The powerful leader was tough on the outside but soft on the inside; the aloof major general fell fo

Ashel was still puzzled when he heard the first part of the sentence.

Why would his brother let him push the male lead out?

The second half of Gapini's sentence made Ashel realize that his answer had not dispelled his doubts.

Ashel said solemnly, "Brother, my lord did not whip me."

"It's been a long time."

Strangely, Ashel seemed to have gradually forgotten those days of being whipped, and they slowly faded from his memory.

What gradually became clear was the powerful ruler who stood up; the powerful ruler who provided him with spiritual guidance; the powerful ruler who helped him through the fever period; and the powerful ruler who had been closely entwined with him yesterday.

Gapini asked suspiciously, "Really?"

"Really." Ashel nodded, his expression extremely serious.

Compared to Ashel's flimsy explanation, Gapuni preferred to believe his own eyes.

He stepped forward and ripped open half of Ash's collar.

The next second, Gapuni stood there stunned, "This..."

Gapni's sudden action caught Ash off guard, and by the time he tried to stop him, it was too late.

The expressions on Gaponi's face were truly fascinating.

He saw those traces.

What the powerful ruler left behind.

Gaponi's expression, which had been suppressing his anger, turned sheepish.

Ashel was also a little embarrassed.

He raised his hand to snatch his collar back from Gapini's grasp, and wrapped himself up tightly once again.

Gapuni had already reacted first, silently covering his neck and pressing the cloth down.

"...So I misunderstood. It seems your master...treats you quite well."

He saw that Ash's body was covered with countless hickeys, even on his private genitals.

There was no whipping, only comforting kisses.

It's hard to imagine what a pleasant night Ashley had.

Gabriel narrowed his eyes slightly, his expression serious, and asked Ash again, "You weren't whipped anywhere else on your body by the male insects, were you?"

This time, Gaponi's gaze cautiously lingered on Ashel's waist.

Ashel knew that Gaponi was concerned about him.

He stated with absolute certainty, "Really, no."

"The lord has not used the whip on me anymore."

Asher reiterated this point firmly once again.

Only then did Gapini fully believe Ashel's words.

His brother wasn't lying to him; perhaps Cen Li had reformed.

However, Gapuni remained in a wait-and-see mode regarding Cen Li.

He got down to business, "You haven't been home for a long time. Your parents miss you. Why don't you go back for a visit when you have some free time?"

When Gapini brought this up, Ashel realized with a start that he hadn't been back to visit his parents in a long time.

He should make time to go back.

"I will."

Before Gapuni came to him, Ashir's superiors assigned him a task.

I need to be away for a week.

Ashel hesitated for a moment, but ultimately accepted.

It's about going to lower-level planets to exterminate alien beasts.

The number of alien beasts has recently surged, and many natives have reported sightings of them in the surrounding areas. The Empire is taking this very seriously.

Therefore, Ashel's return will be scheduled for a week later.

The lord had never interfered with his military affairs, and Ashel went back and told the lord about it.

"You're going out, and it's tomorrow?"

Asher, dressed in military uniform, stood upright in front of him, but Cen Li felt a headache coming on.

Ashel replied truthfully, "Yes, my lord, the estimated time is one week."

"However, I will get back as soon as possible."

Cen Li's gaze swept back and forth over him. "Aren't you still in a period of weakness?"

As far as he knows, female insects in their weakened state will feel weak, sleepy, and have reduced physical strength.

Many female insects choose to spend their vulnerable period at home.

But Ashel not only told him on his first day of work, he was also told he was about to go on a long business trip.

Cen Li frowned deeply upon hearing this.

The words of the powerful ruler fell into Ashel's ears and automatically turned into words of concern.

Ashel: "Yes, my lord... this task is easy, and my body is fine."

Is this the Zerg version of a workaholic?

Cen Li was somewhat displeased.

He made no attempt to hide it; it was written all over his face.

This left Ashel at a loss.

He carefully observed the king's expression, feeling somewhat helpless yet also a strange sense of joy.

The powerful ruler must be concerned about him.

Otherwise, he wouldn't have brought up his period of weakness on his own initiative.

Ashel couldn't help but overthink things. He cautiously said, "I'm really fine, Lord...you don't need to worry."

Cen Li thought to himself, "I'm not worried at all."

Ashel intended to prove the truth of his words to the Lord.

He moved closer to the powerful ruler.

They had finished dinner by then. Asher carefully knelt down in front of the male lord, his slender and graceful fingertips moving up Cen Li's knees.

"My lord, I really can do it."

"...I will serve you tonight."

If a few more days pass, Cen Li might grant Asher's request.

After all, he had already tasted the benefits.

But it just so happens to be now.

Cen Li looked into Ashel's expectant puppy eyes, his mind a jumble of thoughts.

He deeply reflected on himself.

Am I really that much like a beast?

They don't even spare the female insects when they are weak.

Cen Li avoided Ashel's hand.

His gaze lingered suspiciously on the female insect's legs. "Are you sure?"

Ashel understood the meaning in the lord's eyes. His cheeks flushed, and his voice gradually weakened, "It should... be okay."

The lord's gaze was dark and unfathomable, and Ashel inexplicably felt a lack of confidence.

He didn't want the male ruler to have a bad experience.

Sensing Ashel's hesitation, Cen Li smiled slightly and deliberately said, "Don't say that again next time, because I'll take it seriously."

Ashel knew that the male ruler had refused, and he also saw through his lack of confidence.

He blushed. "Yes, my lord."

Ashel was still kneeling on the ground when Cen Li said, "I find it annoying to see you kneeling like that."

Upon hearing this, Ashel quickly stood up and met the lord's gaze.

Cen Li raised an eyebrow. "It looks much better now."

Ashel's eyes lit up slightly after being praised by Cen Li, but he hesitated before asking, "You... don't like me kneeling?"

Ashel now rarely kneels before the powerful ruler.

He reflected on himself, wondering if he hadn't been following the rules.

According to the female ruler's manual, one must kneel when serving the male ruler.

However, last time the lord made him throw away the manual and ordered him not to do what was written in it.

Ashel didn't know which of the above reasons displeased the powerful ruler.

As an Earthling, Cen Li naturally disliked his female ruler kneeling and speaking to him all the time.

In particular, they now have a closer connection.

Cen Li didn't answer whether he liked it or not.

He said, "All you need to know is, don't kneel before me anymore."

These words made Ashel think even more.

Would a male insect make such a request?

Initially, the powerful ruler did not show any dislike for him kneeling; one could even say he enjoyed his humble appearance.

Ashel's gaze lingered on Cen Li's face for a long time, as if searching for something.

Those deep blue eyes had become calm at some point, like a vast ocean.

No longer is it a time when you can immediately see the suppressed gloom and rage within.

This conclusion left Ashel momentarily stunned.