“Colonel Maurice,” Jiang Yun finally spoke, his tone slow and calm, “Tell me, under those conditions, under such hostile visibility, in the middle of Olin’s tightest military lockdown, what kind of concept is it to hit Wickliff square in the head with a single flawless shot?”
“You don’t know?” Maurice looked genuinely surprised. “Lu Huai never talked to you about this?”
Jiang Yun glanced at him, voice dry. “Of course not. As everyone knows, we don’t talk at night.”
Maurice found that last sentence odd but his mind was too occupied with the stunning precision of that sniper’s shot to think further.
“That shot was…” Maurice trailed off, wanting to explain it with all the professional terms he knew but when the words reached his lips, they condensed into two simple ones. “Truly dazzling.”
Jiang Yun’s expression flickered slightly.
“What’s his name? Is he someone from the military?” Maurice asked, his tone laced with awe and admiration. “Do I know him?”
Jiang Yun turned toward him and met his eyes. “What if I told you that my plan has never changed?”
Maurice’s face suddenly paled. “You mean…?”
“That sniper wasn’t one of mine,” Jiang Yun said. “He doesn’t belong to me.”
Maurice sucked in a sharp breath, as if he’d just heard the start of a horror story. “Then whose man is he?”
Jiang Yun replied calmly, “I can’t be completely sure yet.”
“Not completely sure?” Maurice’s voice grew heavy, a chill running up his spine as though some creature in the dark had fixed its eyes on him.
“Jiang Yun, you have to tell me everything you know about this sniper. Whether he’s part of the Alliance or not is critical to our safety here on Frost Desolation Star.”
“You want an answer? Fine.” Jiang Yun’s voice was crisp. “But before I finish, don’t interrupt me.”
Once the Foreign Minister began a formal statement, no one was allowed to cut him off. It was a habit.
Maurice instinctively straightened into a soldier’s stance. “Yes, sir.”
“After my initial analysis,” Jiang Yun began, “The sniper who blew Wickliff’s head apart could be one of three possibilities.”
“First, he might be working for Ian Tang.”
“You must have noticed it too,” Jiang Yun continued, “The Fool is far less obedient and respectful toward the Politts than he pretends to be.”
“Politt has publicly berated and humiliated Ian Tang multiple times, even usurped him as the highest ranking Olin official on Ice Wasteland.”
“With Wickliff’s death, Politt will surely be too distraught to manage affairs and Ian Tang could easily regain Yamashiro Bo’s favor.”
“So yes, Ian Tang had a motive.”
“However,” Jiang Yun’s voice cooled, “Knowing him, I doubt he’d choose such a straightforward and efficient method as assassination by sniper. Ian prefers plots and schemes. Therefore, I assign this possibility a probability of only thirty percent.”
“The second possibility, the Intelligence Bureau. The one they call ‘Puppet.’”
Jiang Yun pulled up an encrypted file from his neural terminal, reviewing the classified dossier again. At his request, Agatha had unlocked all access for him.
File Status: Fully Activated
Codename: Puppet
Gender: Male, Alpha
Age: 28
Education: Ovitt Military Academy, [Special Admission]
Current Rank: Major
Affiliation: Intelligence Bureau, Division Six
Security Clearance: Top Secret
Skill Evaluation: Long-range Shooting [Expert], Ballistics Calculation [Expert], Network Infiltration [Expert], Stealth and Evasion [Expert], Explosives [Advanced]
Current Status: Missing in Action
Last Known Location: Belloc Planet, Olin Imperial Capital
Defection Risk: Extremely Low
Immediate Supervisor: Agatha May
“…Puppet has been undercover within Olin’s military logistics division and is currently out of contact with the Bureau,” Jiang Yun explained.
“Perhaps he learned of the Bureau’s assassination plan for Wickliff through channels unknown to me and decided, for reasons of his own, to act today. As far as I know, Puppet himself is an exceptionally skilled sniper. If the sniper who killed Wickliff was Puppet, that would make it the most likely scenario, with a sixty-nine percent probability.”
At this point, Jiang Yun paused. His deep black eyes drifted back toward the window, as if staring into the frozen light and seeing someone on the other side.
“…And then,” he said softly, “There’s the remaining one percent.”
Maurice had been waiting for that third possibility but Jiang Yun didn’t continue. His silence stretched.
Finally, Maurice couldn’t help but ask, “And that one percent?”
Perhaps because that one percent seemed too small, too impossible to mention, Jiang Yun gave no answer this time.
His eyelashes lowered and his eyes grew darker, sinking into a depth of thought no one could follow.
No one knew what he was thinking. Maurice stared at Jiang Yun’s still, calm profile until his own gaze began to blur.
The Olin military’s search for the sniper lasted through the entire night.
Politt Lu’s condition had deteriorated so badly that he now relied on tranquilizers to stay conscious. Naturally, Ian Tang once again gained Shan Chengbo’s trust, becoming the acting commander of all operations on Frost Desolation Star.
Alphas, after all, possessed a frightening amount of stamina.
Despite working through the night, Olin’s foreign minister looked remarkably refreshed when he walked into the Rescue, his steps light and almost buoyant.
Compared to his demeanor at the border station a few days earlier, the red-haired Alpha now seemed entirely reborn.
Following Cheng Chi and Zhong Man, Ian entered the conference room, where Jiang Yun was conducting a remote meeting.
At first, the red-haired Alpha was puzzled as to why Jiang Yun would invite him in mid-meeting, until his eyes fell on the holographic figure of a bespectacled Alpha on the screen. Then, understanding dawned.
“…Though the process was somewhat arduous, Minister Jiang’s request has been approved,” Miyazawa said in his ever-gentle tone.
His words were meant for both Jiang Yun and Ian. “Half an hour ago, three S-class CY6 warships departed from the capital’s military port. In twelve hours, they’ll reach the shared territory between Olin and the Alliance for a joint ‘military exercise’…”
Ian couldn’t help but sigh inwardly.
The Prime Minister had told him to delay things as much as possible. He’d known it would only be a matter of time but he hadn’t expected Jiang Yun to act even faster and more decisively than he imagined.
Jiang Yun’s authority within the Alliance had long surpassed the limits of his position and for an Omega, such power was not necessarily a blessing.
“I understand,” Jiang Yun said simply.
Miyazawa seemed about to add more but Jiang Yun cut him off politely. “I have a guest. Excuse me.”
Miyazawa paused, smiled faintly. “Very well. Then take care on Frost Desolation, ”
Jiang Yun ended the call unilaterally. Sitting back in his large leather chair, fingers interlaced atop the desk, he lifted his eyes toward Ian and said silently, speaking.
Ian smiled like a spring breeze. “The weather is rather pleasant today. For once, it’s not snowing on Frost Desolation Star. Would you care to take a walk with me, Minister Jiang?”
Jiang Yun raised an eyebrow. Ian’s smile deepened. “Perhaps we could visit the research institute, to pay respects to your late husband.”
Jiang Yun finally spoke his first words to Ian that day. “You’ve found the sniper?”
“Not yet.” Ian’s tone was open, almost sincere. “But as you said yourself, no matter what’s happened, the agreement between our two sides has already been signed. It’s time for us to uphold our end.”
Jiang Yun leaned back in his chair. “You’re more cooperative than I expected.”
“Ah, that might be because…” Ian bent slightly beside him, lowering his voice to something only the two of them could hear. “You’ve given me quite the gift. It’s only proper to return the favor, isn’t it?”
Something flickered in Jiang Yun’s eyes. So that thirty percent probability could now be crossed off the list.
“I’m not sure I understand,” Jiang Yun said, turning his head just enough to avoid Ian’s falling red hair brushing against his own face. “And this ‘gift’ you speak of?”
Ian straightened, lips curving with layered meaning. “Why, the chance to share a room with a beauty like you, of course. That alone is a precious gift.”
Jiang Yun gave a short, dry laugh and rose from his seat, walking toward the door. “There are no eternal enemies, only eternal interests. Power truly is the best nourishment for you Alphas, isn’t it, Lord Ian?”
“You flatter me.” Ian followed with long strides, stepping ahead to open the door. His red eyes gleamed faintly as he looked at Jiang Yun. “But power, Minister, is just as nourishing for a beautiful and brilliant Omega like yourself.”
Just as Ian said, for once, it wasn’t snowing on Frost Desolation Star which was also known as Ice Wasteland planet.
The light of the distant sun spilled across the ancient ice that had existed for millions of years, scattering into layers of prismatic brilliance that painted the world with iridescent hues.
The crew of the Rescue had long been prepared for today.
The long black convoy moved steadily toward the research institute. The sixteen-star flag of the Alliance fluttered from each vehicle, the fabric twisting in the wind like a living flame.
Lu Chao and Jiang Mu sat side by side in the third car, both wearing identical black suits.
Jiang Mu held a bouquet of soft pink cluster roses in his arms. Lu Chao, on the other hand, cradled a small mecha model, something he’d bought with his modest allowance.
After much persuasion (and near exasperation) from his elder brother, he’d finally abandoned the idea of offering his latest math test as a “gift” for his father’s return.
The entire journey was shrouded in silence. The air in the car was solemn, heavy.
Lu Chao thought perhaps he should say something to lighten the mood. He’d never met his Alpha father but somehow he felt that his father wouldn’t want their reunion to look so grim.
But even he, usually the most talkative one, found that no words would come.
His Alpha father…
Lu Chao lowered his eyes, staring at the mecha model he’d built alone. His feelings tangled into something he couldn’t quite name.
There was one thing he’d never told anyone, sometimes, he wished his father could also be interested in mecha like him.
He knew that if he asked, his father would surely indulge him, would sit beside him and help him assemble pieces even if he didn’t understand them. But Lu Chao didn’t want his father to be bored when he did.
He shook his head to clear those thoughts and looked at his father sitting in front of him.
Jiang Yun’s eyes were closed, resting. His arms were folded, his suit pockets smooth and flat. He wasn’t carrying anything.
Dad’s still angry with him, Lu Chao thought. His father hadn’t prepared any kind of welcome gift for his Alpha.
The convoy rolled to a stop at the front gates of the research institute.
Lu Chao was the first to get out, as always, hurrying to help his father and brother down.
Jiang Yun extended his gloved left hand, letting Lu Chao support him as he stepped out of the car.
“…Hm?” Lu Chao felt something faintly raised beneath his fingertips, a fine circular ridge around his father’s finger. Curious, he asked, “Dad, are you wearing something on your hand?”
Jiang Yun didn’t answer. He simply walked ahead, heading straight toward the research institute’s towering doors.
✦ ✧ ✦
Cressilia
[Translator]
☕ A LITTLE SOMETHING FOR THE TRANSLATOR
✧ Your mission, should you choose to accept it: FEED THE TRANSLATOR. ✧
☕ BUY THEM A COFFEE →
✧ (づ｡•ㅅ•｡)づ ☕ ✧
✦ thank you for reading ✦
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ChaptersChapter 1 · Who can compare to Colonel Lu?Chapter 2 · He should be deadChapter 3 · How were we born?Chapter 4 · That’s where Colonel died..Chapter 5 · No one knows my pheromone than Colonel LuChapter 6 · Colonel Lu’s remainsChapter 7 · Heat is approachingChapter 8 · CheckmateChapter 9 · A dream liked married lifeChapter 10 · What might be his pregnancy be like?Chapter 11 · He thought he would be the father of two childrenChapter 12 · So we just hang Colonel Lu on the wall?Chapter 13 · Finally, I have something to say to my wifeChapter 14 · Why doesn’t Colonel Lu understandChapter 15 · He doesn’t Love MeChapter 16 · You’ll see him soonChapter 17 · So casual, so carelessChapter 18 Part 1 · He.. He’s looking at meChapter 18 Part 2 · He..He’s looking at meChapter 19 · Lu Huai is still aliveChapter 20 · Wait until I bring back your zombie Alpha dadChapter 21 · Long time no see, Jiang YunChapter 22 · I still have that qualificationChapter 23 · It still tastes sweet when you kiss itChapter 24 · He seems to have forgotten how to act cuteChapter 25 · The two unfortunate children were completely terrifiedChapter 26 · Please make yourself at home.Chapter 27 · Hello, UncleChapter 28 · Am I not your deceased husband?Chapter 29 · Don’t you love me anymore?Chapter 30 · Our home is No. 5, Qianshui RoadChapter 31 · Is he… here to keep him company?Chapter 32 · What exactly did Alpha bring me?Chapter 33 · Thanks a lot, brothers!Chapter 34 · Hi?Chapter 35 · I only let you take care of the child for one dayChapter 36 · Did you have thoughts when you ‘died’?Chapter 37 · Put a double bed in your homeChapter 38 · They both suffered heavy lossesChapter 39 · Welcome back to the Alphas’ arena.Chapter 40 · Why should I lower myself?Chapter 41 · I have learned that Colonel Lu Huai is still aliveChapter 42 · They are sensitive and vulnerableChapter 43 · He would also feel regret.Chapter 44 · When a child is quiet, they’re definitely up to somethingChapter 45 · Dad, you have such a good eye for choosing a husband!Chapter 46 · Who made it wear a colonel’s uniform?Chapter 47 · I love him very muchChapter 48 · Okay, I believe youChapter 49 · I remember you went pretty hard on him at the end.Chapter 50 · Colonel Lu, don’t be too fierceChapter 51 · To…make up for the regretChapter 52 · A perfect match!Chapter 53 · Colonel Lu, let’s get married!Chapter 54 · When will you finally learn to stop talking nonsense?Chapter 55 · My darlings, we’re homeChapter 56 · Babies, please stopChapter 57 · I’m about to enter my heat cycle, not my due dateChapter 58 · Is he complaining to his wife?Chapter 59 · The only lieChapter 60 · Colonel Lu, the babies are all crying.Chapter 61 · Dad, Colonel Lu bullied me.Chapter 62 · A large number of foreign ministersChapter 63 · Jiang Mu definitely likes handsome guys tooChapter 64 · First time bringing a partner to a major diplomatic occasionChapter 65 · You’re still as handsome as you were back thenChapter 66 · Bedtime Strategic PartnerChapter 67 · How can you be so good at threatening people?Chapter 68 · I’m waiting for youChapter 69 · I’ll stay by your side, from beginning to endChapter 70 · Can you handle Lu Chao’s… educational session for me?Chapter 71 · The First SpringChapter 72 · Extra 1Chapter 73 · Extra 2Chapter 74 · Extra 3Chapter 75 · Extra 4Chapter 76 · Extra 5Chapter 77 · Extra 6Chapter 78 · Extra 7Chapter 79 · Extra 8Chapter 80 · Extra 9