The Only Ultimate Alpha in the Universe - Chapter 19.2

Across the long table, Uncle Claire silently observed their interaction. As the elder brother of Landis’s father, Claire had also married into nobility after the Wenser family rose to power through military merit. Since Landis and his father spent most of the year at Military Headquarters, Claire and the other elders managed the estate’s affairs and family industries.

He had expected Landis to form an alliance with a great noble family to consolidate power, the Lotte family was the intended partner but Hainuo had intervened with this 100% match, a low-grade disabled person.

That alone was frustrating, but seeing Xiao Sa in person today was worse. The young man was undeniably handsome, but his personality seemed restless. Coasting on the Master’s favor, he lacked any sense of status or respect, which clearly did not align with the Wenser family’s interests.

Uncle Claire set down his wine glass, dabbed his mouth with a silk handkerchief, and smiled at Xiao Sa with squinted eyes. “Mr. Xiao Sa, the preparations for your wedding to Landis are nearly complete. The Royal Family, the Military, and all of us hope for a speedy union.”

“The date is set for next week. You have no objections, I presume?”

Landis turned to look at him, and Xiao Sa nodded nonchalantly. “I have no problem with that.”

Claire stretched out his words slowly. “And will any of your family be attending the ceremony? We can send a starship to fetch them.”

Xiao Sa’s hand, picking at the caviar, paused slightly. “My family and I met with an accident during interstellar travel. I am currently trying to find their whereabouts.”

“Oh. How very unfortunate,” Claire shrugged. “My condolences.”

Landis’s brow furrowed, his eyes darkening. “That is enough, Uncle. Please say no more.”

Only then did Claire stop, offering a small smile before continuing his meal. The pressure in the dining room dropped several degrees due to Landis’s displeasure.

Worrying that Xiao Sa might overthink things, Landis changed the subject. “I wasn’t sure what desserts you liked, so I had the kitchen prepare a variety. Please, try whatever you like.”

In truth, Xiao Sa wasn’t the least bit depressed; his “big heart” could handle any unfavorable situation. Since Landis had made the offer, he wasn’t going to be polite.

The others kept their heads down, the only sound in the room being the clink of silverware. Even the sound of chewing was muffled. Only Xiao Sa was completely immune to Landis’s aura and the strict rules. He helped himself to fruit and sweets without reservation, even snagging a truffle chocolate tart that Claire was just about to reach for.

Claire, who had never had anyone touch his favorite food: “…”

Is this C-grade disabled person really this arrogant on his first visit to the Wenser Estate?

Claire’s eldest son, Alanton, couldn’t help but let out a sneer. “Has Mr. Xiao Sa never tasted high-end desserts? Perhaps the kitchen should bring out another serving just for you?”

Xiao Sa took a bite and shook his head with a complicated expression. “No, this is far too sweet and greasy.”

Back home, he enjoyed post-meal desserts, and the kitchen knew his tastes, making them light and sweet. His palate had been spoiled.

Alanton let out a cold, disdainful laugh in his heart. What a poseur. He decided not to lower himself to the level of an uneducated country brat.

Xiao Sa noticed the hidden displeasure on the faces of Claire and his son. He considerately pushed the plate of desserts toward them. “There are plenty left. Don’t be shy.”

Alanton felt a lump in his throat. Who wants to eat his leftovers? He acted as if those few pastries were some rare treasure. He glanced subtly at Landis’s expression and refused with a tight smile. “No, thank you. Please, have as much as you like.”

Catching the mocking glares of several peers nearby, Alanton’s anger flared even further. Xiao Sa raised an eyebrow. Do people here not have the habit of sharing food among family? Though it robbed the meal of some social joy, he decided to respect the local customs.

He pulled the plate back. It’s a bit sweet, but one shouldn’t waste food.

Alanton: “…”

So he was just being polite? Who is the host and who is the first-time guest here? He felt even more stifled.

Landis watched this small interlude at the table without a word. He knew his uncles were displeased with Xiao Sa; the social atmosphere of the Aurora Empire only respected the strong. They were even more upset that he hadn’t signed a prenuptial agreement, giving Xiao Sa significant financial rights and cutting into their interests.

But so what? Any decision Landis made required no one’s approval.

He was just surprised that his “lonely” young fiancé was even more innocent and kind-hearted than he had imagined. It was lucky he had rescued him; if the youth had remained a wanderer, he surely would have been bullied.

As for these wastes born with silver spoons, it was time to send them to the army to work off the fat built by too many desserts.

As the meal concluded, Xiao Sa’s first family gathering at the Wenser Estate ended with everyone harboring their own secret thoughts.

Xiao Sa hadn’t really noticed it on the starship, but during his few days at the estate, he truly felt the weight of Landis’s role as an Admiral.

The man was gone most of the time. Even when home, he was in the conference hall for video meetings or the study handling documents. Luckily, no matter how busy he was, he always returned promptly for dinner.

Soon, the wedding day arrived.

The usually somber Wenser Estate became unprecedentedly lively. The flowerbeds at the main hall were filled with large red roses, and the main boulevard was lined with arches of landscaping plants adorned with dark red roses. A constant stream of luxury cars entered the gates, and the landing pad was full of various luxury limited-edition flyers.

Well-trained attendants greeted every guest and led them to the banquet hall. Huge crystal chandeliers hung from the five-meter ceilings, casting golden light onto the red carpets while a symphony orchestra played soothing dance music. Guests laughed and chatted, and intelligent service robots moved like water, delivering food and drinks.

In a private reception room, Landis sat upright on a velvet sofa in full black military dress uniform. Adjutant Carlo stood by his side, with several of the Wenser elders nearby. Opposite him sat Duke Lotte and an older man with an unfamiliar face.

“Mr. Kate is a very experienced double-A grade mental healer,” Duke Lotte introduced. Kate removed his hat with a touch of vanity and gave a slight nod, his gaze quite arrogant.

Lotte smiled at Landis. “I heard you applied for a healer from the Royal Association but no one accepted. Today, I specifically invited Mr. Kate. He respects the Admiral’s military service and is willing to give it a try.”

Landis gave the man a flat look and frowned. He had invited healers before. Even if most wouldn’t risk S-grade pollution, as an Admiral, there were always those willing to bend for gold and power. Unfortunately, every single one had failed. Treating an S-grade with A-grade ability was too forced. Regrettably, there were currently no S-grade healers in the Royal Association, the highest was 3A.

Landis said coldly, “Thank you, Duke, but I already have a 100% match partner. As you can see, the wedding is today. I do not need…”

“Landis,” Uncle Claire shook his head in disapproval. “Mr. Xiao Sa may be a 100% match, but you know his condition. What if his own mental grade isn’t enough to heal you? Or what if your condition exceeds his ability? Duke Lotte has brought a healer; why not try?”

Claire spoke slowly, but the underlying meaning was clear: if this healer could help Landis, there would be no need to marry the C-grade disabled person.

Landis had dealt with many healers, especially those from the Royal Association. Most were incredibly arrogant, treating soldiers like servants. Even those who offered vast fortunes would wait for a year only to be rejected. Landis had never had a good impression of them.

“My apologies, but I do not need it,” he said, rising to leave.

“Have you no concern for Mr. Xiao Sa? If he finds out you had another option but allowed him to be infected by your pollution instead, will he not resent you?”

Claire’s words successfully stopped Landis. He looked grim, but after a moment, he sat back down.

“Fine. One more time.” He pinched the bridge of his nose wearily, then looked at Kate. “Mr. Kate, I must warn you: be mentally prepared for the risk. I cannot ensure that I won’t harm you.”

“Don’t worry, I am very experienced in treating high-ranking officers,” Kate waved his hand dismissively. He had been observing Landis; the lack of organ mutation suggested the pollution wasn’t critical yet.

He walked to Landis’s side. Black Flame instantly appeared at his master’s feet, neck arched, staring at the man with wary dignity.

“The Admiral’s little kitten is quite beautiful,” Kate smiled arrogantly. “The mental entities of the officers I’ve treated, no matter how fierce they started were eventually tamed into obedient hounds by me.”

Some healers sought wealth, but Kate risked it for the thrill of watching powerful figures have their mental states controlled by his hands. Having the power of life and death over the strong was more enticing than any treasure.

Landis’s gaze turned cold instantly, nearly lashing out on the spot. Carlo was equally incensed, staring at the man with a dark expression.

Duke Lotte jumped up to smooth things over. “Haha, Mr. Kate does love a joke. Time is of the essence, let us begin.”

“My apologies, just a small joke,” Kate put on magnetic fiber gloves designed to amplify mental power. “Let’s get started then.”

Duke Lotte wiped the sweat from his brow. If it weren’t for his unsold mechs and his incompetent son, he wouldn’t have bothered finding such an unpleasant man. But if Kate succeeded, these small frictions would be worth it to bring the Wenser family to his side.

Landis took a deep breath. Had it not been for Uncle Claire’s earlier remark, he would have loved nothing more than to throw these people out of the gates of the Wenser Estate.

Ultimately, he simply closed his eyes and said in a low voice, “Begin. I hope you truly possess the skill you claim.”

At the same time, in the second-floor fitting room.

Rows of hangers were filled with brand-new, custom-made formal wear. A wall was dedicated to accessories: ties, clips, brooches, and watches.

From the various options, Xiao Sa selected a pearl-white wedding suit with silver trim. The satin fabric was embellished with fine silver diamonds that glittered under the warm lights, it was actually the most understated set available.

As the attendant fitted him with a black bow tie, Xiao Sa looked at the familiar yet strange reflection in the mirror and let out a soft sigh. He never expected to get married so early. He had skipped the flirting, missed the confession, and didn’t even have time for a honeymoon phase. He had fast-forwarded straight to a flash marriage with a man of another race who had no glands and no pheromones.

Even though it was a marriage of convenience, it still felt absurdly surreal.

Thinking of Landis, no matter how much Xiao Sa tried to brainwash himself, he couldn’t see the man as an Omega. If he imagined the coy, spoiled expressions of an “O” on Landis’s face, he felt an immediate wave of goosebumps.

“That would be truly terrifying.”

Compared to the soft, sweet, and pitiable Omegas, Landis—in both appearance and temperament—seemed more like an Alpha like himself. Fortunately, the man had no Alpha pheromones. Xiao Sa rubbed his chin; Alphas naturally clashed with one another; their genes dictated they couldn’t be together. From that perspective, Landis was more like an odorless Beta—just one that couldn’t get pregnant.

He reconsidered; having no children was better. It meant no lingering ties when they eventually parted, and it wouldn’t hinder Landis’s next marriage.

Checking his watch, Xiao Sa saw the time was near. “Where is Landis?”

The attendant bowed. “The Master is in the reception room.”

Xiao Sa walked out of the fitting room with one hand casually tucked in his pocket. He hadn’t gone far before an attendant approached with a tray of pastries and a glass of lime juice. “Mr. Xiao, the Master ordered these for you. He is currently tied up in the reception room and asks that you wait for him in the ceremony hall shortly.”

“Alright.” Xiao Sa picked up the lime juice, but suddenly caught a faint scent of pheromones. He was certain he had smelled this scent somewhere before.

[Xiao Sa, don’t drink it. A suspicious fellow just bumped into this attendant.]

“Oh?” Xiao Sa raised an eyebrow and couldn’t help but smile. Poisoning him with pheromones? He touched his lightning earring. “Who was it?”

Hainuo replied quickly: [It was Wenxi Lotte, Duke Lotte’s youngest son. The one who cheated with the red mech in the Rookie Zone.]

Xiao Sa recalled the situation in the arena; it did indeed smell like that man-eating flower’s pheromones.

“Who is Wenxi Lotte?”

[The second-order match for Admiral Landis. Before you appeared, he was the first-order priority.]

Xiao Sa shrugged. He had no interest in this kind of high-society drama, but he was suddenly very interested in the “additive” in his drink. Carrying the spiked lime juice, he sauntered toward the restroom at the corner of the corridor.

Meanwhile, Wenxi was hiding nervously behind a window sill in the hallway, peeking out. He hadn’t wanted to resort to such low tactics, but he had overheard his father’s plan to send him back to a lower-class planet. If the wedding proceeded smoothly, he would truly have zero chance left.

After waiting for a while, Wenxi estimated the toxin should be taking effect. He stepped lightly and walked into the restroom as if nothing were wrong. However, it was empty.

Wenxi frowned, pushing open the cubicle doors one by one. When he reached the last one, it was still empty.

“Where is he?”

“Are you looking for me?”

Wenxi jumped. Before he could react, he felt a blow like a heavy punch to his back. He lunged forward, his head nearly diving into the toilet.

“Who?!”

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