Big Brother, Why Are You Back?

Aboard the highest-grade military aircraft,

The uniformed man gazed out the window at the city gradually taking shape below, but the corner of his eye kept straying to the black gift box tied with a bow on the rack.

Inside was the latest limited-edition virtual gaming pod released on Blue Star, an upgraded portable model that could shrink to the size of a palm when not in use, making it very convenient to carry.

—Wright had prepared it for Mu Chen.

Of course, this wasn't an official birthday present, just an ordinary welcome-home gift. Ever since Deputy General Levi had mentioned the sorts of things young people were interested in, Wright had been thinking he could buy Mu Chen something he might like.

Only...

Wright narrowed his eyes slightly. Was this blue casing really attractive? Would Mu Chen prefer a black one?

“Your Highness...” Levi could tell what Wright was thinking. After all, he had helped choose the gift, and he knew how arduous that process had been.

When the two of them had first walked into the Aus Empire's largest virtual gaming pod store, Levi had been utterly bewildered by all the different models. Wright had understood even less. After listening to the sales associate's enthusiastic explanation, Wright had gazed pensively at the various models laid out before him. Just as Levi thought he'd finally made up his mind, Wright had calmly said,

“Then let's buy them all.”...