MMBMGAP CH 30

Chapter 30: On the Eve of Growing Up

If one were to say Sade was tired, physically he could completely endure it. After all, he was capable of staying highly focused and engaged in combat training all day. Thanks to the effects of adrenaline, he stayed alert and energized, never feeling fatigued.

As for mental exhaustion, it wasn’t quite that either—his tactical training wasn’t just for show, and his psychological evaluations had consistently scored at the AA level.

If he had to analyze his current condition more carefully, it could best be described as growing pains. He was lingering on the verge of adulthood, and the transformation process inevitably came with some pain. But these trials were necessary for growth. Strong-willed as he was, he didn’t want to show weakness, which was why only in front of Lin You could he act spoiled—and Lin You would always indulge him.

Back then, even though his body went through high-intensity training, his spirit remained free. Life at Starlight Manor and the academy was relatively simple—he didn’t have to deal with so many superficial pleasantries. He could laugh openly with his friends and enjoy quiet, peaceful days with Lin You. But now, it felt like he had just been transplanted from a greenhouse and was learning to face the scorching sun and harsh storms.

That day, Sade was summoned back to Starlight Manor. His mother was away, and only his father was home. As soon as he entered the house, the butler brought him straight to General Allen’s study.

This study held memories from throughout his life. As a child, whenever he caused trouble, he was punished there. When playing hide-and-seek with friends, he loved hiding in the study—because no one dared enter General Allen’s domain, making it the safest hiding spot. And now that he had grown up, this study had become the place where father and son shared heart-to-heart talks.

General Allen was seated on the sofa by the window, with two cups of black tea already placed on the coffee table.

“Sit down,” General Allen said when he saw Sade enter, gesturing for him to take the seat across from him.

“Everything going well lately? It’s been a while since we had a proper talk.”

General Allen had never taken the authoritarian route as a father. He respected his wife and son and had only one requirement for Sade: never stray from the right path, and be an upright person. Everything else was left up to the child’s own choices.

He and his wife had never insisted that Sade pursue a military career. But Sade had grown up influenced by the environment around him, and his admiration for his father naturally sparked an interest in the military. Later, after presenting as an S-class Alpha, it only seemed natural to him that he would follow in his father’s footsteps. If anything, his military career had been his own decision—only later supported by his family.

“Lately…” Sade struggled to find the right words. He was growing weary of constantly meeting so many people, each with their own expectations and hopes pinned on him. He disliked the social obligations, the endless greetings and farewells. But he knew he couldn’t say these thoughts out loud—voicing them would make him seem like a child unwilling to grow up.

“You need to learn how to build your own defenses. Construct high walls, so others won’t dare to approach you casually.” General Allen looked at Sade as he spoke. He had noticed the gloom hanging over his son lately and wanted to offer some guidance.

“Being a nice person isn’t enough. You need to earn their respect—make them fear you. They should hesitate, feel intimidated just at the thought of you, and not dare betray you.” General Allen said this calmly, sipping his tea.

“But Auntie governs the Empire very well too…” Sade thought of the Empress—gentle and kind-hearted, never once had she raised her voice at anyone.

“Do you know why I chose to stand by her side?” General Allen replied. “She doesn’t even dare to marry or love. She’s sacrificed too much for the Empire. She truly loves the people, yet there are still nobles in the royal court who have betrayed that love and harbored thoughts they shouldn’t have.”

General Allen set down his tea and looked at Sade with sharp seriousness.He blamed himself for what his sister had lost—for causing her to miss out on both familial and romantic love. That was why he willingly took on the role of a watchdog, standing guard in front of the Empress, shielding her from all harm.

“Father… what do you mean? Someone’s being disloyal?” Sade asked, confused.

“We suspect so, but we don’t yet have solid proof. The Empire has been at peace for too long—twenty years of tranquility has dulled the vigilance of the nobility, even bred corruption.”

“Sade, you don’t have much time left. You need to let go of childish ways and recognize the position you now hold.”

“If the day comes that I—or your aunt—am no longer here, you’ll be the one carrying the weight of the nation. We originally thought there was still time, that you could grow up happily… but we, as your elders, were wrong.” General Allen said solemnly.

“Father, please don’t say that. I understand now,” Sade replied. It was the first time he had heard of all this, and his emotions were a whirlwind.

“The academy has little left to teach you. I’d hoped you’d come with me to the military, or stay by the Empress’s side to learn. Your aunt insisted on respecting your freedom, but I think the way you’re living now—so fragmented and unfocused—is doing you more harm than good.”

“Think it over. The academy curriculum only has half a year left anyway.” With that, General Allen left the room. He trusted Sade would think about it seriously.

That night, Sade didn’t return to the academy. He stayed the night at Starlight Manor.

The information his father had revealed left his mind in turmoil. He began reflecting on all the people he had met and spoken with over the past few weeks—what they had said, how they had acted. He needed to understand them thoroughly, and quickly.

Sade had always seen the academy as the center of his life. It was where his beloved mentors were, where his close brothers-in-arms lived, where classes flowed smoothly. He was deeply sentimental—being told to suddenly sever ties was still… difficult.

He tossed and turned in bed, unable to sleep. The scent Lin You had left behind during the New Year break had long since faded. But the cat tower was still there, the nutrition drinks he’d prepared still unopened, and the memories of sleeping beside Lin You remained vivid.

Suddenly, Sade realized—Lin You had already given him the best example to follow. Perhaps… that was his optimal path forward.

(To be continued…)