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Chapter 180 – Brutal Beastman Marshal vs. White Lotus, Black Lotus, Pitiful Plant Prince (07)
When Cromwell heard Mu Jin speak like that, he almost burst out laughing at the little guy’s conflicted expression. He couldn’t help but marvel at how adorable this little guy was.
If all the spies sent by the Plant Empire were like this, Cromwell doubted he could bring himself to deal harshly with any of them.
Unable to resist, he bent down and kissed the crown of Mu Jin’s head. Seeing the surprise in those deep emerald cat-like eyes, Cromwell found it amusing. He knew that even if the other party handed over the prescription to help Mu Jin please him, it wouldn’t be anything truly vital.
For the Plant Empire, potions were their trump card. This was just a small favor to test him. If they had given him a prescription with extraordinary healing properties right away, Cromwell would have doubted its authenticity.
However, the little guy in front of him seemed unaware of the difference in value between prescriptions in the Beastman Empire and the Plant Empire. While such a prescription might be insignificant in the Plant Empire, it was enough to drive many people crazy in the Beastman Empire.
The Beastman Empire’s vegetation wasn’t exactly barren, but medicines were scarce. Most beastmen relied on their robust physiques and powerful self-healing abilities. Here, research into potions had stagnated, unable to break the Plant Empire’s monopoly.
Even though he realized that the little guy in front of him had ulterior motives, Cromwell knew that their marriage was a union of interests. Such things were within his expectations.
Moreover, when Wilson had just spoken to him, he had hinted that this fifth prince of the Plant Empire hadn’t had an easy life.
Cromwell knew that Plant people were not as loyal to their partners as Beastmen. The emperor of the Plant Empire had countless concubines in his harem, not to mention numerous children.
This little prince, who was sent here for an arranged marriage, likely had a hard life in the Plant Empire’s palace. Those people who sent him here didn’t just want him to marry; they also wanted to use him as a spy, squeezing out his last bit of value. It was truly despicable.
Cromwell couldn’t muster any anger toward Mu Jin. Instead, he detested those who sought to use him. He felt fortunate that the little guy had come here through the arranged marriage. Otherwise, he might have been devoured by the scheming people in the Plant Empire’s palace.
The Marshal worried that his little partner was too innocent, but he also thought that if Mu Jin could remain this innocent, he might live a more carefree and happy life.
Considering that the child in front of him was barely twenty, just an adult, Cromwell realized how young he was compared to himself. He reached out and ruffled Mu Jin’s hair a bit harder, watching as the little guy held his hair in disbelief, looking at him.
Cromwell smiled, finding his little partner even more adorable. Following his heart, he pulled Mu Jin into his arms.
“M-Marshal!” Mu Jin couldn’t help but exclaim. Cromwell heard the tension and fear in his voice, even though Mu Jin was trying hard to relax and not resist him.
However, it was clear that his little partner had not truly accepted him from the bottom of his heart. Even if he reluctantly accepted their relationship, it was more out of resignation.
Silently sighing, Cromwell felt a bit disappointed, but he didn’t let go. This was his chosen partner, and he was determined to treat him well. In time, the little guy would realize that only he was the most suitable for him.
The two of them embraced quietly for a while before Cromwell finally let go. Seeing the little guy’s face flushed red, he felt even more affectionate towards him.
He didn’t want to force anything on him right away. Although they had already completed the wedding and some things seemed natural to follow, today was also the first day they had met. For the person he truly loved, he was willing to consider his feelings.
Cromwell hoped Mu Jin would relax. He envied his adjutant, Kofi, who was always talkative. If it were Kofi here, he would know how to say the right things to make the little guy happy.
Regretting that he had left the little guy alone in the Marshal’s residence for so long without visiting, Cromwell felt it was quite rude. He sincerely apologized to Mu Jin, “I’m sorry I haven’t been back these past few days.”
Upon hearing this, Mu Jin immediately waved his hands in a fluster, saying, “It’s okay, Grandpa Wilson already told me how busy you are with work. Don’t worry, I won’t disturb you!”
Seeing Mu Jin’s obedient demeanor, Cromwell gently stroked his round little face. He couldn’t help but think that, although the military wasn’t exactly a leisurely place, if it were this little guy disturbing him, he’d actually love to be disturbed all the time.
Cromwell then asked Mu Jin about his experiences in the Marshal’s residence during his absence, and Mu Jin recounted his daily life. Cromwell noticed that when Mu Jin talked about the food, his eyes lit up.
This amused Cromwell, making him wonder if Mu Jin was a hidden foodie. Yet, during dinner, Mu Jin hadn’t eaten much. His manners were impeccable, but it was clear he was very restrained.
In Cromwell’s impression, Plant people did consume food but in small quantities, and they seemed to prefer drinks like dew and spring water. The highest quality dew was found only in specific areas of the Beastman Empire.
Since this premium dew was produced in an enemy nation, it often served as a valuable trade item in exchange for potions with the Plant Empire. Only the Plant Empire’s nobility could enjoy such luxuries, making it very expensive in the Beastman Empire. However, with Cromwell’s status, obtaining some was easy.
Thinking about bringing back more delicious things to please his little partner, Cromwell discreetly inquired about Mu Jin’s food preferences. Sure enough, when the topic of food came up, Mu Jin visibly relaxed.
This made Cromwell feel both amused and a bit heartbroken. Though Mu Jin didn’t explicitly express it, Cromwell could tell from his hints that his life in the Plant Empire had been far from easy.
While it wasn’t as though Mu Jin had been starving, he had clearly been neglected. Even food had been rationed, which explained his frail appearance. When Mu Jin mentioned the simple fruits he had eaten at the Marshal’s residence and couldn’t help but swallow, it made Cromwell’s heart ache.
However, Cromwell’s worries were somewhat exaggerated. The original Mu Jin indeed had a tough time in the Plant Empire’s palace, especially in his childhood when he was harshly treated, but he never went hungry. Things improved somewhat after meeting the protagonist, Bai Qian. Although Bai Qian was just a servant, he was diligent and earned a modest income, enough to ensure they both had sufficient food, even if it wasn’t anything luxurious.
Mu Jin was content with this. Later, he attached himself to the second prince, Mu Chen, to uncover information about his biological mother. Outwardly, Mu Jin’s situation improved, and he even helped Bai Qian occasionally. Unfortunately, these better days were short-lived, disrupted by the arranged marriage.
Their conversation went smoothly, with Cromwell carefully restraining his imposing aura. Although Mu Jin was still nervous, he was visibly more at ease.
Watching Mu Jin’s adorable expression and his luscious red lips moving as he spoke, Cromwell felt an urge to kiss him. Yet, he hesitated, remembering Wilson’s stern warnings not to act impulsively and scare the little guy.
Despite these internal struggles, their relationship had improved significantly. Cromwell was discreetly pondering how to become closer with Mu Jin when suddenly his communicator rang with an urgent call.
Seeing the caller ID, Cromwell reluctantly answered. His adjutant, Kofi, apologized and reported, “Sir, I’m sorry to disturb you, but we’ve detected Zerg in the southeast region. They seem to have found a weak point in our defense shield and are concentrating their attack there. The situation is critical and requires your immediate command.”
Hearing this, Cromwell’s brows furrowed deeply. He looked at Mu Jin, who was curiously observing him, feeling extremely unwilling. This was their wedding night, and even though he wasn’t planning to rush things, he didn’t want anything to spoil such an important evening. Nonetheless, he knew Kofi wouldn’t dare to interrupt unless the situation was truly dire.
Quickly ending the call, Cromwell told Kofi he would depart immediately. Turning to Mu Jin with a troubled expression, he pressed his lips together and said, “I’m sorry, Mu Jin, there’s an emergency at the military base. I may have to be away for a few days.”
Where’s chapter 179