"Yes, Lady Daina is very well-connected," Lu Xia agreed with Smelian. "I’m only just realizing the true extent of her connections tonight. What I knew before was nothing in comparison."

Simon said in a low voice, "Back when the former Queen was selecting candidates for her successor, Lady Daina was actually in consideration. But in the end, the current Her Majesty Queen gained the upper hand and became the new Queen. Still, Lady Daina remains deeply supported and loved by the people."

Lu Xia hadn’t expected Lady Daina and Her Majesty the Queen to have that kind of history.

Seeing Lu Xia’s curiosity, Simon smiled. "I know many more secrets like this. If you’re interested, Duke, I can tell you more when we have time."

"Alright. Tell me more when you have a chance," Lu Xia replied. "I’m actually quite interested."

After all, who doesn’t love a bit of gossip?

Smelian glanced at the delighted Simon but said nothing.

As for why Simon knew so much, he didn’t ask. The man obviously had his own sources.

Besides, he’d heard a few things about Simon. The man had managed to break away from the Earl Li Mansion and secure his former female mother’s inheritance, which meant he was capable. Smelian had also heard he had his own information channels and could obtain a lot of news, so it wasn’t strange for him to know a few secrets.

Lu Xia ate a little and rested for a while, her condition visibly improving.

After finishing his socializing with Lady Daina, Cecil came over. He sat right down next to Lu Xia and asked, "Sister, tonight has been tough on you, hasn’t it? You must be tired. I just spoke with my mother, and she said we can leave early in a bit."

Lu Xia pushed some food toward him. "You should eat something and rest too. I’m fine, don’t worry about me."

Cecil picked up a small roll and began to eat it slowly. "Sister, did you know? The way they look at me is filled with envy. I know what they’re thinking. They’re definitely jealous that I have such a wonderful Female Master like you. But all they can do is think about it. They’ll never receive your favor, right?"

Lu Xia looked at Cecil, who had his chin tilted up slightly with a look of smug pride. 𝕗𝐫𝐞𝕖𝕨𝐞𝗯𝚗𝕠𝘃𝐞𝚕.𝐜𝗼𝚖

He was like a cat showing off a treasured toy—noble and beautiful. Lu Xia couldn’t resist gently stroking his cheek and replying, "Mhm, you’re right!"

Cecil was exceptionally happy to get her affirmation. He wrapped his arms around Lu Xia affectionately, cooing, "I like you the most, Sister. You’re the best to me."

After saying this, he shot a glance at Simon from a spot where Lu Xia couldn’t see.

Simon raised an eyebrow, then turned his head away, pretending not to notice the provocation. It was a clear case of "out of sight, out of mind."

Smelian didn’t get involved in their subtle undercurrents, simply standing to the side and nonchalantly sipping his wine.

Lady Rafaelde was also an invited guest tonight. As Smelian’s mother, she was showcasing her social skills, actively mingling at the event.

In fact, through the marital tie with Duke Lu Xia, Lady Rafaelde had already befriended many people and gained numerous benefits. This was exactly the outcome she had hoped for when she sent Smelian to Duke Lu Xia. Now, the Rafaelde family had received a hundredfold return, far exceeding their expectations.

The banquet continued late into the night. It was already very late when Lu Xia and her husbands left. Lady Daina had originally wanted Lu Xia to stay the night at her home.

Lu Xia knew her physical condition wasn’t suitable for staying overnight elsewhere, so she declined.

On the way, Simon was a little surprised by the extra concern Cecil and Smelian showed for Lu Xia’s health. Once they were back in the hovercar, Simon took the initiative to ask, "Duke, is something wrong with your health?"

Neither Cecil nor Smelian answered Simon’s question. Instead, Lu Xia responded with a smile, "It’s nothing special. I’m just pregnant right now, so they’re a bit worried."

That one sentence made Simon’s pupils dilate. He stared at Lu Xia in astonishment, unable to believe what he had just heard.

’What does she mean, "nothing special, just pregnant"?’

’Is this pregnancy what I think it is?’

’Can a female actually get pregnant naturally?’

’Why have I never heard such huge news?’

’And there’s been no word from the Biological Research Institute!’

Seeing his incredulous expression, Cecil smugly stretched out his legs and tilted his chin up slightly. "It’s Smelian’s cub."

Cecil spoke with such arrogance, as if the cub were his, which earned him a glance from Smelian, who didn’t understand what he had to be so smug about.

After a long moment, Simon seemed to find his voice again. "You can conceive naturally, is that right?"

Since she had already revealed her pregnancy, Lu Xia had no intention of hiding it further. She said frankly, "Yes. But this news hasn’t been made public, and the Biological Research Institute doesn’t know about it. Since you’re living in the Duke Mansion now, you would have found out sooner or later, so I didn’t hide it from you."

Simon nodded. "I understand. I won’t tell anyone. In that case, can I assume that Little Pu Tao is also you and Graces...?"

He didn’t finish his sentence, but Lu Xia already understood what he meant. She nodded. "Yes, I gave birth to Little Pu Tao as well."

Simon was dazed for a moment.

He truly couldn’t believe it was all real. Duke Lu Xia could conceive naturally. He was well aware of the sensation that news would cause if it ever got out; he couldn’t even begin to imagine it. Subconsciously, his gaze fell on Lu Xia’s abdomen. Because of her loose-fitting clothes, nothing was visible, but he knew with certainty that a new life was growing there.

Simon was quiet for the rest of the ride home, as if trying his best to process the news. He couldn’t help but wonder, ’Could Duke Lu Xia one day bear a cub for me, too?’

As a "defective product" in the past, he had already lost the right to be a Male Father. Now, as a Gene Fusion Expert, he had never imagined he might have the chance to become one, since his status was merely that of a husband.

But now, Lu Xia could get pregnant naturally, and she didn’t seem to be against bearing cubs for males who were considered "defective" or simply husbands. The thought that he, too, might have a chance to one day become a Male Father was a thrilling realization.

It also made him regret arriving by Duke Lu Xia’s side so late. They had all started from the same point, after all.

He glanced at Smelian with a hint of envy.

Although Smelian hadn’t said much during the trip, Simon knew very well that his presence had already been accepted by Lu Xia.

He had truly obtained Duke Lu Xia’s favor.

’No wonder Cecil is so hostile toward me,’ he thought. ’If I were in his shoes, I probably wouldn’t want another competitor showing up before I’ve achieved any results myself.’

Smelian paid no mind to the subtle competition between Simon and Cecil.

He let Lu Xia lean against him, helping her get as comfortable as possible. When they returned home, the old butler had a sobering-up soup ready for them. He then carefully asked if Lu Xia had eaten enough for dinner and if she needed the kitchen to prepare a late-night snack.

Lu Xia said she could eat a little more, so the butler thoughtfully prepared a bowl of her favorite mini wontons for a late-night snack.