The Royal Military Academy's Impostor Owns a Dungeon [BL] novel Chapter 636

Chapter 636: The Death of Hope

But like a rollercoaster ride, the Empress, who had felt like she’d reached the peak only to drop suddenly, got alerted when Luca spoke.

He looked hesitant, but still continued either way.

"I think there are other, more important things. Because if it’s romance, then it’s important to consider the feelings of several people."

The boy spoke with the air of someone who had spent far too long pondering this, yet the truth was simple.

Luca, who had learned about love not from his first life but from the people around him now—most of all Xavier—was only pointing out what had been shown to him. The things that made him feel loved.

The disguised Empress leaned forward without realizing it. Her shadows stiffened behind their feeds, holding their collective breath. Every single one of them wanted to hang on to the next words.

Then Luca said, earnest and bright, "Well, it’s very important to be honest with each other. Not only is it a sign of respect, but it’s also a sign of trust."

He looked like a little saint as he said it. Golden eyes wide, voice steady, his whole face glowing with conviction.

BANG!

It was like the Empress had been shot.

Her first instinct was to clutch her chest because that one landed like a cannonball—a massive hit.

Respect? Trust? Honesty?

Did the boy have to go straight for the jugular?!

Because just look at what they were doing right now! Sitting here in disguises, spinning half-truths, while the one person who mattered most was laying down the law of love like a sacred scripture.

And what to do now? Because that was basically the exact problem for Xavier, who had a closet so full of skeletons it could start its own army.

The shadows wilted silently in the background. The Imperial couple’s hidden aides could almost see the giant mountain looming in front of their Crown Prince.

Meanwhile, Luca blinked innocently at the Empress’s sudden reaction.

"Ma’am? Did I say something wrong?"

Her throat clicked as she forced a smile. "No, no. You’re absolutely right. I definitely agree."

She leaned closer, her voice soft but eager. "And... what other things do you think are important to consider?"

Her smile was sweet. Her heart, however, was bracing for another bullet.

Luca shifted a little in his seat, his golden eyes thoughtful. "I think... compatibility is also important," he said gently. "It takes time. Both people need to consider and learn each other’s preferences."

He smiled faintly, as if remembering something precious. "It must be really satisfying to be loved in the way you want to be loved. And since every person has something unique to them, what works for others might not work for you. So you have to take the time to find out what’s right for both."

He sounded like a sage. A wise teacher dispensing truths of the heart.

In reality? He was just parroting every single lesson Xavier had drilled into him.

But when the little chipmunk, proud of his progress, looked up to see the lady’s reaction, he froze.

She looked like she had just been struck by lightning.

The Empress had to stifle a gasp, her persona nearly cracking as misery swallowed her whole.

Because how could she ignore this?

Take time? Her son barely had time.

Consider preferences? Her son had been raised on "my way or no way."

Learn how to love someone the way they wanted? Her son’s romance experience consisted of terrifying people into never asking questions.

Every single word out of Luca’s mouth was like being pelted with boulders. She was drowning, choking, being forced into defeat by the most innocent boy alive.

Psychologically bloody and beaten, the extremely worried mother still managed to croak out the dreaded question. "Like... in your case, what would you particularly appreciate?"

The effect was immediate.

Luca’s cheeks went crimson, blooming red like a flower at dawn. His hands twisted in his lap. His lips parted, closed, parted again.

The Empress’s heart lurched in terror.

That reaction. That horrifyingly specific blush. She knew that reaction! That was the reaction of someone who had very, very specific memories and feelings.

"!!!"

"Oh, um, well..." Luca squirmed, his voice quiet. He looked ready to sink into his chair. But then, as if remembering something, he straightened a little. His blush remained, but his eyes shone with a kind of pride.

"Someone who could cook," he began.

The Empress stiffened.

"Someone who would be patient with me. Someone willing to learn about my interests, willing to listen to my stories."

Her shadows nearly toppled over from their hidden posts.

"Someone with a really nice and calming voice. Someone who gives great power hugs."

The Empress gripped her knees so tightly she thought the chair would splinter.

"Someone who cares about rest. Someone whose back is very reliable. Someone who would handwrite letters so I could keep them and collect them."

The litany went on, each word like a nail hammered into the coffin of her fragile hope.

It was a death sentence.

Handwritten letters? Power hugs? Cooking?! Drying hair?! A nice and calming voice?!

What in the frozen stars was she supposed to do with this list?!

Her son. Her son, who communicated in nods and glowers, was nowhere near this list. He was more likely to sharpen weapons than chop vegetables. And worse, he could probably terrify a pen into writing, but had probably never produced a letter other than a demand letter in his life.

This was doomed.

Completely doomed.

The fragile flame of hope she had been guarding with her life sputtered and died.

W-what to do?!

Meanwhile, Luca finished with a little flourish, nodding to himself as if ticking off the last of a grocery list. His smile was shy but content. "Wow... there’s actually a lot," he murmured.

Verify captcha to read the contentVerify