MMBMGAP CH 24

Chapter 24: Crown Prince

Sade led Lin You by the hand, saying he wanted to take him to a secret base. Hand in hand, they weaved left and right through the maze for a while.

The tall hedges had been trimmed neatly. Whether it was because the maze was too big or because the servants knew the young master was here, they didn’t run into a single person along the way.

“Looks like I really need to improve my navigation and spatial orientation training…” Lin You could no longer tell east from west and made a firm decision to train harder.

“You don’t need to go that far in your own home,” Sade laughed when he heard that. Lin You was just too cute.

“But what if I end up on the battlefield in the future? That’d be a disaster.” Lin You wasn’t satisfied with Sade’s attitude and glared at him wide-eyed.

Hearing that key word, Sade suddenly stopped in his tracks. He looked at Lin You and said seriously, “Yuyou, ever since I can remember, I’ve undergone all kinds of military training—for the sole purpose of protecting people like you. Trust me, I won’t let you ever have to step onto a battlefield.”

As Sade said those words, his eyes reflected the golden afternoon sunlight, giving off a radiant brilliance. Lin You felt as if Sade was making some kind of solemn vow.

“Then why do we still have to do practical combat training at the academy…” Lin You couldn’t help but talk back.

“Fine, fine. I’ll personally give you extra training later. Since you enjoy playing hide-and-seek so much, I guess I have no choice but to play with you,” Sade sighed quietly, choosing not to argue. He only found Lin You more adorable—serious Lin You was even cuter.

Sade brought Lin You to the center of the garden, where a glass conservatory shaped like a birdcage stood. He opened the small door… Inside was a vibrant explosion of flowers in every color, and the overwhelming scent instantly took over their senses.

Aside from a table and chairs, there was also a swing decorated with vine plants. At first glance, it looked like a decorative piece—but surprisingly, it was actually usable.

“Come on, Yuyou. Let me push you,” Sade said as he walked behind the swing.

Lin You hesitated a little—he hadn’t played on one since he became an adult. Still, he took a seat, placing his hands on the vine-wrapped ropes. He thought it would be rough and firm, but it was unexpectedly soft and smooth, with tender sprouts that didn’t prick at all, carrying a faint, grassy scent.

“This was something my mom had built just for me.” Sade began pushing the swing as he spoke, almost like he was showing off a treasure.

“She used to love having afternoon tea with her friends here. They could chat for an entire afternoon. I never understood how they had so much to talk about. But back then, I was really young and always clung to her. She was worried I’d get bored, so she had this swing set up for me. I would just swing here, listening to their conversations.”

“Thinking about it now… my mom was probably socializing. With my dad away in the military most of the time, everything at home—including the social obligations—fell on her.”

“As I got older, I stopped clinging to her, but this swing has always stayed. It’s been so well cared for. I wanted to bring you here to see it—it’s beautiful, isn’t it?” Sade’s eyes sparkled as he spoke, reflecting the brilliant light.

“Yeah… it really is beautiful.” Lin You gave a relaxed smile, his compliment coming from the heart.

“I used to think as a kid—if I ever fell in love with someone, I’d bring them here,” Sade admitted a bit shyly.

“Then… push me harder,” Lin You said playfully. “Make me fly a little higher.” It was rare for Lin You to show such childlike joy. The feeling of swaying on the swing was soothing and exhilarating. The worries he had earlier slowly melted away. Having Sade beside him like this was something Lin You had never expected—but it turns out the two of them could actually enjoy these simple little moments together.

“Like this?” Sade really used his full strength. The swing soared high into the air and dropped just as quickly. Sade had to use a lot of power to steady it before giving it another forceful push. He was strong—after half an hour of playing, he wasn’t even tired.

As the sun set, the warm golden light poured into the glasshouse. Lin You, bathed in that glow, swung back and forth, his beautiful silver hair fluttering in the air. The sight reminded Sade of an ancient Eastern painting he’d once seen—of a celestial maiden descending to earth. It was just like this. To Sade, the scene was so stunning that any disruption felt like sacrilege. So he pushed the swing in reverent silence.

“Let’s go. It’s getting dark,” Lin You eventually said, breaking the stillness.

“Yeah. Come on. What do you want for dinner? I’ll let you pick tonight.”

“Anything’s fine.” Lin You’s tone was easygoing, clearly in a good mood.

The two of them strolled leisurely back to the house.

That New Year’s Day, Lieutenant General Allen had left early for royal duties. While Sade and Lin You didn’t have to attend the luncheon until noon, they were still up early to get ready.

Several servants, under Lady Resa’s careful direction, worked busily around Lin You—doing his skincare, makeup, hair, and dressing. Lin You felt like a life-sized doll being dressed up, and eventually, he was fitted into the smoky gray suit they’d chosen before.

Sade also got ready in another room. Together with Resa, the three of them set out for the palace.

Once they arrived, they were escorted straight to the banquet hall—where Queen Aishia and Lieutenant General Allen were already seated, having tea.

“Your Majesty, Happy New Year.” lady Resa respectfully kissed the Queen’s hand and gave a deep curtsey as she greeted her.

“Resa, Happy New Year,” Queen Aishia replied warmly.

Lady Resa, Queen Aishia, and Lieutenant General Allen had grown up together. The bond between them was strong. Since both women had presented as Omegas, even though Allen was younger, he had taken on the role of their loyal protector. Eventually, he pursued Resa and the two married.

“Your Majesty, Happy New Year.” Sade knelt on one knee with Lin You beside him. The Queen extended her hand for them to kiss, then gestured for them to rise and take their seats.

“Little Sade, you actually brought the priest with you.” The Queen looked at Sade with keen interest. This child had always been so focused on training that he never cared for romance, and no one had ever heard of him being fond of any Omega. Now he’d finally brought his fiancé along.

“Yes, Aunt. Lin You happened to be in his heat period, so I brought him along so I could take care of him. We’re spending the New Year holiday together.” It was only natural for an Omega to be accompanied by their Alpha during heat, and since they were already engaged—and among family—there was no need to hide anything.

“Good. You’ve grown up, finally learned to take care of someone,” Queen Aishia said approvingly.

“Priest Lin You, are you settling in well?” the Queen asked with a gentle smile.

“Yes, Your Majesty. Everything has been wonderful,” Lin You replied respectfully.

“Good. You young ones should get along well—our Empire will depend on you in the future.”

After the pleasantries, Queen Aishia and Lieutenant General Allen began discussing national affairs in a more casual tone. The two of them shared a close sibling bond, and the Queen deeply valued her younger brother’s advice on state matters. Although Allen was the younger sibling, his Alpha instincts had always led him to protect his Omega sister.

Originally, the throne was meant to be passed to Lieutenant General Allen. Traditionally, Alpha heirs were preferred for the throne. So when he differentiated, the late King began grooming Allen as the Crown Prince.

But then, the unexpected happened. The King suddenly died of a heart attack. And as if fate were being cruel, the Zerg army chose that exact moment to launch an invasion, seeing the King’s death as the perfect opportunity to strike while the Empire was vulnerable.

Prince Allen was forced to take command in the chaos and personally led the defense against the invasion. Before departing for the battlefield, he pleaded with Princess Aishia to ascend the throne.

It was his first time leading troops in real combat. He had no idea whether he would return alive. He feared leaving the throne vacant for too long would lead to internal instability. Military campaigns required not only frontline leadership but also political stability. He couldn’t trust anyone else—only Princess Aishia.

In the end, Princess Aishia agreed. But as an Omega, she faced many difficulties and risks. So she asked the then-High Priest to use spiritual power to destroy her gland, sealing her from ever experiencing rut or desire again. She pledged herself to the Empire, vowing never to marry, devoting her entire life to the country.

Ultimately, Prince Allen triumphed over the Zerg, returned victorious, and was promoted to Lieutenant General. Meanwhile, Princess Aishia successfully won the support of the Imperial Council and became the Empire’s first Omega queen.

To this day, Lieutenant General Allen still felt that he had ruined his sister’s future. But Queen Aishia believed she had stolen the throne meant for her brother. Despite this, they remained supportive and affectionate toward each other, guiding the Empire into an era of peace and prosperity.

The royal family luncheon ended on a warm and intimate note. The Queen treated Sade like her own child and was very kind to Lin You as well. After their affectionate farewells, the group returned to Starlight Manor.

They thought the holiday would peacefully end there. But unexpectedly, that very afternoon, the royal palace issued a nationwide announcement:

The Queen had named Sade as Crown Prince, making him the sole heir to the throne.

Soon after, another imperial edict was delivered to Starlight Manor:

Sade was to marry after his graduation.(To be continued…)
T/L: OMG… ꉂ૮(°□°’)ა