Chapter One: Sentenced to Military Service

After several days, each one more unbearable than the last, Kuangchi found himself growing increasingly miserable. The Academy’s decision on his case remained unresolved, though that was the least of his worries. Rumors swirled throughout the school, the most outlandish of which claimed the matter had already caught the attention of the esteemed Emperor of the Caro Empire.

During class, Kuangchi constantly felt the beautiful girls in his class casting strange glances his way; a few even looked at him with barely concealed sympathy.

On the way back to his quarters, he could not avoid overhearing the constant whispering that followed in his wake. Though Kuangchi endured all this, what truly tormented him were the repeated rumors about the whereabouts of Phoebe Karach and Pierre. It seemed as if someone was deliberately trying to provoke him, whose nerves were already stretched thin. No matter where he went, he would hear people gathered in corners, quietly discussing where Phoebe and Pierre were meeting.

Were it not for Zixia’s insistence that the four sisters of the You family shadow him like personal attendants, Kuangchi would surely have erupted in another fit of madness within the Imperial Academy.

When Zixia returned to their lodgings, she could no longer contain her frustration and smashed everything in the sitting room to pieces with her bare hands.

Upon receiving Youxin’s report, Zixia hurried back at once.

Entering the house and seeing Kuangchi’s reddened eyes, Zixia sighed inwardly and walked to his side, gently trying to comfort him. “Fatty, what’s wrong?”

Kuangchi glared out the window, his voice thick with resentment. “Has the Academy given any clear statement about expelling me?”

Zixia shook her head in silence. She knew all too well that Kuangchi simply wanted to leave the Academy that had humiliated him as soon as possible.

She guided him into her room and had him sit on her bed, then spoke softly, “Fatty, don’t be so downhearted, alright?”

Though Kuangchi’s expression remained strained, he managed a faint smile in response to Zixia’s worried gaze. “Don’t worry, Zixia. I’m fine. I just feel a bit stifled, that’s all.” After a pause, he added, “What did the Karach family say about breaking off the engagement?”

Zixia gave a long sigh. “The Karach family says it’s impossible. But they also said they would restrain Phoebe, and both the Karach and the Kuang families have begun to put pressure on the Hyde family.”

She paused, studying Kuangchi before continuing. “Fatty, do you really want to give up halfway? Have you never thought of winning Phoebe’s heart back openly and defeating Pierre in love?”

Kuangchi shook his head faintly, a trace of bitterness in his voice. “I don’t know what love is, but I know that Phoebe loves Pierre. That alone is enough. Since she’s already fallen for someone else, why shouldn’t I let her go? I know you’ll say I’m abandoning the dignity a noble should possess, but have you considered that if Phoebe can’t be with the one she loves for life, she’ll hate me forever? I don’t want her to hate me.”

Seeing that Zixia wanted to speak, Kuangchi shook his head with a wry smile and continued, “You’re about to say I should fight for her heart, aren’t you?”

After a moment’s silence, when Zixia said nothing, Kuangchi forced a bitter smile, stood up, and waved his hand. “Look at me—do you really think I can compete with that pretty boy?”

As Kuangchi spoke, his expression grew more strained. Zixia quickly interjected, “Fatty, why are you so lacking in confidence? You’re fine as you are now. Didn’t the doctor say you’re just developing more slowly than others? Things will get better in time.”

Kuangchi smiled faintly and shook his head. “But right now, I’m no match for Pierre—not his looks, not his love for Phoebe. I know those aren’t the most important things, but you can’t forget, Phoebe already loves that pretty boy. Why shouldn’t I be sensible about it?”

Zixia was at a loss for how else to comfort him. “At least your martial skills are superior to Pierre’s.”

Kuangchi laughed quietly. “Are my skills really better? I know my own situation well. The only reason I beat Pierre is because my divine beast happens to counter his. In terms of true power, I’m far behind. I only won by exploiting a loophole.”

Zixia fell silent, well aware of Kuangchi’s deep-seated insecurity about his appearance—a fact known to the entire Kuang family.

Kuangchi turned and walked slowly toward the door. At the threshold, he paused, stood quietly for a while, then said, “I understand clearly—no matter how many times I defeat Pierre, it will only make Phoebe hate me more. I know I’m not her ideal husband, but Pierre is. Why can’t I set aside so-called noble pride and let her go?”

Zixia sighed softly, watching as Kuangchi walked straight to his own room without looking back. Left alone, she muttered, “Is love truly enough to change one’s fate?”

The next morning, Kuangchi got up early and sat quietly in the courtyard, practicing his breathing exercises. This puzzled Youxin, whose job it usually was to wake him from his habitual slumber.

Noticing Zixia step outside, Kuangchi ended his practice and stood. Looking at her tired face, he said quietly, “Zixia, please tell my grandfather that I’m breaking off my engagement to Phoebe Karach. If he doesn’t agree, I’ll never return to Kuangzhan Star.”

Zixia was startled and quickly protested, “Fatty, you can’t do that. I told you before—this engagement isn’t yours to break. If you do this, not only will you fail to help Phoebe, you might end up hurting her. Do you understand?”

Kuangchi looked at her in bewilderment, not understanding.

With another sigh, Zixia explained, “It’s not as simple as you think. Your engagement to Phoebe was arranged by your great-grandfather and subsequently approved by the elders of your family. Do you really think your grandfather alone can cancel it? Even if the Kuang family agrees, how do you think the Karach family will take it? They might see it as an insult and become enemies with your family. Worse, they might retaliate against Phoebe. Would you really want to see her suffer?”

Zixia well understood that ever since Kuangchi learned he had two fiancées, he had developed a strange attachment to both, which influenced the peculiar sense of closeness he felt whenever he saw them—a kind of possessiveness. So, realizing the situation was spiraling beyond her control, she quickly tried to reason with him.

Perhaps because Kuangchi had so little growing up and suffered much ridicule, he had become extremely possessive and deeply sensitive and kind-hearted.

Since childhood, friendless and alone, Kuangchi had wondered how to treat his betrothed, how to bring them happiness, and how to prevent them from despising him for his appearance.

Seeing his resolve soften, Zixia pressed on, “Fatty, can you at least refrain from bringing up the engagement for now? If you truly care about Phoebe’s happiness, then just let things remain as they are for the time being.”

After a pause, she added, “In any case, your punishment has been decided. His Majesty the Emperor has sentenced you to ten years of military service.”

“Military service?” Kuangchi was taken aback.

Zixia nodded calmly. “Yes. His Majesty himself decreed it. You are to serve ten years with the Third Legion at the frontier.”