Counterattack [Interstellar] - Chapter 17

Amidst the high expectations of the public and the suspicion of the Royal Parliament, the new Guide Academy officially opened.

“The Guides will arrive from Planet White Tower via starship. Three regiments of soldiers will participate in the security detail, so there shouldn’t be any safety issues…” Alan smiled as he organized the students’ files on his light computer. “You know, they originally wanted you to personally lead the team to receive these Guides, but I vetoed that proposal.”

Alan’s fingers tapped rapidly across the keyboard as he gave a cunning smile. “Three thousand unmarked Guides—even the largest insurance company in the galaxy wouldn’t dare sign that policy. It would be disastrous if something happened on our watch. Although it’s not far from the White Tower, still…”

“Your Highness!” Pei Yao stepped out of the walk-in closet, frowning as he interrupted Alan. “Please, watch your words.”

“It was just a joke, Principal Pei—” Alan closed his light computer and looked up at Pei Yao, suddenly forgetting what he was about to say.

Pei Yao adjusted his formal suit uncomfortably; this was the first time he had ever worn formal attire other than a military uniform.

Having suddenly removed the saber and photon gun from his waist and the dagger hidden in his combat boots, Pei Yao felt a sense of being disarmed. It was a very awkward sensation. Seeing Alan staring at him blankly without moving, Pei Yao grew even more self-conscious. He asked hesitantly, “Your Highness? Do… do I need to change out of this?”

“No, of course not.” Alan regained his composure and smiled. “Your cufflinks are attached incorrectly. Let me…”

Alan stood up and approached, taking Pei Yao’s hand to remove the cufflinks. He spoke slowly, “Don’t overlap the two sides of the cuff; they should be aligned face-to-face like this… There.”

Pei Yao watched his cuff intently and nodded, following the same method for the other side. After fastening it, Pei Yao frowned and rotated his wrist. He still didn’t understand why the cuffs had to be pinched together to be fastened; it felt unnatural and strange.

Alan stared fixedly at Pei Yao, suppressing the urge to mark him on the spot after several attempts.

Pei Yao had an excellent physique with no excess body fat. His muscle layer was moderate, and because of his Asian heritage, he had a leaner, more agile look than others—especially his waist…

Alan had already, quite shamelessly, seen Pei Yao’s semi-naked body several times, so he didn’t need to imagine how enticing the physique beneath the formal suit was. Previously, Alan thought Pei Yao suited military uniforms best, but now he saw that formal wear had a different kind of aesthetic—though, perhaps not a full suit; just a white shirt would suffice…

“Your Highness? Your Highness?” Pei Yao frowned as he looked at Alan. “Is something wrong?”

In his mind, Alan was currently picturing Pei Yao loosely clad in only that white shirt, forced to sit on his lap. Pei Yao would likely be very reluctant, yet to obey Alan’s command, he would be biting his lip, enduring his shame and trying his best to…

“Your Highness?” This wasn’t the first time Alan had spaced out today. Pei Yao was quite worried and asked with a furrowed brow, “Did you not rest well last night?”

Alan never let his emotions show on his face. Hearing this, he smiled. “It’s nothing. I’ve just been thinking about the opening ceremony today, so I’m a bit tired. It’s not serious; don’t worry.”

Pei Yao remained uneasy. “If it is something I can share, please let me handle it for you.”

Alan smiled. “Alright. When I need you, I will certainly let you know. I hope you won’t refuse me then.”

Pei Yao was puzzled but shook his head regardless. “I won’t. As long as I can serve Your Highness, Pei Yao will not hesitate even in the face of death.”

The fire that Alan had managed to calm was instantly reignited by Pei Yao. Alan closed his eyes. He couldn’t blame himself; Pei Yao was asking for it…

Alan stepped forward, but just as he was about to do something, his communicator on the desk suddenly rang. Alan frowned, answered the call, and said impatiently, “What is it?”

“Prince Alan.” It was the academy’s security captain. He likely heard the irritation in Alan’s voice and couldn’t help but swallow. “Deeply sorry to disturb you, but your Etiquette Officer’s line is too busy; I couldn’t get through. I had to take the liberty of calling you directly. I hope you can forgive my rashness—”

Alan grew increasingly irritable. “Get to the point!”

“Yes!” the captain said hurriedly. “It’s like this… the first batch of Guides has arrived at the port. Our people have escorted them to the school, but just as they entered the main gate, people from the Stirling family suddenly arrived. They said… said a Guide from their family sneaked into the student body. We’ve already verified it; this… oh, Mr. Ryan Stirling, is indeed one of the Guides who passed the audit and was approved for enrollment. But the Stirling family doesn’t see it that way. A fight is almost breaking out here. The people from the White Tower aren’t doing anything. We need someone to come and take charge, so please—”

Alan hung up the communicator and turned to Pei Yao. “It seems a student defied their family’s wishes and came here on their own. Come with me to handle this.”

Pei Yao nodded.

“I turned eighteen last month! I don’t need a guardian; I can decide where I go myself!”

Before they even reached the security office, Alan and Pei Yao could hear the shouting from a distance. Alan curled his lips. “Principal Pei Yao, it seems our academy’s charm is even greater than we imagined.”

Pei Yao was not used to joking and kept his brows tightly knit. Alan loved his serious expression; his mood improved instantly, and he entered the security office with a smile.

As soon as Alan arrived, everyone immediately fell silent and bowed. “Prince Alan!” The security captain greeted him hurriedly as if seeing a savior. “It’s… it’s this Guide.”

Alan looked over. A boy who looked no more than fifteen or sixteen was clutching a large decorative vase, looking at him nervously. Alan swept an inconspicuous gaze over him. Sure enough… a tiny Panda Rabbit Quantum Beast was hiding behind him.

“Prince Alan.” A middle-aged man wearing the Stirling family crest stepped forward and bowed. “My apologies. Startling you was not our intention. I have come this time to take back our clan’s young master, Ryan.”

Alan turned to look at the speaker. The man said sincerely, “Please believe that everyone in the Stirling family admires your determination to establish a new order for Guides and will forever support all your decisions. It’s just that Ryan… he is truly unsuitable to be here. I heard you say you would prioritize students who had recently entered the White Tower, but Ryan is about to graduate. Transferring now would be meaningless for proving your theory. Furthermore, coming here was his own decision, made without the consent of anyone in the family. I believe you can understand…”

“Who says! My father agreed! My mother was hesitating too; it’s you people who have been brainwashing them!” Ryan screamed. “I know what kind of scheme you’re running! You want to marry me off to the Cullen family! I won’t do it! If you push me, I’ll commit suicide just like my senior did!”

The Stirling representative said anxiously, “What nonsense are you talking?!”

Alan ignored their bickering. He lowered his head, opened his light computer, and entered several commands. He then looked up at the little Guide. “You’re called Ryan, yes? Come here for a moment.”

Ryan looked at Alan guardedly and approached with trepidation. Pei Yao suddenly spoke, “Apologies… could you please set that vase down for a moment?”

Ryan looked at Pei Yao like a frightened rabbit. Pei Yao’s brow furrowed. Ryan was less than five steps from Alan, holding such a “weapon” in such an unstable mental state… the situation had triggered Pei Yao’s bottom line. He didn’t want to agitate the boy further, so he did his best to soften his voice. “Don’t you find it heavy? I can hold it for you for a bit.”

Ryan nodded pitifully, trembling as he handed the vase to Pei Yao and slowly walked toward Alan. Alan had him scan his iris, looked down at the data, and turned to the man who had been rambling earlier. “Ryan Stirling. He came of age last month. The volunteer consent form was signed after he turned eighteen. All the necessary documents and procedures are in order; there are no issues.”

The Stirling man nodded awkwardly. “Yes, but…”

“But what? Since there are no issues with his enrollment procedure,” Alan withdrew his smile and said coldly, “now it is your turn to give me an explanation, sir.”

The man was at a loss for words. “No… he didn’t have the family’s consent…”

Alan sneered. “What does that have to do with the school? Am I supposed to investigate the families, love lives, and domestic harmony of every student before they enroll? If you failed to coordinate among yourselves and a conflict arose, what does that have to do with the school authorities?”

The man broke into a cold sweat and hurriedly bowed. “Yes, deeply sorry. It was our mistake, but—”

“But what else?” Alan interrupted coldly. “You know the reasoning perfectly well, yet you still rushed here on this specific day to cause trouble. Heh… I’m starting to wonder if this incident is truly an internal family conflict, or if someone with ulterior motives deliberately chose this day to make a scene and give me a ‘warning shot’.”

“Please, you must believe in the Stirling family’s loyalty to you!” The representative cried out in distress, saying repeatedly, “We were inconsiderate today. It truly was a sudden turn of events; we only learned this morning that Ryan had made such a major decision behind our backs. Ryan’s grandfather was very anxious, so in our haste… we are deeply sorry. But please, you must believe we had no intention to offend and will never question any of your decisions.”

Alan looked at him indifferently. “I don’t wish to repeat myself. I am not curious about your family matters, nor do I wish to manage them. I only want your explanation for the current situation.”

Left with no other choice, the Stirling representative consulted with his companions and stepped forward. “We respect the regulations of the new Guide Academy and Ryan’s decision. I apologize once more for what happened just now. It is a great regret to have disturbed your good mood; I hope for your forgiveness.”

Alan didn’t offer a single word in response. The man was quite embarrassed. He turned to Ryan and said, “You… since you’re here, study hard. We will arrange for people to visit you during the holidays. And…” The man, quite wary of Alan, stepped aside and lowered his voice. “Don’t be so impulsive again! The family is doing this for your sake; don’t—”

“Stop dreaming! I won’t follow your wishes!” Ryan was clearly at his breaking point; hearing this, he instantly bristled. “Don’t touch me! And don’t come to see me! I only want to see my father and mother—don’t let anyone else come! Especially not you!!”

The Stirling man had evidently just intended to pull Ryan closer to whisper a few words, but Ryan was on the verge of collapse. Being grabbed by the arm made him start wailing. Alan frowned, but before he could speak, Pei Yao had already dashed forward, seizing the man’s hand that was holding Ryan.

The Stirling family members clearly hadn’t noticed such a powerful Sentinel was present; they were all stunned. Pei Yao looked at them expressionlessly and said in a deep voice, “The degree of your discourtesy has exceeded the range of my tolerance. Please vanish from His Highness’s presence. Immediately.”

The group wanted to cry but had no tears; they could only apologize again. Pei Yao added sternly, “Furthermore, Ryan has already enrolled. I will not tolerate anyone intimidating or threatening my student. Please, behave with self-respect.”

They apologized repeatedly and retreated in disgrace. Pei Yao turned and frowned at Ryan, who was tightly clutching his arm, saying, “It’s alright now.”

Ryan’s eyes were misty with tears. He hugged Pei Yao’s arm and burst out crying. “You scared me to death, thank you… I was so scared. I don’t want to go back…”

Ryan’s palm-sized Panda Rabbit also lunged at Pei Yao’s foot. Pei Yao was extremely ill at ease. He slowly pushed Ryan away and said in a low voice, “It’s over. You…” Pei Yao turned to the security captain. “Escort him back to the dormitory first and let him rest.”

The security captain was a commoner and didn’t find this Guide with the little rabbit Quantum Beast particularly “moe”; he just thought the kid was quite pitiful. He nodded. “Understood. Please rest assured.”

Alan’s Etiquette Officer stepped forward and said to Alan, “The last batch of students has arrived safely at the school. Most of the procedures are complete. The teachers are currently taking them to familiarize themselves with the dormitories. The opening ceremony can begin in an hour.”

Alan checked the time and said, “I have something to discuss with Major General Pei Yao. Push the opening ceremony back by another hour.”

The officer paused, then nodded. “As you command.”

Pei Yao looked at Alan in shock. “What orders does Your Highness have?”

Alan smiled. “Follow me…”

In the inner room of the Chairman’s office, Alan constructed hundreds of layers of mental barriers, backing Pei Yao right into a corner.

Pei Yao looked at him in confusion. “Your Highness?”

Alan was expressionless as he said flatly, “How did the ‘hero saving the beauty’ taste?”

Pei Yao was lost. “What are you talking about?”

“You like little rabbits? Think they’re cute?” Alan raised his hand and summoned his Taipan snake. “Indeed, who would like a cold-blooded animal? What you told me before about not liking delicate Guides—you were just placating me, weren’t you? Is it fun to toy with me?”

Recalling what had just happened, Pei Yao understood instantly. He shook his head. “I was just helping Ryan out of a situation; he was too nervous…”

Alan nodded. “Yes, not only nervous but very delicate. You even felt bad for him holding a vase.”

“He was too close to you! He might have…”

Pei Yao stopped mid-sentence. Was there any point in explaining to Alan? As a member of the guard, doing those things was only natural.

Alan naturally knew he was afraid Ryan would lose control and hurt him, but recalling the scene, he still couldn’t suppress the fire in his heart—especially when Pei Yao still carried the scent of another Guide on him! Alan took a deep breath, trying his best to calm down. “Pei Yao…”

Pei Yao looked up at Alan. Alan said flatly, “My temper isn’t very good right now. It’s almost the state you are in when you’re about to have a manic episode. Based on the fact that I am very dissatisfied with your behavior just now, I must give you a small punishment… I hope you can be a bit more obedient and cooperative, alright?”

Pei Yao stared blankly at Alan, not understanding what the “punishment” was. However, he understood almost immediately… Alan suddenly released his pheromones within the mental barrier!

That familiar warm feeling hit him, but unlike last time, Alan didn’t embrace him, nor did he extend a mental tentacle to merge with him. This time, Alan simply released his pheromones—it was no different from drugging a man with an aphrodisiac and throwing him into an empty room.

The stronger a Guide’s power, the sweeter and more enticing their pheromones were to a Sentinel. Alan’s mental power was staggering; the effect of his pheromones on Pei Yao could only be imagined.

Pei Yao’s Giant Dragon could not resist the temptation and burst forth, howling as it circled the room before lunging in front of Alan’s Taipan snake.

Pei Yao’s eyes unconsciously began to turn red. He couldn’t resist wanting to touch Alan, but the bottom line in his heart hindered him. Alan was his Prince; without permission, he absolutely could not touch him… Pei Yao shook his head violently, instantly dispelling his absurd thought. If the Prince gave permission, could I then indulge my desires and do something disrespectful to him?! Since the Prince said it was a punishment, then it is… Pei Yao did his best to stay clear-headed, repeating in his mind: This is just a punishment. The Prince has not permitted me to indulge my desires…

The cramped mental barrier was filled with enticing pheromones. Pei Yao gritted his teeth; he was nearly at his breaking point… the images of being embraced and kissed by Alan several times before kept surging in his mind. Pei Yao clenched his fists in pain… he wanted it to happen again…

Pei Yao’s dragon felt its master’s pain and instinctively tried to rush over. Alan gave it a look, and his Taipan snake immediately coiled its tail tightly around one of the dragon’s legs. The dragon looked at the snake, and the snake flicked its tongue to lick the dragon’s horn. The dragon hesitated, abandoned its master, and began to rub against the Taipan snake with resentment…

On this side, as Pei Yao suffered, Alan naturally wasn’t feeling much better. Pei Yao’s thoughts were too easy to guess. Seeing him suppressing himself so bitterly rather than begging Alan made Alan feel both amused and pained. Alan knew he would never get Pei Yao to soften, so… he had no choice but to step forward and embrace him just when Pei Yao craved him most.

Like a man who had been thirsty for days suddenly getting a drink of fresh water, Pei Yao didn’t struggle at all this time. Instead, he hesitantly returned the embrace. This small action pleased Alan. He lowered his head and kissed Pei Yao, and while Pei Yao was lost in the moment, he extended a mental tentacle at the right time to enter Pei Yao’s brain—this was the optimal state for trauma repair.

Alan carefully manipulated the mental tentacle, doing his best to ensure Pei Yao felt no pain. Pei Yao felt as if he were floating on a cloud; his whole body was soft and weak. After a while, Alan released him. Pei Yao looked at Alan blankly. Alan looked at him tenderly and whispered, “Was it comfortable? Tell me once more, Pei Yao… what kind of Guide do you like?”

Pei Yao was confused again—hadn’t he said it before?

Alan laughed. “Do you truly not understand?” Alan leaned down to kiss Pei Yao’s lips and whispered, “Pei Yao… I’m jealous. Coax me. Tell me you don’t like a Guide like Ryan, that you don’t think his Quantum Beast is cute at all… even if it’s just to lie to me.”

Having just undergone mental guidance, Pei Yao’s period of confusion hadn’t passed yet. He tried his best to stay clear-headed and asked in puzzlement, “I… I already didn’t like someone like Ryan. His Quantum Beast… what even is his Quantum Beast?”

Alan’s mental tentacle hadn’t been withdrawn from Pei Yao’s brain yet, so he felt it clearly… Pei Yao was telling the truth.

Alan could hardly describe the feeling in his heart. He could only make his movements even gentler, and gentler still.

Pei Yao was still a bit confused, but from Alan’s pheromones, he could feel that Alan was no longer angry. He was very happy right now, and… this heart-felt joy was because of him.