Chapter 201: Unbothered

Words : 1214 Updated : Sep 23rd, 2025

Chapter 201: Unbothered Fear. Regret. Self-blame. This would be Instructor Max’s life cycle for the next few years, but that’s if he manages to actually last that long. After finding a convenient excuse to retire from the military, he didn’t think he’d feel that fear of being hunted again. And who would’ve known that the nightmares that haunted him would now physically hunt him just because of one mistake? But that’s what narcissists would think when trying to justify their actions. For what about all those students who didn’t have the same mental fortitude (ehem) as Luca Kyros? However, Instructor Max was not one to think about others, even as he ran around like a mouse. A mouse who was now trapped in a planet brought by one furious cat. And that cat was Duke Leander Kyros, who got word from one of the manor’s servants about people talking about the prowess of the next Duke. Obviously, they would click, and sure as hell, they would all like the posts. And they were so excited to see how people praised their Young Lord’s greatness that they started to dig up more content. And then they found it: a thread of a few students talking about how they felt the turnout of this battle had avenged them. Avenged? From what? From being bullied and mistreated by an Instructor. And that rang the alarm bells for the people of the Duchy who initially thought that the duel was part of the standard class. It was a frenzied search for the truth, and with many heads looking and asking around, they finally got to the bottom of it. Butler Gary practically entered the Duke’s office and skipped all the fanfare to declare that the Duchy was likely going to war. And the Butler’s call was right. The Duke was ready to barge in and called the military to hold that bastard down. It was just that he was a tad bit too late. For the sacked instructor had already lost his benefits and was on his way to being tried. But maybe that would be after he’s recovered. If he’d be able to recover. Because the Duke mysteriously got word that the bastard would be allowed back into his home planet to get whatever he deemed he needed for the trial. And the message just came with: "For your disposal." What a fantastic gift, thought the Duke, who didn’t hesitate to acquire said planet for this game of cat and mouse. The original plan was to clean him up entirely, but only after forcing him to run around like prey that had been given false hopes. But when he learned just how many people had issues with the guy, the Duke decided it would be best to return the favor. He just didn’t expect an odd reaction from someone he’d never even seen before. Well, of course, it’d be difficult to remember a fly on the wall, but it was different for the instructor who had imagined him as the main culprit for his life’s failure. And nothing was worse than realizing that the person you hated, despised, and cursed for nearly half your life couldn’t even remember your name. It was a devastating blow. The ex-instructor couldn’t wrap his head around the fact that he’d never even entered his sworn enemy’s radar. But this wasn’t what everyone from the Duchy expected, which resulted in a change of plans. Because the guy just talked to the Duke and ended up going nuts soon after. Wow. Was this the power of their Duke? Or was he that maddening that just a few lines from him could drive someone crazy? However, Duke Leander couldn’t care less as he was still unsatisfied. Oh sure, this pathetic excuse for a man had already crumbled like wet paper after learning that no one knew him, especially not the Duke, who could barely remember anyone but his son and wife. But it didn’t sit right with him. So, he decided to give him a gift, just like he left brandings for all those students. It was just that he was Leander and not his precious son, Luca. __ The guards were surprised to ship off a screaming lunatic who was handed over by a few soldiers who allegedly witnessed him attempting an escape. But who wouldn’t be screaming curses when his chest and torso had been branded with an invisible ink tattoo of Leander Kyros’ smug face? The worst part? No one else could see it. Just like no one else would know about him or care for him, no one else would need to know that even in his sleep, he’d still be under the thumb—or the face—of one Duke Leander Kyros. At this, the rest of the Duchy’s men could just silently exchange glances. Their Duke was terrifying, but at least he knew better than to brand the face of their Young Lord on someone’s filthy body. And that was all that mattered. Well, provided the Duke would get over his depression. In his mind, his precious boy had been bullied. And while he didn’t bother talking to a deranged narcissist, he had a feeling that Luca had been targeted because of him. What if his son had felt so alone? And so scared?! What’s worse was that his boy had suffered and he hadn’t even known about it! He had to apologize immediately! So when the Duke rushed out into his son’s space, he braced himself, half expecting to see a traumatized, miserable child who probably just tried to be strong when fighting that monster in public! But instead— "Mmmm! This one is good! But maybe a little more citrus?" The disgruntled father was greeted with the sight of his son happily sipping juice samples, eyes even sparkling with excitement. Duke Leander blinked. Completely unaware of his father’s emotional crisis, Luca, the good son, even smiled brightly as he held up a cup. "Papa, have you tried the fruit punch? It’s amazing! Steward Han said this should be good enough for the premium item!" Eh??? Where was the fear? The sadness? And the shadow from encountering older adults? The Duke could only exhale as he rubbed his temple. Ah. It seems like he’s just like his mother. But how could Luca not be happy? After he learned about the video circulating around, his first reaction was to panic about the mecha parts he had stored away. So he had D-29 scan them as fast as possible before running back to return them, only to be surprised that no one wanted them back. In fact, he could even have them! What a boon?! However, the good things didn’t just stop there. Luca actually got a congratulatory message saying that his combination piloting license had been approved and was even ready for pick-up! Wow! He couldn’t believe it and even went there to ask if there had been a mistake! But the administrators told him very kindly that it wasn’t an error, and he could just go back whenever he was ready with the mecha he’d be registered with. It was undoubtedly a good day with his new toys, his new license, and the tasty drinks! So, how could he be unhappy?

Chapter 201: Unbothered

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