Chapter 69 Everything Just Right

Chapter 69 Everything is Just Right

The news studio on the Imperial Capital Star.

Under the brilliant lights, Samuel sat on a sofa, facing a male host with an intellectual demeanor. A camera hovered directly in front of the two insects, while staff around them busily and orderly adjusted the equipment to ensure the live broadcast proceeded smoothly.

The lights around the studio gradually dimmed, leaving only those illuminating the two insects. The interview officially began.

Facing the camera and concluding the opening remarks, the host elegantly adjusted his earpiece, turned to Samuel with a professional smile, and began the interview.

"Your Excellency Samuel, we all know that male insects are the empire's treasures, born under comprehensive protection and care. As an S-class male insect, you are even more noble and esteemed.

When the Starbeast tide arrived, you could have remained safely on the Imperial Capital Star. Why did you choose to voluntarily go to the perilous front lines?"

Samuel paused, taken aback by the question. When he made that decision, a large part of it was due to concern for Idris, though there were other reasons as well.

His elder brother had taught him that one should know how to repay kindness. The empire had given him a comfortable life, and he wanted to do something in return.

After bowing his head and pondering carefully for a moment, Samuel said candidly, "Actually, part of the reason was because of my husband. He was injured on a border star at the time, and I was extremely worried about him. That's why I prevailed upon General Lisi and Director Bran to send me to B612."

Samuel's answer amused the host, who quipped, "So Your Excellency was a knight going to war for his lady."

Samuel sheepishly rubbed his nose, then said seriously, "Actually, there's another very important reason."

The host adopted a listening posture.

"Because the empire has been very good to me." Samuel organized his thoughts and continued, "Everyone should know that I was an insect rescued by chance.

When I first arrived, I was in poor health. It was the insects from the military who sent me to the hospital, and the doctors exhausted all efforts to cure me. After being cured, I knew nothing. It was the MPA that helped me apply for an identity and the empire's compensation, allowing me to settle down on the Imperial Capital Star.

It could be said that without the empire's special protection system for male insects, I might have died in an alley long ago. The empire gave me a new life, and I should repay it."

Hearing Samuel's response, a flicker of surprise passed through the host's eyes.

Seeing the host had no further questions, Samuel added, "Moreover, I believe that protecting the empire has never been solely the responsibility of soldiers. Male insects are also members of the insect race. If they have the ability, they can also contribute to the empire, just like the military males."

"Your Excellency Samuel's perspective is quite novel and sounds rather reasonable."

"What reasoning? The Excellencies are so delicate and rare; what if something happens?"

"But the Excellencies don't have to fight Starbeasts; the rear is very safe. And with an Excellency's help in mental grooming, at least fewer insects would die."

"Exactly, exactly! I heard that because of Excellency Samuel's presence this time, the casualty rate among soldiers decreased by 30%!!"

"Insect God above! That much? No wonder the empire awarded Excellency Samuel a medal."

A male insect actually said he wants to defend the empire?

A hint of surprise flashed in the host's eyes. "Your words are quite unique, but upon closer consideration, they do make sense. The empire's current strength relies precisely on the perseverance and efforts of insects from all walks of life."

After responding to the previous question, the host steered the conversation to the next one: "However, we all know that while the empire is prosperous, not all insect planets are like this. For example, the environment at the front lines is a hundred times harsher than that of the Imperial Capital Star. After arriving at the front lines, did you feel any discomfort? What was your first impression when facing soldiers experiencing mental rampage?"

"Actually, I didn't feel much discomfort. The insects of the Second Legion protected and took good care of me." Samuel smiled, then said with a touch of reminiscence, "As for my impression of soldiers... hmm, it's admiration."

"Admiration? For soldiers?" the host asked.

Samuel nodded. "When I arrived, the front lines had just concluded a particularly fierce battle. Many soldiers had overused their mental power, and their Mind Sea rampage was severe. Yet even so, as soon as orders were given, they rushed to the battlefield without any hesitation or complaint."

"I think the soldiers were well aware of what charging to the front lines amidst rampage meant. They might have been afraid too, but when the empire needed them, they chose to advance, to face death." The images of insect race soldiers charging at Starbeasts and figures from his homeland charging at enemy forces slowly overlapped in Samuel's mind. Ripples stirred in his eyes, and his voice grew softer. "They used their flesh and blood to build the empire's strongest defensive line, shielding hundreds of millions of insect citizens behind them. Aren't they worthy of admiration?"

"Of course they are!"

"Folks, I'm getting a bit teary-eyed from his words."

"I finally understand why Excellency Samuel gained so many supporters after returning from the front lines. With such eloquent phrasing, who wouldn't be captivated?"

"Naturally... they are worthy." The host seemed drawn into the scene Samuel described. He paused for a moment, quickly composed himself, and then proceeded to ask the following questions. Samuel answered each one fluently.

As time passed, the interview gradually drew to a close, and the host's questions began to wind down. "It seems this trip to the front lines has given Your Excellency many insights. So, in the future, will you continue to accompany the military to provide mental grooming for soldiers?"

"Matters concerning accompanying the military involve imperial military affairs. As an ordinary citizen, I cannot answer that." Samuel joked, then added with firm resolve, "However, if given the opportunity, I would be very willing to provide mental grooming for soldiers again."

On the virtual screen, Samuel was still speaking, but Augus was no longer watching. He stood up, pondered for a long while by the floor-to-ceiling window, then turned and left his office.

"Insect God! The Excellency is still willing to go to the front lines! Everyone, hurry to the military's suggestion box and submit your opinions! Maybe we'll get to see the Excellency at the front next time!"

"Ahhh, Excellency, I want to have your children!"

"Give up, person above! The Excellency said during the matching ceremony that he would only match with one female insect. You have no chance!"

"Don't remind me, I'm still envious! Ahhh, missing out on the Excellency in this lifetime pains my heart so much!"

"Person above, although missing out on the Excellency is heartbreaking! But would you like to join the Excellency Samuel Fan Club! Let's stan the Excellency and ship the couple together!!"

It was the first time the host had encountered a male insect like Samuel—so straightforward, substantive, and thoughtful. He thought to himself, with such charm, no wonder he captivated so many soldiers.

Moved by the sincerity in Samuel's eyes, the host also smiled sincerely. "Then I wish Your Excellency's wish comes true!"

"At the same time, thank you for your sharing, and thank you for the contributions you made to the empire at the front lines. Having an Excellency like you is an honor for the empire and for the soldiers."

Ending the topic with a smile, the host faced the camera to deliver the closing remarks. A minute later, the camera turned off, and the surrounding staff quickly stepped forward to help Samuel remove his earpiece.

After things were mostly wrapped up and Samuel had exchanged pleasantries with the host, Idris finally stood up from the rest area below and approached Samuel as he walked over.

"Male Master, have some water."

Samuel took the water cup, took a sip, and leaned weakly against Idris's shoulder. He still wasn't accustomed to entering unfamiliar environments and having too much interaction with unfamiliar insects.

"Are you feeling unwell again?" Idris had noticed long ago that Samuel tended to be quite reclusive, but he didn't expect his reaction to frequent outings and contact with other insects to be this strong.

Back on the starship, he didn't seem to react this much.

"It's alright." Samuel managed to recover somewhat. "Brother, let's return to the estate tomorrow."

"Missing your father?"

"Mhm, and it's been three days since the matching ceremony. Brother, you also need to make the customary post-wedding homecoming. We can't break the rules."

Idris: ?

What rules? Does the insect race have such a rule?

The two insects gradually walked out of the interview studio. The host watched their departing figures and asked a staff member beside him, "Who was that masked female insect just now?"

"You don't know? That's Excellency Samuel's wife," the staff member added enviously, "and his only wife. Lieutenant General Idris is so fortunate—first a promotion, then matching with such an outstanding Male Master. He's simply won at life."

The host hadn't met Idris but had heard of his reputation. He pondered the staff member's words and smiled. "Even if he's won at life, Lieutenant General earned it himself through his efforts. You don't think the Lieutenant General's military merits were obtained by lying around, do you?"

“Oh, I was just expressing a bit of emotion.” The worker awkwardly waved his hand.

He couldn’t help but feel a twinge of envy. Lieutenant General Idris possessed such exceptional judgment—matched with a husband who was not only deeply devoted and outstanding in ability, but also profoundly loving.

Who knew how stunned he’d been just days earlier, watching the two insects’ matching ceremony broadcast live on the Star Network—a solemn, utterly unique ritual, those heartfelt vows, and even the President of the Male Protection Association invited as an official witness.

It truly was one of a kind. Even now, netizens were still buzzing about it online!

But once today’s interview aired, the internet would surely explode all over again.

“Ahhh—just finished watching the interview, folks! I’m officially becoming Your Excellency Samuel’s fan!”

“Ever since I watched the matching ceremony a few days ago, heard those vows, and learned that Your Excellency Samuel personally designed and selected *everything*—the entire ceremony’s preparations, Lieutenant General Idris’s attire, styling, and accessories—I was already hooked!”

“Good heavens, I watched it too! That kiss beneath the veil at the end was absolutely breathtaking!”

“I don’t care about the matching ceremony—I only care whether Your Excellency will continue accompanying the military!”

“Folks! Quick—check the military’s latest announcement! They’ve created a special position and opened a recruitment channel to hire high-ranking Your Excellencies!”

First floor of the villa.

“The military moved fast. The moment they realized they couldn’t withstand the onslaught from military females, they immediately devised this plan.” Li’an’s lips curled into a mocking smile.

“They didn’t act so swiftly because of pressure from military females. According to my mother, it was Prince Augus who proposed it directly to the Insect Emperor.” Sais took a bite of fruit and continued, “As you know, the Insect Emperor has long intended to appoint Prince Augus as crown prince. By approving the proposal and entrusting its execution to the prince, the Emperor is deliberately paving his path forward. The military is merely going along with the flow this time—pleasing the royal family while calming public sentiment. A classic case of killing two birds with one stone.”

Li’an sipped his tea, found it delicious, took another sip, then turned and asked, “Samuel, are you really planning to apply?”

“Yes.” Samuel accepted a piece of fruit handed to him by Idris and chewed it like a hamster.

“One trip wasn’t enough—you’re going back again?!” Sais exclaimed.

The Insect God only knew how terrified he’d been upon hearing that Samuel had barged straight into military headquarters and demanded deployment to the battlefield. His mind instantly conjured up a hundred gruesome ways a male insect could die—and he hadn’t slept properly for days.

“Why not? I usually have no duties anyway—it’s just heading to the front lines during the star-beast surge.” Samuel paused. “Besides, once I enlist, I can formally apply to provide psychological treatment for the Second Corps. That’s worthwhile.”

“Just say it’s for Lieutenant General Idris,” Sais sighed helplessly, teasing, “Why make it sound so noble?”

“It’s not *entirely* for Brother. I genuinely find this work meaningful.” Samuel glanced at Idris. “Brother agrees too.”

Idris immediately chimed in, reaching out to take the fruit pit Samuel spat out.

Li’an and Sais felt utterly blinded by the couple’s unabashed affection—and could no longer sit still. They’d come in person primarily to confirm Samuel’s decision; having received their answer, they tactfully declined to overstay their welcome.

After all, an insect lacking propriety was universally disliked.

“Then I’ll sign up too,” Li’an said. “Ever since you treated my Mind Sea, my condition has improved dramatically, and my mental energy is far more robust. Hearing your battlefield stories sounds thrilling. Since I’m idle anyway, seeing the world wouldn’t be such a bad idea.”

There was another reason Li’an left unspoken: after reading Lin An’s serialized novels, he’d suddenly realized male insects had always been coddled. He’d grown weary of being a caged insect—he craved freedom, and true freedom could only be secured through power.

This military recruitment was the perfect opportunity.

“Huh? *Both* of you are going? Then what about me?” Sais looked troubled. He had zero interest in treating military females.

“Do whatever you like,” Samuel suggested, recalling Sais’s passion for novels and his solid drawing skills. “For instance, illustrating characters from your favorite novels. You used to draw quite well.”

“Can I?” Sais had never considered such a path before. He paused, thinking. “Maybe I should give it a try? If I get bored enough, I can always join the military later.”

“Trying costs nothing,” Li’an added. “After all, even if you do nothing, your mother won’t force you to do anything.”

“That’s true.” Sais clapped his hands in agreement.

Decision made, Li’an and Sais rose and departed shortly thereafter. Samuel and Idris saw them off, then rested quietly.

Since they were returning to the bride’s family home the next day, Idris rose unusually early. After tidying up and preparing breakfast, Samuel still hadn’t come downstairs. Idris kept the food warm and went upstairs to wake the male insect.

Creak. The bedroom door swung open. The curtains remained undrawn, leaving the room dimly lit.

On the bed, the male insect appeared sound asleep.

Idris sat beside him and softly called, “Husband,” twice. Samuel’s eyelashes fluttered faintly—no sign of waking—but he rolled over and pulled the female insect’s arm, resting atop the quilt, into a tight embrace.

Idris guessed the male insect was feigning sleep—but chose not to call him out. Instead, he gradually slowed his breathing, slipping into combat mode.

Unable to sense Idris’s presence, Samuel grew puzzled. Quietly, he cracked his eyes open—only to lock directly onto the female insect’s smiling, violet gaze.

“Brother, you’re cheating *again*!” Samuel’s eyes widened. He abruptly slapped away the hand he’d been holding and rolled over in annoyance.

Idris simply lay back on the bed, smiling as he pressed close, resting his chin atop Samuel’s head and wrapping his arms firmly around him. “My mistake, love. Don’t be angry.”

Trapped in the embrace, Samuel squirmed in protest—but resistance proved futile. So he deftly adjusted himself into a comfortable, nestled position.

After holding Samuel like a giant plush toy for a while, Idris finally loosened his grip slightly, satisfied, and asked, “Does Husband want to get up?”

“Yes.” Samuel patted the arm encircling his waist, signaling for release. This time, Idris obeyed without hesitation, slowly easing his hold.

“What does Husband plan to do?” Samuel had just sat up—not yet out of bed—when Idris swiftly pressed close again, hugging him from behind, resting his head on Samuel’s shoulder and refusing to let go.

“Get clothes.” The male insect tugged helplessly at the arm locked around his waist. “Didn’t you call me to get up?”

Idris hesitated. “Husband…”

“Hmm?”

“I am your wife. It’s my duty to attend to your daily needs.”

Samuel didn’t understand how the conversation had veered into wifely responsibilities. He turned his head and met Idris’s eyes directly—the deep, clear violet enveloping his reflection, focused and tender.

“Oh.” Samuel’s heart skipped a beat. He murmured softly, then pushed Idris gently. “Brother, help me pick out clothes first. Meeting my parents today calls for something more formal.”

Receiving no reply, Idris felt a flicker of disappointment. He nodded, got out of bed, walked to the wardrobe, carefully selected an outfit, and turned back to ask Samuel if it met his approval—only to freeze mid-step.

There stood Samuel—eyes gleaming, shirt buttons half-undone—beckoning him with a playful smile. “Come here. Help me get dressed. Do it well, and this task belongs to Brother from now on.”

Ever since being with Samuel, Idris’s self-control had plummeted. He pressed his lips together, took the clothes, and strode back to the bedside.

By the time Samuel was fully dressed and descended the stairs, Idris still hadn’t emerged from the bathroom. A short while later, he came downstairs—walking somewhat slowly, perhaps due to physical discomfort.

The two insects finished breakfast, entered the hovercar, and set off.

Rarely, the Imperial Capital Star enjoyed another sunny day.

Samuel leaned against the window. Outside, towering buildings and soaring birds passed intermittently. Gazing down from above, the hovercar wove seamlessly through the vast transportation network. Skyscrapers rose like monolithic blocks, swarming with industrious insects. Everything seemed perfectly ordinary.

Yet everything was profoundly extraordinary.

Samuel recalled his first arrival in this world—the awe and terror he’d felt staring up at those impossible skyscrapers. He’d never imagined that in such a strange realm, he would attain what he’d once yearned for but believed forever out of reach.

He had died once—and in marching toward death, he had gained new life.

Looking back on the past, he no longer longed for death—he longed for life, for the future he once feared, for every day that lay ahead.

“Master, it’s time to get out of the car.”

Idris stood by the car and extended his hand. Samuel placed his hand on it and then gripped it tightly. Hand in hand, the two walked toward the estate’s entrance beneath the sunlight and breeze.

At the gate, Yisang and Ivar waited eagerly. Spotting them, Samuel suddenly tugged Idris forward and broke into a run. Sunlight bathed them; their shadows swayed across the ground—then the shorter one darted ahead and was caught up by Yisang.

“Dad, I missed you so much these past few days!”

“I missed my little one too,” Yisang said gently, his voice brimming with affection. “Little one, how about staying a few more days this time? Idris’s room has always been empty.”

“Sure! Dad, I really like you!”

“Good boy,” Yisang murmured, ruffling the boy’s hair as he smiled. “Later, tell Papa what you’d like to eat—he’ll have the butler prepare it. Make yourself at home.”

With that, Yisang shot Ivar a meaningful glance; Ivar responded with a soft “Mm.”

“Thank you, Papa~” Samuel turned and hugged Ivar too, his voice sweet. “Papa, later, let Brother help you prepare lunch. The little cakes you made last time were so delicious—but Brother’s version just doesn’t taste right. Could you teach him?”

“I can help with lunch too! I can pick vegetables!”

The unexpected hug left Ivar momentarily stiff and frozen, his eyes darting nervously toward Yisang.

Yisang stifled a laugh and gently pulled Samuel back to his side. “What help? You’d probably just make things worse.”

“Dad~ I’m not *that* clumsy~”

“Mhm! Our boy is the smartest. So—when are you going to livestream?”

“…Then I’d rather be a little clumsy.”

The two chatted amiably as they strolled arm-in-arm into the house. Idris followed, greeting Ivar in a tone noticeably softer than before.

With Samuel acting as peacemaker, his relationship with his dad and papa was no longer icy.

Hearing the greeting, Ivar’s expression gradually softened. He nodded, took the items from Idris’s hands, and headed inside.

When the door opened again, the two heard Yisang’s deliberately stern questioning—and Samuel’s playful, pleading excuses.

The once-silent house burst into liveliness and noise that afternoon.

As laughter and chatter rose and fell in the living room, Ivar curved his lips into a smile and stepped into the kitchen to fetch the freshly baked pastries. Idris, seeing this, followed to help.

Samuel peeked over, catching sight of the two passing things back and forth with perfect synchrony. He slipped back to the sofa, covered his mouth, and rested his head on Yisang’s shoulder, giggling quietly.

Yisang smiled, too—relieved. He ruffled Samuel’s hair and gazed out the window.

Outside, the autumn sunlight was just right, the breeze gentle, and everyone content. Everything was perfect.

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Author’s Note: The main story is complete! I’m overjoyed to have shared this story with all of you! Thank you to every reader who followed along—you’re angels! [kiss]. Every time I saw a notification, it filled me with pure joy! And a special thank-you to those who left comments—you’re archangels! [shrug]. There are several of you I’ve come to recognize incredibly well—so familiar that after every update and every morning, I’d refresh the page just to read your comments. Looking back, it feels a little strange—[facepalm laugh-cry]. I’ve rambled on quite a bit, but I simply wanted to thank you! [kiss]

Hmm, I’m feeling so happy—I’ll send you all a completion bonus! [scatter flowers] La la la la la [shy]

Stellar Calendar 4056, November X, Weekday X, Sunny

Can’t let it go to waste.

Stellar Calendar 4056, November X, Weekday X, Sunny

Thank you, Master.