After dealing with Lady Dain and Victoria, Her Majesty the Queen sent them away, asking only Lu Xia and Lady Daina to remain.

She had an attendant prepare lunch and invited the two to dine with her.

At the dining table, the Queen brought up Graces.

Lu Xia was somewhat surprised. She hadn’t expected the Queen to bring up Graces’s disappearance on her own initiative.

Upon hearing this, Lu Xia put on a somber expression. The Queen looked apologetic. "I am very sorry about Graces’s disappearance. I have already ordered Admiral Snop to give his full cooperation in the search. I hope we can find him, no matter the outcome. I am also prepared to grant Graces the title of Admiral."

Lu Xia forced a composed smile and thanked the Queen for the honor. ’What good is a title granted after death when he couldn’t have it in life? It’s just a show for the living.’

The Queen sighed softly. "I thought the Rebel Army had lost all will to fight, but I never imagined they would make a comeback. The Empire’s peace has been shattered. We can barely keep the news contained anymore. I don’t know how the public will react when they find out. I worry they’ll think I’m too incompetent to be Queen and that I’ve brought shame upon the Imperial Family."

Lady Daina spoke up at the opportune moment. "Your Majesty, please don’t be too distressed. Something like this was impossible to predict. Besides, Admiral Snop has already rushed to the front lines. I am certain there will be a positive outcome. Please don’t worry yourself sick. You must take care of your health."

"I know. Rest assured, both of you. How could I possibly collapse before this matter is resolved?"

At this, the Queen offered a faint smile, seemingly wanting to change the subject. She turned to Lu Xia. "How is the gene fusion agent progressing?"

Hearing the Queen’s sudden question, Lu Xia put down her utensils and said earnestly, "I’m afraid I have failed to live up to Your Majesty’s expectations. There’s been a problem with the research, and we may have to delay the release."

The Queen nodded. "It’s perfectly normal for research to encounter problems. Otherwise, the Gene Research Room wouldn’t have gone so many years without a breakthrough. You’ve already done exceptionally well to get this far. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Just take your time."

"Thank you for your reassurance, Your Majesty. I understand."

Lu Xia put on a deeply moved expression, but inwardly she thought, ’Just as I suspected. The Queen doesn’t actually want the gene fusion agent on the market. Or, on a more fundamental level, she doesn’t want males to become too powerful. Perhaps their weakness makes them easier for her to control.’ 𝗳𝐫𝚎𝗲𝚠𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝘃𝚎𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝗺

She kept these thoughts hidden behind a placid expression. After the meal, Lu Xia left the Imperial Palace with Lady Daina.

Once they were out of the Imperial Palace, Lady Daina said, "Were you surprised by the Queen’s punishment this time?"

Lu Xia looked at her. "Her Majesty was especially severe this time. Compared to the last penalty, which was neither light nor harsh, this punishment for Lady Dain and Victoria was extremely strict."

Lady Daina scoffed. "That’s because the Empire is in turmoil. Our face-conscious Queen can’t risk this business with Lady Dain and Victoria getting out and stirring up public resentment toward the Imperial Family. Not when the news about the Rebel Army is still under wraps."

Lu Xia wasn’t surprised by Lady Daina’s assessment. Based on her understanding of the Queen, it was exactly the kind of move she would make. She nodded. "In any case, I’m satisfied with the outcome. At least I won’t have to deal with Lady Dain and Victoria for a long time, or worry about them scheming behind my back."

Lady Daina smiled. "You didn’t mention the Daferno family this time."

Lu Xia laughed. "They’ve already promised me 300 million in compensation. I think that settles the matter."

Lady Daina chuckled at that. "How generous of them."

"Indeed. My institute is a veritable money pit. With this sum, I can get a lot done."

At this, Lady Daina looked at Lu Xia. "Did something really go wrong with the gene fusion agent?"

Lu Xia was silent for a moment before sighing. "You must have noticed. The Queen doesn’t want the gene fusion agent on the market. Therefore, a problem just had to ’occur’."

Lady Daina looked pleased. "I was worried you wouldn’t see through it."

Lu Xia smiled. "How could I miss it? The Queen’s intentions are actually quite transparent."

Lady Daina smiled as well, saying no more. With someone so sharp, a hint was all that was needed.

The two parted ways at the gates of the Imperial Palace. Lu Xia headed for the No.2 Institute. Because it was based on the Fire Spirit Gene, the research on the Ice Spirit Gene was proceeding with exceptional smoothness and had already entered the testing phase. It wouldn’t be long now before it could be used on Smelian.

When she arrived at the No.2 Institute and stepped out of her vehicle, Lu Xia suddenly felt a wave of dizziness. She had been feeling exhausted the last couple of days and was planning to get some proper rest once this was all over.

The institute staff greeted her as she entered. Her assistant poured her a cup of coffee. Lu Xia had just taken the cup and was about to take a sip when a sudden wave of nausea washed over her. It startled her assistant, who was standing nearby. "Duke, are you all right?"

Lu Xia pressed a hand to her chest and nodded. "I’m fine. You may go."

After her assistant left, Lu Xia sat on the sofa and stared at the coffee. A terrible premonition began to surface.

’Could I be pregnant?’

’The first time, I knew I was pregnant because of the terminal notification. But I turned those notifications off a long time ago, which is why the terminal hasn’t reacted. Still, these symptoms... they’re very similar...’

With that thought, Lu Xia contacted Doctor Eugene.

She arranged to meet with Doctor Eugene at her home that evening.

Doctor Eugene was thrilled when he heard. If Lu Xia’s first pregnancy had been a low-probability coincidence, a second natural conception proved it was an innate ability. This meant Duke Lu Xia truly had a body capable of natural conception.

When Smelian arrived home that evening, he was surprised to find Doctor Eugene there. His heart leaped into his throat, and he asked instinctively, "What’s wrong with Xiaxia? Is she not feeling well?"

Doctor Eugene looked at him, his eyes smiling. "I just performed an examination on Duke Lu Xia. I can confirm that she has conceived naturally. This home is about to welcome another little life. And this time, Smelian, the Male Father is you."

Doctor Eugene couldn’t help but feel a twinge of envy, thinking how lucky all the males in this household were.

He looked at the nervous and uneasy Smelian, walked over, and clapped him on the shoulder. "Congratulations, Smelian."

Smelian looked completely baffled by the congratulations. "For what?" he asked, confused.

"Congratulations. You’re going to be a Male Father."

The words made Smelian’s golden pupils constrict. He didn’t even have time to react, the surprise on his face evident, bordering on shock. After a long moment, he seemed to find his voice again. "What do you mean? Are you saying... Xiaxia... she’s..."

He trailed off, as if the answer was both wonderful and so foreign that he could hardly bring himself to speak it.

Doctor Eugene nodded, smiling at him as he finished the thought. "Yes, that’s right. Duke Lu Xia has successfully conceived naturally once again. So, congratulations. You’re going to be a Male Father."