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

But maybe they should've considered increasing the maximum number of beds in the medical bay?

After all, with four and a half occupants, and excluding two who were thankfully not bedridden, wouldn't it be a little crowded once more arrived?

Because while four people had been experiencing enlightenment like they had never thought possible, others were going through a different kind of awakening—a unique bout of hypertension.

"Duke Leander! How could you possibly deny everyone the chance to see this mecha in person?!" demanded Lead Researcher Addis, whose reputation for brilliance had apparently short-circuited all survival instincts.

Her voice echoed through the testing area as she prodded the towering Duke, a man who looked ready to glower at her for even daring to look at the space button he carried around so lovingly.

The rest of the researchers, although equally curious, looked on with silent prayers. While they were obviously fascinated with the Duke's mecha, they also valued their lives.

Because really, if they waited a little longer, surely the Duke would eventually use the mecha in battle, right?

And then, surely, they would see what a legendary mecha actually looked like. But if they forced the issue now, how could a dead researcher be capable of seeing any mecha?

But not all researchers shared the same blessed instinct for self-preservation. After all, it was true that geniuses tended to be just a little unhinged somewhere. Or as some would argue, everywhere.

So there she was—Lead Researcher Addis—practically yanking on the Duke's sleeve like a stubborn child as she begged him to showcase the mecha.

"Duke Leander, this is not just about you! The mecha would be an invaluable resource for the improvement of the empire!" Addis snapped, eyes blazing with conviction.

"And do you think I don't know that?" Leander snarled back, his massive form looming as his voice rumbled like a brewing storm. "Why do you think I've gone all the way to the capital? That is already me being considerate!"

"Considerate?" Addis scoffed, unafraid of the glare that had sent soldiers running in the past. "What is so considerate about keeping the mecha hidden away? You refuse to show us even a glimpse!"

Leander's jaw tightened. His shoulders squared like a bull ready to charge.

"Because that is unceremonious!" he thundered. "You yourself said it—this is a different kind of mecha. Do you expect me to parade it around when I haven't even gotten a chance to see it for myself? I want to enjoy it properly too, not crammed in here where I cannot even pilot the thing!"

Addis gasped as though he had just committed heresy. "You mean to say you are hiding it for your own enjoyment?!"

Yes! Actually, that was exactly what he wanted to do! He wanted to open it in front of his wife and precious son, Luca, so that they could marvel at it as a family! Heck, he'd even invite that new wolfish son of his!

But why would he have to show it to these people who wouldn't show the right appreciation for his son, who had made the mecha with his own little hands?!

The Duke was practically on fire as he thought about life's inequalities.

But really, beyond his desire to savor the gift properly, how could he just let them examine it in person? That would defeat the whole purpose of carrying it around like this.

They would have to rely on space button scans instead. Scans only revealed the major components as labeled by the mechanic, not the detailed breakdown of every material used in construction.

Which meant they wouldn't be able to easily tell how different his new mecha was from all the others in their files.

So in a way, he understood why they were insistent on seeing his mecha outside of the space button. Because if they continue to do it like this, they wouldn't really be able to see the significant bits.

However, in his opinion, it was not yet time for the world to see this when he hadn't even seen its shadow! So he would stand his ground against this witch who almost scratched the space button!

And if they really wish to try his patience, then they would have to pry it off his hands with their scorched bodies!

Hmph!

"I am saying," the Duke growled, voice dropping dangerously low, "I would like to pilot my mecha the moment I see it, so unless you are all right with me blowing off the ceiling of this facility at minimum, then go on and insist on it! Then be prepared to explain to everyone why the registration office was reduced to rubble!"

The other researchers collectively sucked in a horrified breath.

But the Duke, chest heaving, balked at her direction.

"So perhaps you should consider listening to me when I say this is me being considerate!"

Gasps. Silence. And then, faintly, the sound of someone choking on their nutrient solution in the corner.

The testing area was in uproar, but no one dared move.

Because honestly, who had the courage to step between an Imperial war hero and a mad genius when they were both snarling like children fighting over an ultra-limited toy?

Well, there was one.

A woman of considerable strength, influence, and apparently, patience.

One Duchess Amelia, who, unlike the others, did not particularly care about the tug-of-war before her. She simply wanted this entire charade to be over so they could leave and lessen the risk by being outside like this.

Though really, it was likely because if this dragged on any longer, she would end up meeting her child, who had apparently accompanied someone to the medical bay.

She rose with exasperated grace, her presence alone cutting through the growling contest between Duke Leander and Lady Addis.

"That is enough," she declared. "We will consider it next time."

The Duke puffed up like a victorious child, while Addis bared her teeth but froze under the Duchess' gaze.

Amelia folded her arms. "The mecha is a gift meant for my husband, who has waited a long time for it. If it were your own precious present, would you truly want a hundred others to intrude on the private moment?"

Her tone was calm, yet edged with steel. "Besides, let us be clear. We could have avoided coming here altogether. We could have gone straight to the Palace and asked directly. Yet here we are, when we already had prior commitments."

Murmurs fluttered through the medical bay. A few researchers exchanged looks of awe, as if they had just been scolded by a force of nature.

Lady Addis tried to glare, but under Amelia's unyielding stare, her lips pressed tight. At last, she muttered, "Fine, Your Grace. We will… fervently wait for another round to examine the mecha."

She balked, the words extremely bitter in her mouth. "But for now, since it is not possible to see it, we will… run several reruns instead."

The Duke bristled immediately. "Reruns?! What reruns?! This is not some stage play—"

But before his indignation could erupt, the door burst open.

Butler Gary swept in with wide strides, his usually composed face strained.

"Your Grace," he said breathlessly, "I think we need to leave!"