Chapter 232: Pajama-Clad Visitor

Words : 1355 Updated : Sep 25th, 2025

Chapter 232: Pajama-Clad Visitor The hallway had been quiet, something that was likely expected of a protected manor. But Xavier’s upbringing made him wary of sounds. Just like this one. Or especially this one. From the moment the door next to Xavier’s room opened, the Prince’s ears began listening in. It was instinctual as if the creaking door immediately sharpened his senses. For how could he not stay alert when it was late? It was far too late for the sleepyhead to be up and wandering about. Based on observation, Luca was now a heavy sleeper who could sleep so deeply even while his grubby hands were hard at work. So, just what could’ve disturbed him? Was he thirsty? Considered Xavier. Or maybe he was hungry? But if that were the case, wouldn’t Luca have just slipped into his Dungeon space to grab something? *Knock! Knock!* The sound was light, hesitant. Xavier was bewildered, momentarily caught off guard. Not that this was impossible, but he didn’t think it would happen. Yet the Crown Prince acted swiftly—making sure to catch the door before the third knock registered. He didn’t want to discourage the already skittish Luca, who normally finds it difficult to ask for help. He reached for the door, choosing to open it manually rather than use the automatic controls. If Luca was hesitating, the sight of a cold and seemingly empty room would likely make him retreat. And that was the last thing Xavier wanted. As the door swung open, there stood Luca—illuminated faintly by the dim corridor lights. The Imperial Crown Prince’s thoughts ground to a halt. It was an unusual sight. For it was Luca who was clutching at a large pillow like a protective shield or a life line. His black hair was a bit tousled but more than that, what stood out was his slightly pouting face. "?!" Now, the sight would’ve been amusing if not for the slight crease in Luca’s brows. There were no tears, nor did he look sick, but something was clearly wrong for this chipmunk to be knocking on his door like this. "Luca?" Xavier’s voice was steady, though he made sure to soften it. Luca for the most part was trying to think of ways to explain his problem. Xavier was in this state of undress and normally this meant that he was likely sleeping already. And the golden corn felt a bit guilty. The small figure shifted, uncertain, his pillow still firmly clutched. But before Luca could stammer out any excuses, Sid—the ever-helpful guardian mecha—chimed in. "The little master is experiencing sudden insomnia." Xavier blinked. Insomnia? Again? It wasn’t like this had never happened before, but Xavier figured that Luca was fine after he fell asleep under the tree earlier. But the only way to find out was to ask what was bothering him. Xavier decided to think about this later and stepped aside to invite Luca in. "You wanna come in?" The sudden visitor hesitated for only a moment before shuffling inside, the plush slippers on his feet making the softest of sounds against the polished floor. Luca thought the room was big. While it wasn’t as ostentatious as his room, which clearly reeked of favoritism that he wasn’t even aware of, the bed and bedding were definitely similar, just different in color. It was just that the bed clearly had indentations and ruffled sheets, which meant that Xavier was likely in bed already before he knocked on his door. "I—I’m sorry. I didn’t think you’d be sleeping already." It was like that last time when he woke up Xavier because he wanted to work on their tasks. "No need to apologize. I hadn’t even slept yet. Also, I did tell D-29 and Sid to tell you I’m next door in case you needed something." Xavier could see Luca’s mind churning even from here, so he opted to inform him of this. "Is something wrong?" Luca didn’t even know how to explain himself. After all, how did one justify, "The room is great, and the bed is the best I’ve probably seen, but I’m still uncomfortable," without sounding ridiculous? But before the frazzled shorty could spiral further, Xavier’s voice broke through his thoughts. "Can’t sleep?" Luca nodded sheepishly. "I don’t know why. And when I don’t get enough sleep, I get all weird and much less productive." The honest admission made Xavier smile faintly. "You’re probably just not used to the place. Or maybe..." Xavier tilted his head thoughtfully. "You’re not used to being alone." The prince patted the bed for Luca to come over. "Oh." Xavier had the same issue with the Palace rooms. The unusually large room made echoes seem worse than they were. But when it was still, it felt like everything had stopped, and it was rather suffocating. Like this place, this stillness probably felt odd to the little chipmunk, who probably got used to the sounds of the central AC and the existence of a second person. It was the type of silence that was just a little too much. There was no hum, no beds creaking, or no doors opening. And if Luca had looked any deeper, he would’ve realized that he felt like he was intruding on this stillness even when his photos were hanging on the wall. It felt like a foreign space. Maybe Xavier was right. Eventually, Luca sat by a corner of the bed, far from where the sheets had creased earlier, as though he was afraid of messing something up. And the white-haired temporary resident noticed. "Luca." He raised a brow. "Is something wrong with me?" The question was because it was unusual for Luca who had no qualms about being near to act like this. "No—no. It’s just that..." The little chipmunk trailed off as he hid a bit of his face with the pillow. But Xavier waited patiently, and eventually, Luca, with a deep breath, confessed. "I didn’t want to get too close." "?!" "..." "Sometimes, when I’m around you, I can’t help but want to guide. And I don’t think that’s good for you." "Is there a problem with Guiding? One that makes it bad for me?" Asked Xavier, whose expression remained soft. "You always look pained after guiding. And maybe it’s because I’ve been taking too much energy." This was concerning, actually. Luca heard that guiding was supposed to make the Espers feel refreshed, and that was always the message in the TV commercials. But Xavier... He always looked like he’d been injured after being guided, and right now, as someone was already disturbing Xavier, Luca did not feel like it was right for him to add injury to his current offenses. "Luca." Xavier sighed. "It’s not what you think. The guiding doesn’t hurt. It actually helps a lot." The mountain giant wanted to hide behind his long hair. He didn’t expect Luca to notice that and couldn’t prevent the embarrassment from creeping up. Luca blinked, his head tilting slightly. "It helps?" "Yes. Thank you for that." And it really does. The issue, however, was personal and couldn’t really be blamed on this shorty. "But then why—?" "It’s not the guiding that’s causing it, don’t worry." Xavier interrupted, carefully choosing his words. "It’s something else." He felt like he had to say something because Luca was an overthinker, and with that kind of expression, Xavier was afraid that Luca would stop guiding even when it was necessary for fear of this "pain." "Huh? Something else?" Luca blinked. Clearly, Xavier underestimated Luca’s imagination as the little guide pushed forward in the name of science. Or whatever this was. "If it’s not guiding, then are you sick somewhere?" "We can get a revive pill; we can afford it now." Luca readily suggested, his face now out of the pillow he was clutching like a shield. If only. Xavier found it amusing. The revive pill. Maybe he really ought to keep one in handy in case he passed away from this pain since it seemed like it was possible. For even without guiding, this painful hunger just kept mounting. Like right now.

Chapter 232: Pajama-Clad Visitor

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