The Royal Military Academy's Impostor Owns a Dungeon [BL] novel Chapter 409

Chapter 409: Bonus

It could’ve been an unsteady hug, but it wasn’t because Xavier caught him.

The moment the little chipmunk cannonballed into his arms, the prince shifted, steadied, and let him cling tighter, face buried against his shoulder.

Luca sat on his lap, curling up like he belonged there, like they’d have to pry him away by force to make him leave.

But there was really no need to do that, as Xavier himself wrapped his arms around him.

Protective.

Reassuring.

And absolutely apologetic.

Because even now, he could feel how shaken Luca was.

Those golden eyes were shut tight in place for the ears that couldn’t be blocked, as if bracing and dreading for something he didn’t want to hear.

So he clung tighter, like he wanted to fuse with Xavier’s chest and disappear.

But instead of starting with comforting words, the worried husband started gently patting his back.

"I’m sorry, Luca. I didn’t think it through and only assumed I was doing what’s best for us."

However, instead of relaxing, Xavier felt his little wife stiffen, only to be greeted with a worried face.

"No. It’s me who should be sorry..."

The prince blinked, taking a moment before realizing he needed to ask, "Huh, why?"

Luca wasn’t sure what to start with because Xavier’s words didn’t exactly make that much sense to him, but if it’s related to how he was looking at him, then surely, it must’ve been his fault, right?

Was it his face? Or was he too much?

He wasn’t sure.

But if anything, he surely needed to apologize for making a mountain out of a molehill.

"I’m sorry for making a fuss," Luca says softly. "For being upset. For not knowing what to do with what I feel."

Xavier was admittedly stunned because clearly he should’ve known his wife better by now.

"Luca," he said softly. "You have nothing to apologize for."

"But—"

"No," Xavier cut in, gently leaning back just enough to cup Luca’s cheeks. "For one, it wasn’t because of you. It was because I lacked self-control."

He exhaled, thumbing under Luca’s eye as he explained why this wasn’t something he should really apologize for.

"You were doing your best. You always do. And you reacted like anyone would when someone they care about acts unusually distant."

The struggling guide blinked rapidly.

"Luca, you don’t have to apologize for how you feel."

"Emotions aren’t things we could just control. At best, we could manage it, but more often than not, what we’re accountable for would be our actions in response to our emotions."

"And in this case, you responded well."

Luca stared at him, wide-eyed. "How is that even possible...?"

"For someone in your position," Xavier continued, "who didn’t understand what was going on, who had every reason to spiral, you reached out. You held back from blaming me. You asked. And you even waited patiently for my answer."

"That’s more than most adults would manage."

Luca frowned slightly. "But I kicked up such a fuss."

Xavier gave a soft chuckle.

"You’re wearing three of my coats, not leading a rebellion."

He leaned in, pressing their foreheads together.

"And I’m glad you kicked up a fuss."

"Otherwise, I wouldn’t have known I made you feel that way."

"And that’s something I never want to happen again."

"So don’t apologize, not for this. And not for feeling one way or another."

"If you feel upset, you have every right to feel that way," Xavier continued. "If you feel worried, or concerned, or angry...that’s okay too."

He paused and tilted his head slightly.

"All you need to remember is that feeling it doesn’t mean you get to act however you want because of it."

"...What do you mean?" Luca asked, confused.

Xavier hummed. "Well, for example—I’m angry at the people of Tesseris. And I would like to get rid of the entire planet."

"What?! But—but what about the people?! That’s illegal, isn’t it?!"

"That’s exactly my point," he said. "I feel like I want to destroy them, but because that’s illegal, I have to find better, legal ways to express it."

"No, my wife," he said with a pained chuckle. "You should probably be angry if I end up going to jail for being irresponsible."