Chapter 6 Surpass

Chapter 6: Beyond Expectations

Xierlan was genuinely curious about the typical culture of the insectoid race. Upon seeing such suggestive items, he instinctively felt both curiosity and a natural shyness.

However, he wasn't keen on these aphrodisiacs, as most of them could significantly affect female insects. He didn't want Thercia to think he was like other male insects, unable to shed his inherent flaws. So, he decided to test their effects on himself first.

And it would be best if Thercia didn't see them; otherwise, he might get the wrong idea.

Xierlan paid for the items and casually slipped the product into his pocket. He wanted to speak to Thercia, but as soon as he looked up, his attention was completely captivated.

Thercia stood quietly a little ahead, waiting for the items to be sorted and packaged. His posture was relaxed, yet he still exuded the sharp, cold aura of a finely honed blade. The outline of his exposed profile was superior and aloof, with half-lowered eyelashes completely obscuring his beautiful aqua-blue eyes. His demeanor held a coolness and nobility, distinct from his usual presence, perfectly mirroring the blurred figure in the initial photo Xierlan had seen—his temperament as calm and profound as a glacier.

Xierlan instantly forgot all about the ointment. After entering the delivery address, he walked over and naturally took Thercia's hand. He wanted to observe this side of Thercia up close. As Xierlan held his hand, Thercia finally seemed to return to himself, responding by gently curling his fingers.

But as soon as their hands met, Thercia's cheeks began to flush with that familiar pink hue Xierlan knew so well. He seemed uncomfortable with such public intimacy. His previously concealed aqua-blue eyes slowly glanced at Xierlan.

Thercia's fingertips trembled slightly, and with reddened ears, he murmured, "My Lord."

Xierlan observed Thercia's subtle reactions clearly and was charmed anew. He couldn't help but smile, his eyes crinkling, "Let's go, my dear, to the Marriage Registry."

Thercia was led out the door just like that. Xierlan walked ahead, seemingly accustomed to a slower pace, which caused even Thercia, who preferred to walk faster, to slow his steps.

Xierlan cherished these moments—casually strolling and browsing with the one he loved. His mind constantly drifted to all the things he wanted to do with Thercia in the future, always filling him with an irrepressible joy. After all, even if not everything came to pass, the thought alone brought immense happiness.

As he mused, Xierlan saw their booked vehicle hovering to a stop. In about fifteen minutes, they arrived at the entrance of the Marriage Registry.

Due to the extreme gender ratio, very few insects came to handle various procedures. Xierlan entered first. The clerk was a sub-female, much more delicate and smaller in stature and appearance than a military female. He glanced at Xierlan, didn't notice the neck markings behind his neck, and assumed such a tall, slender insect was a handsome military female.

"How can I help you?" he asked, then lowered his head to type on the computer, distractedly complaining to a friend about another troublesome task. Naturally, he didn't notice Thercia following closely behind.

Thercia sat down beside Xierlan. Xierlan didn't mind the sub-female's casual attitude and still politely inquired, "Hello, I need to update my marital status. I'd like to change my concubine to my primary consort. Thank you."

The sub-female paused, hearing a certain word, and suddenly looked up. His expression toward Xierlan immediately changed, becoming overly enthusiastic, "Oh, I'm so sorry! Let me add your contact information. If you have any other business later, you can come directly to me."

Xierlan wasn't yet offended. He smiled and politely declined, "That won't be necessary. Just this procedure, please."

Thercia's expression remained calm as he slowly lowered his eyes.

The sub-female was persistent. He had thought the insect before him was a military female—so handsome, he couldn’t possibly be a male! And he seemed so respectful; there was no way he'd let this opportunity slip away!

He casually brushed his hair, revealing a fair and delicate side profile, "You see, sir, as a male, you'll definitely have many procedures to handle later. If you go through me, it'll be much faster."

Xierlan felt his intelligence was being underestimated. He offered no comment on such tactics—the insectoid society's values had already corrupted all beings here. He couldn't judge these matters by human moral standards.

"That won't be necessary. Just handle this procedure for me. After all, I only need one primary consort. There won't be any follow-up procedures."

Xierlan extended his hand, displaying his identification code, "You can proceed with the change now."

Thercia's gaze shifted slightly upon hearing his words. The sub-female clearly saw the name and widened his eyes in shock, unable to suppress a gasp, "You're Xierlan!?"

That notoriously tyrannical male insect?! Why did he seem so different from memory?

The sub-female felt as if certain memories had blurred; he couldn't recall the original Xierlan at all. No matter how hard he tried, he could only remember the face before him, as if it had been suddenly implanted.

If the male insect before him was Xierlan, then the one beside him must be the dismissed General Thercia.

How could a criminal incapable of producing offspring become a male insect's primary consort?

The sub-female's eyes reddened with jealousy. He smiled sarcastically, "Well, sir, your concubine cannot produce offspring. The Male Protection Association would never agree to you making a military female who cannot lay eggs your primary consort."

"Your primary consort position should go to a female insect who can normally produce offspring, not the one beside you."

As he said this, the sub-female smoothed his hair, feigning helplessness, "You are an A-class male, sir. You could even take many concubines and female servants. The primary consort position is precious. You should give it to a female insect who can be useful to you."

The warmth and calm on Xierlan's face faded bit by bit. He calmly reiterated, "If you can't make the change, get someone else who can. Do you understand?"

The sub-female's expression stiffened, "Sir..."

Xierlan truly didn't want to engage with the prevailing mindset here. What was the point of proving himself superior? Perhaps he could tell the sub-female that he only needed Thercia in this lifetime, and in doing so, he might even earn Thercia's genuine and heartfelt appreciation.

But Xierlan always felt that would be taking unfair advantage.

Taking advantage of a distorted worldview.

Xierlan now truly wished he had met Thercia in his hometown. If Thercia had grown up in such an environment, he would undoubtedly have been an outstanding adjudicator, not a victim whose life was defined by the ability to conceive.

The sub-female's face was rigid as he gritted his teeth and processed the change in consort status for Thercia.

From this moment on, Thercia's name appeared in the primary consort column for Xierlan, visible whenever identity information was displayed.

Though he’d been annoyed earlier, the moment Xierlan saw it, his mood instantly lifted, and he took his primary consort, Thercia, along to buy groceries.

"Do you have any favorite dishes?"

Xierlan loved cooking. His parents often bought lots of groceries but then forgot them in the fridge due to laziness or wanting to eat out. Only Xierlan would notice these ingredients and started cooking from the age of twelve.

The upside was his exceptional culinary skills; the downside was that he cooked for his parents for six years from a young age.

But he was still very happy about it.

Thercia seemed somewhat distracted and didn't respond immediately when spoken to. It was only when he saw Xierlan's smiling eyes that he gradually refocused.

"I don't have any particular favorite dishes. My Lord, you decide."

Xierlan blinked, unable to suppress a smile at being called "My Lord."

He stepped forward and slowly stopped in front of Thercia. The other seemed somewhat unsettled; his aqua-blue eyes were like dazzling gemstones but turned somewhat dim when he lowered his gaze.

It didn't seem like he was in a bad mood, but it was obvious he was deep in thought.

What was it?

Xierlan was very concerned about his partner's mental state, especially in such a warped context.

Xierlan was healthy both physically and mentally, overflowing with love and focus. He still believed he could nurture his wife well.

Anyway, since they liked each other, why worry about who gave more? Love was inherently about balancing—you give a little more, I give a little less. Besides, everyone loved differently.

Xierlan blinked and naturally took Thercia's hand as they waited for the hover car by the roadside.

Thercia's ear tips turned red again.

He really couldn't be as direct as Xierlan. He never knew there were so many ways to coax someone. Realizing that Xierlan had noticed his unease again, Thercia felt utterly embarrassed.

His Lord didn't give him any chance to show it at all.

"My Lord is the ideal type for many female insects."

In the Zerg worldview, there is no concept of exclusivity. He believes everything Xierlan says, but there will be many rivals swarming around. Thercia has always adhered to the principle that what he likes must be fought for, and even if it is won over, it must be maintained.

It used to be about power and status, and now it is the same with the Zerg.

Xierlan is very good, and he must reciprocate this kindness in return. The more precious it is, the less it should be taken for granted.

Thercia truly didn’t know how to treat Xierlan in a way that was sufficiently equal. With a shaky gaze, he said, "I will work hard."

Thercia stiffened slightly, pursed his lips, and murmured "Mm."

But Xierlan didn’t say anything more. Thercia, not getting a response, felt his expectations for uniqueness slowly waver. He looked up blankly and saw Xierlan give a playful wink at him, pointing to his own cheek.

"Your Lord is right here. If you want exclusivity, come over and give me a kiss."

Thercia’s face flushed instantly. Surrounded by the endless flow of traffic, he was as if bewitched, taking a step forward, awkwardly yet sweetly, and kissed Xierlan on the cheek.

It was a very chaste kiss.

When he pulled away, Xierlan clearly saw his trembling eyes, like a turbulent yet gentle sea.

Thercia reached out and took his hand firmly, his ears reddening as he said, "My Lord, I like you the most."

He would be a good partner.

Xierlan felt as if he had been struck by Cupid’s arrow.

"My dear," Xierlan said, his eyes sparkling, "let’s go buy groceries. I have some signature dishes that I usually only make to celebrate big occasions."

Xierlan felt that no matter the situation, he had to make them for his wifey to eat—after all, it’s his wife!

Xierlan toiled enthusiastically in the kitchen for three hours.

Thercia was helping organize the purchased household items and some clothes. When he saw a certain box, he paused, blushing to his fingertips.

Why did he buy this…?

Thercia pursed his lips and put it in his pocket.

He was already very sensitive—couldn't his Lord tell?