As the head of the Imperial Army, Raymond was no fool. He knew Admiral Snop well, just as Admiral Snop knew Graces.

With the capable Graces, combined with Duke Lu Xia’s research, one could say the Alliance Army’s rise was inevitable.

Now that Her Majesty Queen of the Empire had completely lost the people’s support, it was only a matter of time before the Alliance Army used this to occupy the Imperial Star.

It wasn’t that he couldn’t see all this. He just hadn’t been ready to give up completely.

But that last bit of reluctance vanished completely as Graces demonstrated his capabilities.

He lifted the wine glass before him and took a sip as if to suppress his emotions. Then, a smile returned to his lips.

"I can make a promise. The three legions under my command can join the Alliance Army. As for the remaining two, I can persuade them as well. However, I hope that when the Alliance Army occupies the Imperial Star, I can be one of the council members."

’He needed to have a voice within the Alliance Army’s power structure, just as he did now.’

It wasn’t an excessive demand. Graces nodded slightly. "Done."

Seeing Graces agree so readily, the smile on Raymond’s face grew wider. He raised his glass and clinked it against Graces’s. "Then it’s settled."

Admiral Snop also picked up his glass and clinked it with Raymond’s. "Welcome to the Alliance Army, Commander."

Lu Xia was unaware of the smooth progress on Graces’s side.

At this time, she was receiving daily reports on Lan Ya’s physical data.

Ever since her first dose of the Liquid Formulation, Lan Ya had purged the blockages from her system. While she continued to expel some impurities, the amount was far less than the first time. After a week, she no longer discharged any waste after drinking the Liquid Formulation. This was undoubtedly good news for her; after all, she didn’t want to be woken up by a foul stench every day.

Later, as agreed, Lan Ya came to No. 3 Courtyard for a physical examination. The data reports from all aspects showed that her body had indeed undergone significant changes after drinking the Liquid Formulation for a month. However, whether she could conceive naturally remained to be seen.

Lu Xia wasn’t disappointed by this. ’After all, it was a process.’

Lan Ya, however, was very happy. She no longer needed to apply beauty cream to maintain her skin’s condition.

The daily Liquid Formulation was enough to replace the effects of the beauty cream. In fact, nourishing her from the inside out was even more effective than any topical application.

Even if she didn’t conceive naturally, she hoped to continue drinking this Liquid Formulation long-term.

Eugene, on the other hand, was a little disappointed. He had thought Lan Ya would become the second female in the Empire to conceive naturally, but it was clear that Lan Ya was no Duke Lu Xia.

"Lady Lan Ya, your physical report shows that you are in excellent health. Regrettably, however, you have not conceived naturally."

Lan Ya smiled. "There’s no need to apologize. How could natural conception be so simple? If the problem could be solved in just one month, it wouldn’t be a challenge the Empire has failed to overcome for centuries." 𝕗𝚛𝚎𝚎𝐰𝗲𝗯𝗻𝚘𝚟𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝕞

Eugene nodded. "Thank you for your understanding."

’He could clearly see that the Lan Ya who came this time had a much-improved opinion of and greater trust in the Liquid Formulation compared to her last visit. She even seemed eager to take this month’s supply.’

As Doctor Eugene handed Lan Ya the month’s supply of the Liquid Formulation, he said, "Next time, Lady Lan Ya, would it be possible for you to bring your male partner for an examination as well?"

Lan Ya did not refuse. "We don’t have to wait until next month. I’ll have him come over soon."

Eugene said with satisfaction, "Excellent."

After Lan Ya left, Doctor Eugene took the report to see Lu Xia.

Lu Xia read the information on the report, her expression neutral. "Continue to observe her. One month is too short a time to see results."

Doctor Eugene remained standing. "I’ve already asked Lady Lan Ya to bring her partner for an examination. I was thinking, perhaps her partner’s constitution also needs some alteration?"

Lu Xia thought back carefully. ’The first time she and Graces were together, Graces hadn’t drunk any Spiritual Spring Water. So, for conception to occur, the female’s constitution was likely the crucial factor, with the male’s being less important. Still, Doctor Eugene’s suggestion was worth considering.’

"Let’s observe Lan Ya’s situation first. If there’s still no development after three months, we can put research into male physical modification on the agenda."

Doctor Eugene nodded. "Yes, I understand."

As Lu Xia was packing up to go home, she walked out of No. 3 Courtyard and saw Simon standing outside.

The moment she saw him, Lu Xia raised an eyebrow. ’It seemed all the men in her household enjoyed picking her up from work.’

When Simon saw her, he walked up to her. "I was just passing by and thought I’d see if Your Grace was done with work, so we could head home together."

Lu Xia knew perfectly well he wasn’t just "passing by" but had come specifically for her. Not pointing this out, she smiled. "Next time, you can contact me before you come, just so you don’t make a wasted trip."

Simon nodded. "I will."

’He knew Duke Lu Xia didn’t believe his excuse, but she had thoughtfully given him a reason to be there.’

Once they were in the car, Simon asked, "Have you been feeling unwell recently?"

"I’m fine, don’t worry."

’She knew Simon was probably asking about her pregnancy symptoms. After all, the other men in the house had all been through a pregnancy with her. Only Simon hadn’t, so it was perfectly normal for him to be worried and ask more questions.’

Seeing Lu Xia’s rosy complexion and high spirits, she certainly didn’t look unwell. Simon smiled. "Are you free this weekend? I have a few tickets to a concert. Would you like to go?"

Faced with such an invitation, Lu Xia didn’t refuse. She nodded. "Okay."

Simon’s purpose for coming today was achieved.

’As the last to arrive in the household, he knew Cecil had already succeeded in winning her favor. That meant he was the only one left who still needed to try. He felt a bit fortunate now that the final person hadn’t appeared yet. That meant he still had time.’

Just as he was thinking this, Lu Xia suddenly remembered something. "Timing-wise, it’s about time for you to increase your gene fusion degree. When are you planning to start?"

Simon snapped back to reality. He hadn’t expected Duke Lu Xia to remember something even he had overlooked. "Would tomorrow work? I’ll wait for you at the No.2 Institute."

"That works. Regarding the Alien Gene, do you have any leads?"

"Which Alien Gene do you think would suit me best?"

"A wood-attribute gene. What do you think?"

Simon’s Beastification Form was a Vampire.

In many legends, Vampires were associated with thorns. Hearing her suggestion, a smile flickered in Simon’s eyes. "That’s what I was thinking, too. As it happens, I recently got news about an Alien Gene. I should be able to acquire it soon. I’ll have to ask for your help then, Duke."

Hearing this, Lu Xia wasn’t surprised. ’After all, Simon was more than capable.’