The Royal Military Academy's Impostor Owns a Dungeon [BL] novel Chapter 565

Chapter 565: One Step Behind

And thank goodness for that. Thought a certain husband who could only keep such thoughts to himself.

Sometimes, he hated himself for this.

Xavier looked toward Luca, who was now walking just in front of him, trailing behind the Marshal. They were being led toward the Marshal’s office to discuss the offer, one that could change the empire’s future.

To everyone else, the hallway was filled with the quiet hum of boots on metal floors. Most people wouldn’t know what this meeting was for and would assume it was for courtesy.

But because he was privy to information, he understood what this deal meant. Each step a supposed prelude to excitement, and each stride a chance to be closer to being a part of something historic.

Yet to Imperial Crown Prince Xavier Aeric Theron Solaris, everything felt muted. Like watching light ripple beneath dark water.

Still, he trailed behind Luca, just a step slower, eyes drawn—as always—to the back of the one person who never stopped moving forward.

It was hard to believe that this was the same person who once got lost trying to find the cafeteria. His little chipmunk used to look around corners with wide eyes, so easily flustered, so easy to fluster. But now?

Luca moved with certainty. Always ahead. Always busy. Always rushing off to the next obligation that required his attention.

He was unusually fast for someone with such short legs. And yet, somehow, never out of reach.

But barely.

After all, who would dare follow in his footsteps?

And as someone who was aware of what Luca was capable of doing, he was truly grateful. And yet laughably, he was aware that a part of him didn’t want to share Luca.

He was selfish like this.

His gloved fingers curled again.

If he’d once seen tea bushes as competition for Luca’s affection, what more those tenacious master mechanics?

And that was just moments ago.

They had looked like they were about to weep.

Even now, he could still see their faces.

Eyes threatening to shed weren’t uncommon as the old masters were forced to say farewell. Not all of them showed it outright, but the glistening at the corners of their weathered eyes betrayed them. Even pride couldn’t fully mask it.

Xavier had watched from the side as Luca smiled and bowed, expressing sincere thanks. That dazzling warmth melted the fatigue and stubbornness of the old men like sunlight on snow.

And then the bickering began.

"Try not to die too soon," one of the masters sniffled, trying to maintain composure.

"Speak for yourself," another snorted, waving his cane. "You look like you walked out of a tomb this morning."

"I only walked out because I heard you were all here," a third declared proudly, throwing an arm around the first like they were brothers in arms returning from war.

They were teasing each other like schoolboys.

Ancient, rusted schoolboys with more creaks than jokes, perhaps. But schoolboys nonetheless.

They were clinging to something.

No. To someone.

Luca.

Luca was hope. Tangible. Adorable. Personified.

And Xavier understood them.

He understood all too well.

He had clung to that same hope. That same light.

And therein lay the problem.

He stood still, unreadable. But his heels threatened to dig deeper.

Because he knew what it meant. To watch others realize what he had already known for so long. To see the world begin to reach for the person he already cherished.

They would never let go. Just like he couldn’t.

This was yet another group of competitors.

So he made his move.

He gave quiet orders to Kyle and Jax.

"Lead the masters to the daycare," he said. A simple gesture, a polite follow-up. A thank-you for their time. An apology for Luca’s early departure.

But really, it was also a precaution.

Because by ushering them through the pocket dimension’s gate, he could check their intentions.

There were things more dangerous than beasts. And Xavier would always err on the side of caution when it came to Luca.

He had already promised not to lock Luca away. He would not break that vow.

So, instead, he would lock away anyone who posed a threat.

But then again, that wasn’t always possible, no?

Like what the Marshal’s office stood for.

It was the familiar office. A room built on war and legacy that always intended to remind one of duty and of sacrifice.

And it wasn’t even his office.

He took his seat quietly, listening to the opening remarks, but his focus drifted.

Duchess Amelia pulled out a small bag of kale chips. The Marshal raised a brow.

"Let’s talk about what we can offer each other," the man said. "I believe you know the military needs these. We won’t pretend otherwise."

Leander nodded. "Which is precisely why we are here, Marshal. Because we’d like to inform you that it’s possible to produce more."

"?!"

Curtis blinked. "Wait. Your Grace, you mean, there’s already a method?"

The Duchess smiled faintly. "We’re willing to negotiate if the military would agree to a few stipulations. But first, consider this batch as our thanks for the earlier favor."

Xavier watched as the Marshal and his deputy looked at each other as if confirming whether they had heard correctly. After all, what House of Kyros was offering was really more of a new lease on life.

The Marshal promised to review the terms as soon as possible.

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