Graces hadn’t expected Lu Xia to be so frank. It was as if the thought of telling a simple lie to placate him had never even crossed her mind.

He was torn between appreciating Lu Xia’s honesty and resenting her for it.

Swallowing the bitter feeling in his heart, Graces didn’t want Lu Xia to notice anything was wrong. ’A jealous male would never win his Female Master’s favor.’

’Besides, I’m just one of Lu Xia’s husbands. What right do I have to interfere?’

"Dinner’s getting cold. You should go eat."

Lu Xia didn’t notice his emotional turmoil, assuming he was just curious about her attitude toward Smelian.

"Alright. Why don’t you head back to the room first," Lu Xia said, then turned and went downstairs.

The old butler emerged from the room. His eyes met Graces’ emotionless black gaze, but he said nothing before turning and leaving the study as well.

’Some things don’t need to be spelled out. I’m sure a smart man knows what he should do.’

’In the Empire, females are expected to contribute to the nation by bearing children. Duke Lu Xia currently has only five husbands, but she could have many more. And that’s not even counting the main husband and secondary husbands she’ll have in the future.’

’The one thing this household will never lack is males.’

’From my perspective, it’s already a rare feat for Graces to have enjoyed her exclusive favor for this long.’

Lu Xia remained oblivious to the thoughts of Graces and the old butler. As for Smelian, who might soon be arriving at her home, she didn’t give it much thought. ’Since this husband relationship can’t be dissolved for the time being, I’ll just let it be. With my current finances, I can afford to support more than just one extra person. I could support ten if I had to.’

’So, whether Smelian is here or not, it just means one more mouth to feed.’

’As for why my attitude toward Smelian is different from my attitude toward Graces?’

’It’s because the timing of Graces’ arrival made it impossible for me to refuse him.’

After finishing a bowl of steaming shredded pork noodles, Lu Xia felt the exhaustion wash away from her body.

As she stood up, she subconsciously touched her stomach. At four months pregnant, a small bump was beginning to show. But since she wasn’t overweight to begin with, it wasn’t very noticeable. She had been wearing loose-fitting clothes lately, so unless she went out of her way to reveal it, no one would ever know she was pregnant.

Besides, she hadn’t experienced any negative symptoms during her pregnancy.

If it weren’t for her growing belly, the pregnancy wouldn’t feel real to her at all.

After her late-night snack, Lu Xia went straight back to her room. Graces, already in his pajamas, was making the bed. As she drew closer, she noticed he had changed the sheets again.

’He seems to be getting more and more skilled at this,’ she thought.

Seeing Lu Xia return, Graces asked softly, "Were the noodles to your liking?"

"They were delicious, thank you."

"You’re welcome. I’m glad you enjoyed them. I’ve drawn a bath for you; it’s ready whenever you are."

’Graces is as considerate as ever.’

*

When Smelian was led into the hovercar, his wounds were still visible despite the black robe covering his body.

But he seemed oblivious to the pain as he followed behind Enor.

The car door shut. Enor, his father, showed no concern for his ordeal or his injuries. Instead, he asked, "Do you know who I ran into at the auction house today?"

Smelian stared out the window, his expression blank. In the dim, yellow light, his gaunt, fair face with its delicate and beautiful features took on an almost ethereal quality.

He didn’t respond, showing no interest in Enor’s words. He gazed out the window, though there was nothing to see but darkness.

Enor seemed accustomed to this behavior and continued on his own. "Your Female Master, Duke Lu Xia. She had someone with her—if I’m not mistaken, it was that disfavored male from Duke Leslie’s family. You’re both her husbands, but he’s the lucky one. Do you know? Your Female Master doesn’t even know what your name is!"

Enor’s words sent a faint ripple through Smelian’s eyes as he gazed out the window, but his expression quickly returned to its placid state.

’I really didn’t expect *her* to be there.’

’In truth, I should have realized it back when we were told we could do as we pleased and didn’t need to stay at the Duke Mansion. She was never interested in us husbands.’

’I just never imagined she wouldn’t even remember my name.’

"If your mother finds out about this, she will be furious."

"And she isn’t angry that something like this happened to me?" Smelian suddenly retorted, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

’I know perfectly well that Enor only came to rescue me because of my status. I’m different from the other clansmen who were abducted.’

’The male son of the Rafaelde Family Leader being kidnapped and sold is an absolute challenge to her authority. My mother would never allow it. She’d rather I were dead than abducted and sold off like this.’

’Besides, if I were to be sold off, my mother has already maximized the profit from it once.’

’What a joke, though. That great Duchess doesn’t even remember my name.’

"Good, as long as you understand. When we get back, you will apologize to your mother obediently."

At these words, Smelian fell silent again. It was as if he hadn’t heard, or perhaps he had, but saw no point in arguing. It would be meaningless.

However, when they returned, the storm he had anticipated never came. The Rafaelde Family Leader even cast aside her usual contempt and disgust. The moment Smelian walked in, she greeted him with effusive warmth, playing the part of a doting mother. "Oh, my poor little Smelian, you must have suffered so much out there! You’re finally back. I’ll have a doctor give you a thorough examination in a moment. We can’t have you left with any lingering ailments. You must be hungry. I had dinner prepared for you early. You can eat right after the doctor takes a look."

Smelian stood there, his body rigid, allowing her to stroke his face affectionately as she expressed her supposed distress.

Enor, standing to the side, was perplexed but didn’t dare interrupt.

Only after the Rafaelde Family Leader had finished her performance as a doting mother did her tone shift. "Eat your meal and get a good rest. Tomorrow, Duke Lu Xia will send someone to pick you up."

That one sentence deepened the mockery in Smelian’s eyes. He glanced at the astonished Enor, wanting to ask, ’So this is what you meant by "doesn’t even know his name"?’

"When did this happen?" Enor could no longer remain silent.

"What do you mean, ’when’? It just happened! Duke Lu Xia personally had her butler send a message saying they will pay a visit tomorrow morning. And you two! Since you ran into Duke Lu Xia at the black market, why didn’t Smelian just go back with her? What was the point of coming here!" Though her words were a rebuke, she looked absolutely delighted. Even if Duke Lu Xia herself didn’t come tomorrow, she was well aware that the old butler held a significant position in the Duke Mansion.

’This means Duke Lu Xia still places great importance on Smelian.’

’And by extension, on our Rafaelde family!’