The Royal Military Academy's Impostor Owns a Dungeon [BL]-Chapter 857: When Decisions Bloom

It was an uncanny situation.

While the people of the Empire were busy holding debates, arguments, and full-blown forum wars over the first day of the Annual Expo, the very people being discussed were actually occupied with something else entirely.

At the moment, they were far too busy gawking.

So busy, in fact, that it would have been easy to forget there were other things they were supposed to be doing.

One such person was Theo Belgrave.

Theo had experienced a day like no other.

It was probably a phrase abused to death by countless people that day, but for Theo, it fit far too perfectly. Not just today either, but especially today.

As someone who might very well rank among the luckiest blokes alive, Theo had always been the type to wake up thinking life was great.

Imagine that.

Then again, if even Noah, who treated pessimism like a lifestyle choice, could be pushed to that point, then Theo must have been operating on an entirely different tier of joy.

But just when he thought things couldn’t possibly improve further, he finally got to show his family more of what they had really been doing and he couldn’t help but feel a different sense of satisfaction and gratefulness.

Moreover, after witnessing everyone’s reactions and understanding the benefits they had unknowingly gained from that single visit, Theo felt a deep certainty settle in. This was exactly what he had always believed was his calling.

Everything felt right.

It felt like purpose.

So much so that while doing the most mundane task imaginable, stacking cups and bottles at their guild’s café, the words slipped out of him without warning.

"Noah," Theo said suddenly, "I think I’ve made up my mind."

"Huh?" Noah replied distractedly, carefully pouring milk while crafting latte art he had unwittingly been in charge of. "What, did you finally decide whether you’re eating a cookie or a sandwich?"

"You should really decide, you know? At this rate, it’d end up being dinner time and you wouldn’t be able to eat either of the two."

"What? No. I mean, I..." Theo hesitated for half a second, then blurted it out. "...I really wish to work for Luca or House Kyros even after I graduate."

That came out of nowhere. And it was so random that Noah’s hand jerked.

The elegant leaf pattern he had been working on warped into something vaguely tragic.

"Damn you," Noah muttered. "I know. But maybe say things like that when I’m not pouring something?"

Theo blinked. "Wait. What do you mean, you know?"

"I mean it’s obvious," Noah replied, tilting his head just enough to look down at Theo over the rim of his cup. He was annoyingly taller like that. "If they’d accept us, why would we be stupid enough to go elsewhere?"

Theo’s eyes widened as he shoved his glasses up his nose. "Then you too?!"

Noah only shook his head lightly, a faint smile tugging at his lips as he returned to making drinks.

That conversation had happened earlier into the day.

Much earlier.

And just moments ago, they had finally worked up the courage to approach Luca.

They had been told long ago to think carefully about what they wanted. To decide properly so they wouldn’t end up with regrets. And once they eventually figured out what they truly wanted to do with their lives, they could come talk to him about it.

They knew there were still many secrets surrounding Luca and the others. But as young people who understood what it meant to protect something so significant, they also understood why Luca had asked them to think it through.

So they did.

And now, with their answers clear, they were finally ready to take that step.

They just didn’t particularly expect the step to be a bit more controversial.

To begin with, they approached with very nervous hearts. Well, Noah didn’t seem all that nervous but as a long-time friend, Theo could tell that the guy was probably shaking in his boots.

But surprisingly, or maybe unsurprisingly, they were greeted by Luca’s warmth.

In this day and age, who even gets a friend and boss like that?

Well, fortunately, that would be them.

Because when they found the courage to tell him about their desire to really stay with him and House Kyros, they didn’t even get met with questions, but a bright exclamation of, "Wow! That’s great then! We’d really love to have you!"

Like they were actually blessings in the organization. Who wouldn’t feel important and appreciated with such a response?

Honestly, they just wanted to let him know in advance, because really, with the competence level of the people of House Kyros, they would really need to work hard to be accepted once they graduate. Still, they wanted to let Luca know that they’ve made up their mind and would be working towards that particular goal.

But who would have expected the changes to start right then and there?

What happened to first getting a diploma?

Instead, it happened right after Luca asked if they could wait a moment while he went to fetch his husband, both to share the good news and to gather a few more witnesses.

"Witnesses...?"

Was there a trial they didn’t know about? Or had they misheard his words?

But yes, Luca truly meant witnesses. Because once he returned with said witnesses and the surprise ceremony began in full, the two were formally asked about their level of commitment and whether they were willing to abide by an even greater contract.

"!!!"

The two cadets were clearly surprised, but the decision was not made lightly. Before they spoke to Luca they already took into consideration the number of enemies they might gain simply by pledging loyalty to him and House Kyros, and they accepted the sacrifices that would come with the kind of life that they chose.

And so they said yes.

But then Luca, their golden-eyed savior, extended his pinky towards them and Theo’s mind blanked.

"???"

However, his intense surprise at the death-defying pact called a pink swear was apparently just the start of it.

Because glowing pinkies and mutual allegiance were apparently just icing on the cake when they were transported and welcomed into a totally different yet somehow familiar place.

The dungeon space.

Oh, and apparently, they were going to be busy today, because if they were interested and not too tired and sleepy, they should really come and witness a rare spectacle.

And that was how Theo Belgrave, an aspiring pharmacist and most recent pinky-swearer, was introduced to the plant that would spell his future.

The Queen of the Night.