Chapter 28 Defending

Chapter 28: Maintenance

"You've changed quite a bit since we first met."

A look of curiosity crossed Samuel's face.

He still remembered that during their first meeting, Li'an's brows and eyes carried an unconcealable haughty arrogance and the bright, pampered naivety of a spoiled child. But when he saw him last time at the restaurant, most of that childishness had dissipated, and he had matured considerably.

This time, not only had the childishness and arrogance completely vanished, but there was also a shadow of gloom between his brows. If you looked too long, it gave you quite a chill.

"Have I?" Li'an was somewhat surprised; Samuel was pretty sharp.

"Mhm. Is it because of your Mind Sea?" Samuel asked.

Last time, Kaelan brought Li'an to visit him, and the condition for agreeing to apologize was to perform mental soothing for Li'an.

"Yes, and no." Li'an was being cryptic, giving an ambiguous answer. Then he suddenly asked in return, "Your Excellency, are you about to undergo secondary differentiation?"

Samuel had heard about secondary differentiation from Bulan, but since he wasn't a true insectoid, he most likely wouldn't go through this stage. However, to maintain his cover, he still gave an affirmative reply.

The timing wasn't right, so Li'an couldn't explain directly. He only hinted vaguely, "Then Your Excellency will understand after your secondary differentiation."

Samuel: ?

Does that mean he'll never understand in this lifetime?

Why do insectoids love playing guessing games so much?

Samuel pouted, thinking Li'an was quite boring, speaking only half the truth and just piquing his interest.

Seeing Samuel's speechless expression, Li'an was amused. This newly recovered Excellency was truly simple and genuine, much easier to get along with than those insects in the imperial capital whose hearts were as full of schemes as a durian.

So, taking advantage of the good atmosphere, he asked Samuel if he wanted to exchange Stellar Ring IDs.

Samuel had originally planned to find time to arrange mental soothing with Li'an. Thinking that having a contact method would be more convenient, he readily agreed.

The human and the insect opened their Stellar Rings and quickly added each other as friends. However, before they could even speak, they both jumped at a voice from behind.

They turned around and found it was actually Prince Augus.

Augus stood not far away, wearing an appropriately apologetic expression, bowing regretfully. "My apologies, I startled both Excellencies."

"Your Highness, you are too kind." Seeing this, Li'an hurriedly stood up and returned the courtesy.

Samuel also followed with a polite bow. After uttering a few pleasantries, he was just about to find an excuse to return to the banquet hall and wait for Idris when Prince Augus asked if he could speak with him alone.

Samuel looked the insect opposite him up and down, feeling both puzzled and curious about what this stranger, Prince Augus, wanted to discuss with him. But the alarm sirens in his mind blared continuously as his curiosity rose, warning him to stay away from unfamiliar insects.

"My apologies, Your Highness, I've been out for a long time and need to return soon, otherwise..." Samuel was about to politely refuse when he was forcibly interrupted.

"Major General Idris is still with the Insect Emperor at the moment and likely won't return for a while." Augus smiled slightly, raising a hand in a gesture of invitation. He remained courteous, but his attitude carried the unyielding authority of a superior. "I merely wish to invite Your Excellency upstairs for a chat. It won't take much of your time."

Hearing this, Samuel's expression cooled for an instant before returning to its usual simple and harmless facade.

Augus was doing this on purpose. He had calculated that, for Idris's sake, Samuel wouldn't outright refuse.

But going upstairs meant a closed room, and being in the Insect Emperor's castle, if something went wrong, he wouldn't be familiar with the layout and would have nowhere to escape.

"The room is too stuffy. How about over there?" Samuel pointed to a spot not far away, inquiring.

If he couldn't refuse, then he would choose a place with an open view.

Augus raised an eyebrow slightly, giving the pavilion a meaningful glance, thinking this male insect was quite interesting.

Last time, he had the male insect meet with a sub-female insect face-to-face; this time, he was refusing to be alone in a room with a female insect. However, the objective was already achieved, so where they talked wasn't that important.

Considering this, a smile played on Augus's lips. He turned and walked towards the pavilion. Samuel followed a step behind. Passing by Li'an, he quickly glanced at him.

Li'an understood. After the two insects had moved away, he hurried back to the banquet hall, found a familiar insect, and instructed them to notify Idris to come find him at the side door if they saw him.

Once everything was arranged, Li'an returned to the side door and found a corner out of sight from the pavilion to keep watch.

Although he didn't think Prince Augus would do anything, it was better to keep an eye out. He didn't want to lose the chance for recovery that he had gotten by swallowing his pride to apologize and enduring ridicule from other male insects.

He just didn't know when Idris would arrive. If something really happened, his frail physique wouldn't even be useful as a punching bag.

Idris was unaware that an insect was thinking of him. At that moment, he was standing in the study deep within the castle. Not far away, the Insect Emperor sat behind a large desk, reviewing government affairs while listening to reports.

"According to what you said, that male insect has been staying in his room almost exclusively since being discharged from the hospital, hardly going out and not contacting any female insects?" The Insect Emperor's voice was calm but carried an unquestionable authority.

Idris bowed respectfully. "Yes, Your Majesty."

Hearing this, the Insect Emperor narrowed his eyes, put down the document, and began tapping the desk with his fingertip, once, then again. "Idris, compared to the male insects in the imperial capital, what do you think of that male insect?"

Idris's mind raced through several possibilities. Remembering the discussions about Prince Augus in the banquet hall, he instantly understood the intent behind the Insect Emperor's question.

"Excellency Samuel is very tolerant." After saying this, Idris lowered his eyes and added, "But perhaps due to the fright from the previous kidnapping, His Excellency usually doesn't speak much and prefers to be alone."

Tolerant? Since when could that word be associated with male insects?

The Insect Emperor became interested and asked in detail about Samuel's everyday habits before finally letting Idris go, satisfied.

Because he was concerned about Samuel, Idris's pace was twice as fast on the return trip. Hurrying back to the banquet hall, he scanned the room and, finding no sign of the male insect, immediately became alert.

Just as Idris was about to go out to search, a male insect approached and asked, "Major General, are you looking for Excellency Samuel?"

Idris nodded and politely inquired, "Does Your Excellency know where Excellency Samuel is?"

The male insect shook his head. "But Li'an probably knows. Major General, you can find him by the side door garden."

Idris nodded his thanks and hurried to the area outside the side door. Hearing footsteps, Li'an turned his head, pointed not far away, and made a shushing gesture.

Following the direction Li'an pointed, Idris saw Samuel and Prince Augus sitting face-to-face in the garden pavilion, chatting and laughing happily together.

In Idris's memory, Samuel was an insect with very few emotions. In the hospital, apart from the first day and during episodes when he would cry, most of the time he was just dazed, only showing some spark when Idris appeared.

After living together, Samuel's emotions did become more varied. Occasionally, he would act coquettishly or pretend to be pitiful to get more cake, but he still didn't smile often.

Yet now, facing a stranger with ulterior motives, Samuel was laughing so heartily.

Idris stared at the insect under the pavilion, his expression gradually cooling, his gaze growing increasingly dark.

Li'an stood to the side, witnessing the entire process of Idris's change in expression. The explanation on the tip of his tongue instantly vanished. His gaze shifted back and forth between the three insects, the flames of gossip burning fiercely in his chest.

Who would have thought? The insect who had once solemnly refused him, declaring he would never apply for a match, now seemed about to break his word.

Munching on this metaphorical melon, Li'an stepped out from the corner, sauntered over to Idris's side, stood on tiptoe to peer at the two insects in the pavilion, and asked deliberately, "Major General, what do you think Prince Augus and Excellency Samuel are talking about? It's been so long since you left, why hasn't it ended yet?"

Idris glanced at Li'an. The male insect's face showed three parts curiosity and four parts deliberate provocation, perfectly embodying the essence of adding fuel to the fire and enjoying the spectacle without worrying about the size of the trouble.

Couldn’t be bothered to argue with Li’an, Idris turned his gaze away, clenched his fist, and let his eyes drift toward the pavilion—locking firmly onto Samuel.

What else could a man and a woman possibly discuss while sitting together?

Recalling the Emperor’s inquiries and the conversations in the banquet hall, Idris stared at the figure in the pavilion, his expression growing even colder.

Inside the pavilion, Samuel shivered for no apparent reason.

The evening breeze wasn’t cold—yet it inexplicably felt bone-chilling against his skin.

“Your Excellency, are you unwell? Would you like to return to the banquet hall?” Augus asked, concern evident in his voice.

Seizing the opportunity to slip away, Samuel nodded quickly and politely declined Augus’s invitation to continue chatting upstairs.

After exchanging pleasantries, they turned to head back—one behind the other—when Samuel noticed several men seemingly cornering a woman near the side door.

She wore white, her hair white as well, and a wisteria brooch glinted faintly on her chest, shimmering subtly amid her strands. Despite the distance, Samuel recognized her instantly.

Samuel: !

Has my brother been bullied again the moment I look away?!

Without a second thought for Prince Augus beside him, Samuel—face taut with tension—hurried toward the side door. As he drew nearer, he heard one of the men sneer contemptuously:

“Choosing an undifferentiated male over a post-differentiation one—Major General Idris truly is the Empire’s rising star. Admirably brave.”

“If the Major General ever gets abandoned, come find me. For that face of yours, I’d even gift you some pheromones.”

Having spoken, the man exchanged knowing glances with the others—and they all chuckled softly.

Hearing the familiar mockery, Samuel quickened his pace, rushed into the group, pulled Idris behind him, and—like a mother hen shielding her chicks—immediately fired back.

“How brave of you—not only cornering someone at the Emperor’s banquet but humiliating an Imperial Major General!”

“If you love bullying others in public so much, let’s go straight to the banquet hall and ask His Majesty to judge whether Imperial soldiers exist solely for your casual ridicule!”

“When have we ever humiliated or mocked Major General Idris? Don’t dare slander us!” The ringleader, flushed with anger and embarrassment, wrenched free from Samuel’s grip—his face paling completely at the mention of the Emperor.

If this truly reached the Emperor and damaged his dignity, even if their status as males offered open protection, the nobility had countless ways to deal with them discreetly.

Had he known this man would defend Idris so fiercely, he never would’ve opened his mouth so recklessly.

“Oh? Did I mishear?” Samuel frowned, feigning confusion. “But if I misheard, then why were you all crowding around, blocking Idris?”

Then, covering his mouth, he exclaimed with exaggerated surprise: “Could it be—you all admire Major General Idris so much that you came here specifically to confess?”

“But with your foul mouths, ugly faces, scattered spirits, dull eyes, and premature aging—didn’t you think to check the mirror first and see if you’re even worthy?”

“Lacking self-awareness and parading around to assault everyone’s eyes—that’s *your* fault.”

Back home, Samuel had watched Aunt Wang argue with other women to defend him more than once—so these words rolled off his tongue effortlessly.

Before Idris could stop him, he’d already spat them out, rapid-fire—and the men who’d heard the entire exchange trembled with rage.

Confessing to a *woman*? Foul mouths, ugly faces, dull eyes, premature aging?

Listen to what he’s saying! Is this something anyone should hear? Even if their looks weren’t outstanding, they certainly weren’t ugly enough to make someone want to smash their head into a wall!

Bringing up their *faces*?! That’s the final straw!!

“What nonsense are you spouting?!” Their faces shifted rapidly between green and purple—absurd beyond measure.

“What—so eager to help this lowly—” One stepped forward, about to act.

Seeing violence imminent, Li’an rushed in to mediate—but was shoved aside harshly. As he nearly stumbled, a sharp strand of psychic energy steadied him, then lashed out to strike the nearby man.

“Lowly… *what*?” Samuel’s expression darkened. He tightened the psychic strand in his hand and advanced step by step toward the man—tone light, yet chilling. “Go on—why don’t you finish?”

The man, whose throat was constricting, widened his eyes in terror, trembling violently. The others, having never witnessed such a scene, were about to curse—when Samuel shot them a chilling, unnerving glance.

“You want to try too? Having your mouths sewn shut would be *very* painful.”

The other men, confronted for the first time with such a madman, froze instantly—too frightened to utter a sound.

Li’an stood to the side, sighing wearily. *See? Those who ignore elders’ advice reap the consequences.*

Still—it’s good to scare them. These men always look down on everyone just because of their high ranks.

Just two days ago, they’d mocked *him* for apologizing to Idris. Suffice to say—seeing them now trembling in fear was deeply satisfying.

“Your Excellency.”

Watching the man defend him so fiercely—even at the cost of his own dignity—Idris felt a complex emotion stir within him. Aside from his father, no one else had ever protected him like this.

Noticing Samuel wield psychic energy again, Idris swiftly stepped behind him and reached out to grasp his slender, pale wrist. Instantly, the psychic strand coiling around the troublemaker’s neck quivered faintly.

“Idris—what’s wrong?” Feeling the warmth encircling his wrist, the fiery anger in Samuel’s chest inexplicably subsided—considerably.

Noticing Prince Augus approaching, Idris leaned close to Samuel’s ear and whispered, “Prince Augus is coming. Please release it—for now. You can vent your anger after the banquet ends.”

“What are you all discussing? So lively?”

“Prince Augus.”

Idris, Li’an, and the other men composed their expressions, pretending to engage in ordinary conversation—and bowed respectfully to Prince Augus.

Prince Augus wore a polite smile, his gaze sweeping over everyone. He sensed the tense, delicate atmosphere among them—but chose not to address it.

His eyes briefly passed over the group—and over Samuel and Idris’s tightly clasped hands—before lifting to tease, “Your Excellency, why the hurry? I couldn’t keep up for a moment.”

Samuel released the psychic strand and unconsciously rubbed his warm earlobe, blinking sheepishly. “I’m a bit hungry—walked faster. My apologies for the spectacle.”

Prince Augus glanced at the men who’d heard this—faces tight with suppressed fury—and couldn’t help chuckling. He studied Samuel—this young man was truly intriguing, defending a *woman* with such intensity.

Idris… was truly fortunate.

“In that case, I won’t delay Your Excellency’s dinner,” Prince Augus said, a hint of amusement in his voice.

“Then I’ll take my leave first.” After speaking, Samuel glanced back at Idris. The woman had let go of his hand the moment Prince Augus spoke—casually, yet deliberately avoiding suspicion—which left him faintly dissatisfied.

Secretly grasping the hand that kept trying to pull away, Samuel nodded politely to Prince Augus and led Idris away.

Yet just as they reached the side door, a voice rang out from behind: “Your Excellency—perhaps you should reconsider my earlier proposal. So long as you’re willing, my offer remains valid.”

As the woman’s words fell, Samuel’s hand was instantly empty. He glanced at Idris—who kept his head lowered in silence—then turned to Prince Augus, whose friendly expression now radiated only intense malice.

Wait—hadn’t he already refused that absurd matchmaking proposal?

Why bring it up *now*?

-----------------------

To sow discord?!

Author’s Note: August X, 4056 AD — Cloudy — Weekday X

What did they talk about?

Why smile at others—happy? (Crossed out) Starting to understand Father now.