Chapter 92 - Love Knows No Distance
Translated by Eve
Edited by Kitty, Serefina
9. Love Knows No Distance
Sawyer’s expression was solemn. Keeping his voice down, he said, “Time is tight. I’ll make it short.”
Xie He said, “Spit it out!”
“It was you who made Lance put a stop to the annihilation of the Mento Planetary System, wasn’t it? The price was to make this public speech.” Sawyer asked, eyes tightly fixed onto Xie He’s.
Xie He laughed bitterly. “Yes. However, I don’t know whether or not he will keep his promise.”
However, he didn’t dare take the gamble, nor did he have any other choice.
Now that his conjecture had been proven true, Sawyer’s expression became complicated. He said, “He didn’t deceive you. The order for annihilation has been canceled. I have already notified the Federation’s troops that had been hidden there and told them to quickly disperse before the Empire’s army arrives.”
Xie He suddenly felt relieved. He gave him a grateful look. “Thank you.”
He knew exactly what the situation within the Mento Planetary System was like. Not only were there many innocent civilians there, but there was also a very important secret base for the Federation. Therefore, it was crucial that he made sure Lance would not destroy that Mento Planetary System! Unfortunately, he had no way to get information over. He could only hope that the Federation would figure it out themselves…. Fortunately, there was Sawyer.
“This is what I should do. Furthermore, the one who bought us enough time was you,” Sawyer said. He didn’t expect Lance to be so decisive, to actually want to use the Empire’s secret weapon without any warning, with the aim of destroying a planetary system that had yet to be confirmed to hold their enemies. If it wasn’t for Xie He’s compromise, the Federation may have really been caught unprepared.
A bitterness arose in Xie He’s eyes, “I also can only do this much….”
“No. Don’t underestimate how much of an impact you have.” A complicated expression flitted through Sawyer’s eyes. He obviously thought more of it.
He recalled how Lance hadn’t been willing to hand Xie He over and had chosen to face off against the military division instead. He thought of when he tried to probe Lance—the way Lance would fire back coldly without any hesitation…. And this time, Lance had cancelled his plan to attack for Xie He….. What was impossible had happened. This meant… that to Lance, Xie He was different.
And Xie He obviously had not realized this. He did not realize how important he was to Lance.
Sawyer looked down at Xie He. The clothes were wrapped very tightly around his slender and tall body. The collar was closed tightly, not revealing a thing. However, Sawyer thought of the marks he saw on Xie He’s body on the day of the banquet…. His eyes immediately darkened.
At that time, he thought that Lance had only done that because he wanted to humiliate Xie He and thought that it was a novel pleasure… but could it be that Lance had really been attracted to him? That he wanted to have him because he was attracted to him? And Sawyer actually felt like he understood Lance because he was also a man. If he could… he would also want to have this person…..
Sawyer’s expression changed. He quickly threw away this thought that he shouldn’t have. He shouldn’t have such a disrespectful thought towards Xie He.
Right now, what he should be thinking about was how to best make use of this to create an opportunity for them.
Sawyer thought it over and then said to Xie He, “Perhaps you can try to yield to him a bit. Don’t always provoke and resist him.”
An ice-cold hate flashed through Xie He’s eyes, “I will never yield to him!”
“No, you misunderstand me. I don’t want you to really submit to him. Rather, you can pretend to yield to him, thereby lowering his guard,” Sawyer said slowly, “So long as you can make him lower his guard, we can seize the chance.”
“However, he won’t believe me. It’s no use.” Xie He looked surprised and then shook his head.
Sawyer stared at him firmly. “Believe me, it will work.”
When a man didn’t like someone, he could be cold-hearted. But on the contrary, when a man fell for someone, so long as you gave him a little sweetness, a little hope… it would lure him into an ever sinking downward spiral…. No one could resist that kind of temptation.
Xie He wanted to continue refusing but he could see the seriousness in Sawyer’s eyes. He hesitated but nodded in the end. “OK. I’ll try my best to give it a shot….”
Sawyer nodded. “Be careful. I’ll think of a way to get in touch again.”
“OK,” Xie He said. He watched as Sawyer was about to turn to leave and then suddenly said, “Right… I want to ask you to help me with two things. Will you?”
“Yes.” Sawyer halted his steps.
Xie He gazed at Sawyer, voice quiet, “I hope that you can pa.s.s on a message to Cecil for me. Tell him not to worry about me. For the sake of victory, there are some choices that we must make.”
He knew very well what kind of controversy the att.i.tude he presented today would evoke within the Federation. However, he also knew that the Federation’s hope would not be easily obliterated, nor would their faith be easily rocked. They would not lose the hope in their hearts or their will to fight because he had betrayed them.
Because they were all soldiers that had been baptized in blood! He hoped that Cecil would not let his concern for him cause him to act impetuously, thereby influencing the situation. At a time like this, sacrificing Xie He was a better thing to do than to anger the entire Federation.
This was a very easy choice but he didn’t want Cecil to find things difficult in the least.
Sawyer obviously also realized this. He gazed straight into Xie He’s eyes. Although there was pain and sadness in those deep blue eyes, there was no hesitation or cowering. Xie He seemed to have a very good understanding as to what he was about to face. However, he did not hesitate to do all that he could do…. He didn’t care that he would sink further into a place of eternal d.a.m.nation with no hope for reprieve!
Sawyer suddenly felt like he couldn’t steel himself to do this. However, he knew that this concerned something bigger and still nodded in the end. He said, “OK.”
Xie He sighed in relief. The last trace of darkness dispersed from his eyes. He knew that Cecil would certainly manage everything well. They were comrades-in-arms that could rely on each other!
“I have another request.” Xie He looked at him apologetically. “I heard that the Empire has manufactured a type of drug that allows ordinary people to increase their physical power for a short period of time to that of an Evolved Human. Only the Empire’s military has this drug… I want to ask you to help me get a dose.”
Sawyer’s expression changed. This time, he did not agree immediately. Instead, he used a difficult-to-describe gaze to look at Xie He.
Upon seeing this, Xie He asked, “Is it hard to obtain?”
No, it wasn’t. Although this drug was tightly controlled, it would be easy for Sawyer to obtain with his authority. He was hesitant for another reason.
Sawyer parted his lips, “Since you know about this drug, then you should know that the side effects of this drug are extremely horrifying. It will completely destroy the user’s body. The death rate after using it is very high. Even if the user manages to survive, they will basically be useless. It’s no different from suicide.”
Xie He smiled. “I know. It’s fine. You should have already noticed that I’m no longer an Evolved Human because Lance has already used the gene destroying drug on me. Like this, it’s extremely difficult for me to kill him. However, I won’t give up.”
“You…” Sawyer wanted to persuade him.
Xie He interrupted him. He gazed into Sawyer’s eyes, eyes bright and determined. “I can’t go back anymore. Right now, all I have is faith that I will be able to personally kill Lance one day! You will help me, won’t you?”
Sawyer was not someone who had never seen those people who fought the Empire, as if they were not afraid of death…. He had seen too many deaths, too many scenes of sorrow and powerlessness. He thought that he would never be moved again. However, finally, he was moved by the person in front of him.
The person before him had been extremely cruelly tortured. He had been forced to lose the strength he was so immensely proud of. He was forced to turn from the Federation’s Hero to the Empire’s Slave. He was humiliated by his enemy, abandoned by his comrades. However, he had never given up on his conviction. Sometimes… living was more difficult than death.
Because you had to face difficulties with no way to escape.
Sawyer met Xie He’s eyes and suddenly had no way to refuse him. Sawyer, who was risking his life as the condemned traitor of the Empire, still had things he wanted and things he couldn’t let go of. Therefore, he really understood Xie He’s perseverance…. He should not stop him at a time like this. He should support him.
“OK, I’ll help you get it,” Sawyer said.
【Ding, Sawyer’s Favourability Value +10. The current Favourability Value is 80.】
At this time, a ruckus could be heard not far from where they were standing. It was clear that their pursuers had arrived. Sawyer immediately lowered his head and joined the crowd. Before leaving, he turned back and gave Xie He a glance. Even within the crowd, that man seemed to be in a world of his own, causing others’ gazes to linger.
He had the most unyielding and stubborn spirit…. He was entirely worthy of being the Federation’s Star.
Xie He looked at Sawyer, a faint smile in his eyes. He then turned around and headed in another direction.
A short while later, Lance’s subordinates found him. They kept a close eye on him and escorted him over to Lance’s hovercar.
Lance gave Xie He a cold look. “You tried to escape.”
Xie He said, “I just got lost in the crowd.”
He saw that Lance didn’t seem to believe him. He rubbed his own neck and revealed a self-deprecating smile. “What are you doubting me for? I can’t escape from you. This is the Empire’s Capital, ah.”
Lance pulled him over and pressed him into his chest. His fingers brushed against Xie He’s cheeks. He whispered into his ears with a frosty tone. “That best be the case.”
Xie He let Lance hold him, not moving an inch. He lowered his gaze, a layer of ice over his eyes.
………………………………
In the Federation’s secret base on a distant, unnamed planet, Cecil sat in his room. He watched the video broadcast by the Empire, over and over again. Finally, he could see the person he yearned for again.
This was the fifty-sixth day since Xie He had been captured. When he thought of what torment Xie He had to have suffered during these dark days, Cecil’s chest would hurt to the point of making it hard to breathe.
What did they do to you? How did they compel you to say such words? To put yourself in such straits? And I have no way to save you… I’m incapable like that.
“Cecil daren, the meeting is about to start.” A knock came from the other side of the door.
Cecil was quiet for a moment. He looked down at the secret message he had just received. Determination arose in his eyes. He fixed his collar and headed out.
It was another confidential meeting of the Federation’s top bra.s.s. However, there were only four members this time.
Last time, Representative Kent had strongly advocated for sending the troops out to eliminate Loren. Cecil had resolutely been against it, so he had only sent out a small team as a symbol of support. Meanwhile Representative Kent and the other two Representatives that supported him had sent out a large portion of their forces.
Everyone knew what had happened in the end. The Federation suffered a crus.h.i.+ng defeat and retreated. Representative Kent was the one that suffered the heaviest losses. Cecil did not hesitate to swallow up the rest of his power and expelled him from the highest level of parliament. Right now, Cecil was the person with the most say within the Federation.
No one would dare belittle him again!
So long as he could exterminate the malignant tumours within the Federation, who cared what methods he used to deal with his people? He would no longer hold naive and idiotic beliefs again.
Victory required sacrifices.
This time, the meeting was about Xie He’s speech.
The two representatives that went against Cecil last time exchanged glances. They were hesitating over whether to speak or not. From last time, they could tell that Cecil regarded Loren with great importance. However, this had happened. They couldn’t just sit back and watch. They were in a very difficult position.
However, what they didn’t expect was that Representative Reed, who normally spoke the least, would take the initiative to speak. He opened his old and muddy eyes and slowly said, “Loren’s words have greatly impacted the morale of our side. We must immediately make a response.”
Representative Hans sighed a breath of relief. Last time, he had also suffered a heavy loss during the ambush on the Empire. Right now, his strength was no longer what it once was. Seeing that Representative Reed took the lead to speak, he added with an awkward smile, “I feel the same. Representative Cecil, what do you think?”
Cecil glanced at him. An imperceptible disdain flickered through his eyes. He said, “I completely support Representative Reed’s suggestion. We must make a response to this. We cannot let one man’s betrayal rock our Federation’s morale!”
Everyone instantly looked at him with surprised expressions. They had thought that it would be the most difficult to persuade Cecil. He had caused a huge ruckus in the Federation for Loren’s behalf before. who would have expected that he would agree so quickly?!
Representative Hans looked incredulous. He asked, “How do you propose we respond?”
Cecil said, “Since he’s publicly announced that he is siding with the Empire, then we absolutely cannot continue using him as the Federation’s Star. We must also think of a way to minimize the effect of this. We can say that he is a mole that the Empire had snuck in, with the mission of figuring out our secrets. However, his ident.i.ty had been discovered by us. That’s why he ran back to the Empire. Therefore… he was never our hero to begin with. This had all been the Empire’s scheme! For the sake of attacking the Federation, the Empire would stoop to such a despicable method! This way, not only will the speech not sway our military spirit, it will even serve to increase the anger against the Empire. We can make it beneficial for us.”
Cecil’s words made everyone flabbergasted. Although… they felt the same and this was the best way… they didn’t dare speak their mind.
Hans looked at Cecil. Suddenly, he felt a chill in his heart. This person… could so easily abandon his friend. His cold-heartedness was truly frightening.
The entire conference room was so quiet that one could hear a needle drop. In the end, it was Representative Reed that spoke, “I think that Representative Cecil’s proposal is excellent. Does anyone object? If not, then I believe that we ought to make our response as soon as possible. The longer we tarry, the more conjectures will be made by the people. The effect will not be as good as if we make the response in the beginning.”
Hans and the other representative immediately said, “We have no objections!”
Representative Reed said, “Very good. Then this resolution has pa.s.sed. Is there anything anyone would like to add?”
The two of them promptly shook their head, “No.” Cecil had already been ruthless enough!
At this time, Cecil spoke again, “I have another proposal!”
Reed looked at him, surprised. With his elderly voice, he said, “Please speak.”
“I propose that when we release our announcement, we also declare war on the Empire!” Cecil’s stared them down fixedly, enunciating each word clearly, “The Empire had planted a spy in our Federation and used his fake ident.i.ty to ‘defect’ to the Empire’s side with great fanfare, thereby launching a hit against the Federation’s reputation! It couldn’t be that we have to suffer in silence while our Federation is being trampled on like this, letting it go after perfunctorily protesting with a few words? It’s not enough! It’s absolutely not enough! Only with warfare can we express our fury! We must make the Empire pay the price!”
Even Representative Reed could not remain calm. His muddy eyes gazed at Cecil and he sat straight up, eyebrows furrowed. “Representative Cecil, do you know what you are saying?”
Representative Hans nearly jumped out of his seat. “Calm down, calm down! We can’t declare war on the Empire!”
They were not making a fuss out of nothing. For several hundreds of years, the Federation had always been in hiding. They only dared to ambush the Empire’s forces. Actually, they had tried to face off against the Empire in the beginning. However, every instance ended in a bitter loss for them…. Later, so as to preserve their strength, they chose to evade and infiltrate, to slowly nibble at the Empire and build their own power. They did not dare to attempt the impossible anymore.
In the beginning, this was just one of their strategies. As time pa.s.sed, as the roots of fear entrenched themselves deeply… no one dared to propose directly facing off against the Empire again.
They made escape the logical thing to do. They gradually lost the valiant spirit they had in the beginning.
Cecil stood up, spine erect. His gaze suddenly sharpened. With a low voice, he said, “I am extremely serious and very calm!”
“I believe that always escaping will not bring us hope. Compared to creating a hero… our public declaration of war will bring our people true hope. Only in this way can we make them see that we dare challenge the Empire! We have the courage and ability to challenge the Empire!”
“Since the Empire has done such a thing, isn’t it only logical that we strike back?! We have an enormous force hidden in the Empire’s northern side. We can catch them completely off guard!”
The conference room was silent.
Representative Hans stared at him for a long time and laughed dryly, “You’re right, but my forces suffered a heavy hit last time. I’m afraid that I cannot partic.i.p.ate in this operation….”
He would not send his people to their deaths.
The other two maintained their silence. It was clear that they did not approve of this operation either.
Cecil looked at them all, a despising smile on his lips. “That’s fine. I will personally undertake this operation. All you need to do is stay behind and take care of things here.”
After saying this, he turned around and left the conference room.
When Cecil returned to his room, he opened another message.
He had seen this secret message before the meeting. It was because of this that he had stood his ground and made such a decision.
The person who sent the message was Sawyer. For the first time, he did not hide his appearance. Instead, he appeared with his original appearance. “I know that my request will make things difficult for you, so in order to express my sincerity, I am willing to tell you my true ident.i.ty…. Furthermore, I chose you because you are the person Loren trusts the most.
“I hope that you can make the Federation declare war on the Empire and dispatch a large force to attack the Empire’s northern part. This way, the Empire will be forced to react. My scope of authority is precisely in the Empire’s north. At that time, the Empire will certainly dispatch me to handle things. However, I will not send my own forces. I will request that the military send in the troops of other high-ranking officers to a.s.sist me. At that time, no matter who comes, we can ally and catch the Empire’s military forces unprepared and sever a huge portion of the Planetary Systems within the Empire’s northern district!
“Of course, I know that this is an extremely dangerous operation. It is reasonable that you will need to give this serious thought. However, I look forward to your response.
“Finally, Loren has asked me to pa.s.s on a message. He says to not worry about him. For the sake of victory, there are some choices that we must make.
“He has never betrayed you.”
The message cut off there.
Cecil’s eyes darkened. For the sake of victory, there are some choices that we must make…. How could he not understand this reasoning?
However, it was only when he needed to make the choice that he realized just how painful it was. I just have to abandon you, but it’s this painful…. Then, you, who must carry all the criticism, must be in even more pain, ne?
However, this was your request, ah. How could I bear to let you down? How could I bear to make you blame yourself and feel sad over the Federation’s losses brought about for your sake while you’re being tormented in the Empire? The only thing I can do for you is to comply with your intentions, so that you will not have to worry about us.
However… when will you be able to come back…?
【Ding, Cecil’s Favourability Value +5. The current Favourability Value is 90.】
……………………………………
【Xie He：Baby, I think that the next time we meet, Cecil will certainly love me more.】
【444：You guys haven’t met recently, ah. ( ⊙o ⊙)】
【Xie He：But our souls are linked, ah. Love knows no distance.】
【444：……】
Although it was quite exciting doing ‘r*pe play’, Xie He thought it was nice to occasionally switch things up. With Sawyer’s ‘advice’, he decided to be a bit more ‘obedient.’ Loren was an honest soldier. It was an extremely difficult thing for him to act. However, Xie He wasn’t. He was an expert in acting, hehe.
From that day on, Xie He very rarely went against Lance. He acted out the painful struggle that came from being angry but not daring to speak as well as the indignation that came from being unable to do anything but accept his fate.
Because of his cooperation, the quality of his s.e.x life went up a step.
Lance was much more gentle with him. So long as Xie He did not resist him, he was willing to treat him better, dote on him a bit.
Today, Lance once again held Xie He in his arms. He discovered that he was becoming fonder and fonder of holding this person. Even though it has been so long, this feeling did not decrease. Instead, he became even more fond of it. His golden eyes twinkled and he said, “Want to go out for a stroll?”
Xie He’s expression changed. He looked incredulous.
Lance smiled. He pinched his chin and kissed him. “You’ve been very well-behaved as of late. As a reward, I’ll let you go out. But you can’t stray too far from my side. Understand?”
Xie He fell silent for a while and nodded.
Lance helped Xie He dress and then carried him out.
The hovercar stopped at the Empire’s biggest business district. Here, there were the most precious treasures from the entire universe, the most beautiful slaves. You could buy anything here so long as you had the money.
When they arrived, Xie He pushed away Lance’s hands that were reaching out to pull him into a carry. There was indignation on his face. He could not bear being held by a man in public.
Lance smiled and didn’t force him. He said, “Go, ba. As your master, I will buy anything that you want.”
“I don’t need it.” Xie He’s voice was cold and harsh.
After saying it, he turned and began to walk. Nervousness and apprehension flitted through his eyes.
After so many days, Lance had finally agreed to let him come out. Would Sawyer come see him? Had he gotten that thing yet? He walked down the streets nervously. Suddenly, he was attracted by a video being broadcast on a huge TV screen.
The young man in the video had grey eyes and hair. He was wearing the military uniform of a high-ranking military officer of the Federation. His eyes were sharp and beautiful and he radiated a heroic, arrogant and overbearing spirit.
His clear voice reverberated throughout the district.
“We want to make a response to the matter of the Empire planting a spy amongst our Federation….
“This is a huge disgrace to the Federation. We will not tolerate the Empire’s despicable ways…. Therefore…
“From this moment on, we, the Federation, declare war on the Empire. We will use blood to wash away this disgrace!”
Shock appeared within Xie He’s eyes. He… knew that Cecil would handle this but why were they declaring war?
At this moment, the people around Xie He noticed him. They exclaimed, “Isn’t this the Federation’s traitor? So he was originally a spy sent by the Empire?”
“That means that he was originally one of us. We accused him wrongly in the past.” The gazes of the people around Xie He immediately became intimate. Someone said, “Brother, you’ve really endured humiliation for the sake of the mission, ah. I’m really sorry for having cursed you in the past.”
Xie He looked at the people around him expressionlessly, as if he didn’t hear them. He only slowly turned his head and stared at Lance who was smiling while standing on the side. “This was what you wanted me to see, right?”
Only then did those people see Lance who was standing in the rear. They were startled into dispersing. Instantly, there were only the two of them in that area.
Lance walked over and looped an arm around Xie He’s waist, chuckling into his ear. “Yes. A pleasant surprise, hm? From now on, you belong to the Empire. The Federation has already thoroughly abandoned you.”
Xie He stared at him fixedly. “They will not give up because of me. This I already knew from the start.”
“Is that so…. Well, I have another pleasant surprise to tell you.” Lance’s lips nearly touched the skin of Xie He’s ear. He leisurely said, “I really appreciate the Federation’s courage for declaring war against the Empire… therefore, I’ve decided to personally go fight in the war.”
Sere: awjclksfnz this mental abuse hurts 10x more