The Royal Military Academy's Impostor Owns a Dungeon [BL]-Chapter 989: Kind to a Fault

It could be said that life was hard for many, and in that moment, it was proving to be especially true for several people who never thought they’d witness something like this.

"Man... do you think the Captain—" a redhead started, clearly trying to process whether their boss had always been into something like that.

"D-don’t. Don’t talk to me," the blue-haired adjutant cut in, his shoulders trembling far too much. "I’m barely keeping it together."

Despite growing up together, Kyle was realizing that there were still expressions he had never seen on Xavier’s face before, and he was rather certain that he’d be seeing more of them in the foreseeable future.

He was right. He just didn’t expect that future to arrive mere seconds later.

Really, for the sake of his own peace, he probably shouldn’t think too deeply about anything ever again.

Because just as the final stomp echoed and that last pose—one that would likely never be brought up in their group again—was struck, a rather annoying vermin decided to ruin the moment.

As if determined to silence the applause and cheers that followed the shocking display, the sound of footsteps cut through the hall.

Cassian.

Walking straight toward Luca.

Kyle moved instantly, catching the mop who had, in that very second, turned into a rabid dog ready to lunge at the interloper.

The effort and desire to protect his sworn brother were admirable, but at that moment, his ball of fluff shouldn’t have been coming near that walking dumpster fire.

"Hey! Why are you stopping me?" Ollie protested, twisting in his hold. "Did you see that guy? He’s getting too close to my brother!"

Kyle didn’t answer right away. Instead, he reached up and fixed Ollie’s hair, smoothing down the mess with practiced ease, as though this were a perfectly normal situation.

"Sometimes," he said, almost absently, "people simply need to experience Luca to understand him."

"Huh?"

The dumbfounded blonde stopped flailing and looked at him, clearly unsure what kind of nonsense his boyfriend was suddenly spouting.

But the sturdy tower offered no further explanation.

He simply lifted his gaze toward the center of the hall, watching Luca, Xavier, and Cassian with a quiet, knowing look before adding under his breath, "Don’t worry. If anything, at times like this, it’s best to pray for the enemy."

"Eh???"

It sounded ridiculous, and Ollie—who always forgot about past transgressions when it came to the brother who could do no wrong—didn’t quite get it.

But coming from Kyle, it carried weight because it was grounded in experience and consideration.

So safe to say, it was probably very, very accurate.

__

Like when the heir of the Federation was surprised to see a respectfully postured Luca Kyros, who suddenly opened his mouth and said,

"Greetings, Mister Benefactor."

Cassian’s step halted.

For a moment, he wasn’t even sure what he had just heard, not when he had been on his way over to ask Luca out for their dance.

But then the golden-eyed cadet continued, just as composed, just as sincere.

"I’d like to thank you for your contributions to several projects. It would certainly go a long way, so in return, and if you don’t mind, I’d like to ask if you would grant me this dance."

Something shifted.

Subtle, but unmistakable.

The way the space around him seemed to tighten, the way the eyes on him carried something he couldn’t quite read, made it feel like the world had suddenly drawn closer than he liked.

And then—

"I’m not very well-versed in the culture of the Federation," Luca added, sounding a little sheepish, "but from my lacking knowledge, I tried to find a song that both of us could probably dance to."

There was no mockery in his voice. No hidden edge.

Just genuine thoughtfulness, which somehow made it worse.

Because in truth, Luca was definitely treating him as a donor.

A customer with a deep enough pocket.

In short, Cassian Elion Veyra was someone who needed to be handled carefully.

The others probably wouldn’t notice the fire in the cadet’s eyes, but those who knew him would definitely be able to tell.

One would have known the gravity of the situation when even D-29 had been involved in assessing the current target.

A full force was needed, especially since Cassian seemed harder to please. Not only did he carry a clear hostility toward Luca after using those bidding amounts, but he also didn’t seem to enjoy physical proximity, at least from what they had gathered.

Luca, a money-grubber with clear goals and priorities, kept all of that in mind and made sure to choose what would be advantageous.

But maybe it would have been better if he had the opportunity to look more into the target’s face rather than respectfully facing the floor as he bowed properly.

Then he would have seen what was unfolding. Then again, would it have really mattered to the focused chipmunk?

Cassian smiled, or at least tried to.

"I appreciate the consideration," he said, keeping his tone even, "but perhaps a slower song would be more appropriate. Something like a waltz."

In fact, with the kind of dance recommended by that insane Kyros, any other type would be much slower and more involved.

It was a reasonable suggestion. And one that better happen because how exactly would he be able to use the time to talk?

But Luca—

"Ah!"

He gasped softly, eyes widening as he looked Cassian up and down.

"I’m so sorry! I overstepped. I wasn’t thoughtful enough."

The heir to the Federation paused, suddenly unsure of what to do with someone so brazenly unpredictable.

That wasn’t the reaction he expected from any self-respecting noble, but at the same time, this guy had been known for philandering.

Maybe that was why he was presumably odd in the head?

"...What do you mean by that?" he asked for the sake of asking, trying to sound benevolent, even though the question was definitely rhetorical.

But unfortunately for him, Luca answered anyway.

"I made the wrong assumption," he said earnestly. "I didn’t take your well-being into account."

"...My well-being?"

The confusion slipped through before he could stop it.

Luca nodded, his expression turning sympathetic.

"I understand."

Understand what?

The delegation leader didn’t know whether to be concerned or offended.

"My mother warned me that physical prowess needs to be considered for certain dances," Luca continued, his voice softening as he looked faintly embarrassed.

"...I thought you might be in perfect shape, but I shouldn’t have assumed."

"I’m really sorry, Mister Benefactor."

"..."

"!"

"!!!"