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Chapter 185 – Brutal Beastman Marshal vs. White Lotus, Black Lotus, Pitiful Plant Prince (12)
Although Cromwell wanted to spend more time with Mu Jin, he had just returned and had some urgent official business to attend to. So, in the afternoon, he left for a while and returned to his usual office to handle these matters.
After finishing his work, Cromwell summoned Wilson to inquire about Mu Jin’s recent activities. Wilson hadn’t left Mu Jin entirely on his own at the Imperial Academy; he had naturally placed some people around him to keep an eye on things.
Wilson, being a meticulous steward, was well-informed about every detail of Mu Jin’s time at the academy. He provided Cromwell with an objective report on Mu Jin’s recent situation.
Mu Jin, with his good nature, was indeed well-liked, but it was inevitable that he would face some conflicts with others. His unique status also attracted some trouble.
However, Mu Jin seemed to handle these matters with a calm heart, making many good friends at the Imperial Academy despite the challenges.
Despite Wilson’s reassuring words, Cromwell was not satisfied. He couldn’t bear the thought of his most precious partner suffering even the slightest harm.
When he heard that some people had dared to provoke and even mock Mu Jin, Cromwell felt an intense urge to tear them apart like enemies of the state.
Fortunately, Wilson managed to curb the marshal’s dangerous thoughts in time, reminding him that the students at the Imperial Academy were vastly different in strength from the imperial marshal.
Moreover, occasional conflicts among students were quite common. Wilson believed it was better to let Mu Jin handle these situations himself. Although Cromwell could always protect him, it would be more beneficial for Mu Jin to integrate into his new environment independently.
Cromwell reluctantly calmed down upon hearing Wilson’s reasoning. However, he was still upset that Mu Jin, who only shared good news and kept troubles to himself, had been bullied at the academy without telling him.
After finishing all his official duties, Cromwell noticed it was late and assumed Mu Jin had already had dinner and returned to his room. He decided to go and discuss Mu Jin’s experiences at the academy.
Although the room was shared between them, out of respect, Cromwell knocked on the door before entering. Despite knocking for a while, there was no response from inside.
After hesitating, he decided to push the door open and found the room empty, with no sign of Mu Jin.
Puzzled, Cromwell wondered if his little partner had gone out. However, he thought Mu Jin would likely return soon, so he walked into the room and sat on the bed to wait for him.
To his surprise, not long after he sat down, the bathroom door opened, and Mu Jin, wearing Cromwell’s pajamas, stepped out.
Caught off guard by Cromwell’s presence in the room, Mu Jin stood there, stunned. Cromwell, equally surprised, didn’t know how to react.
He hadn’t anticipated catching Mu Jin just after his bath, and seeing him in the black pajamas—his own, no less—was a sight. Normally fitting Cromwell perfectly, the ordinary garment took on a unique charm when worn by Mu Jin.
Two bare legs, straight and long, revealed Mu Jin’s excellent proportions. Water droplets from his damp hair trickled down his cheeks and disappeared into his clothes. The shirt was too large for Mu Jin, so the collar hung open, exposing his fair skin and attractive collarbones.
His face, flushed from the hot water, looked so enticing that Cromwell momentarily found his breath quickening. Noticing Mu Jin’s bare feet and still-wet hair, he immediately began to worry about his partner’s health.
Acting on instinct, Cromwell walked over, gently pulled Mu Jin to sit on the bed, and naturally took the towel from Mu Jin’s hands. He began to dry Mu Jin’s hair with tender care.
Cromwell’s hands were incredibly gentle, a stark contrast to their ability to break an enemy’s neck in battle. He meticulously tended to Mu Jin, drying his hair strand by strand.
After a while, Cromwell realized just how close they were. The scent of his freshly bathed lover, a mix of lotus leaves and a hint of medicinal bitterness, was intoxicating. Though the records stated that Mu Jin had no special fragrance, Cromwell found his scent incredibly appealing, more so than any flower he had ever encountered.
After painstakingly drying Mu Jin’s hair, Cromwell looked at the well-behaved young man sitting beside him. Remembering what he had intended to discuss, he calmed himself and asked solemnly, “Why didn’t you tell me the truth?”
“Hmm?” Mu Jin looked at Cromwell in confusion, not understanding the question.
Cromwell’s expression turned to frustration as he continued, “I heard that someone at the Imperial Academy has been giving you a hard time. Why didn’t you tell me?”
Mu Jin was genuinely puzzled. He hadn’t felt any trouble at all. He generally didn’t care about others’ opinions, and the beastman at the Imperial Academy were mostly straightforward. He had made quite a few friends, so where was this discomfort coming from?
Mu Jin knew that Wilson had arranged for people to ensure his safety. As one of the most powerful figures in the entire Beastman Empire, many families wanted to curry favor with Cromwell through him. After receiving hints from Wilson, people had been particularly kind to him, making his time at the academy smooth and trouble-free. Hearing Cromwell’s words and seeing his agitated expression, Mu Jin was somewhat bewildered.
Fortunately, Cromwell quickly provided a clue. With his brows furrowed deeply, he said, “I’ve already heard about it. Don’t pay attention to what others say. You are excellent, the best in my eyes. If anyone makes you unhappy, you can always tell me. I will always be your support!”
Upon hearing his lover’s concern, Mu Jin’s eyes curved with a smile. Thinking of some possibilities, he explained to Cromwell, “I really don’t feel like anyone is targeting me. Most of the students at the Imperial Academy are very kind. Or maybe something happened that I didn’t notice? But if anyone really bullies me, I’ll definitely come to you for help!”
Cromwell finally felt reassured by Mu Jin’s words. He thought that while there might be some negative talk at school, it hadn’t actually harmed Mu Jin. Moreover, most of those who attempted to provoke his partner had already been dealt with by Wilson.
Perhaps Mu Jin was too innocent to realize that some behaviors were actually provocations? This thought made Cromwell feel both amused and helpless.
As long as it didn’t affect Mu Jin’s mood and allowed him to have a good time at the Imperial Academy, Cromwell wouldn’t worry about anything else.
Having clarified these issues, Cromwell’s attention returned to the present. Facing his freshly-bathed, sweet-smelling partner, he felt a bit helpless. He had been called to the front lines on their wedding night and had only returned after half a month. This was their second day together.
Mu Jin held an immense attraction for him. Cromwell wished he could devour his right then but didn’t dare make a move. He noticed the change in Mu Jin’s attitude towards him and believed sending his to study at the Imperial Academy was a great decision. Now, his partner finally had feelings for him.
Remembering how Mu Jin had baked cookies for him today and the clear joy on his face upon seeing him, Cromwell was determined not to be rough as he had been in the past. He feared that being too eager might frighten him again.
However, having his beloved right in front of him but being unable to touch was torture for any man. Cromwell refused to sleep in another room; he had rushed back from the battlefield to be with his lover.
Believing that even if he couldn’t have him, he needed to keep him within his sight to feel secure, Cromwell resolutely decided to stay in the room.
Seeing the heated gaze directed at him, Mu Jin shyly lowered his head. The atmosphere in the room grew increasingly intimate. Noticing the darkening sky outside, Cromwell leaned in and whispered in his ear, “It’s getting late. Let’s go to bed early.”
As soon as he spoke, he realized how hoarse his voice was. Watching the enticing figure before him, his throat tightened. Taking a deep breath, Cromwell removed his jacket and headed to the bathroom, intending to take a cold shower to calm himself down.
However, upon entering the bathroom, he found the steam had yet to dissipate. With his heightened senses, he could still smell Mu Jin’s lingering scent. Images of warm water cascading over fair skin flashed in his mind. Turning, he saw Mu Jin’s neatly folded clothes on the bathroom rack. Swallowing hard, Cromwell couldn’t resist picking up a piece of innerwear.
He brought the garment close to his face and inhaled deeply, filling his senses with the delightful scent. Turning on the shower, he didn’t set it to cold water as planned. Instead, he closed the bathroom door tightly behind him.
CORNWELL YOU PERVERT!!!