Chapter 88 - Focused on Stealing Your Lover for 100 Years
Translated by Eve
Edited by Serefina, Kitty
5. Focused on Stealing Your Lover for 100 Years
Lance stood in front of the Regeneration Capsule again, staring at the man immersed within. The man’s arm had regrown its bones, and it was encapsulated with red flesh and blood vessels. The skin had yet to fully regrow though….
Xie He had already been immersed inside for five whole days. However, he had yet to regain consciousness.
Lance looked at the Healer, “When will he fully recover?”
The Healer broke out in a cold sweat and said while trembling, “His injuries are too severe… even with the Regeneration Capsule, it’ll take some time… he probably needs two more days, ba.”
Lance said, “Remember what you said.”
He turned around to give the person in the Regeneration Capsule a cold glance. Since you’ve attracted my interest, how could I let you die on me so easily?
……………………………………
Xie He had actually regained awareness yesterday. Because they hadn’t used the sensitizer on him this time, the process of healing within the Regeneration Capsule wasn’t painful. It was like he was in a womb—warm and comfortable.
【Xie He:Baby, how’s my body?】
【444:According to the rate of healing, you will likely need another 28 hours and 56 minutes before you have fully recovered. QAQ】
【Xie He:OK. Smile.JPG】
This body was really quite good. If it was an ordinary person, that kind of explosion would have destroyed them until not even shards of their bones remained. However, he could still be saved.
A day later, Xie He was finally dragged out of the Regeneration Capsule.
When he woke up, he discovered that he was in Lance’s room in the mothership. He still had the metal collar around his neck, but he was now suspended in the air by his wrists, toes just touching the ground. It looks like he won’t have to act anymore. Lance would not be giving him much freedom. Xie He went ‘tsk tsk’ to himself. Truly a cold-hearted little vixen.
Xie He was hung up for a whole day. Luckily, his physique was strong, so he didn’t suffer much. Lance only came back that night. He held a small and exquisite silver-white metal box. He casually placed it onto the desk.
“You’re awake.” Lance smiled. His beautiful golden eyes were covered by a layer of darkness. He walked to Xie He, wrapping one arm around his waist while touching Xie He’s face with the fingertips of his other hand. His movements were gentle, as if he was his lover. “Do you feel really proud right now?”
One of the eyebrows on Xie He’s handsome face rose and he looked at the other with a mocking gaze.
“You must be feeling really proud. Because of your sacrifice, half of the pathetic Federation’s army was able to escape in the end,” Lance said in a soft voice, “Unfortunately… no one will know of your good deed. They will only attribute their failure to your betrayal, instead of reflecting on their own stupidity.”
Xie He looked at him indifferently, “So what? I don’t care.”
“You really don’t care at all?” Lance’s gaze was scorching. “Even if you had to pay such a cost to protect them?”
Xie He returned his gaze with determination. There was no wavering in his eyes.
Lance stared at him for a good while, paused, and then said, “I’ve thought it over for a long time about what you care about. Guess: what good idea did I come up with?”
Xie He sneered.
He had undergone the cruellest of tortures, the most ruthless of betrayals—he wasn’t afraid of anything.
Lance gave him a profound look. He turned around and picked up the silver-white box he had brought in just now. Inside, there was a tube filled with some black liquid. Lance smiled and said, “This is the newest drug manufactured by our Empire. It doesn’t have a name yet as it is currently still in its experimentation phase. This drug can cause irreversible damage to a person on the genetic level. For example, it can cause an Evolved Human’s genes to degenerate into that of an ordinary person, or cause an ordinary person to die because of the destruction of their genes. Oh… this drug isn’t very stable yet. Even if it’s used on an Evolved Human, there’s a chance of death.”
Xie He looked at him coldly, face tense.
Lance transferred the drug into a syringe and leisurely walked over to Xie He. There was a smile on his face. “Say, if the Federation’s strongest soldier became a useless person, became the Empire’s Crown Prince’s toy, and could only be toyed with by a man for the rest of his life… don’t you think that it would be very interesting?”
He wrapped his arms around Xie He’s neck and injected the syringe into his neck without any hesitation as Xie He struggled! He pushed the black liquid in! A deep, pleasant-sounding laugh came out from between his thin lips. “That kind of pain, grief, indignation, helplessness… despair… experience all of it….”
“The weak should be enslaved. Something like hope shouldn’t exist in the first place….”
Xie He broke out into intense convulsions. Even with the 99% pain blocker, it was still difficult for him to endure. It felt like every single cell in his body was being torn apart. Every drop of blood was boiling! The potent drug was destroying everything mercilessly like a hurricane!
His entire body was drenched in cold sweat. Blood seeped out of his pores and a difficult-to-suppress scream emitted from his throat.
This lasted for two whole hours… by the time the pain subsided, there was no strength left in his body. He couldn’t even lift a finger. His head hung down lifelessly.
Lance stood to the side, calm and unruffled, with his hands folded to his chest. He appreciated the course of events, taking it all in calmly.
When Xie He fainted, Lance untied him and carried him into the bathroom to clean him. Although Xie He had fainted, he seemed to be in pain even while unconscious. A sadistic and bloodthirsty light glinted in Lance’s eyes…. I’ve broken your wings; I’ve stripped you of your dignity, freedom, integrity; I’ve destroyed everything you’re proud of… even when you’re in the darkest abyss of despair, will you be able to preserve the hope in your heart?
He didn’t know why but he was looking forward to it, ne&#k2026;.
My beautiful slave.
Lance kissed the person in his arms, an excited luster flashing in his eyes.
From that day on, Xie He did not take a single step out of Lance’s room. But even if he didn’t leave, he knew what they were returning to the Empire.
That drug was indeed very potent. Moreover, there were some side effects. Xie He discovered that not only did his power from having been an Evolved Human disappear, he was even weaker than an ordinary person. This body would naturally no longer pose a threat to Lance. Therefore, Lance was no longer as vigilant as before.
This didn’t affect Xie He’s enjoyment in life though. He was very satisfied.
Every day, he felt good in bed. It was a very easy and satisfying thing to show an unyielding expression after feeling good to increase the Favourability Value ah!
Like this, the Favourability Value increased by 5 during the return trip. Finally, they returned to the Empire’s Capital planet.
The Capital was an enormous and beautiful planet. The universe’s most precious resources could be found here. However, who would have expected that one would find the most heinous of crimes on the most beautiful planet?
Ninety percent of the Empire’s nobles lived in the Capital. They enjoyed the most lavish and debauched lives here. However, this was all built upon the lives of their slaves. Each and every noble clan had countless colonies and slaves under them. They were like mosquitoes, draining them of their blood. Each of the once-thriving planets would be sucked dry, a pile of bones left on them.
After a few days, Xie He was finally dressed again. It was still the black uniform of the Crown Prince’s guard. He followed after Lance, steps difficult. Because he had been done all night last night, his legs still trembled.
Lance was returning from the distant Nara Planetary System. Not only did he succeed in obtaining the Nara Planetary System’s most important precious ore, but he also inflicted heavy losses onto the Federation’s army. It was a huge, outstanding military achievement. As soon as he entered the palace, he was granted a grand summons from the Emperor.
The palace was constructed on top of the Empire’s highest mountain range. It was tall, erect, and majestic, reaching through the clouds. It was like the Palace of the Immortals up in Heaven. The hundred-metre-wide corridor at the entrance was inlaid with precious crystals so shiny that they could be used as mirrors. After walking down it for a long time, one would reach the main gate to the palace. The main hall was several hundreds of metres tall—a dazzling sight. The exquisite pillars seemed to extend into the skies. People would subconsciously hold their breaths while just standing there.
At this moment, the main hall was filled with people. All of them were of the Empire’s high nobility. Each and every one of them wore bright and beautiful clothes. The men and women all cast curious and excited gazes towards the entrance.
Lance walked in with a calm expression. As the most honourable Crown Prince of the Empire, he had already grown used to the gazes of the masses.
He grabbed Xie He by the arm and pushed him forward. Xie He stumbled and ended up standing in the centre of the main hall. Immediately, countless gazes fell upon him! There was loathing, disdain, curiosity and ridicule amidst those gazes… he was like a captured prize of war that was being ruthlessly appraised.
This situation caused anger to appear in Xie He’s eyes. He clenched both hands into tight fists.
The elderly Emperor sitting on the monarch’s seat in the front, high up, looked at him and asked, “This is Loren?”
Lance responded, “Yes, Emperor Father.”
The Emperor let out a dignified and delighted laugh. He said, “You did well.”
Lance also smiled. “Thank you.”
The Emperor was already very old. After awarding Lance, he left. As soon as the Emperor left, the main hall immediately became noisy. Numerous people came over and appraised Xie He inquisitively.
A middle-aged man dressed in lavish clothes walked over. He gave Lance an unkind look and sneered. “This is Loren? He does not look up to his reputation at all, ah. It couldn’t be that you just randomly found someone to bring back and trick Emperor Father, ba?”
The person who came was Lance’s second brother, Milne. Lance was the youngest of the Emperor’s children but had been crowned the Crown Prince. Of course, this wasn’t only because he was doted on by the Emperor. It was mainly because of his finesse and skill. The Empire used to have a secret rumour flying around. It was said that at least three princes died under Lance’s hands. There had also been two who had been expelled from the Capital. As for the princesses, they were even less willing to fight with Lance. Second Prince Milne was one of the few left who would dare do so, and even then, he would only cause him a bit of trouble.
Milne was like a dancing clown in Lance’s eyes. At that time, he only left this idiot because he didn’t want things to get too ugly. He gave him a contemptuous smile, “Second brother still judges others as he would himself. Just because you can’t do it, you think that others cannot either.”
He was hinting at the time Milne had claimed to have captured a high-level official of the Federation.
That event was a disgrace to Milne even to this day. When he heard this, his face turned red and then white. He thought, sooner or laterI’ll catch onto his pigtail. He did not believe that Lance’s luck would be so good after going out once!
After that, a beautiful and young blonde-haired, blue-eyed lady was pulled over. Her pretty blonde hair flowed over her shoulders. She had on a white lace headband and looked youthful and sweet. At this moment, she had a bashful expression on her face. She was pushed forwards by her good friend.
The young lady staggered forwards toward Lance. She said shyly, “Y-Your Highness….”
Lance gave her a gentle look and said, “Joanna, you came today, ah.”
Joanna nodded, “Yes.”
While speaking, she couldn’t help but cast a curious gaze towards Xie He. She then quickly looked away, face flushed from shyness.
Xie He had already heard about her from others. This young lady was Lance’s fiancee, Duke Gallagher’s only daughter, Joanna.
Just then, it was only her that did not give him an unkind look. Instead, there had been sympathy…. Hehe, a kindhearted, cute, good little lady. He really liked her.
Lance gave Joanna a gentlemanly smile. He took out a refined box from his pocket and opened it up. Inside, there was a glittering gem. He looked at Joanna with a warm gaze and said, “This is a distinctive gemstone from the Nara Planetary System, Night’s Splendour. It will light up akin to starlight at night. I thought that only you would be fit to own this kind of beautiful gem.”
The crowd grew noisy. Joanna’s face turned red. She quickly accepted it. “Th-thank you, Your Highness.”
Lance bent down and planted a kiss on the back of her hand and said, “Please forgive me for having to leave, as I have matters to attend to. When I have time, I will come see you, OK?”
Joanna had a helpless expression on her face. She could only nod, face flushed.
Lance smiled at her and then turned around, pulling Xie He away coldly.
They walked for a while. They could still hear the hubbub from behind them. Everyone had circled around Joanna and fawned over her exaggeratedly. Not only did she have a powerful and influential duke as a father, but she was also doted on by His Highness Lance. She would certainly be the most honourable woman in the Empire in the future!
………………………………
Lance had Xie He escorted back first. He still had things to deal with in the military division. Not only was he the Crown Prince, but he also had control over the majority of the Empire’s forces. This was the main reason why his power was so stable.
Lance ended up returning very late.
As soon as he entered the room, he discovered Xie He standing at the window, gazing outwards. Lance stared at Xie He’s profile. Even if he had been tormented, it did not seem to hinder his brilliance. No matter when or where, he was still dazzling. Lance didn’t know why, but that handsome appearance… kept attracting him, making him want to get closer.
Lance directly walked over and wrapped his arms around Xie He’s waist. For the last few days, Xie He had been forced to endure Lance violating him. He knew exactly what was going to happen and began to struggle with all his might. Even if it was useless to struggle every time, he would not give up on resisting!
Lance sneered. He directly threw Xie He on the bed and hooked his finger around the metal collar around Xie He’s neck, pulling his neck forwards. He gazed into those blue eyes full of rage and chuckled. “What’s the point of this laughable resistance?”
Xie He looked at him. Derision appeared in his eyes. “What’s the point of your laughable action of forcing me?”
Lance fell silent for a while and then suddenly broke out into a laugh. “You’re right. Indeed, there’s no meaning to it…” He lowered his head and met with Xie He’s eyes at an extremely close distance, mockery distinct in his voice, “But it makes me happy. And you can only submit. Because… you’re weak.”
As soon as his words fell, he tore apart the clothes on Xie He’s body.
………………………………
When Xie He woke up the next morning, he saw that Lance had already left. Meanwhile, he was left alone in that room. Lance didn’t leave him any clothes. Instead, there was an additional silver chain attaching his metal collar to the wall.
【Xie He:Baby, where did that little vixen Lance go? Smile.JPG】
【444:He received a notice to attend a meeting in the military division in the morning.】
【Xie He:Can you hack into the Empire’s communications’ system?】
【444:Yes. However, I have to be a bit careful. The technology in this world is really high. They have already entered the preliminary stage with their AI technology. Luckily, I’m already a level four system! \(≧▽≦)/】He feels like he’s finally useful!
【Xie He:Very good. Pretend to be Lance and help me send a message to the beautiful and kindhearted Joanna. Invite her to come visit when she has time. Say that he really misses her.】
【444:Σ( °△°|||)︴Why? Moreover, won’t we let the cat out of the bag like this?】
【Xie He:Our love needs a bit of adjusting. As for whether the beans will be spilled… it won’t.】
From how Lance treated Joanna, it was for certain that he had sent quite a few messages like this for the sake of winning her over. Moreover, with Joanna’s shy and nervous personality, she would never take the initiative to bring this up…. The possibility that they would be exposed was very tiny. Besides, even without this message, Joanna would come sooner or later. It was just that Xie He preferred to take the initiative.
Lance came back at night again. He directly pulled the chain, pulling Xie He’s upper body from the ground. His actions caused a pained expression to appear on Xie He’s face. Xie He frowned and slowly opened his eyes, glaring at Lance with a cold gaze.
Lance threw a robe to him. “Put it on.”
When Xie He was dressed, he led him by the chain and brought him to the dining room.
Although only the two of them were eating, the long table was full of exquisite food. Xie He did not move. Disgust was written all over his face. On those countless planets that have been enslaved, people starved and froze. They endured merciless torment and would lose their lives for just a bit of food. Yet here… food was wasted as if it was the logical thing to do. These wretched b*stards!
Lance smiled, ridiculing, “Eat, ba. Of course, if you want to go on a hunger strike, that’s fine. I will help you accomplish your goal. It’s just that like that, I would look down on you. It would just prove that your determination only amounts to this, being unable to endure things so quickly.”
Xie He grit his teeth and began to eat. He would not die such a good-for-nothing death. He would definitely live on!
Only by living would there be hope.
Lance wiped his mouth elegantly. It was the first time he found himself a bit absent-minded. Tormenting Xie He had unconsciously become his favourite past time. Regardless of whether this person acted indifferent, derisive, or angry towards him, he would feel endless joy from looking at him.
Because of this, he didn’t mind spending more time with him.
………………………………………………………
Lance was not present during the day time over the last few days. It was clear that he was busy. However, he would come back at night and do Xie He until he was half dead. Xie He’s activity was limited to Lance’s living quarters. Today, he was taking a stroll in the gardens as per usual when he heard 444 tell him that Miss Joanna had come for a visit.
At this time, Lance had yet to return. Xie He walked over to the rock garden in the gardens. This garden was situated up really high. From there, you could look at the sky and everything beneath.
After Joanna had received that letter, she had been conflicted for a few days before deciding to pay a visit. Although His Highness Lance had always treated her very gently, and she had never found any fault to his actions and he was the most perfect fiance in the Empire, she didn’t know why but she always felt a bit afraid of him.
Only, this was the person her father had chosen for her. Moreover, His Highness Lance was so perfect. She must be… imagining things.
She thought it over and still decided to pay a visit. Only, she chose a time when Lance would not be home. She would stay for a while before finding an excuse to leave. Joanna praised herself for this idea.
It wasn’t the first time she had come to Lance’s palace. She was very familiar with this place. She politely refused the attendant’s arrangements and said that she would just go take a stroll in the gardens.
Joanna headed over to the gardens and absent-mindedly walked around. Her gaze was suddenly drawn in by a person standing a bit far away.
He was a really handsome man. His profile carried an unswerving determination. His physique was tall and slender. At this moment, he stood by the rock garden on his own, blue eyes gazing off into the distance. Joanna’s heart suddenly began to race…. She had seen this man before in the main hall. This was the Federation’s legendary star, Loren.
Joanna knew of Loren. Loren was the Federation’s great hero. However, on the Capital planet, people always liked to despise and jeer at him…. Nonetheless, Joanna wouldn’t do that. She always thought that, since the Empire was so strong, if someone was brave enough to stand against it, then this rare bravery would be worthy of respect. She didn’t even dare to step on a single bug.
Afterwards, when she saw his face, she realized that this man was even more handsome and steady than the image had shown. His aura provided a sense of peace and reliability.
Joanna couldn’t help but walk over. She timidly said, “H-Hello.”
Xie He looked over and gave her an apathetic glance. This was Duke Gallagher’s only daughter. Duke Gallagher’s cruelty was well-known across the galaxy. Innumerable Federation soldiers had died under his hand. He had also massacred all the people on a planet once because he was not happy. He was one of the most influential people in the Empire and one of the thorns in the Federation’s side.
Joanna met with Xie He’s cold gaze and felt a bit upset. She was just about to leave when she noticed the purple marks under Xie He’s collar. There was also a metal collar around his neck… it was clear that he had suffered here all this time. Joanna’s feet stopped in place. This was His Highness Lance’s doing…. That kind person actually had such a cruel side. She suddenly felt unbearably stuffy….
Joanna looked at Xie He timidly. They were enemies and Xie He had suffered such treatment. It was understandable why Xie He didn’t like her… but could she leave like this? No, she wanted to do something, to do something for this person.
“My name is Joanna.” Joanna gave Xie He a sweet smile, “I’m very happy to make your acquaintance. Don’t worry… I won’t hurt you.”
These words made Xie He’s expression to stiffen. He gazed at the slender and weak little lady. Even if he was no longer an Evolved Human, he could still kill her easily. However, she didn’t seem afraid at all. Instead, she was trying to approach him, to treat him warmly…. There was actually this kind of person in the filthy Empire….
Xie He stared at her, unwavering. He seemed to be struggling. Seize her! Escape! However, when faced with those eyes full of warmth and caution, he suddenly couldn’t do it. He couldn’t do that kind of despicable thing.
Moreover… with Lance’s temperament, even if he captured Joanna, he would not be able to leave this palace. Xie He did not act rashly. Instead, he said insipidly, “I’m not afraid of you.”
“That’s good, la. Then can we be friends?” Joanna looked at him with anticipation in her eyes. It was like she was looking at her idol.
Xie He shook his head coldly, “We can’t be friends.”
【444:Host dada, Joanna isn’t a character you can capture, ah…_(:зゝ∠)_You can’t increase her Favourability Value….】
【Xie He:I know. Smile.JPG】
【444:Then what are you doing right now…?】
【Xie He:Oh, I’m just helping her see Lance’s true colours a bit earlier. That little vixen isn’t a good match for her. She will thank me in the future.】
【444:……】
………………………………………………
Although Xie He had rejected Joanna, the girl didn’t seem to plan on giving up. She would occasionally find an excuse to come over and meet with Xie He. Although this man had been captured by the enemy, although he had been tortured and tormented, he was still dazzling. He drew in people’s gaze naturally like the sun. Moreover… just what was she feeling, to always want to see him?
Joanna didn’t understand. She knew that they were enemies and knew that it was really dangerous to be in contact with the enemy. But for some baffling reason, she felt that Xie He would not hurt her.
Xie He had treated Joanna very apathetically in the beginning. But later, he gradually began to say a few words to her and would even smile on occasion.
Today, Joanna secretly came by to see Xie He again. She happily shared her worries with him. Then, she began to prepare to leave, albeit reluctantly. She didn’t dare stay too long, for fear that she would bump into Lance when he returned. In the end, she accidentally tripped over a rock while leaving. Xie He immediately reached out to grab her. He then let go and frowned. “Be careful when you’re walking.”
Joanna’s arm had just been held by Xie He. She felt her heart race. She lowered her head and said, “I’m sorry.”
She turned around and was about to leave. But a few steps in, she caught sight of Lance standing below a tree. He looked at them with a smile that wasn’t a smile. Joanna instantly paled.
The author has something to say:
Ah, please excuse this author that is trash at naming characters…all the names are easy to understand names. _(:зゝ∠)_ Easy to understand names are good, ah! They’re easy to remember….
You all say that the Crown Prince isn’t scummy. I disagree. ╭(╯^╰)╮The little vixen is extremely scummy~ (Yi, author, are you exposing your strange hobby?)
Eve: Thank god for the common names. I don’t have to guess on the closest approximate transliteration.
sere: saddddd Lance destroyed him….. Also poor Joanna…..