show.

"Because of me, you chose this bloody path."

"Since I am the one who benefited, as Zhousha’s son, I should apologize to you."

Was Li Wei wrong?

From the Alliance’s laws, the court might not be able to convict him. Even Shang Ling would be unlikely to be convicted. Because those female insects who died had indeed gone willingly.

Many insects who were aware wouldn’t blame them; instead, they’d think they acted wisely.

But perhaps they didn’t violate laws or rules—yet they broke moral codes.

Looking at Li Wei, at this female he had always thought easily bullied by males, with the bullheaded integrity typical of a technician, Philo slowly, slowly balled his fists.

"Li Wei."

"Before I leave, I’ve prepared a gift for you."

As if intent on distributing all his prepared gifts today, the silver-haired male turned and took out a box similar to the one he had given Shang Ling earlier.

A small square box, made of gleaming starcrystal polymer.

Looking at Philo, at the item in his hand, the green-haired female quietly took the box, then opened it... and froze.

A base of titanium metal strictly regulated by the Alliance, species insignia inlaid with starstone and lapis lazuli, the rarest power crystals forming the border of the badge, and finally, a gold embossing engraved with the words "Supreme Class."

This was...

"The Supreme Honor Badge."

"Perhaps our first meeting was accidental, but later, you approached me for this badge, didn’t you?"

The silver-haired male’s voice was as gentle and friendly as ever. But now, though Philo’s tone hadn’t changed at all, though there was no hidden anger in his words,

A chill settled between them.

Clutching the box, the green-haired female’s arm showed corded muscles, his knuckles nearly bone-white. Yet, no words came.

Because Philo was never a foolish male. He simply didn't want to speculate about his friends or delve too deeply into the potential ulterior motives behind their relationships.

But he was never stupid, nor foolish.

"However, I believe that even if you approached me partly because of this badge, my personal charm must have played a role in why you treated me so well later."

As if sensing the heaviness of the topic, as if noticing the solemn expression on the female's face, the silver-haired male lightened his tone with a smile, even cracking a rare small joke.

Though this joke was both a jest and the truth.

Yes, Li Wei had chosen to get close to him for the sake of this badge.

But if Li Wei's actions now were still solely motivated by this single badge, it would be nothing short of foolish.

Watching the green-haired female gaze down at the badge, Philo's eyes crinkled with a deeper smile as he said softly,

"Because of my upcoming deployment to the frontlines, the Alliance awarded me this Supreme Honor Badge in advance. But aside from receiving it, I also made a request to the Alliance this time."

Indeed, the male who was about to head to the frontlines—who had volunteered to go—faced the Alliance's high-ranking officials, who came to express their apologetic condolences. Originally intending to make no demands, he ultimately made one.

"I asked the Alliance to reassign the privileges of this badge to you—Li Wei Geshaluolin."

Geshaluolin—an ancient family name, one now besieged by others seeking to replace it.

With interests at stake, few families would choose to step back and allow the House Geshaluolin's main branch to recover during its weakest moment. Most would seize the opportunity to strike a fatal blow.

Thus, no matter how prosperous the Geshaluolin Family appeared on the surface, its core had been filled with dread for years. And in this corporate warfare, this clan conflicts, even with the military and families of Military Females offering overt and covert support, these outsiders could never truly help at the root.

Because the Geshaluolin Family's main branch in this generation had only Li Wei. Because, as fate would have it, he also had a brother-in-arms of a different surname.

The noose had tightened around the green-haired female's neck for many years. He had thought it would remain there for many more, but unexpectedly...

His gaze slowly traced the badge, his green pupils now like a lake utterly stilled. Quietly, he stared at the badge in his hand—hard-earned yet freely given—his expression gradually growing cold.

"Philo."

The female's voice was like the whisper of willow leaves—crisp, yet tangled.

"I admit to what I've done, and I will compensate for my mistakes. The Geshaluolin Family vows that all involved in the lure-and-kill operation and their families will receive substantial reparations."

Raising his head, this female, who had always been gentle and warm in Philo's presence, now spoke with a steely tone reminiscent of a Military Female.

"But Philo, even without the lure-and-kill operation, you need not go to the frontlines yourself. Have you forgotten? Our Alliance still has another S-Class Insectoid."

Like an inescapable cycle, the words once spoken in the military conference hall—that there was another S-Class Insectoid—now resurfaced from the female before him.

Only this time, the subject was female.

Yes, a female.

Both Li Wei and Philo knew full well that the Alliance still had an S-Class female.

Closing the box—the one containing the badge—the green-haired female handed it back to the male, his voice measured and calm.

"Philo."

"Return it."

"I’ve already tracked down Morton and Song Emperor. I promise you—within three days, I will have them dispatched to the Sadiq galaxy."

Why had Li Wei arrived so late today? Why had he remained so composed even after learning of Philo's decision to go to the frontlines?

Because the green-haired female had never intended to let him go to the frontier—to that zone where even Gore had fallen.

Their eyes met, and this time, it was Philo whose arm went rigid.

The male had thought nothing could surprise him anymore, but he hadn’t anticipated Li Wei’s arrangement.

Morton...

Admittedly, Li Wei spoke truth. Compared to Philo, Morton, as a female, might be the fitter candidate for battle on the border planets.

But... Philo’s gaze shifted from Li Wei’s face to the box in his hand. Finally, he met the gaze of the female quietly.

"Li Wei."

"Morton won’t be willing."

He didn’t say whether Morton was suitable—only whether he would be willing.

After all, even now, Philo was still Philo.

Without waiting for Li Wei to say more or accepting the box, the silver-haired male simply gazed into those deep green eyes—once like a tranquil lake, now darkening like the ocean’s depths.

"If he’s willing, let him tell me himself."

"If he’s unwilling, Li Wei, don’t force him. Never force another’s hand."

"Don’t make me... regret our bond."

I do not fear any trials I face, but I have always feared the burdens others bear because of me.

So, Li Wei, no repeat of the ambush. Don’t hurt any more for my sake. Don’t make me... hate you.

Compared to death, this would only wound me deeper.

The green-haired female didn’t linger long at the Torras mansion either, departing soon after.

What this outcome foretold, few in the capital star failed to understand.

A grave silence began to spread from this moment. In the night, within the sands of time, countless panicked, despairing hearts were concealed.

In the end, they still failed to stop him.

In the end, Philo still went to the battlefield.

Author's Note:

Philo bids his farewells. The tale draws to a close.