The Royal Military Academy's Impostor Owns a Dungeon [BL]

”...”

”...”

Empress Gisella wasn’t sure what was worse.

Was it meeting her in-laws for the first time back then, or suddenly finding herself face-to-face with a possible family member?

No. Scratch that.

This wasn’t just possible—it was hopefully inevitable. This was someone who had to become a part of their family.

Because if her son’s expressions were any basis for judgment, then that willful child might just throw everything away if he failed to succeed in this. But then again, if she were being honest, he would likely keep living, but only out of duty, stripped of the life she had glimpsed in him today.

Gisella shivered at the thought. And who could blame her?

Back when she had met Xavian’s parents, she had been told she held herself well. She had prepared speeches in case they declared she wasn’t a good fit for their son, or if they dared to bring up the idea of concubines.

She had been fearless. Or so Xavian had claimed. Then again, her husband had been staring at her through rose-colored lenses since day one, so maybe she hadn’t been as put together as he insisted.

But even so... that moment hadn’t felt like this.

Now, even with the entire Empire practically in the palm of her hand, she wasn’t sure how to talk to someone this important.

Perhaps this was the difference. She could endlessly plot for opportunities to see him, scheme with the precision of a general to get these moments... but she hadn’t once thought about what to do after she got them.

Because this wasn’t a business deal.

No deal, however lucrative, could ever buy genuine affection.

Even if she promised the Empire itself to this boy, there was no guarantee he would return her son’s feelings. No guarantee he would care for Xavier as deeply as they did, or more.

So, what was she supposed to do?

The two of them sat outside the medical bay, side by side, while the doctors inside busied themselves with Renard.

For a moment, it was quiet. Too quiet.

Then, a voice.

Gentle. Clear. Concerned.

”Miss, is everything alright?”

The disguised Empress blinked. Her heart skipped. He... was asking about her?

Her?

Panic shot through her. What was she supposed to say? That she was fine? That she was actually the Empress of Solaris, having a complete meltdown because she was seated beside the boy who might just be the key to their son’s heart?

Because that was the truth.

There were thousands lining up for the role of Crown Princess or Prince Consort. All of them clawing at each other for a throne, a title, a crown. Not one of them even knew who the Imperial Crown Prince was. Not one of them cared about Xavier.

But this boy? Even if she wasn’t sure about his feelings for her son, she was at least sure about his effect on Xavier.

His very presence alone changed her son in ways she had never thought possible. And now, on top of that, he was looking at her with concern?

Her ears buzzed. Her lungs tightened. She could hardly believe it.

”Miss, are you alright?” Luca repeated softly.

This time, his brow furrowed, golden eyes clear with worry. Was the sunny woman with the kind smile also sick? Was it contagious?

The Empress’s throat locked.

To think she didn’t even know just what kind of thoughts were going through Luca’s mind.

Although, if anything, maybe this was the true test for her legendary composure?

If so, would she be a mess once she confronts her own son?

But when Luca offered earnestly, ”Miss, if you’re not feeling well, I can also bring you into the medical bay, like I did with that other guy,” she quickly raised her hands and shook her head.

”Oh, I’m fine,” she assured, her laugh light. ”Health-wise, there’s no issue.”

Her chuckle lingered, her eyes sparkling, but the wistful look that followed made Luca tilt his head in confusion. Concern started pooling in his golden eyes again.

”Then... how come...?” Luca trailed, his words fumbling. His puzzled gaze mirrored the faint melancholy on her face.

Gisella hesitated before deciding to let part of the truth slip. ”Ah, forgive me. It’s just that today, after seeing you young people, I couldn’t help but think about my son.” She touched her cheek lightly, smiling as if embarrassed by the admission.

Luca’s mouth fell open a little in surprise. ”A son?”

Immediately, his eyes widened and he leaned forward, panic blooming across his face. ”Ah! I-I’m sorry for assuming your title earlier! Please don’t take offense!”

Her laughter rang out, gentle and warm. ”Offense? Not at all. Quite the opposite. I was touched. At my age, for someone like me to still be mistaken for a ’Miss’? You’ve given me a precious gift. Especially when my eldest child is already around your age.”

”Really?” Luca’s eyes shone with innocent awe. ”That’s amazing. You must be like my mother! She’s also really beautiful!” It was still something that surprised him, because while people here did age, they aged so much slower!

Her heart skipped at the sincerity in his voice. Smiling softly, Empress Gisella let the compliment wash over her, warmed by how genuine it felt. ”You’re kind with words,” she said. ”And generous. But yes... just like that, when I saw someone who looked a lot like my child, I couldn’t help but be lost in thought. It’s been so long since I last saw him.”

”Oh!” Luca perked up, eyes bright. ”If you don’t mind telling me, which one looked similar to your child?!”

Her lips curved knowingly as she replied, ”The white-haired cadet.”

”Ah—!” Luca’s jaw dropped. ”No wonder! I thought you were looking at him for quite a while!”

She grinned at his honesty. ”You caught that, did you? The moment I saw his back, I froze. The resemblance was uncanny. After all these years, I imagine my son has probably grown as handsome as that white-haired cadet.”

Her words hung playfully in the air, but she didn’t miss how Luca’s ears turned a shade of crimson at the remark.

Mischief flickered in her chest, and she leaned in just slightly, her tone teasing. ”But then again, the white-haired cadet you were with might be even more handsome, no?”

”E-eh?!” Luca flailed, his hands waving.

Luca blinked at this, seemingly processing something in his mind before saying, ”It’s alright! He’s the most handsome person I know!”

The earnestness in his expression nearly made Empress Gisella sputter right there.

And then—oh heavens above—the boy’s golden eyes locked straight on her as he added, voice trembling with conviction, ”S-so, I think it’s still very good to even just resemble him! E-even I want to resemble him!”

The image was absurd and honest all at once. This boy—her son’s beloved—seriously believed it.

Because he really did. If only she were aware of the time spent trying to copy Xavier’s posture or train just as hard, only to despair at the unfairness of muscle definition.

”...”

”...”

Empress Gisella could only gape. Speechless.

And then, against all odds, laughter bubbled out of her. A chortle, bright and uncontrollable, spilled free until she was covering her mouth, her eyes crinkling with tears of disbelief.

Because truly—truly—if there was one thing she and her husband had managed to do right, it was at least giving their son a fighting chance. Xavier might not talk much, but with a face like that, he could walk into any room and get halfway to victory before opening his mouth.

Luca, meanwhile, was blinking rapidly, confused. Why was the lady laughing so hard? Had he said something wrong? But at least she didn’t look mad, right?

Finally, the disguised Empress got herself under control, though the corners of her lips refused to stay flat. She had seen it clearly just now—the way Luca had inhaled sharply and held his breath like a chipmunk with a full pouch, desperately weighing honesty against loyalty. He didn’t want to deny her son’s charm, but he also didn’t want to lie about his own views.

Devastatingly cute.

Her eyes twinkled with delight as she teased gently, ”Don’t worry. It’s only a mother’s opinion. Parents tend to think their children look the best, hahaha! But in reality, if my child could be even half as handsome as that white-haired cadet, then he’d be set for life, right?”

”Y-yes!” Luca blurted, cheeks scarlet as he nodded so hard he nearly tipped forward. ”D-definitely!”

His nervous laugh dissolved into earnestness as he pressed on, clearly wanting to reassure her. ”But it’s not just looks. There are many other things! Having a good personality is important too. If someone has all of them, then... then they could be as great as Xavier.”

The words tumbled out unguarded, bursting with quiet pride that left no room for doubt.

The Empress’s heart clenched. She could feel it—the unfiltered devotion, the sheer affection radiating from him like sunlight. Luca sparkled with pride in a way that made her breath catch.

That’s when she saw it.

Hope!

If it’s like this, surely she could hope, right?!