Volume One, Chapter 10: The Calm Before the Storm

There’s still an hour left, so no rush.

To ensure she had the strength to give birth, Meng Wan had the female nanny prepare some energy-boosting soup for her. After drinking it, she instantly felt full of energy, her body brimming with vitality. Even the director marveled, saying he had seen many females give birth but never one like her—she didn’t seem to be in much pain at all.

Laughter and joy filled the room here, but things were very different over at Reister’s place.

“Colonel, there are dangerous elements causing trouble throughout the empire. The robotic police dispatched to handle these incidents aren’t enough. Should we send out real officers?”

Reister was overwhelmed with stress, and his adjutant was equally anxious.

“Colonel, it’s clear the higher-ups are trying to suppress you. Why should all these cases be handed to you alone? The Federation isn’t lacking personnel; every region has its local police.”

“Enough. Right now, we should focus on capturing the suspects behind the unrest. This matter is probably more complicated than it seems.”

The adjutant sighed. “Sigh, it’s really busy. You were supposed to return with the director, yet you’re forced to stay here handling matters that aren’t even your responsibility.”

Right, Meng Wan was giving birth today. No wonder Reister felt like he’d forgotten something. Could it be that Hekun’s recent quiet and obedient behavior was all preparation for this day?

Reister immediately ordered his adjutant to track down Hekun’s whereabouts.

“Colonel, you must have forgotten! Hekun has not been within the empire’s borders!”

“In case he’s orchestrating things from behind the scenes, search anyway.” Reister couldn’t openly voice his suspicions.

After the adjutant left, Reister couldn’t shake his unease about the situation at home. He put on his uniform jacket and was about to step out when he saw the Major General standing outside.

“What are you doing here?”

The Major General was a year younger than Reister but held a higher rank.

“Are you going out?” The Major General then pulled him into the office and closed the door.

“Reister, you should realize by now that the higher-ups intend to suppress you. Leaving your post now will only give them ammunition to use against you. The Emperor might even strip you of your rank.”

Reister glanced at him. “My affairs are none of your concern.”

“I’m very concerned about this matter.”

The two stared each other down, neither willing to yield.

Finally, Reister looked away, sat down on the sofa in the lounge, and lit a cigarette.

“Why did you come all of a sudden?”

“I’m worried about you.”

The Major General lit a cigarette too. “You still have the same temper as when we were at the Military Academy. Anyone who dares to challenge you, you get mad immediately. So prideful.”

“You’re no better—you still won’t accept me.”

Though the Major General smiled, his eyes were filled with sadness.

“Yes. Back then, we were equal in strength. Why was it that you were always a step ahead? The instructors always thought of you first, then me. Was it because my family background wasn’t as noble as yours?”

Lost in thought, Reister’s cold expression softened. “Yes, that was your most insecure phase.”

“But now everything’s changed. My career is on the rise, while yours remains stuck at the rank of Colonel.”

“Did you come here just to mock me?”

“Didn’t I say I’m just meddling? Today, you must come to work on time and leave on time. Don’t give the people watching you in the shadows any reason to catch you slipping.”

Reister considered the consequences and agreed the Major General was right. For some reason, he genuinely wanted to go back just now, to check on her. He had heard that childbirth for females is extremely difficult and painful; he wondered if she could endure it.

He shook his head helplessly. “I will.”

“Reister, I’m asking you seriously—why have you been acting out of line this past month? The person I know isn’t like this. Has something happened around you?”

Out of line? The first time, he applied for a pardon for a female. The second, he dispatched a warship to rescue someone and got scolded by superiors, having to write a letter of guarantee to calm things down. The third was today. If the Major General hadn’t come, he might already be on the flying car.

“Maybe... I’ve changed.”

Knowing he didn’t want to say more, the Major General didn’t press further. Just as he was about to offer comfort, the office door suddenly opened and the adjutant rushed in.

“You just barge into the Colonel’s office like that?” the Major General scolded.

Not expecting the General to be there, the adjutant saluted and hurried on. “Colonel, just received news—Hekun is active near your estate.”

“Just as I thought.” Reister stood and immediately instructed the butler to remain on high alert.

The Major General also heard this. “Good. Since that’s the case, you have a valid reason to go out now. Those old fools can’t control you.”

“No time to waste. I’m leaving now.”

At Reister’s estate, more than half the time had passed.

[Host, you have five minutes left before childbirth. Please prepare yourself mentally.]

Honestly, this was Meng Wan’s first childbirth. On her original planet, she had never dated anyone. Except for some activities in elementary school, she had never even held a man’s hand.

“W-what... should I prepare?”

“Do you have any midwifery assistance?”

[Host, please take a deep breath and try not to be overly nervous. Soon you will only need to exert effort. There is no danger to your life.]

“All right.” Meng Wan had no choice but to trust these words.

Outside the estate, Hekun gave a signal, and the others immediately charged forward, engaging the soldiers inside the estate.

Because there were few households nearby, residents stayed indoors in fear at the sound of gunfire. The streets were devoid of any bold onlookers.

Hekun flipped over the wall and entered the estate. The snake-shaped mark on his shoulder was warm, indicating that his bonded other half was near.

Similarly, the snake-shaped mark on Meng Wan’s arm radiated heat as well.

“What’s going on?”

[Host, it seems the father of the child has come.]

“What? Is he here to take the child?”

[This system doesn’t know. It has no function to judge others' intentions. Sorry, Host.]

Why did it have to be now, when she was at her most vulnerable during childbirth? Hekun, I curse you to go a whole week without a bowel movement. No, every time you try, someone will interrupt you.

Just then, Hekun sneezed twice in quick succession, wondering who was speaking about him.

The director, knowing from the instruments that the female in the room was about to give birth, transmitted a message through the microphone.

“Miss, you’re about to give birth. Please prepare yourself. If you feel any discomfort, speak up immediately. Understood?”

“Mm, understood.”

The female nanny stood silently at her side, quietly cheering her on.

Meng Wan felt the frequent movement of the baby inside her belly and knew he was eager to arrive.

[Countdown: ten seconds]

Listening to the countdown ringing in her mind, Meng Wan grew increasingly nervous and scared. This reminder was hardly helpful.

“Oh, looks like I’ve arrived just in time.”