Interstellar: Return of the Villain
Chapter 166: The Guardian’s Responsibility

Chapter 166: The Guardian’s Responsibility

In the world of business, there was an old saying: "The timid go hungry, but the bold? They feast."

Caspian was the very definition of bold. He had the confidence, the network, and the skills to make things happen.

He had just brokered a deal.

Lyra traded three top-tier Aesculapius’ Grace medical units—level-seven no less—in exchange for a level-nine energy plant and, wait for it, half a spaceship.

Yep, half a spaceship.

According to the plans Lyra had handed Caspian, the ship wasn’t armed, so it could only be classified as half-finished. But with Caspian’s factory churning out parts, it would cost even less than an average commercial vessel.

"Let me spell it out," Caspian clarified, pointing at the blueprint. "If I follow this exactly, the ship will only be good for transporting cargo and cruising through space. That’s it. No frills."

Lyra’s lips curled into a sly smile. "That’s perfect. Just don’t cheap out on the materials, okay?"

"Got it!" Caspian’s voice brimmed with excitement, like someone who knew they’d just struck gold. "I’ll make sure it’s up to the same standards as an admiral-class warship."

Warships, after all, were ridiculously expensive because of the weapons. Even a single electromagnetic cannon could set you back as much as an entire small commercial ship.

Caspian was only responsible for building the frame, so in his eyes, it wasn’t too different from constructing those high-end battleships—minus the armaments.

With the three advanced Aesculapius’ Grace units he’d just acquired, Caspian was confident he’d make back his investment in no time.

After wrapping up their deal and sharing a pleasant meal, Lyra was about to head back to her office for some much-needed downtime.

But just as she was getting comfortable, her phone rang.

It was Morrison.

"Boss, as your loyal subordinate, I feel it’s my duty to remind you of a small matter," he began.

Lyra raised an eyebrow. "What matter?"

"Your adopted brother, Phelixes. His teachers have stressed, repeatedly, that for a child’s mental well-being, the presence of their guardian is crucial."

Lyra paused, slightly taken aback.

On the other end, Morrison waited in silence. He had a hunch this would happen—Lyra had probably long forgotten about the kid.

Years ago, when Lyra adopted Phelixes, she had quickly handed off most of the responsibilities to Debbie, thinking it was more fitting for a caring person to care for him.

However, the boy had been extremely attached to Lyra. Every holiday, he’d rush over to her office, calling out for her, clinging to her side like his life depended on it.

The school, located nearby, was relentless about Lyra attending every parent-teacher meeting, event, and picnic.

When she declined too many times, the school issued a warning, threatening to report her for neglection.

Annoyed by the constant harassment from his teachers, Lyra sent Phelixes off to Elden Prime, a distant planet, under the pretense of getting him a better education.

Elden Prime’s school catered to the children of workaholic parents, so no one questioned the high tuition fees.

But in two years, Lyra hadn’t once visited, making her the only guardian who had never set foot on campus.

The school had hounded Morrison relentlessly, hoping at least one responsible adult would show up.

Lyra sighed.

"I get it," she finally said, with a tone of reluctant acceptance.

She didn’t push back. After all, she hadn’t adopted Phelixes out of kindness—his superpower had been the real draw.

Like a plant, if you wanted it to grow strong, you had to nurture it.

With the school’s coordinates in hand, Crag drove Lyra in a sleek Lev vehicle, following the navigation system until they reached the sprawling campus.

It was the start of summer break, and the school’s gate was crowded with Levs waiting to pick up students.

Morrison had already informed Phelixes that Lyra was on her way. As soon as the gates swung open, a tall, wiry figure came barreling out, fast as lightning.

"Lyra! Sis!"

Lyra nearly didn’t recognize him, but the way he kept shouting her name like a broken record jogged her memory.

At twelve years old, Phelixes was already nearing 1.75 meters tall, all arms and legs, but still as eager as ever.

Phelixes’ face lit up with excitement, his cheeks turning rosy, but unlike his younger self, he held back from throwing his arms around Lyra.

Instead, he stood right in front of her, his dark eyes sparkling like tiny stars, as if they shone just for her.

"You finally came to see me," he said, his voice steady but packed with emotion.

"Yeah, I’ve been kind of busy these last two years," she replied nonchalantly.

"I know," he said, with a fierce determination shining through. "But when I grow up, I’ll help you with your work. I’ll protect you."

Even though her response was far from enthusiastic, it was enough to send a wave of joy through him that would last a long time.

As they got into the car, Phelixes started excitedly rattling off his accomplishments like a kid seeking approval. "Sister, I took the school’s superpower test, and I ranked first again! EPMA’s Affiliated High School even gave me a guaranteed spot!"

Though the seatbelt kept him strapped in, his excitement was so intense it felt like he might just bounce out of his seat, like an overexcited puppy wagging his invisible tail.

"Not bad," Lyra said, maintaining her usual calm. "So, what do you want as a reward?"

His eyes lit up even more, as if she’d just offered him the world on a silver platter. "I want to live with you!"

It was only at that moment that Lyra recalled Morrison had arranged for Phelixes to have a small apartment near the company.

When they arrived, Phelixes eagerly fumbled with a key, unlocking the door like he was about to show off his greatest achievement.

He darted inside, pulling out a pair of new slippers from the cabinet. Then he placed them carefully by the door for Lyra.

As Crag came in carrying Phelixes’ luggage, the boy quickly snatched it from him with a bright grin. "Thanks, Brother Crag! Don’t worry, I’ll take great care of her."

He spoke with such confidence as he stood there, blocking the entrance. He refused to budge until Crag acknowledged his thanks.

"Alright, I’ll leave her in your hands then," Crag chuckled, clearly amused. Having raised his own younger siblings, he had a soft spot for kids.

He reached out to ruffle Phelixes’ hair, but the boy ducked out of the way, turning his head sharply.

"Uh, sorry, there are only two bedrooms here," Phelixes said bluntly, his face serious.

Crag froze, unsure of what to do. His eyes darted to Lyra, who was casually leaning against the wall with her arms crossed.

Phelixes also glanced at her, eyes wide and pleading, clearly wanting some one-on-one time with his sister.

Lyra, now settled on the couch, broke the silence. "I’ll call you if I need anything."

With that, Crag gave a slight nod. He still a bit puzzled, and made his way out. "Guess I’ll head back to the dorms."

The moment the door clicked shut, Phelixes flashed a victorious smile. He unpacked his suitcase and brought Lyra a fresh glass of warm water.

Then he shyly sat down next to her, clutching a plush pillow. He opened a grocery app, practically bouncing in his seat as he asked, "What would you like to eat? I’ll cook it for you!"

Lyra leaned back slightly, propping her head on one hand. "Something light."

"Okay!" he replied, beaming as if she had just given him the ultimate compliment.

While waiting for the groceries to arrive, Phelixes busied himself around the apartment.

Lyra watched as he swept the floors, wiped down the shelves, and even made up the bed for her.

He hung her clothes in the closet with care, all while wearing a cute brown puppy-themed headband and a matching apron.

If anyone else had been there, they probably would’ve found the scene ridiculously adorable, but Lyra’s expression remained neutral, almost skeptical.

She couldn’t quite grasp why he was so genuinely happy.

Dinner was exactly what she had asked for—light but flavorful. He made a spread of corn and shrimp, a delicate fish soup, and a simple plate of steamed greens. It was humble but well-prepared.

Phelixes watched her nervously as she ate, his eyes wide with anticipation. "Does it taste okay?" he asked, his voice a little shaky.

"It’s good," Lyra replied casually.

His face lit up again, clearly thrilled.

After cleaning up, he kept himself busy until she had finished her bath and settled into her room.

Only then did he retreat to his own space, clutching his pillow and rolling around on the bed like he’d just won the lottery.

Meanwhile, Lyra sat on her bed, a frown tugging at her lips as she dialed Morrison.

"Boss, everything alright?" Morrison answered, clearly winding down for the night after a shower.

"Has Phelixes been... acting weird over the last two years?" Lyra asked, her voice carrying an unusual tone of uncertainty.

Morrison, who had worked closely with Lyra for over three years, immediately picked up on what she was hinting at. With a sigh, he replied, "Do you want to know why I bought him that apartment?"

Lyra was silent, waiting for him to continue.

"Because the kid wouldn’t stop asking about you, boss. Every day, he’d badger me about your favorite things, what you like to eat, how you like your workspace. I’ve had more sleepless nights because of it than I care to count."

Lyra blinked, speechless for a moment as she processed the weight of his words.