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

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."

Luca gasped.

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

A chuckle threatened to come out of the prince’s mouth as he leaned forward to place a light kiss on the tip of Luca’s nose.

"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."

Luca stared at him, stunned. "But...why would you even want to do that?"

"Why? Because they didn’t treat you well."

Maybe the room was getting hotter, because Luca couldn’t help but flush at this, the back of his neck feeling like he’d been standing in front of a flame.

"I—Xavier! You shouldn’t be that hasty... What if you go to jail?!"

He looked genuinely distressed, the kind that made his mouth tremble and his hands tighten around Xavier’s sleeve.

And maybe the worry was warranted since he’d seen the mountain giant deal with untoward people before.

It wasn’t impossible.

But Xavier looked at him before asking, "Would that be a problem?" he teased. "Would you stop liking me if I got arrested?"

Luca’s face scrunched up again.

Not because he had an answer, but because the question made him panic a little.

"Hey," he whispered quickly. "Sorry. I was just teasing."

He rubbed Luca’s back again, gently and slowly.

"I won’t go to jail. I promise. I’ll stay out of trouble."

However, Luca, whose face maintained that look, just suddenly said, "No."

"No?"

"Yeah..." Luca’s voice dropped a little. "I won’t stop liking you if you go to jail."

The prince blinked, thinking he had misheard, until he looked at Luca’s face, which bore no humor.

Then exhaled through his nose as his soul quietly left his body.

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

He gave Luca a look—fond, bewildered, already planning future interventions to protect his kind and innocent wife.

Maybe a full foam wrap would be needed.

But Luca only tilted his head before frowning.

"...Didn’t you just say that we can’t control our emotions?" His golden eyes were serious now, brows furrowed like he was solving an ethical dilemma.

"Then why would I have to be angry if I’m not?"

"Ah."

He’s been had.

He, the hypocrite, had been out-argued on his own logic by a chipmunk in three jackets.

The corner of Xavier’s lips curved up at this unexpected retort.

Before Luca could blink, the prince had leaned forward and pressed a kiss to his forehead.

"You’re such a fast learner," he whispered against his skin.

"Yes...You’re right. No one can dictate how you feel."

Xavier pulled back, amused, but couldn’t help but note his new debts.

"But that means I officially owe you."

"...Owe me?" Now that sounded incredulous to Luca, who couldn’t understand where this debt had come from.

The prince nodded solemnly. "An explanation, an action plan, and two mood boosters."

"Mood boosters?"

"Yeah. We can’t just delete hurt with an apology. But we can try to lift the mood."

Xavier watched as Luca considered it before his face brightened ever so slightly as if remembering something.

"Oh!"

Well, the prince was right because those words reminded Luca of his earlier conversation with Ollie.

Hugs.

Pats.

And getting tucked in.

So he mentioned them, and suddenly, Xavier wasn’t sure if this was a way to repay debts or if he was the one getting an unfair and definitely undeserved bonus.

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