The Royal Military Academy's Impostor Owns a Dungeon [BL]-Chapter 993: Hands Off
Of course, there was something wrong.
But unfortunately or fortunately for the worried wife, he didn’t quite realize that there was something faulty in their logic.
Sid, the loyal guardian mecha, almost felt sorry for the heir of the Federation for all his efforts going to waste. He had come in strong with all the insinuations and was likely assuming he was succeeding, only for things to be further from the truth.
It was something that Sid had witnessed before, but despite seeing it happen several times, he still wasn’t used to winning like this.
Poor Veyra. 𝑓𝑟ℯ𝘦𝓌𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝑐ℴ𝓂
But at the same time, he deserved that for being a total egocentric asshat.
With regard to Luca’s and D-29’s conclusion, which almost made the watching mecha convulse, even Sid couldn’t exactly blame his little master.
That nefarious heir did keep looking at his master in an attempt to goad him into throwing the first punch.
Actually, he might have just been trying to incite any member of DG, because, politically, it would have done him well if such a thing had happened.
It was just that maybe he should have re-evaluated his methods, for while effective, Cassian did end up inciting the wrong person.
Because instead of inciting Xavier Montclair or the alleged credit grabbers of DG, the heir to the Federation had instead incited Luca Soren Kyros and his demonic little system.
Sid could only offer a proverbial sigh. He didn’t even bother to offer prayers, for at that point, it was just too late for Cassian.
__
See, just as the ever-wise Sid had predicted, Luca’s mind had already raced to the outskirts of the universe about twice in the span of time it took for the mislabelled philanthropist to say, "Young Lord Luca? Is everything alright?"
Well, said Lord Luca only made a strangled sound, because how could he lie about being okay when there was nothing okay about what was happening?
He felt his back stiffen as his fingertips felt ice-cold in distress.
Thankfully, the song was about to end, and Luca would just need to survive through the ending move before he could run off to his husband to report!
He had so much to say and also had so many questions he needed answers to.
Meanwhile, D-29 had been meaning to suggest ways to eliminate competition, drawing on the many techniques it had observed and compiled during its months of intense research.
But it seemed like the Host had been thinking of more peaceful ways, because he had rejected D-29’s suggestion of spinning with enough force to chuck the dubious benefactor respectfully out of the Imperial Palace.
It would be an accident, and with enough effort, they could attribute it to Cassian Veyra lacking calcium in his body.
"..."
"..."
But why go through such lengths in the first place?
Well, for the little system in particular, while there was much to gain from this new donor, it would be nothing compared to what they would lose if he decided to pursue their greatest benefactor instead.
Of course, there was the matter of their life contract that doubled as their marital bond, but according to D-29’s findings, that had never really stopped other people from finding sneaky ways.
As one could guess, that was not something the dungeon manager was willing to risk.
Moreover, all that was without factoring in the Host’s current distress, which only climbed higher after he dipped a little more wildly than expected.
But how could the little chipmunk not have a reaction when Cassian Veyra dared to repeat his question after realizing that he’d succeeded in making Luca Kyros waver?
"Young Lord Luca? Is everything alright?"
Luca couldn’t help but bristle at the question.
With Luca’s personality, he just couldn’t help it and was about to honestly respond with a "No," because that was how he truly felt.
But before he could do so, Cassian added, in a tone that sounded far too pleasant, "I must say, I quite enjoyed this dance."
"With you being this pleasant to be around, I just couldn’t help but be curious about what everyone else would be like..."
"?"
It was the perfect opportunity for the delegation leader, and so he went for it.
"Ah, well, I hope you don’t mind my curiosity, but as a leader myself, it’s difficult not to wonder about those who stand to benefit from someone’s efforts."
"Or at the very least, I’m curious about how people would fill your shoes, considering the fascinating size of your guild..."
There was a meaningful glint in Cassian’s eyes as he added, "Unfortunately, there’s not a lot of time left. But I do hope to have the chance to meet the rest of your guild members. I feel like there would be many things to discuss after doing so."
The heir to the Federation certainly hoped to be able to find more things to nitpick about. If he could whisper a little bit more in the ear of this guy, he felt like he would succeed in turning them against each other.
And more often than not, it was best to do it to people who readily assume they have such strong, unbreakable ties. Not only was that more satisfying, but they also tended to generate the biggest conflicts.
But to Cassian Veyra’s surprise, Luca—who hadn’t yet pulled him up from the dip that he really should’ve guessed was suspiciously close to hell—gasped.
Huh?
It wasn’t particularly loud. But coming from the suddenly quiet center of the dance floor, it might as well have been a blaring siren.
Eventually, the onlookers began to notice that something was wrong, because not only were the two still stuck in the middle of the dance floor even after the song had ended, but the Empire’s most-watched guild leader had also gasped while looking completely horrified.
Speculations were already flying on Star Net, and it was impossible not to feel worried about Luca’s expression.
Xavier, bless his heart, had been just as worried, if not for Sid reassuring him, "The little master is fine in all other accounts..."
"But as for what he thinks is wrong... Well, I believe it would be best to check it for yourself, Master."
Sid had to wash his hands of this.
Because how was he supposed to explain that in the mind of his master’s wife were images of the Imperial Crown Prince and the Heir to the Federation sharing desserts and laughing together as they skipped hand-in-hand toward the setting sun?
Those were images he himself didn’t even want to see again, so how exactly was he supposed to explain this development?
Just no.
And so, Xavier had no choice but to go fetch his wife, who, quite surprisingly, panicked the moment he realized that Xavier was about to get close.
__
Well, that was an unexpected reaction.
Luca had never been one to shy away from Xavier.
And yet now, he had clearly flinched upon seeing him.
But if the Imperial Crown Prince thought that was odd, then perhaps it would be best for him to brace himself for what was about to come next.
Because Luca started working those soft lips.
"Mister Benefactor."
This time, Luca stood properly before him, posture straight as he looked Cassian directly in the eyes.
Cassian tilted his head slightly, as if patiently awaiting the invitation he assumed would follow.
Instead, the golden-eyed cadet before him spoke quietly.
"I’m very thankful for your donation and for the opportunity to experience a cultural exchange through our dance, but, Mister..."
"...I don’t think I could personally encourage a meeting with others."
"Huh?"
Cassian blinked, clearly surprised.
That was not what he expected to hear.
But before he could even begin to process it, Luca continued.
"There are many individuals in the Empire and even across the universe who are competent," Luca said earnestly, his voice steady despite the growing tension around them. "People who are striking, and likely just as bright."
The words lingered.
Competent.
Striking.
Bright.
Used just as they had been earlier.
The onlookers weren’t quite sure what was happening, but hearing Luca’s sincere and impassioned tone, some of them found themselves nodding along instinctively. In fact, they felt flustered at the compliment even if it hadn’t been directed at them.
Perhaps the Federation heir had said something shady, and this was probably a response to that.
"...And I know full well that he’s just like what you’re looking for," Luca continued, his expression turning serious, almost aggrieved. "But, Mister Benefactor, it would be impossible for me to let him go because we’ve already promised each other."
Cassian blinked again.
Slowly.
"What?"
He finally said it.
Because at this point, nothing made sense even to him who had made such an elaborate plan.
Luca, however, didn’t stop.
If anything, his worry only deepened.
Because from the corner of his eye, he saw it.
Xavier.
Getting closer.
Luca visibly trembled.
Then, with utmost sincerity, he gave Cassian a respectful bow.
"I could maybe try to recommend others who would be great partners," Luca said, his voice filled with both apology and resolve, "but I’d have to apologize because it would be impossible to hand over my husband!"
"..."
"..."
"!"
"EHHHH?!!!"
