Supreme Paragon Reborn: Humanity's Rise To Galactic Supremacy-Chapter 285: Cunning Fox

Considering that Michael and Claire had been biding their time inside a metal, isolated chamber, it wasn’t surprising that, even with their enchanted senses, they were unable to notice Bryce until it was too late.

Regardless, once the old man closed the lid back into place, both of them stood still for a few seconds.

"We... might have gone a little overboard." Claire whispered shyly as she hurried to get dressed, Michael quickly following suit.

Michael couldn’t blame her for her embarrassment. For even he, now living a second life, found himself in an unfamiliar situation.

When they exited the chamber, they realized the old man had already secured Claire’s mecha to the space shuttle, preparing it for takeoff.

After exchanging a quick glance, the two boarded the vessel. Their gazes fell on Bryce, who was still struggling to wipe the grin from his face.

"Grandpa, I..." Claire faltered, her face blushing red. She couldn’t find the words to express how flustered she felt. It seemed that no matter how powerful a person became, they were always bound to feel embarrassed when a family member saw them naked.

Silently, the old man observed her condition. After concluding that she was indeed unharmed, his gaze shifted to Michael.

"Thankfully, my old eyes haven’t deceived me." Bryce exclaimed, grasping Michael’s hand in a firm handshake. "Welcome to the family."

By no means was Bryce’s approval surprising. The old man had long been searching for a suitable partner for his granddaughter, and the moment his eyes landed on Michael, he judged him to be the perfect match.

Michael returned the old man’s smile with one of his own. "I am honored."

In that moment, the tension that had been building in Bryce’s heart melted as he laughed joyfully, stroking his overgrown beard.

Fortunately, his worries had been unfounded. Perhaps with Michael as her partner, she would be far safer than she had ever been in his own hands.

Still laughing, Bryce turned to Claire.

"Nice job." He praised, giving her a thumbs up.

"..."

Claire’s brow twitched.

"Is that all you have to say?! For goodness’ sake, my grandfather just saw me completely naked, only to act like nothing has happened!" She bellowed, though her bashful exposure made her look more cute than angry.

Bryce laughed even harder.

"Is that what you’re worried about, Sunshine? Do you forget who you’re talking to? I was the one who took care of you when you were just a fragile baby and gave you your baths. Everything there is to see, I’ve already seen, so there’s no need to be embarrassed!"

She pouted. "U—Unbelievable..."

Truly making old people feel remorseful was harder than exterminating entire fleets of aliens... virtually impossible.

Eventually, the old man calmed his laughter. After clearing his throat, he spoke.

"Considering everything that’s happened, you two must be beyond exhausted. Leave the shuttle piloting to me and go to one of the spare rooms to rest. I’ll also contact the crew and let them know you’re safe and sound."

Michael nodded in appreciation.

"Thank you. Honestly, I feel drained in more ways than one..."

Abruptly, Claire nudged him with her elbow while Bryce chuckled.

"I have no doubt about that." The old man exclaimed as he guided them toward the recovery room.

The chamber wasn’t large by any means, but it was equipped with nearly everything they could need. Compared to the claustrophobic place they had been waiting to be rescued from, it was a significant upgrade.

"Oh, one more thing..."

Bryce added, stopping just beyond the door and shifting his eyes to Claire.

"Maybe a bit early to ask, but when can I expect great-grandchildren?"

"OUT!"

Claire roared, hurling a pillow.

"All right, all right." Content, Bryce left them alone. The shuttle engines fired up shortly after as they departed.

Exhaling a long breath, Claire’s shoulders slumped.

"Sorry about that."

Michael chuckled.

"About what? Bryce has always been like that. To be honest, I prefer him this way."

A faint smile tugged at Claire’s lips until she realized that the spare room Bryce had given them had only a single double bed.

"That cunning fox..." She muttered.

With a shake of her head, she settled next to Michael on the bed.

Bryce had informed them that they had won at the front line, with no casualties among the crew, giving them peace of mind.

"After spending so much time on Venus, I never thought I would miss warmth like this... until recently." Claire sighed, her snow-white hair cascading down the bed.

"But..." She added, throwing a discreet glance at Michael.

Flipping to one side, she wrapped her limbs around him in a tight embrace, letting his body heat spread through her.

"I like it this way."

Apparently, the formidable White Angel turned out to be rather clingy. Naturally, this was a side of her that only Mr. BunBun, her plushie, and Michael had the pleasure of seeing.

Wordlessly, Michael wrapped his arm around her, pulling her closer.

Several minutes passed in a comfortable silence. The lack of danger caused Claire’s eyelids to grow heavier with each passing moment.

"Can you promise me something?" She suddenly asked, pulling him out of his thoughts.

"Sure... what is it?" He raised an eyebrow.

She bit her lower lip.

"Don’t endanger your life so casually. Remember that even if you don’t value your life, others do. I love you, Victoria loves you, the crew loves you, and so does your family, your sister, and your mother. Your life holds more value than you can imagine, so cherish it. Otherwise, you just risk hurting those who love you."

He didn’t answer immediately.

"...I will try."

Claire rested her head on his chest.

"I am glad."

Zzz~

Gradually, her breathing softened, her heartbeat relaxed, and she drifted into a deep slumber.

Experienced soldiers like her often had trouble dozing off to sleep... Yet at that moment, she didn’t face her usual difficulties.

Michael didn’t move or speak, making sure not to disturb her well-deserved rest. His tired eyes were fixed on the ceiling above.

’Loved, huh...’

His thoughts remained unknown.