Who understands? The aloof female ruler always flirts without even realizing it.

The next morning, just as dawn was breaking, Locke woke up; or rather, he had barely slept all night.

He carefully made the bed, put away his few belongings, and then sat quietly in the room.

I didn't go out casually, for fear of running into something I shouldn't see again, or disturbing their rest.

Only after hearing clear footsteps outside and confirming that the main insects had all gotten up did he take a deep breath, muster his courage, and gently open the door.

Breakfast was already prepared in the restaurant.

Shen Yan was helping Kalandel carefully sit down in a cushioned chair. Seeing him come out, Xiongzi simply nodded slightly.

"You're awake? Let's have breakfast together."

The female ruler's expression was calm and serene. She instructed 001 to pull out a chair for Locke, her tone even: "Good morning, how are you feeling?"

"I feel much better. Thank you both so much for taking me in and taking care of me."

Locke tried to make his voice sound calm and polite. He stepped forward, but instead of sitting down immediately, he bowed slightly, performing a solemn gesture of respect.

"I'm so sorry for disturbing you last night...

Xiongzi waved his hand, seemingly not wanting to talk about last night, although he was slightly annoyed that the other party had made him only eat some meat soup in the end: "Don't be shy, just take care of your health first."

The atmosphere at breakfast was subtly silent.

Shen Yan still focused most of her attention on her partner, serving him food, pouring him warm water, and occasionally asking him a question or two in a low voice.

Karandal had long been accustomed to and accepted this, occasionally responding to the lord with a faint smile.

Locke silently ate the exquisite food in front of him, which looked and tasted great, but at that moment it tasted like cardboard.

He clearly sensed an invisible yet real barrier.

This estrangement did not stem from Shen Yan or Karandal's deliberate distancing or indifference.

On the contrary, they provided food and shelter and were very friendly.

This stems from his own experience, from the fact that in his more than twenty years of life as an insect, he had never truly experienced what a normal family life was like.

Within a family, meals are rituals and rules, and every bite of food may be accompanied by scrutiny and admonition.

He was used to keeping his back straight, not speaking while eating or sleeping, and always maintaining a proper demeanor befitting his status. His nerves never relaxed for a moment at the dinner table.

Here, the male will naturally serve the female his favorite dishes, ask her in a low voice what she likes, get nervous because of her subtle expressions, and even chat about everyday things.

Karandal showed no surprise or flattery at this favoritism; it was so natural and casual that it was completely unintentional.

Because she was more picky about food during pregnancy, Shen Yan could only smile helplessly and indulgently when her partner put down the food after taking a couple of bites.

He picked it up and ate it himself, without the slightest disgust.

There was a natural intimacy and tacit understanding between them, a harmony that had developed over the years without the need for words.

All of this was as foreign to Locke as the language of another world.

He didn't know how to fit in, nor how to conduct himself.

Like a traveler accustomed to wandering alone on an ice field, suddenly invited into a warm, spring-like bonfire party filled with laughter.

Although I was grateful for the warmth, I was also blinded by the overly bright light and didn't know where to put my hands and feet.

He could only maintain his manners more rigidly, and silently diminish his presence, using the only familiar thing he knew—aloofness and politeness—to cope with this bewildering warmth.

Shen Yan and Kalandall are a complete and self-consistent world, sharing the same set of codes that he cannot understand.

Locke, on the other hand, was merely an outcast, a bewildered passerby temporarily allowed to linger on the fringes by kindness.

This realization did not stem from the other party's rejection, but from the fact that the deep-rooted chasm between himself and the world was now reflected with unparalleled clarity.

After dinner, Shen Yan had something to attend to and went to the study to handle matters related to the Locke case.

Karandal, who was prone to back pain, rested on the sofa in the living room.

Locke hesitated for a moment, but still went over.

He stood beside the sofa and thanked them again solemnly:

"General, thank you again for your help and Lord Shen Yan's help. I will leave immediately once I find a place to stay and will not cause you any trouble."

The female ruler looked up at him, her icy blue eyes clear and calm. Because she wasn't good at expressing concern, her words had a somewhat businesslike tone:

"No need to rush off, first stabilize your mental state."

"The food prepared by the male lord has a calming effect on the spirit. Since you don't have a partner, you should stay here even more."

After speaking, he paused, his gaze sweeping over Locke's still undeniably haggard face: "Don't think too much, just settle down and relax."

His tone was calm, as if he were stating a simple fact, and he didn't seem to think that having a single female insect at home would pose any threat to him.

But this actually made Locke realize his situation and position more clearly.

"I see."

Locke bowed his head: "Thank you again."

Over the next few days, the female insect tried to minimize her presence.

He spends most of his time in his guest room, only coming out for meals and essential activities.

Even so, I still witnessed firsthand how Shen Yan took care of his partner in every little detail.

From daily meals and snacks that are different each day and imbued with gentle spiritual energy, to regular leg massages and body care, as well as occasional prenatal education and prenatal check-up accompaniment.

The boy did all this so naturally, as if it were the most important and happiest thing in his life.

The female insect hardly has to do anything; even dressing and washing are done by her partner. Separated by a not-so-soundproof wall, he watches the happiness of other insects like a thief.

Every time Locke saw such a scene, his heart was violently shaken.

It wasn't just shock, but a complex mix of envy, bitterness, and profound self-mockery.

He envied Karandal for having such unconditional love and care, and felt bitter that he would never have such warmth in his life.

Both his experiences and background confirmed that he would never encounter a male insect like Shen Yan in his life. Even if he did, it would most likely be a trap, so he gave up on the idea of ​​finding a mate.

Seewo Locke has his own pride and bottom line; their help is already an immense favor.

Even if it means living a lonely life, I will not allow myself to harbor any improper thoughts that might disrupt the harmony of the Enchong family.