Chapter 706: The Dark Sentinel 17

Lu Tong had never cared much about how he lived before.

As a lone sentinel, he could endure almost anything. Harsh conditions, uncomfortable surroundings, even silence that pressed in like a cage, none of it mattered to him. But a guide was different. A guide required stability, comfort, and safety. If a sentinel could not provide even that, then what right did he have to stand beside them?

That thought alone made him act without hesitation.

Before bathing earlier, he had deliberately changed the bedding, replacing it with a set made from his preferred silk fabric. The material was smooth and soft, gliding against the skin like flowing water, gentle and soothing in a way that calmed even his over-sensitive senses.

Would she like it?

The question lingered in his mind.

And there was something else.

With a guide nearby, a sentinel’s mind could truly rest. For the first time in years, the idea of deep, uninterrupted sleep seemed… possible. If she stayed beside him tonight, would he finally be able to sleep without that constant edge of alertness?

His thoughts wandered as his hands continued moving.

The knife rose and fell mechanically against the cutting board, slicing through meat in steady, practiced motions. It wasn’t until the blade nearly grazed his own finger that he snapped back to awareness, his expression blank for a moment as he looked down.

He had been distracted.

Without pausing, he gathered the sliced meat and dropped it into the pan, the familiar rhythm of cooking taking over. Oil sizzled softly as he stirred, movements precise and efficient.

For sentinels, heightened senses were both a gift and a burden. Strong flavors were overwhelming, rough textures unbearable. Most could only tolerate the lightest foods and the softest materials. The meals provided by the White Tower rarely suited him, which was why he had long since chosen to cook for himself.

Over time, it had simply become second nature.

About twenty minutes later, several simple dishes were ready.

Lu Tong placed them on the table before walking toward the bedroom. “Come eat,” he called.

As the words left his mouth, a strange feeling flickered through him.

It felt… familiar.

As if this wasn’t the first time he had called her like this, as though the act itself had already happened countless times before. The thought was absurd. Before today, he had never even met Tang Wan.

And yet, the sensation lingered faintly, impossible to ignore.

Before he could dwell on it further, Tang Wan appeared.

She stepped out of the bedroom with bright eyes, her expression lighting up the moment she saw the table. “Wow, Tongtong, you’re amazing! It smells so good!”

Lu Tong’s lips curved slightly, almost imperceptibly. “If you like it, eat.”

“Of course!”

She sat down quickly, picking up her chopsticks without hesitation. The moment she tasted the food, her face softened into pure satisfaction. “It’s delicious!”

That familiar taste.

Even though this was a different world, a different him, the feeling remained the same. It was still him.

Lu Tong watched her quietly.

The clear delight and genuine approval in her expression stirred something unexpected within him. A subtle warmth spread through his chest, accompanied by a quiet sense of fulfillment.

So this was what it felt like.

Taking care of someone… wasn’t a burden.

It was something that could make him feel this… content.

After the meal, night had already fallen outside.

Just then, Lu Tong’s communicator lit up.

Tang Wan glanced at it, already guessing who it was. As expected, it was Sebastian.

Lu Tong did not bother to step aside. He accepted the call directly.

“The day after tomorrow,” he said flatly, “we’ll leave for Emperor Star.”

Sebastian visibly relaxed on the other end. “Good. His Majesty intends to meet you personally. When you arrive, try to restrain your temper. The emperor is generous, but the nobles there are not so easy to deal with.”

Lu Tong’s personality was well known. Aloof, indifferent, unwilling to compromise, he treated everyone the same, without regard for status or consequence. In the White Tower, his strength allowed him to act freely, but Emperor Star was different. It was filled with nobles, each more troublesome than the last.

One wrong move, and trouble would follow.

“I know,” Lu Tong replied, his tone already tinged with impatience.

Sensing it, Sebastian did not push further. “That’s enough then. Your tickets have been arranged. Someone will escort you to the interstellar station the day after tomorrow.”

“Mm.”

“Goodbye.”

The moment Sebastian finished speaking, Lu Tong cut the connection without hesitation.

On the other end, Sebastian stared at the blank screen, expression stiff.

…Fine.

As if I wanted to keep talking to you anyway.