The Eighth Prince came to visit this time very obviously to apologize, but it was unclear what the two male zergs following him were here for. According to Salaranfa, apologizing was something that didn’t require the males to be involved; it was usually the females who took the responsibility.
Of course, Blairand could not stop them. After a moment of contemplation, he instructed the guards, “Please invite them in.”
After speaking, he patted Ah Sui’s shoulder and gently reminded him, “The Eighth Prince and his male companion have come to visit you. Remember not to speak carelessly later.”
Ah Sui obediently nodded in response.
Not long after, the door to the sickroom was pushed open. The first to enter was a slender, blue-haired male zerg, wearing a pair of gold-rimmed glasses. His face was rather scholarly, and behind him followed a silver-haired female zerg with slightly impaired legs—none other than the Eighth Prince, Gaien.
As for the “culprit,” Johnny, he trailed behind them, looking dispirited. He was holding a collection of large and small gift bags meant for apologizing, his reluctance evident to the naked eye.
After Johnny entered the room, he shot a secret glare at Ah Sui: This damn interstellar pirate!
Ah Sui also secretly glared back at him: This damn redhead!
Blairand, however, did not notice the subtle tension between the two. He stepped forward, giving a slight bow as he greeted Ashya and Gaien, “Your Excellency Ashya, Your Highness Eighth Prince, good day.”
Whether intentional or not, Blairand had bypassed Johnny, who was behind him.
Gaien had heard a few days ago that Blairand seemed to have quite a close relationship with the pure-blood male zerg in the sickbed. Seeing that the other was still in the room, he wasn’t surprised. “Major General Blairand, there’s no need for formalities. We came today to visit His Highness Ah Sui. We heard he’s been ill. How is his health now?”
Blairand gestured for them to take a seat on the sofa beside the sickbed. “His Highness Ah Sui is much better now, he just woke up today… Please, take a seat. If there’s anything you’d like to discuss, we can talk while seated.”
Gaien, understanding that Blairand was being considerate of his difficulty with movement, nodded slightly in apology. “Actually, besides visiting His Highness Ah Sui, we also came to offer an apology. That day, Johnny was too reckless, and without understanding the situation, he called the police. It caused His Highness Ah Sui too much trouble.”
He finished speaking and casually glanced at Johnny.
Only then did Johnny reluctantly step forward, placing the gifts in his hands onto the table. In a stiff tone, he apologized to Ah Sui, “Your Highness, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have called the police that day. Please forgive me.”
Ah Sui knew that Johnny wasn’t truly apologizing. He turned his head and remained silent, until Blairand subtly nudged him. Only then did he reluctantly say, “It’s fine.”
As soon as Ah Sui spoke, the atmosphere in the sickroom finally relaxed.
Ashya sat on the sofa, remaining silent the entire time. He habitually stroked the wedding ring on his ring finger, his gaze behind the lenses subtly scrutinizing Ah Sui. After a moment, he suddenly smiled and said, “Your Highness, your eye color and hair color are quite unique, which is why Johnny mistook you that day. Our families live very close to each other, so I hope you won’t hold a grudge and that we can interact more in the future.”
Ashya’s entire demeanor was distant, clearly not the type of zerg known for being “hospitable.” Having climbed the ranks in the business world, he had no need to curry favor with Ah Sui. Yet, unexpectedly, he extended an olive branch. This surprised not only Blairand but also his female monarch, Gaien, who paused for a moment in confusion.
Gaien voiced his doubt, “My lord…”
Ashya, however, gently patted Gaien’s knee twice, signaling that any discussions could wait until they were home. Gaien, with a flushed ear, fell silent.
Ah Sui, hearing Ashya’s words, couldn’t help but be momentarily stunned. There was an inexplicable sense of familiarity. He frowned and stared at Ashya for a moment—the pale blue hair, the gray-blue eyes—an entirely unfamiliar appearance. He had never seen him on Earth, nor had he encountered him in the interstellar pirate hideout.
So strange…
Ah Sui stared at Ashya’s glasses for a moment and noticed that the expression on his face at certain times resembled that of his Grandpa San. He couldn’t help but hesitate and ask, “You… What’s your name?”
Upon hearing the question, Ashya paused for a moment but didn’t answer. Blairand sighed helplessly in his heart, thinking to himself that he had just mentioned this. How could Ah Sui have forgotten again? He leaned in and whispered to him, “Ah Sui, this is Lord Ashya.”
Ah Sui scratched his head, thinking that it couldn’t be his Grandpa San, since his name was Han Yan, not Ashya. Feeling a bit embarrassed, he said, “Sorry, my memory isn’t very good. I’ll visit you another time if I get the chance. Thank you for coming to see me today.”
Ashya gave a soft “Mm,” indicating it was no trouble.
After speaking, he raised a hand to adjust his glasses, and for a moment, it seemed like he sighed. However, the sigh was so faint that it was hard for anyone to notice.
They stayed in the sickroom for a little while longer, engaging in casual conversation and small talk until the afternoon. Noticing that it was getting late, they finally took their leave.
Gaien stood up from the sofa and nodded to Blairand and Ah Sui. “Your Highness, it’s getting late, so we won’t disturb your rest. Wishing you a speedy recovery.”
Upon hearing this, Ah Sui instinctively glanced at Gaien’s injured right leg, and that strange sense of familiarity resurfaced. However, realizing it might be impolite, he quickly averted his gaze. Feeling a bit guilty after receiving so many gifts from Gaien, he lifted the blanket and got out of bed. “How about I see you downstairs?”
Everyone was startled by his words and quickly intervened, “No need, Your Highness. You should rest and take care of yourself.”
Even Blairand gently pushed Ah Sui back onto the bed, speaking in a low voice, “Lie down properly, don’t move around. The doctor said you shouldn’t be exposed to the wind right now. I’ll go and see them off.”
Let’s not mention that Ah Sui was still sick; simply the fact that he was a pure-blood male zerg meant no one would dare let him personally see guests off. In the end, it was Blairand who escorted Gaien and the others to the elevator. He pressed the elevator button and explained, “Ah Sui comes from a remote area and has only recently arrived in the capital. He’s still quite naive, so please don’t take offense, Your Highness.”
Gaien shook his head slightly. Ah Sui’s gaze was too simple, and it was clear that he harbored no ill intentions, which was rare in the capital, a place driven by greed and superficiality. He was somewhat familiar with Blairand, so he couldn’t help but offer a few more words of advice: “His Majesty already knows about His Highness’s awakening. It may not be long before he’s summoned to the banquet, and he might even be granted a title. Many high-ranking officials will be present, so if you and His Highness are well-suited, it would be wise to plan ahead.”
The implication was clear—Gaien was advising Blairand to act first.
Blairand, hearing this, lowered his gaze in thought and quietly said, “Thank you for your reminder.”
If the news of the pure-blood male zerg were to spread, it would undoubtedly lead to countless struggles for his attention. Not only was Gaien giving this advice, but even Chief Harrington had the same intention. However, whatever needed to be done between them had already been done. Ah Sui was still lying in the sickbed, and Blairand couldn’t force him into marriage.
During the following period, Ah Sui remained in the hospital, focusing on his recovery. It took about four or five days before he was discharged. It was said that the Zerg Emperor had originally planned to grant Ah Sui a residence, but after Chief Harrington went to the palace and said something, the Zerg Emperor temporarily held off on the decree.
On the day of his discharge, Chief Harrington made a special trip to visit. While Ah Sui was changing clothes, Harrington pulled Blairand aside and whispered, “His Majesty originally intended to grant Ah Sui a residence, but I persuaded him to hold off. You must seize the opportunity during this time and quickly settle the marriage.”
Blairand furrowed his brows upon hearing this, seeming puzzled. “Why did you persuade him to hold off?”
Chief Harrington glared at him with frustration, as if scolding an idiot. “If His Majesty had granted Ah Sui a residence, those lecherous zergs would have swarmed over him. How would you compete with them? I’ve already put my face on the line for your marriage. His Majesty has agreed to let Ah Sui stay at your house for this time. If you don’t make your move now, I can’t help you anymore.”
As they were talking, the bathroom door made a soft click, and Ah Sui emerged, now dressed. Seeing Blairand and Chief Harrington standing by the wall talking, he asked in confusion, “What are you two talking about?”
Chief Harrington immediately fell silent.
Blairand stepped forward and adjusted Ah Sui’s collar. “We weren’t talking about anything. Have you packed your things? Once you’re ready, we can leave. The aircraft is waiting downstairs.”
Ah Sui glanced at Chief Harrington, then at Blairand, recalling what he had unintentionally overheard in the bathroom. In the end, he said nothing, only scratching his head and saying, “I don’t have much to pack. Let’s go.”
Chief Harrington found himself more and more fond of Ah Sui, feeling that there was no zerg more likable than him in the world. During the flight to the residence, he purposely asked many indirect questions.
Chief Harrington: “Your Highness, you…”
Ah Sui quickly interrupted, “Uncle, just call me Ah Sui.”
Upon hearing this, Chief Harrington couldn’t help but feel even more satisfied. Male zergs in the Salaranfa were few, and those who were humble and composed were even rarer. If Ah Sui had become arrogant and proud due to his elevated status, abandoning Blairand, Chief Harrington thought that the South wouldn’t necessarily have to pursue this marriage alliance.
Ungrateful creatures were despised everywhere, but fortunately, Ah Sui was not one of them.
Chief Harrington readily adjusted his tone and, with a smile, asked, “Ah Sui, you’ve already marked Blairand, haven’t you?”
Ah Sui was taken aback and exclaimed, “Huh?!”
Ah Sui and Blairand hadn’t completed the pairing ceremony, yet Ah Sui had already marked him, which was actually against the customs of Salaranfa. Ah Sui thought Chief Harrington was about to reprimand him, and he stammered, “Uncle, you… let me explain…”
Blairand immediately understood what Chief Harrington was implying, furrowing his brows slightly. He lowered his voice and said, “Female father—”
Chief Harrington, however, said, “Blairand, didn’t I teach you before? When an elder is speaking, you should simply listen quietly. Interrupting is not the proper etiquette for a noble.”
Blairand, hearing this, had no choice but to turn his head and look out the window, remaining silent. Yet, his ears unconsciously perked up, quietly observing Ah Sui’s reaction.
Chief Harrington, far from being angry about Ah Sui marking Blairand, seemed rather pleased by it: “You’re both adults now, and technically I shouldn’t interfere in this matter. However, marking before marriage in the Imperial Capital isn’t exactly the best for your reputation… Do you understand what I mean?”
It seemed like he was hinting at something rather strongly.
Ah Sui was confused, “What do you mean…?”
Chief Harrington finally revealed his intentions, asking cautiously, “When do you plan to hold the pairing ceremony with Blairand?”
Ah Sui: “…”
Ah Sui’s cheeks instantly turned red, and he awkwardly said, “Uncle, I was thinking of waiting until I earn some money before holding the wedding…”
His pockets were emptier than his face right now. He had originally planned to look for a job, but before he could even start, he ended up in the hospital. He needed to earn some money before marrying Blairand.
Chief Harrington, however, misunderstood his meaning. Money? That was easy. With the entire Southern region backing him, he had plenty of money: “Your Highness, money is not a problem. When you and Blairand get married, whatever dowry you want, I will provide. I have nine properties in the third district of the Imperial Capital, and if that’s not enough, we can always purchase more. After all, I usually stay in the South and haven’t spent much time in the Imperial Capital, so I haven’t had the chance to acquire many properties…”
Ah Sui was stunned by the response, quickly waving his hands to explain, “Uncle, you misunderstood, that’s not what I meant.”
He wanted to earn his own money, not rely on Blairand’s wealth. Chief Harrington was being too generous—properties in the Imperial Capital started at millions, and here he was offering nine. Who could resist such temptation?
Blairand, seeing Ah Sui flustered, finally spoke up to Chief Harrington, saying, “Female father, we will handle the wedding ourselves, you don’t need to worry too much.”
Chief Harrington, realizing what was happening, responded with a cryptic remark: “Blairand, if you really could handle it yourselves, I wouldn’t have had to worry so much all these years.”
Blairand replied, “In any case, you don’t need to worry about this matter.”
Chief Harrington was momentarily taken aback, “You…”
As they were speaking, the aircraft landed in front of the residence. Blairand and Ah Sui stepped out of the cabin, but when they turned around, they saw that Chief Harrington was still sitting inside, not moving. Blairand asked, “Aren’t you coming in for a cup of tea?”
Chief Harrington replied, “No, I have some matters to attend to at the military department later.”
Blairand actually didn’t want to create tension with Chief Harrington. Upon hearing this, he closed the cabin door and, through the porthole, said, “Take care. Feel free to visit whenever you have time.”
Chief Harrington’s expression softened somewhat at Blairand’s words. He nodded to the driver to take off, and soon the aircraft disappeared from view.
Blairand took a few steps back and stared at the horizon for a moment before pulling his gaze away. As his eyes casually glanced over, he suddenly noticed a figure on the second floor of the opposite house, which looked strikingly similar to the male lord of the Eighth Prince.
Hmm? Lord Ashya?
Ah Sui, seeing Blairand standing at the door without moving, asked in confusion, “What are you looking at?”
Blairand slightly shook his head, “It’s nothing. It seems like there’s someone on the opposite side watching us.”
He paused for a moment, seemingly recalling something, then asked, “Do you know the male lord of the Eighth Prince? You two seemed quite familiar with each other.”
Ah Sui shook his head. “I don’t know him. I just think he looks a lot like my grandpa. Grandpa San also wears glasses like he does.”
Blairand’s expression turned slightly awkward as he recalled what Ah Sui had said before. “Didn’t you say your grandpa had a limp?”
Ah Sui, as if it were completely natural, replied, “Yes, he had a limp and also wore glasses.”
Blairand: “…”
Alright.
Blairand grabbed the luggage and entered the house. He and Ah Sui went upstairs to organize their things. To avoid any potential prying eyes, he directly pulled the bedroom curtains closed and reminded, “From now on, remember to close the curtains when you’re home during the day, alright?”
He couldn’t shake the feeling that the male lord of the eighth prince was acting suspiciously, showing too much interest in Ah Sui.
Ah Sui was squatting beside the suitcase, sorting through his clothes, but his mind was occupied with thoughts about getting married. “I don’t want to stay at home all the time. Can I go out and find a job?” he asked.
Blairand was taken aback upon hearing Ah Sui’s words. He walked over to him, crouching down to explain, “Ah Sui, you’re a pureblood male zerg, you don’t need to work.”
Ah Sui furrowed his brows. “But staying at home is so boring. It’s not as interesting as when I used to be an interstellar pirate. You go to the military department to work, can you take me with you?”
Without a second thought, Blairand firmly rejected, “No.”
A regular male zerg would already cause quite a stir at the military department, so if Ah Sui, a pureblood male zerg, were to show up, the entire military department would likely explode.
Ah Sui recalled something Blairand had casually mentioned to him before. “But didn’t you tell me before that the Seventh Prince Yusto’s male zerg works at the military department? If he can go, why can’t I?”
Blairand remained calm and unflinching. “You must have misheard.”
Ah Sui, now able to type, took out his terminal and searched the news. Soon, a video zerg up. “Look, the star network says he’s the only pureblood male zerg in the empire with a military rank…”
As Ah Sui continued speaking, he suddenly noticed a picture of the male zerg on the star network. With black hair and black eyes, he looked strikingly familiar. After frowning and thinking for a moment, Ah Sui finally realized something:
“!!!”
Ah Sui suddenly remembered! This male zerg was the tourist who had been on the same tour bus with him! Had he crossed over here too?!
Ah Sui gasped and jumped up from the floor, startling Blairand: “What’s wrong with you?”
“Huh?”
Ah Sui snapped back to his senses a moment later, suddenly realizing that he wasn’t actually familiar with this male zerg. The most they shared was having been on the same tour bus together, and perhaps the other had already forgotten about him.
Ah Sui shook his head and sat back down on the floor: “Nothing.”
What a pity. It was rare to encounter someone who might be a fellow traveler, but they weren’t really close. Otherwise, he could have tried to get in touch and maybe organize some sort of Earth reunion.
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