Chapter 326: Look

Words : 1086 Updated : Oct 5th, 2025

Chapter 326: Look For people who had stared death in the face mere hours ago, sitting down to a warm meal felt like a sin and downright impossible. Especially for the first timers who had no idea that this was practically the norm. "Son, is this really alright?" asked Duchess Amelia, whose eyes drifted across the spread before her with uncertainty tinged with awe. Luca nodded a bit too eagerly to disappoint, but eventually, she had to relent when he made an excellent point. "It’s actually a good thing, Mom. We’re trying to use up those that could go bad faster than the others, in case the ingredients don’t stay as fresh here." They weren’t really sure about the characteristics of this dungeon. But because they’d seen metal corrode, roots blacken, leaves curl into withered prayers—they weren’t about to take chances. And while the ingredients themselves would stay fresh for longer than usual, it was still better to do it this way until they were certain. So, after reviewing Ollie’s impressive stash, they decided on something filling with ingredients that would likely have a shorter shelf life. And the easiest would have to be their usual Egg Fried Rice. And Luca thought that his good brother deserved to eat well, considering everything he had experienced today. Maybe then, he wouldn’t look as melancholic, dejected, and as dim as he did right now. If only the little chipmunk knew of his brother’s thoughts. Ollie, the mechanic tested by the gods, actually managed to recover from the hostage situation by getting in two solid hits. And he had managed to stay cheerful all throughout the attack of that wicked tree after seeing all the possible riches. But the little mop was taken out by the stories about his brother’s past and the truth about his current relationship. His emotions were difficult to explain, for the lightbulb had never felt this extinguished even in the face of that looming mercenary exam or actual pirates. For one, he had never been this angry in his very short life. And to think he’d been angry many times, but like this? No. For the first time, he felt a rage so sharp, he was grateful he wasn’t physically stronger—otherwise, he might’ve crushed his own molars from sheer frustration. Then came gratitude—the painful kind. Thankful that those absolute morons of that planet that hadn’t realized his brother’s worth. Grateful that somehow, their blindness gave Luca the chance to come home where he belonged. But after that? Motivation. Because the duchess said they would find that place and "visit" for themselves. And that meant that if he worked harder, he could make the necessary gifts. The bigger the boom, the better. And this time, he thought it would be fine because he’d be coming with the people of the duchy and the prince. Surely it wouldn’t result in his remaining years being spent in the mines. But even then, he’d still do it. But then disaster struck. And it was one that caught him by surprise. A contract marriage. The avid fan was unsure how to take the news, as he thought about how difficult loveless marriages could be. What about the children going to school together, or any children at all?! Ollie was still demolishing his food, but his eyes kept trembling, and his pout could be pulled and looped around like some angry scarf. And Kyle, watching from the side, sighed like a man too old for this world. The others glanced over and saw the scene—a dejected Ollie wallowing in fried rice—and nodded in understanding. Of course, the young lord’s sworn brother would take it hard. Such devotion, such sorrow. They were moved. He looked pitiful, and the people of the duchy thought how great it was that their Young Lord found such a sworn brother. If only they knew what this one was thinking about. But one man did. Kyle Nox had seen things. He knew just what kind of content this pouting mop had been consuming when he thought that no one was around. Or really, even when someone was around. So, how could the adjutant not know about what kinds of thoughts were running in that cavern of a mind? Sigh. But even then, he couldn’t outright tell this one that it wasn’t exactly a loveless marriage. If anything, it would be a one-sided love. However, one shouldn’t quote him, for his insurance wasn’t going to cover any form of instigation leading to his eventual demise. But if his eyes weren’t playing with him, then maybe, just maybe, the Captain’s vigil has worked. For those golden eyes were much too attached to the prince who had sat by an open space alone as he circulated the energy he had exchanged. Now, while he could not announce anything, he could nudge this avid spectator so that he’d leave this slump he’s in. So, with a subtle nudge, he used his head and eyes to force Ollie to focus on Luca. The balled-up blonde looked up. And apparently, the sight did not disappoint as that blonde’s puffed-up face showed so many emotions that it looked rather scary. After all, it was a sight that even got the mother sighing. Do contract marriages look like this now? One where his son had long prepared a bowl of food for the rabbit, who was still dealing with energy issues. And that was fine. Thoughtful, even. But did her baby really have to stare at him as he ate? Worse, did he have to slow down his pace while looking at the bowl with that face? Oh ho. If only that were all. For as if blessed with an extra sense, the rabbit, upon opening his eyes from his meditation, looked straight at her son. And depending on who you asked, the exchange would either be a magnificent meeting of the hearts or the fastest route to hypertension. Obviously, Ollie reveled in this. Because this made the future brighter. Hope was reborn. While a certain mother’s coffin was being nailed shut, and yet, as she surrendered, it became clearer to her. No wonder they were bonded like that. They just didn’t know. But who was she to meddle? Only a mother who watched as her precious son almost flew up with a bowl of that golden rice. Yeah, Leander’s going to need life support for this. And across time and space, one Duke who was in the middle of a clean-up, sneezed.

Chapter 326: Look

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