The Males Were Reborn After The Female Ruler Was Scumbed [Quick Transmigration] - Chapter 16

On the table lay a protection agreement. The signature block bore the Edley Family’s Bloody Rose crest, with the other space waiting for Lu Qing’s signature.

Though called an agreement, it placed no demands on Lu Qing. Instead, it listed hundreds of formal protection clauses, covering every aspect of life, from food to clothing, housing, and travel, aiming to maximize the male Zerg’s personal safety and freedom.

The dense text gave Lu Qing the sudden illusion that he wasn’t an ordinary male Zerg, but some kind of rare, protected species.

Lu Qing knew that once he signed, the agreement would instantly take effect. This meant the Edley family had accepted him and brought him under their protection. However…

Alnis had been observing the male Zerg opposite him. Seeing the hesitation, he raised an eyebrow in surprise. To receive the protection of the Edley family was something countless Zerg dreamed of, yet this male Zerg seemed quite unwilling.

Lu Qing’s eyebrows were knitted together. In his mind, the Edley family and Lancy himself were one and the same.

He had decided to distance himself from the sub-male and let go of his past self; yet, if he signed this agreement now and happily moved into Lancy’s house, what would that make him?

Most importantly, Lu Qing had some confidence in his own fighting ability. As long as they didn’t bring out big items like guns or cannons, Lu Qing felt he had a fighting chance.

In the next second, Lu Qing pushed the agreement back. “Please thank Lord Lancy for his kind intentions, but I’m afraid, I refuse.”

Seemingly anticipating a negative answer, Alnis’s expression remained unchanged. He tapped his terminal and brought up a video. “Perhaps you could take a look at this first.”

Lu Qing frowned slightly. “There is no need. I will not change…”

…my mind.

When Lu Qing saw the screen clearly, his mouth instantly formed an “O” shape. The screen showed his own house, and he was sound asleep on the bed, just like on any other night.

If there was any difference, it was that there was a masked Zerg with a ferocious expression standing by the bed, pointing a gun at him.

The masked Zerg seemed about to pull the trigger. In a split second, a female Zerg in a black uniform clamped her hand over his mouth, directly twisted his neck, and he died on the spot.

The entire process took no more than three seconds. Lu Qing remained soundly asleep, completely oblivious to his brush with death.

Lu Qing: “…”

What the hell is going on?!

“As you can see, you were targeted after we left last night,” Alnis said calmly. “If we hadn’t left Zerg to protect you, I fear…”

Lu Qing was greatly alarmed. “System, is this true?”

The System chirped and appeared. “It is true.”

Lu Qing: “Why didn’t you wake me up? If they hadn’t been there, wouldn’t I have just kicked the bucket in my sleep?!!”

The System snorted. “You were sleeping like a pig. Who could wake you up?”

Lu Qing: “.”

The System perched on its host’s shoulder. “Host, putting everything else aside, your level of vigilance essentially means you can forget about being self-reliant.”

The subtext—hurry up and pack your bags and go live at Lancy’s place.

Lu Qing: “…………”

Silence reigned in the Weird and Wonderful Gourmet Research Institute that night.

Lu Qing was a very pragmatic person. More accurately, he was a very life-loving person.

His personal wishes were often not that important, because even if Lu Qing was unwilling, he would mostly compromise for the sake of his life, just like now.

He knew signing the agreement was the optimal solution, but he had only just braced himself yesterday to stop getting entangled with Lancy. Yet, the very next minute, he was moving into Lancy’s home—that was a real loss of face!

Lu Qing rubbed his face and said sadly, “System, why am I so miserable?”

In front of him, there was the time bomb of the Male Zerg Aid Association, and behind him, the unpredictable assassination attempts by Seth’s accomplices.

Who wouldn’t say his fate was fraught with hardship?

The System glanced at him. “Perhaps this is a scumbag’s karma.”

Lu Qing: “…………”

How could a System say such cold, heartless words?

“Have you made a decision, Lord?” Alnis glanced at the time, also sensing that the wait had been a bit long.

A struggle flashed in Lu Qing’s eyes. He made one last-ditch effort. “You see, I really need this job. District A is a bit too far, and it’s not very convenient for work, so…”

Why not just send two bodyguards?

Alnis seemed surprised. “Why would you think that? Lord Lancy has already considered this point. The family has numerous properties, and the place chosen for you is the closest one, only a fifteen-minute journey from your workplace.”

“However, rest assured. Although the house is somewhat simple, the security system is on par with the main family residence, and living there will completely ensure your safety.”

Lu Qing: “…”

So, after all that, he wasn’t going to the Edley family’s main residence in District A.

That made sense. Bringing a male Zerg he had only known for two days back to the main family home didn’t fit Lancy’s profile. He had been overly imaginative.

Lu Qing wasn’t sure if he felt relief or a subtle disappointment, but the one thing he was certain of was that the probability of seeing Lancy in a non-main residence was less than 0.0001%.

Lu Qing relaxed. He took the agreement, quickly signed his name, and said, “I accept.”

Alnis saw the clear sigh of relief on the male Zerg’s face, and a look of understanding flashed in his eyes. He now somewhat understood why the Lord hadn’t brought him back to the main residence but had chosen a location that was neither too far nor too close for the male Zerg to live in.

This male Zerg seemed to be highly wary of Lord Lancy. If he had abruptly suggested moving into the main house, the male Zerg would most likely have refused…

Alnis took the agreement. “Besides the residence, military females have also been arranged to accompany and protect you during your commute. To avoid disturbing your daily life, they will not appear easily unless you are in danger.”

“Please bear with us until all of Seth’s remaining accomplices are apprehended.” Alnis paused as he looked at the two boldly written characters on the agreement. “Lord Lu Qing—”

Lu Qing had always known the Edley family was extremely wealthy, but when he saw the “simple” residence Alnis spoke of, he couldn’t help but twitch at the corner of his mouth.

This was Blue Sea Vista, a project developed by the capital star’s premier luxury real estate developer, the same one responsible for the Edley family’s main estate.

The humble abode Alnis had arranged for him was a two-and-a-half-story villa, private and very beautiful. The interior decoration was quite understated and luxurious, exactly the same style as the home he shared with Lancy in his past life.

If this wasn’t Lancy’s residence, Lu Qing would write his name backwards.

Although the villa was very clean and tidy, Lu Qing inexplicably sensed a lived-in atmosphere, as if someone had recently resided there.

Judging by the decor and the placement of objects, that person was highly likely no one else but Lancy.

Dammit, why was Lancy crazy enough to move to District C? Was the huge estate on the mountain at the main house no longer enough for him?

Lu Qing immediately wanted to run, but Alnis saw through his little scheme and grabbed him. “The entire Edley estate belongs to Lord Lancy, so of course this place is his too. But you can rest assured, the Lord is very busy and is unlikely to stay here even once a year.”

Lu Qing was skeptical of Alnis’s words, but he was shamefully tempted by the luxurious villa. After the protection period ended, it would be difficult for him to live in a large villa again in this lifetime.

With this thought, Lu Qing instantly felt that every moment here was incredibly precious, and he shouldn’t waste time worrying about unknown future troubles.

As long as Lancy doesn’t show up, he can pretend not to know anything.

Lu Qing immediately tossed Lancy out of his mind. He enthusiastically carried his luggage upstairs, then excitedly rolled around on the luxurious bed—the life of a wealthy Zerg was truly this simple and unadorned.

Lu Qing initially thought he would have trouble sleeping, but after two rolls, sleepiness quickly overtook him, and he curled up and drifted off.

Lu Qing moved into the large villa, looking refreshed and feeling more energized at work.

Manager Gli was very satisfied with his performance and then told him some very sad news.

Uncle Sangler had contacted the grub’s female parent and was preparing to take the grub for treatment, requesting a month’s leave.

Since the food preparation in their store was complicated and it was difficult to train a new chef quickly, Manager Gli decided not to look for a replacement and would cover the cooking himself for the month.

Lu Qing was very sad. This meant he would have to substitute as the interim Hall Manager for another month, and could no longer be a simple little dishwashing prince.

However, Manager Gli promised to super-double his salary during this period, and Lu Qing cheered up again.

So, Lu Qing began a grueling life, working as a manager by day and a delivery rider by night, working from seven in the morning until midnight. With this exhausting schedule, Lu Qing no longer had time to think about trivial matters.

Busy days always pass quickly, and more than half a month went by in the blink of an eye.

Lu Qing had been somewhat anxious, fearful that he would return home one day to find that silver-haired, emerald-eyed sub-male. However, after half a month of peace and quiet, he gradually relaxed.

What Lu Qing didn’t know was that Lancy was extremely busy during this time, and even if he wanted to seek him out, he couldn’t spare the time.

Edley Family Estate—

Inside the study, Lancy sat in the main seat, Alnis stood silently behind him, and Crete sat below, his expression not looking good.

Lancy rested his chin on his hand, his expression unreadable. “Are you certain?”

“Yes.” Alnis placed a document on the table. “We received the notification letter from the Welles Family last night.”

Lancy looked at Crete. “What about the Military Department?”

Crete’s brows were tightly furrowed. “General Welles is the mentor of General Aislinn of the Second Army. With his intervention, I’m afraid we won’t be able to transfer our Zerg there as planned.”

The Zerg military had a total of six Legions. The First and Fourth Legions had always been controlled by the Welles Family. The Third Legion, where Crete was, supported the Edley Family. The Nikos Family was allied with the Second Legion. The soldiers of the Fifth and Sixth Legions were mostly from civilian backgrounds and were not very harmonious with the aristocratic-born Legions.

About six months ago, the Major General of the Second Legion was transferred to the rear due to a mental power riot, and countless Zerg eyed this vacant position.

Senior military positions were always one position per candidate, and everyone wanted to get a foothold, Lancy naturally included.

The Edley family politically overshadowed the Nikos family, but their military support could be described as weak, relying only on the Third Legion.

If they could place a Zerg in the Second Legion, their influence in the military would significantly increase.

Traditionally, given the relationship between the Nikos family and the Second Legion, even Lancy would find it difficult to interfere.

However, after the Second Legion’s General, who was allied with the Nikos family, stepped down over twenty years ago, the newly appointed General Aislinn, having been under the patronage of the Welles Family, was now in an ambiguous relationship with them.

The Welles Family only controlled military power and had always maintained neutrality. The Second Legion had also gradually distanced itself from the Nikos family, which gave Lancy room to maneuver.

Lancy had started preparing for this matter since he decided to return to the Capital Star. His last meeting with Alnis was precisely about this.

He knew that Houston Welles had always wanted greater influence in the Capital Star, but with the Council and Cabinet controlled by the two major families, he had nowhere to start.

So, Lancy offered him a trade of a Council seat, only hoping that General Welles would not interfere with the personnel changes for the Major General position in the Second Legion.

The Edley family suddenly lost five seats. Lancy had been extremely busy dealing with the family elders while simultaneously stabilizing the Council.

Everything had been going smoothly with the Second Legion, but last night, the Welles Family unexpectedly reneged on the deal.

Not only that, but they immediately accepted the overtures of the Nikos Family.

Lancy rubbed his temples tiredly, a faint dark circle visible under his eyes. “Have you found out why General Welles suddenly backed out?”

Alnis paused. “Not yet.”

“However, I did find out,” Alnis glanced at Crete, “The Major General was temporarily transferred to investigate the unusual energy fluctuations of the Star Beasts last time—that was a trick played by the Nikos family, and General Welles implicitly acquiesced.”

Crete’s face immediately turned green. “They were colluding even back then?!”

Alnis shook his head. “I’m not sure, but it was likely just a test at that time.”

Lancy frowned at this. “Did you discover something else…?”

Alnis said: “It’s related to the Zerg General Welles has been searching for. I’m still investigating the specific reason.”

Lancy’s expression was subtle. It was no secret on the Capital Star that Houston Welles had been searching for a particular Zerg.

It wasn’t uncommon for Zerg to try and gain favor from the Welles Family by using this information. The Edley family had tried too, but… that Zerg had left no trace, leading many to suspect it was a Zerg imagined by General Welles.

However, all the Zerg who used this pretense only to disappoint General Welles met with a terrible end, and gradually no one dared to cross him anymore.

The Nikos family was still intact, clearly meaning their information was genuine…

Lancy narrowed his eyes, realizing something.

Perhaps the Nikos family had passed the information along much earlier, which led to Crete’s temporary transfer.

Later, perhaps because they couldn’t reach an agreement, Welles might have accepted Alnis’s invitation to provoke the Nikos family.

Now that they had reached an agreement, the Edley family, the catalyst, could be kicked aside.

If so, General Welles’s hot-and-cold attitude could be explained.

“But if this is the case, it might be a bit troubling.”

Lancy’s long, pale fingers tapped lightly on the table. Houston Welles was obsessed with finding that Zerg, and no one knew what he might do.

“We must accept the worst-case scenario: that the Nikos Family and the Welles Family will join forces.”

The Welles Family currently controlled the majority of the military forces. Whoever gained their support would have a greater advantage in future political transitions, and no one would want to antagonize them, even if they couldn’t be allies.

If they joined forces, it would be a fatal blow to the Edley family.

A dark shadow crossed Lancy’s eyes. He recalled something. “I heard that the Fifth and Sixth Legions originally had a good relationship with the Welles Family, but a few years ago, the relationship suddenly soured to the point of outright hostility for some unknown reason.”

“What’s more interesting is that General Welles, who is known for his strong and aggressive iron fist, has been making concessions to them at every turn…”

Lancy tapped the table, his smile cold. “Alnis, look into it.”

“Yes.”

“Also, Crete.” Lancy looked at the red-haired female Zerg. “The General of the Fifth Legion will return to the Capital Star soon for mental power treatment. I remember you have a very good relationship with an S-class male Zerg Healer. See if you can arrange an introduction as a favor.”

“Good, I will make arrangements.” Crete looked at his childhood friend’s slightly pale face, somewhat worried. “Lancy, there is still a chance. Don’t worry too much.”

“You’ve been working non-stop for so long. Your body is not as tough as a military female’s. Get some rest.”

Lancy replied flatly: “Yes, I know what I’m doing.”

Crete left, still visibly worried.

Lancy: “…”

He took off his glasses and rubbed the bridge of his nose, a faint trace of blue under his eyes.

The beautiful sub-male turned his head towards the window. Outside the massive floor-to-ceiling window, sunlight streamed down, and the trees were lush and vibrant, a picture of vitality.

A butterfly flew over, fluttering softly, and paused on the glass pane.

Lancy was momentarily lost in thought. Inevitably, he thought of those amber eyes again.

For a moment, Lancy suddenly had a strong urge to see him.

He couldn’t say why, but it felt as if being with the male Zerg would somehow cut off all the conspiracy, deceit, frustration, and vexation.

I wonder how he is, is he settling in well, and has he—even for a moment—thought of me?

… Lord Lu Qing.