A is in StarCraft, just disembarked from the Zerg Prince spaceship.

************

......

Orion brought a small gift for the lady: a crescent-shaped gemstone brooch.

It was a very small and exquisite piece, not particularly valuable, but it was personally chosen by Orion.

Orion and the Alliance Commissioner went downstairs, with Orion leading the way.

This positioning is quite interesting; it shows that the Alliance Chief respects Orion and is willing to become his vassal.

Orion was very satisfied.

The alliance director has been dealt with.

Greedy people are indeed easy to sway.

As they came downstairs, the lady emerged from the side hall.

She was wearing a light blue velvet dress, like the kind worn in 16th-century Europe, and she was still beautiful, like an old oil painting.

Her gaze fell on Orion's face, and she nodded: "Your Highness Orion."

Orion turned to her, flicked his wrist, and a small velvet box appeared in his palm: "A small token of my respect, madam, may it not do justice to your beauty."

"thank you."

In the West, it is customary to open a gift in front of the guest.

The lady opened the box and saw a brooch inside. It was shaped like a crescent moon embracing a star, with a smooth C-shaped crescent made of silver metal. A white opal-colored oval gemstone was set in the center of the two points, and it sparkled with colorful light when moved, dazzling the eye.

Very beautiful.

The lady now knew that Orion was not a good person, but out of politeness and pressure from the Alliance Commissioner, she still forced a smile: "Your Highness is too kind. It's a beautiful gift. Thank you."

Then she closed the lid of the box and handed it to the butler beside her.

At this moment, the Alliance Director smiled and said, "Why don't you wear it? You're dressed rather plainly today, and I think it would go perfectly with your dress."

"I don't want to wear jewelry today."

"Oh dear, how can you meet guests without wearing jewelry? Besides, this was specially sent by His Highness Orion, so don't let his kindness go to waste."

The lady had no choice but to take the box from the butler again, take out the brooch, and pin it to her chest.

White opal and a blue dress are a perfect match.

The Alliance Director laughed heartily, clearly pleased with his wife's beauty, and praised, "Very beautiful."

He then turned to Orion and said, "Your Highness is so kind! Come, dinner is ready, this way please."

Orion smiled and accepted his invitation, walking past the lady.

......

This was a small, private dinner, similar to a family dinner. Everyone sat down at the table and didn't feel awkward standing.

A long dining table sits in the center of the living room, covered with a snow-white linen tablecloth, and set with gleaming silverware and crystal glasses, which sparkle under the huge crystal chandelier above.

The appetizers have already been served.

A fire burned in the fireplace nearby, the burning firewood making a soft crackling sound and casting a warm glow.

The Commissioner of the Alliance sat in the main seat, with Orion seated to the Commissioner's right. The Lady sat opposite him, and Ferdinand sat next to the Lady, to the side opposite Orion.

Orion sat in the guest of honor's seat, without looking up, his fingers stroking the slender stem of the crystal glass.

The glass reflected Ferdinand's young, handsome, slightly flushed face across from him.

He was leaning over, trying to see what Orion was looking at, through the dew-kissed roses on the table.

He couldn't hold back any longer. He picked up the glass in front of him, his eyes burning, and took the lead in offering a toast: "Your Highness Orion, today's drink is a special blend, made by the best bartender. I heard that the inspiration comes from the brilliance of the Liernia Star Ring... You must try it."

The clear liquid contained tiny glittering gold and silver particles, which, under the illumination of the large crystal chandelier, were magnificent and dreamlike, like transparent glass that had sealed away stars.

"Oh?" Orion turned his head, a slight smile playing on his lips, a hint of interest in his languid expression, as he glanced at Orion's eyes, which were brightened by the response.

He reached out and grasped the cup.

The scars from years past have long been removed; his hands are now fair, slender, and well-defined, showing signs of a life of comfort and untouched by hardship.

Orion adjusted his posture, leaned forward slightly, and clinked glasses with him: "Then I really must savor it."

His silver hair shimmered under the light, his grey eyes were as clear as an icy sea, and his full pink lips were parted.

They had only touched the cups, yet it felt as if the temperature of their skin had been touched, disrupting the burning passion of their youth.

Ferdinand felt as if he had been struck by a weak electric current for a moment.

His hand trembled slightly, and a few drops of wine in his glass splashed onto the snow-white tablecloth.

He looked down at the wine stains spreading on the tablecloth, his face instantly turning even redder, somewhat embarrassed at being seen in such a disheveled state, yet his eyes turned to Orion, a mixture of eagerness and a hopeful expectation of comfort.

Orion granted his request.

"Be careful." Orion's voice carried a hint of amusement, along with a touch of helplessness and indulgence, like a soft feather brushing against his heart.

Ferdinand's face turned even redder.

The Alliance Director sat in the main seat.

The smiles of these seasoned politicians are etched on their faces, and they didn't react much to Ferdinand's inexperienced performance, simply raising their glasses.

"Your Highness Orion, it is truly gratifying to see that Ferdinand finds you so agreeable. Ferdinand is young, and I hope you will mentor him. Ferdinand has always been very interested in different civilizations and races. Ferdinand, I was extremely rude just now; shall we not offer Your Highness another toast?"

Ferdinand understood the Alliance Commissioner's meaning, excitedly raised his glass, and looked at Orion: "Your Highness, I'd like to propose a toast!"

Orion raised his glass and said to the Alliance Commissioner, "You're too kind. I'd love to teach you that only through mutual understanding can different races overcome barriers and create a shared future."

The Alliance Director loved hearing that and laughed heartily with him.

Then Orion gracefully turned to Ferdinand.

This time, he didn't clink glasses with him, but simply raised his glass in a gesture of greeting before taking a sip of the wine.

Ferdinand was a little disappointed, but he quickly finished his drink.

But then Orion stopped looking at him and turned to his father.

"A tribute to the future of both races?" Orion looked at the Alliance Commissioner with a meaningful gaze.

The Alliance Director smiled and extended his glass.

The rims of the glasses gently touched, producing a crisp "ding" sound, a tacit understanding, and the contract was sealed.

The banquet proceeded in a lively atmosphere.

Exquisite dishes were served one after another.

The dishes were very elaborate.

The waiters, dressed in formal and smart uniforms, moved nimbly around the long tables, refilling wine and changing plates.

The silver cutlery occasionally clinked against the bone china plates, producing a crisp sound.

The food was good, the wine was good, but the people were a bit lacking. However, judging from the lady across the table, it wasn't that she couldn't eat.

Ferdinand kept talking.

He spoke of the Federation's operas, poems, and songs, his outstanding performance at the Higher Academy, and his deep longing for the long and brilliant culture of the Liernia Empire.

Liernia has a brilliant culture.

That's quite honest of them.

His words were filled with undisguised admiration and a naked desire for power.

Orion has no prejudice against people who are power-hungry, and it would be even better if they weren't after him.

Ferdinand tried to amuse him with human humor, his eyes constantly watching his reactions with bated breath.

He's still a bit naive. A cunning old fox like the Alliance Director would never let others see his true reaction.

Pretending to be calm makes others seem somewhat foolish.

"Your Highness, do you know? I recently hired the best language tutor and learned some of the common language of Lyrnia. Although what I know so far is still quite basic..." Ferdinand eagerly expressed his desire, desperately wanting Orion's praise.

Orion is a little bored.

But you can't let him find out.

Maintaining perfect listening posture, responding with a smile or nod when appropriate, and occasionally offering a few ambiguous words of praise are enough to make his heart race.

"That's really good."

"Lelnia has been quiet for too long and certainly needs fresh blood like yours, full of vitality."

......

Anyone can say nice things.

Just say a few words, treat it like a pet dog, it won't cost you anything.

It's not bad to think of him as a clown; he has a real talent for being a buffoon.

Ferdinand was lost in the illusion of favor that Orion had casually woven, like a moth drawn to a flame.

He couldn't see the indifference in Orion's icy eyes, nor could he see his boredom.

The Alliance Commissioner was probably quite satisfied with his son's performance and Orion's response.

He no longer personally engaged in small talk, but instead leisurely enjoyed his wine, occasionally interjecting a word or two to steer the conversation toward a more pragmatic direction.

The Alliance Director took a sip of his drink, his tone seemingly casual: "Your Highness Orion, as you know, sometimes an overly large shady tree can actually prevent new seedlings from enjoying the sunshine and rain. At this point, the seedlings should be transplanted; otherwise, even the best soil will struggle to produce the fruitful results that both sides expect."

Orion agreed without batting an eye: "Indeed. Sunshine and rain are indeed precious. Seedlings always have to weather the storms."

The Alliance Director stated directly, "Now that the Empire and the Federation have begun exchanges, I intend to send Ferdinand to the Empire for further studies. I wonder if His Highness Orion could look after him during his two years of study in Liernia?"

Orion swirled the wine in his glass.

A clear liquid, containing some gold and silver dust, settled in the glass, swirling and tumbling as it was shaken. The light from the crystal chandelier fell in, refracting into tiny specks of light, creating a beautiful effect.

Orion tapped his fingertips lightly on the rim of the glass, producing a soft "tap." The gold and silver dust inside trembled slightly before settling back down. Orion suddenly found it amusing and smiled genuinely. "Of course, I'd love to."

It's certainly a good thing to exchange and learn from each other, but whether he'll live to see that day is another matter.

The director gave a knowing, meaningful smile.

If Ferdinand can stay at Orion's mansion for two years, that should be enough to make things irreversible.

He raised his glass in a toast to Orion.

The glasses clinked again, the "clink" even louder than before, and the second contract was sealed.

The seemingly harmonious exchange of toasts and drinks was genuine.

A cool, observing gaze pierced through the clamor and extravagance, landing directly on Orion's face.

Orion knew its origin without even turning his head.

Only one person in this family understands.

The lady remained silent.

She sat gracefully, her beautiful eyes fixed on Orion, barely touching the food in front of her.

The crescent-shaped gem brooch that Orion had brought was pinned to her chest.

very beautiful.

She herself was like a beautiful brooch, a striking adornment for the Alliance Director.

She listened to the conversation at the table, her fingers gripping the hem of her skirt tightly under the table where no one could see, her knuckles white and stiff, her fingertips almost piercing the fabric.

Her gaze passed through the carefully arranged flowers and flickering candlelight on the table, fixing firmly on Orion's face.

The forcibly suppressed anxieties and fears of a mother animal protecting her cubs.

Orion met her gaze, his smile remaining unchanged, even softening slightly.

interesting.

The malice in his eyes was clearly reflected in his wife's pupils.

The lady was certain once again that he was not normal.

He is a beast disguised as an intelligent being.

She saw no warmth or empathy that intelligent beings should possess; to him, everyone seemed like livestock and rotten meat.

The lady trembled at this.

Did her husband and son really know what kind of person they were dealing with?

Ferdinand seemed to notice his mother's unusual silence. He turned to her and said, "Mom? Why aren't you eating? This bluefin tuna sauce must be your favorite."

The lady lowered her eyelashes, her thick lashes casting a small shadow under her eyes.

She turned her eyes, and a gentle smile quickly appeared on her face: "As you get older, your appetite is not as good as it used to be."

Ferdinand didn't seem to mind: "Mom, you're still very young."

The lady looked slightly weary, her gentle gaze falling on Ferdinand's face.

She reverted to her gentle demeanor: "I'm forty-five years old. I'm happy to see you young people having such a good time."

Age is not a topic to be discussed at this table.

Ferdinand didn't respond.

The lady picked up her gleaming silver fork, gracefully poked at a small piece of fish on her plate, and gently put it into her mouth.

The once delicious and succulent fish meat suddenly became fishy and cold, making people feel nauseous.

But she didn't show it, maintaining a calm and dignified demeanor as the hostess, continuing to play the role of a qualified decorative vase.

She could even smile at Orion when he looked at her.

Orion smiled back at her.

......

The dinner was drawing to a close.

The Alliance Director believes that tonight's events were fruitful and that both guests and hosts enjoyed themselves.

Seeing that Ferdinand was still chatting with Orion, and Orion showing no signs of impatience, Ferdinand stood up first, bowed slightly to Orion, and indicated that he was leaving.

"Your Highness Orion, I hope you enjoy your evening. I apologize, but I must take my leave now; there are still some urgent matters to attend to in my study. Please have Ferdinand and my wife entertain you in my stead later."

Everyone else at the table stood up to see him off.

Orion smiled and nodded at him. "I had a very pleasant evening, thank you very much. I understand you've been busy. Please make yourself at home."

The Alliance Director added, "After dinner, you are welcome to wander around this villa. The view from this holiday villa is truly wonderful."

"I saw it when I arrived, and I'm really looking forward to it."

"Ah, no need to see me out, no need to see me out. Please enjoy your meal. I'll take my leave now." The Alliance Director apologized to him again before leaving.

The air in the restaurant seemed to relax for a moment after he left.

But it was only for a moment.

Because Orion didn't sit down again, he buttoned up his suit jacket and smiled at his wife and Ferdinand, saying, "I've finished eating too. Please forgive me, but when I came, I saw the villa had a terrace, and I thought I'd go up there for some fresh air. I'm really sorry, I've been here for several days, and even today I'm still not used to the low oxygen levels on Earth."

Since he had already said that, naturally no one could stop him.

Ferdinand immediately seized the opportunity: "Mom, I'll go with Prince Orion to the terrace for some fresh air!"

Without looking back at his wife's expression, Ferdinand followed Orion closely to the stargazing terrace connected to the restaurant.

Beyond the massive terrace railings lies an endless, unobstructed expanse of sea, reflecting the starry sky.

The starlight and moonlight intertwined with the surging waves below, creating a shimmering effect.

Orion had just stepped onto the terrace when Ferdinand approached him.

"Your Highness..." Ferdinand's voice was urgent and breathless. He was very close, the heat emanating from his young body and the faint scent of cologne almost enveloping him. Starlight fell into his eyes, igniting two burning flames. "Did you really enjoy yourself tonight? I...did I say a lot of wrong things?"

Orion simply turned to the side, leaning against the door frame, half of his body bathed in the light streaming in from inside, while the other half disappeared into the deep darkness outside the terrace, giving him a cold glance back.

He was the same height as the Alpha, and in that eye contact, there was a pull that was different from that of a human omega.

Ferdinand was almost stunned.

In this interplay of light and shadow, his fingers seemed to glow.

Moonlight-like fingers plucked a rose from beside the terrace and then crushed it.

Flower juice smeared on his fingers.

"Your Excellency Ferdinand, I actually prefer to be spoken to when we are alone on one knee."

Orion's voice was very low, and against the backdrop of the starry night and the sea, it sounded like a matter of course.

The sea breeze blew, ruffling Orion's silver hair and carrying a faint, indescribable scent of pheromones, which also blew away Ferdinand's reason.

Ferdinand immediately knelt on one knee, nervously opening and closing his somewhat dry lips, his eyes filled with anticipation, like a puppy waiting to be petted by its owner.

"Very good. Your sincerity is one of the things that makes me happiest tonight." Orion slowly placed his hand on his head and patted it.

The scalp is one of the most sensitive parts of the human body.

The touch on his hair stirred countless hair roots. Ferdinand felt a sudden chill run down his spine, held his breath, and felt his heart pounding violently in his chest.

Orion pressed on the throbbing pulse in his brain's blood vessels, feeling the blood flowing under his skin, and rubbed it.

Ferdinand's Adam's apple bobbed violently, emitting a muffled, almost choked sound.

All words seemed to melt away under this intimate touch, leaving only heavy, rapid breathing. He froze on the spot, kneeling and looking up at him, his eyes burning with a sacrificial fervor, staring unblinkingly at Orion's indifferent expression.

He seemed to have truly transformed into a little dog, obediently awaiting his owner's favor.

But Orion found it boring and even wanted to bleed him.

The vein in your head is quite good.

If a cerebral artery is severed, the blood might spray three meters high.

......

At this tense moment, a light, hurried footstep came from behind them.

Although the person tried their best to control themselves, they couldn't quite manage it, and their footsteps quickened, revealing their unease.

Orion did not turn around.

Ferdinand was startled and abruptly took a step back to his feet, looking towards the source of the voice: "Mom?"