After leaving the council hall, Luo Fei finally breathed a sigh of relief.
Thankfully, his Royal Father was open-minded and hadn’t forced a fiancée on him. Otherwise, he truly wouldn’t know how to face an Omega he had no emotional connection with.
Just as he was thinking this, a rustling sound came from not far away.
Luo Fei smiled and turned his head. “Little brother, stop hiding.”
As soon as the words left his mouth, a head immediately popped out from behind a giant stone pillar of the palace. The little boy was about six years old, with a chubby, dumpling-like face and big, bright eyes that blinked rapidly at Luo Fei. Behind him stood another youth with a refined air, dressed casually in a collared shirt and trousers, his expression calm.
Luo Fei walked over, a touch helpless. “Luo Ning, why are you here too?”
The Second Prince, Luo Ning, gently rubbed the little one’s head and said, “Little brother heard Royal Father called for you and insisted on dragging me here to eavesdrop.”
The child protested, “You’re the one who wanted to eavesdrop…”
Before he could finish, the Second Prince covered his mouth with his hand, leaving the Little Prince to widen his eyes and whimper “Mmph mmph” in grievance.
Luo Fei knew his younger brother was worried about him. He reached out, pulling him into a half-embrace. “Don’t worry,” he said softly. “Royal Father has already agreed to abolish the genetic screening rule. From now on, we decide our own marriages. Besides, you’re my twin brother. When it comes to your future partner, your Imperial Brother will personally vet them for you.”
Luo Ning frowned. “Imperial Brother, don’t talk nonsense. I’ve never thought about getting married.”
Luo Fei chuckled lightly, changing the subject. “Where’s our sister?”
Luo Ning looked exasperated. “She runs around like a madwoman all day. I have no idea where she went.”
Luo Fei grunted in acknowledgment and walked forward side-by-side with his brother.
The First Prince Luo Fei and the Second Prince Luo Ning were fraternal twins. Luo Fei was an Alpha, Luo Ning an Omega.
Later, because His Majesty Xize wanted a daughter, Lin Yuan bore an Omega daughter: the Third Princess. Unfortunately, the Third Princess didn’t have a single shred of Omega-like behavior; she was wild and mischievous, an absolute chatterbox whom no one could handle. As for the youngest prince, he was an accidental pregnancy, born just a few years prior. Currently six, the age gap with his older siblings was significant. Everyone doted on this little brother, practically spoiling him into the family mascot.
The Mascot’s eyes were currently sparkling with cunning. He grabbed Luo Fei’s hand and pleaded, “Big Imperial Brother, did Royal Father approve your vacation? Can you take me wherever you’re going?”
Luo Fei glanced at him. “No.”
The Mascot instantly put on a mournful face and hugged his leg. “Take me! I’ll be good!”
Luo Fei patted the little guy’s head and pried him off. “You’re only six. Stay in the Royal Palace like a good boy.”
The child pouted unhappily, his head drooping as he trudged behind his older brothers.
The three brothers made their way to the Queen’s palace.
The moment they entered, a fierce palm wind struck right at their faces. Luo Fei reflexively sidestepped to avoid it. However, his opponent wasn’t about to let him off. A leg swept sideways, forcing Luo Fei to step back. Immediately after came a swift grappling move, aiming for Luo Fei’s shoulder to follow up with a body slam.
The series of movements was fluid and fierce. Luo Fei couldn’t help but sigh inwardly. He’s already a father of four, and he’s still this violent!
As expected of the Monster Queen worshipped by Omegas across the entire Empire.
Though exasperated inwardly, Luo Fei’s feet didn’t dare falter. He ducked quickly, agilely dodging the grappling hand. Then he quickly stepped back and to the left, escaping the attack range.
Lin Yuan, seeing his son evade so swiftly, retracted his hands with waning interest and offered a reluctant compliment. “Not a bad reaction.”
Luo Fei smiled. “Does Dad always have to greet his son like this?”
Lin Yuan was the Empire’s first male Omega Queen. By all rights, the princes should call him Mother Queen, but Lin Yuan detested that title. He preferred his children to call him Dad. Luo Fei, Luo Ning, and the others had been accustomed to calling him Dad since childhood, as it felt more intimate.
Meeting his son’s fawning expression, Lin Yuan’s brow smoothed slightly. “I just tested your reaction speed. Although your combat skill instructors always praise you, compared to your Royal Father… you’re still far behind.”
Luo Fei quickly nodded in agreement. “Of course. I will continue training.”
Lin Yuan turned, sitting down on the nearby sofa. He took a sip of tea and asked, “I heard you requested a vacation from your Royal Father?”
News traveled fast. Clearly, his Royal Father hid nothing from him.
Luo Fei admitted frankly, “That’s right. I want to go out and see the world.”
Lin Yuan asked, “Have you made any plans?”
Luo Fei said, “I want to go to the Lyra Constellation first, then to Planet Ryan, where Dad grew up. With plenty of time, I’ll visit a few more places and broaden my horizons.”
“Will you need an escort from the Royal Guard?” Lin Yuan continued.
Luo Fei smiled and shook his head. “Is that necessary? Being followed by a group of people feels strange. I want to go alone.”
To his surprise, Lin Yuan didn’t object. He actually nodded. “Mm. Truthfully, I don’t want to send the Royal Guard to protect you either. You’re an Alpha. You’ve received the best education from birth and have an S-Class intelligent mecha by your side at all times. If you can’t even protect yourself under those conditions… you’re not fit to be this prince.”
Luo Fei smiled gently. “Dad is right.”
Lin Yuan: “…”
This kid had learned to be clever. No matter what he said, Luo Fei wouldn’t argue. He probably knew the consequence of arguing was just getting beaten up.
Seeing that face, smiling with hints of his father Xize in his youth, Lin Yuan felt a swell of emotion. He stood up, patting Luo Fei’s shoulder. “You’re grown up now. You really should learn to be independent. This solo trip can also be considered a training exercise. I believe that even if you run into trouble, you can make the best judgment. Go ahead. Just remember to come back on time.”
Luo Fei nodded. “Understood, Dad.”
The youngest Mascot, hearing this, immediately ran out from behind a pillar. “I want to go too! I want to go with Big Imperial Brother!”
Lin Yuan rolled his eyes at him. “You’ll only cause trouble. You will stay here in the Royal Palace and properly learn your combat skill. The moves your teacher taught you… you perform them as pathetically as a sick cat!”
The little boy’s mouth wobbled, tears welling up in his eyes, looking about to cry.
Lin Yuan lightly tweaked his ear. “Stop the act. So young and already such a drama queen. Planning to be a movie emperor when you grow up?”
The kid made a face at him and scampered off, giggling.
Luo Fei and Luo Ning exchanged a smile. Even Lin Yuan couldn’t help but smile.
The four children each had distinct personalities. The First Prince, Luo Fei, was mature, steady, and unflappable, very much possessing his Royal Father’s bearing. The Second Prince, though an Omega, lacked any Omega fragility and instead had a gentle, cultured air. The Third Princess was a mischievous sprite, always cooking up odd ideas. The youngest son, the biggest troublemaker and a lover of theatrics, required proper disciplining.
Watching his children grow more and more sensible, Lin Yuan felt a quiet sense of satisfaction.
One generation sows the tree, the next enjoys the shade. He and Xize had weathered many storms in their youth, during the Empire’s most turbulent era. But now, those storms had passed. The Empire was a picture of peace and prosperity. After Xize inherited the throne, the two of them had four children total. His only wish was for these children to live safe, happy lives.
Luo Fei returned to his own palace and began packing his luggage.
This was his first solo trip abroad. Aside from a change of clothes, he didn’t need to bring much. After all, the entire Empire was networked. As long as he carried his crystal card, he could buy whatever he needed anytime. And with Chongming accompanying him, he wasn’t worried about accidents.
Chongming was the S-Class intelligent mecha that his Royal Father had the mecha design genius, Uncle Brian, specially build for him after he passed the 300-peak mental power test at age five. He named it himself. Its original form resembled the mythical Chongming bird. When transformed, its massive wings allowed its flight speed to instantly surpass most combat warships.
The mecha’s intelligent system rivaled a human’s. Some essential combat equipment was also integrated inside, sufficient to handle most unforeseen situations. After all, he was a prince. Even if no one came to assassinate him, it paid to be prepared.
Luo Fei quickly packed his luggage and summoned Chongming. “Check for the next flight to the Lyra Galaxy.”
Chongming’s intelligent system voice was a lively young male tone. Every time its master called, it eagerly jumped in to offer suggestions. “Master, there are two upcoming flights to the Lyra Galaxy. One departs on December 21st at 9:00 AM, flight time 8 hours, arriving at the terminal at 5:00 PM, no stops. The other departs at noon, arriving at the Lyra Space Station at 9:00 PM after a one-hour stop in the Alkaid Starfield at 5:00 PM.”
Luo Fei considered for a moment. “Choose the direct flight. Book me a standard ticket.”
Chongming froze. “You are a prince. Shouldn’t you book a VIP cabin?”
Luo Fei said, “No need. A standard ticket is fine. I’m traveling alone this time. Nobody knows my royal identity. It will be more comfortable this way.”
Chongming quickly booked the ticket on the official website. Luo Fei glanced at the screen before him and memorized the departure time.
The 21st. That was two days away.
—He could finally leave the Royal Palace and see the world beyond.
Life in the palace had always been placid. From birth, his daily necessities were all arranged by others. This formulaic pattern was profoundly dull to him. Though he never outwardly opposed his Royal Father’s arrangements, deep down, he also yearned to do something on his own.
This precious vacation… he had to make the most of it.
Thinking of this, a tingle of anticipation stirred within him.
At the same time, Fengyang Group Headquarters.
A gentle mechanical voice suddenly rang out. “Master, the Group’s headquarters database has just been attacked by an unknown virus.”
The young man lounging on the sofa snapped his eyes open, his gaze as sharp and cold as a sword. “Has the source been traced?”
The mechanical voice replied, “The virus was intercepted by the defense net, but the attacker immediately erased all traces, just like the previous two times.”
A cold laugh escaped the young man. “The high-end intelligent mecha we are developing this time has clearly caught the attention of several competing companies. They keep trying to breach the database to steal the data.”
“Has Master guessed who it might be?”
The young man shook his head. “Too many competitors. I can’t lock onto a specific target yet. But they will slip up sooner or later.” He rose and walked to his desk, opening his portable optical computer. His eyes calmly watched the virtual screen as his fingers danced across the holographic keyboard, inputting a long string of code.
As the dense lines of code poured in, subtle shifts rippled through the database defense net before it settled back into its original state.
The mechanical voice sounded puzzled. “Master, did you leave a vulnerability in the defense net?”
The young man hit the confirm key, a faint smile playing on his lips. “The hacker they hired is too mediocre. I’ll lower the difficulty a bit for him… to lure him out.” He closed the optical computer. “Book an interstellar ticket to Lyra for the 21st on the official site. Next week is Grandpa’s birthday. I need to head home as soon as possible.”
