If the video leaked by the Rebel Army—the one showing Her Majesty Queen conducting biological research on cubs—was a coincidence, then Admiral Snop of the First Military District’s sudden defection to join the Alliance Army proved it was anything but.

Lu Xia already had an answer in mind; she just needed confirmation.

After dinner that evening, Lu Xia called Simon to the study.

It was the first time Simon had been invited into Lu Xia’s study, and he felt a little expectant.

Lu Xia poured him a glass of lemonade and said, "Simon, you have channels for gathering information, don’t you?"

Simon was a little surprised by Lu Xia’s question. He asked, "Duke, what information are you looking to obtain?"

’Lu Xia knew very well that if Simon didn’t have this kind of ability, the search for the Alien Gene wouldn’t have been so easy.’

She looked at Simon and said directly, "I need to know who the current commander of the Alliance Army is, and why Admiral Snop joined them."

Simon subconsciously glanced at Lu Xia’s serious expression. "Do you have someone in mind?"

’He felt that Lu Xia wouldn’t be asking him to investigate this for no reason; there had to be a cause.’

Sure enough, Lu Xia gave her answer the very next second. "I suspect Graces is with the Alliance Army."

’Based on her understanding of Admiral Snop, he absolutely would not have joined the Alliance Army unless someone trustworthy and reliable had told him something.’

’Besides, Graces had mentioned the things about Her Majesty Queen to her before. Nothing in the world was ever that coincidental.’

’All the connections pointed to Graces being in the Alliance Army. She just needed a little confirmation.’

Simon was shocked by Lu Xia’s certainty. He fell silent for a moment, then asked, "If the information is confirmed to be true, what are your plans?"

Lu Xia pursed her lips, looking a bit displeased. "No major plans. I’ll just have to drag him back and teach him a lesson, I suppose."

Simon was completely surprised by this response. "Is that all?"

"What else would there be?"

Lu Xia looked at Simon, not understanding what he meant by that question.

Simon let out a chuckle and looked at Lu Xia. "I thought you would be furious."

"I’m not exactly happy about it, but I believe he must have his reasons."

"It seems you and Graces have a good relationship."

"It’s pretty good," Lu Xia admitted openly, showing no intention of denying it.

Hearing this, Simon felt a trace of envy. "I will investigate this thoroughly for you. I won’t keep you waiting long."

’Lu Xia was certain Simon had the ability for this, so she didn’t even ask him for the specifics of how he would handle it.’

Lu Xia looked at Simon and just said, "If you need anything, don’t hesitate to come to me."

"Of course, Duke."

After Simon left the study, Cecil came over.

Seeing Cecil, who had hurried over still in his pajamas, Lu Xia’s eyes filled with a smile.

"What is it, Cecil?"

Cecil moved closer, sitting beside Lu Xia. "Sister, what did you call Simon in for just now?"

He had an expectant look on his face, clearly very curious and concerned about the matter.

Lu Xia saw right through him and teased, "Can’t I call him in for a chat just to get to know him better?"

The words had barely left her lips when Cecil’s brow furrowed. He leaned in, looking wronged, and a pair of golden beast ears suddenly appeared on his head.

They twitched gently under Lu Xia’s gaze, and a long, slender tail also came over, wrapping around Lu Xia’s wrist.

Watching his transformation, Lu Xia felt a warmth spread through her heart. She didn’t restrain herself and reached out directly to stroke Cecil’s ears.

The fluffy beast ears twitched in her palm. They were soft yet resilient, and felt wonderful to the touch.

With just one touch, Lu Xia was in love with the feeling. A smile spread across her face as she gently kneaded Cecil’s ears, nearly pulling the young male’s head into her embrace.

Careful not to touch Lu Xia’s stomach, Cecil supported his body and kept his balance, letting Lu Xia do as she pleased with his head.

His blue eyes were fixed on Lu Xia, not blinking, taking in every expression on the female’s face. He could tell Lu Xia really liked his ears; he knew this little trick of his was working.

"Sister," he called out to Lu Xia softly, asking with a smile, "Do you like my ears?"

Lu Xia didn’t deny it. She met Cecil’s gaze and nodded with a smile. "They’re very cute, and very nice to touch."

"Then you can touch my ears whenever you want, okay, Sister? Don’t just chat with Simon to get to know him better. Come and get to know me better too, okay?"

As he spoke, he leaned in gently, pressing his forehead against Lu Xia’s. Their breaths mingled.

Lu Xia felt the intimacy between them, but she didn’t dislike it.

Seeing that Lu Xia didn’t resist, Cecil gently touched his lips to hers.

After he rubbed his lips against hers a couple of times, it tickled, and Lu Xia couldn’t help but laugh out loud. She cupped Cecil’s face and said with a smile, "That’s not how you kiss, Cecil."

"Oh? Then how is it done? Sister, teach me." As he spoke, Cecil’s hand was already gripping Lu Xia’s wrist as he pressed his lips to hers again.

Lu Xia cupped Cecil’s chin and took the initiative, deepening the kiss.

The air suddenly grew thick with romance and intimacy.

The slightly inexperienced Cecil made rapid progress under Lu Xia’s proactive tutelage, quickly taking the lead.

By the time the kiss ended, Lu Xia found herself, at some point, sitting on Cecil’s lap.

A gentle light shone in the young male’s eyes. Both of their breaths were a bit ragged, but Cecil was unwilling to let go. He leaned in, kissing Lu Xia’s cheek, looking very happy.

He was tickling her, and Lu Xia turned her head away slightly, saying with a laugh, "Alright, Cecil."

Cecil held her in his arms and pressed, "Sister, do you like kissing me? Does it feel good?"

His persistence made Lu Xia want to laugh, but she was afraid that laughing would hurt the young male’s pride. Smiling, she pinched Cecil’s ear and pulled him back a little. "Cecil, stop kissing me, it tickles. But it does feel good. However, Cecil, there’s a time and place for everything. It’s late, you should go back and rest."

Cecil was reluctant. He grabbed Lu Xia’s hand and continued to plead, "Sister, just a little longer, please? Just a little while. I promise, I’ll go to bed right after we’re done kissing."

Lu Xia was a bit helpless. She nodded lightly. "Just a little while, then."

The moment the words left her mouth, Cecil had already lifted her chin and kissed her, his lips both urgent and gentle.

’Lu Xia wondered if all males were such fast learners. With just one lesson, it was as if Cecil had already mastered the art of kissing.’

He supported the nape of Lu Xia’s neck, his eyes closed, an expression of pure enjoyment on his face as he kissed his favorite female in his arms.

’He had never imagined that being intimate with the one you love could be such a wonderfully pleasant thing.’

Toward the end of the kiss, Lu Xia was becoming overwhelmed. She gave Cecil a gentle push and said, "Cecil, that’s enough."

’For a moment there, she even felt as if Cecil wanted to devour her whole.’