Doctor Eugene remained unfazed by Tars’s words.

It wasn’t as if he hadn’t worked at the Fertility Research Institute himself. He knew full well how things operated there.

He offered the man a smile and said, "I’m afraid it’s not convenient. You should really ask someone else. I’m not in a position to provide the information you’re looking for."

Doctor Eugene remained polite but calm throughout the entire exchange; he was clearly not someone who could be swayed by a few simple words.

Tars knew things wouldn’t go so smoothly. "Before I came," he said, "the director told me that if you’re willing to provide Duke Lu Xia’s reproductive data, we can set up a private research lab for you at the Fertility Research Institute for your exclusive use."

Upon hearing this, Doctor Eugene knew it was just the Fertility Research Institute’s attempt to win him over.

But he had no need for a private research lab. The data he possessed was more than enough to bring him widespread acclaim if he ever chose to release it.

He maintained his polite smile. "Please thank your director for the generous offer, but it’s really not necessary. I’m quite content with my life as it is and don’t wish to change anything. I have another matter to attend to, so if there’s nothing else, I must be going."

Seeing that Doctor Eugene couldn’t be swayed, Tars had no other recourse. He could only nod, saying with a hint of disappointment, "If you change your mind, feel free to contact me at any time."

Doctor Eugene smiled and nodded, personally seeing him to the door. Only after watching him depart did he send a message to Duke Lu Xia: "Someone from the Fertility Research Institute came looking for me. I’ve already refused them, so there’s no need to worry."

Upon receiving the reply, Lu Xia immediately sent a message back to Doctor Eugene: "Understood. Thank you."

The newborn baby was not yet a month old.

Lu Xia had no desire or plans to go out, choosing to stay home and spend all his time with his two little ones.

The little baby girl didn’t have a proper name yet, so for the time being, Lu Xia gave her the nickname Xiangxiang.

It was because the baby girl seemed so soft and sweet-smelling.

As for her formal name, Lu Xia discussed it with Smelian that night, and they ultimately settled on Lu Mo.

Graces had also heard the news of Lu Xia successfully giving birth to Little Xiangxiang. He was too busy with Alliance Army matters to visit, but he had prepared a gift for her.

Meanwhile, Graces arranged a meeting with Simon.

The moment Simon saw Graces, he sensed an undeniable aura radiating from the man—the presence of an existence even more advanced than a Gene Fusion Expert.

Graces watched him come in and gave him a nod by way of greeting.

He then rose from behind his desk and gestured for Simon to take a seat.

"About Smelian and Cecil... I’m very sorry, but I was unable to refuse the Duke’s request."

Graces nodded. "I understand why you did it, and I never planned on hiding it from Lu Xia, so I don’t blame you. Your presence here now, can I take it to mean you support the existence of the Alliance Army?"

Simon was well aware that his decision today would alter the course of his future. But from the moment he had chosen to side with Duke Lu Xia, the answers to many things had already been decided.

He said, "Of course, I stand with the Alliance Army. But please understand that I’m only making this decision because of Duke Lu Xia."

Graces nodded, his expression showing no surprise or displeasure. In fact, his eyes held a hint of a smile. "That’s more than enough."

’He didn’t need their loyalty for himself. He only needed them to be loyal to Lu Xia. After all, he had taken this step for Lu Xia’s sake as well.’

’Lu Xia was the sole reason they had all gathered together.’

The first meeting between Simon and Graces was fairly harmonious, and they left with a reasonably good impression of each other.

Graces didn’t press Simon about his sources, and Simon didn’t ask Graces about his future plans. They had a tacit understanding not to mention their respective operations.

Although they were now on the same side, it was better for everyone if their affairs didn’t overlap too much.

Lu Xia was also aware that Simon had met with Graces.

After Simon returned, he went to Lu Xia of his own accord to report on his meeting with Graces.

After Simon finished his account, Lu Xia asked, "What did you think of Graces?"

Slightly startled by Lu Xia’s sudden question, Simon paused for a moment before replying, "Graces is very level-headed. He has the makings of a great general, both courageous and strategic."

Hearing Simon’s assessment, Lu Xia gave a small smile. "It seems you have a good impression of him. I hope you two get along well in the future."

Simon nodded. "I will, rest assured. How has your health been recently?"

"I’m recovering well, so don’t worry. And about the purple diamond you gave Little Pu Tao, he loves it. Thank you, that was very thoughtful of you."

"You’re welcome. I’m just glad he’s happy."

At the mention of Little Pu Tao, a smile filled Simon’s eyes.

Little Pu Tao had been seeking him out often these past few days. It was safe to say that among everyone in the house, he and Little Pu Tao had a very good relationship.

Or rather, he just seemed to have a way with children.

Even Lu Xia hadn’t expected it. He was surprised that Simon was such a hit with children; even Little Xiangxiang would break into a wide smile whenever she saw him.

This was in stark contrast to Cecil.

Because every time Cecil tried to hold Little Xiangxiang, the little one would scrunch up her face and then burst into tears.

This was highly unusual for Little Xiangxiang, who rarely fussed. It got to the point where Cecil only dared to look at her and no longer dared to try and hold her.

Yet when Simon did the exact same thing, Little Xiangxiang didn’t mind his embrace in the slightest. It was enough to drive Cecil mad with jealousy.

In contrast to the harmonious life at Duke Lu Xia’s Mansion, the Imperial Citizens were ecstatic over the release of the gene fusion agent. It was as if they had momentarily forgotten that the Empire was still in a state of turmoil.

Today marked the official public release of the gene fusion agent. The public would also be provided with guidance and assistance for the injection, though an advance appointment was required.

The researchers at the institute were suddenly swamped with work. However, Lu Xia had provided them with bonuses and subsidies, and this extra income filled everyone with motivation.

Citizens who had already received the injection eagerly took to the internet to share their experiences of becoming Gene Fusion Experts—

"I’m just now finding out what it feels like to become a Gene Fusion Expert! My body feels like it’s bursting with energy. I feel so incredibly powerful!"

"The staff member who helped with my injection said that once I stabilize, I can go back to them to increase my gene fusion degree, and the success rate is really high! If I become a 100% Gene Fusion Expert, I’ll get a complete evolutionary form! With any luck, 1 million can settle everything. It’s so worth it!"

"The biggest change for me after becoming a Gene Fusion Expert? I can walk up to the 8th floor without breaking a sweat!"

...