Duke Leslie, who had just returned after staining her gown, saw Prince Li Mang having people carry in a large chest. She immediately asked, "What’s this? Such a big box?"

"It’s a full-month gift from the Prince for Little Pu Tao," Lu Xia explained with a smile. Duke Leslie also began to smile. ’A gift for Little Pu Tao is indirectly a gift for Duke Lu Xia’s Mansion. After all, our families have forged an even closer bond now. A gift for Duke Lu Xia’s Mansion means our Leslie family also shares in the glory.’

"It’s a rare opportunity, how could I miss it? Besides, Little Pu Tao is so beautiful and cute. This is the first time I’ve ever realized young males could be so adorable!"

"Our Little Pu Tao is just exceptionally cute!" The more Duke Leslie looked at Little Pu Tao, the more she adored him. She had already visited four times this month, coming every single week. If she didn’t think it was inappropriate to come daily, she truly would have. ’Seeing him only once a week... to be honest, I really miss him.’

As they were speaking, Lady Rafaelde arrived, accompanied by Smelian. This time, the reunion between mother and son wasn’t as tense as before.

Lady Rafaelde gazed at the chubby little baby in Lu Xia’s arms. Even though he was just a male, he was a living, breathing infant, one who could call someone Male Father.

’Before becoming a Gene Fusion Expert, Grace was a ’defective’ male, just like Smelian. They were both husbands. If Grace could become a Male Father, did that mean her Smelian could too?’

’In truth, she didn’t really care whether Smelian could become a Male Father and have descendants. The most important thing was that a child would create an unbreakable bond with Duke Lu Xia’s Mansion. It didn’t matter if the child was male or female, either would be fine.’

’It was safe to say she was incredibly envious of Duke Leslie now. With this chubby little baby, her connection to Duke Lu Xia’s Mansion had grown even deeper.’

"Congratulations, Duke. This little baby is truly adorable. Smelian told me, but I could hardly believe it. Major General Grace, congratulations!" Lady Rafaelde’s demeanor this time was obviously much warmer and more natural than her last visit, and her congratulations were sincere.

’Even though this good fortune hadn’t befallen their Rafaelde family, Smelian was still one of Duke Lu Xia’s husbands. There was definitely a chance.’

’Besides, the only ones currently at Duke Lu Xia’s side were Grace and Smelian. It should be Smelian’s turn next.’

’As long as there was an opportunity, the Rafaelde family could afford to wait.’

’At the very least, this event made it clear that Duke Lu Xia wasn’t opposed to bearing children with her husbands. What if their Smelian could also be lucky enough to father an heir, despite being a ’defective’ male?’

Although Lady Rafaelde said nothing, everyone knew exactly what was on her mind. It was only natural, and besides, Smelian truly did have the opportunity.

For a moment, many of the guests at the banquet were filled with regret. ’Why didn’t I think to send one or two of my family’s males over? I could be sharing in this glory right now.’

"Lady Daina is here. Who’s that with her?"

A sudden stir rippled through the crowd. Lu Xia followed the gazes and saw Lady Daina, whom she had invited but hadn’t been sure would attend. She was walking in with a tall young man whose impatient expression and striking golden hair and blue eyes were hard to miss.

Grace reached out to take the chubby baby from Lu Xia’s arms, leaning in to murmur, "That’s Cecil."

The name wasn’t new to Lu Xia. She already knew he was Lady Daina’s male son and one of her own husbands, but she hadn’t expected him to look like this. It was impossible to tell if his eye-catching blond hair was natural.

Lu Xia smiled and went to greet them. "Good day, Lady Daina."

Daina smiled in return. "Good day, Duke. I came to the banquet today and thought I’d bring this worthless male of mine for you to meet. Cecil, greet the Duke."

The young man at her side furrowed his brow slightly. His almond-shaped eyes were downcast, and he looked both disdainful and irritated, but he still gave a slight bow. "Female Master. I am Cecil."

Lady Daina didn’t need to say another word. Lu Xia already understood why she had brought Cecil.

"No need for formalities," Lu Xia said. "Smelian, please look after Cecil." Grace and the chubby baby were the stars of the show today, so a task like this could only be entrusted to Smelian.

Lady Rafaelde had been incredibly nervous about Cecil’s sudden appearance. ’After all, Cecil is a descendant of the Imperial Family. Even as a ’defective,’ his status is the highest. My Smelian may have gotten here first, but he has no advantage when it comes to family background. What if Duke Lu Xia prefers this Cecil?’

But just then, Duke Lu Xia called Smelian’s name and gave him this task, which put Lady Rafaelde’s mind at ease.

’At least for now, Smelian is still ahead. When I get a moment, I’ll have to coach him on how to serve Duke Lu Xia with all his heart. He absolutely must win her favor. He might not be able to beat Grace, but he can’t let this latecomer, Cecil, surpass him.’

’He can’t match Grace’s head start, but he absolutely cannot be overtaken by Cecil.’

Due to Lady Daina’s arrival, a small group moved to a private lounge behind the banquet hall. Knowing Lady Daina disliked being disturbed, only a few close acquaintances went with them.

After the others had gone, Cecil looked at the white-haired, gold-eyed Smelian. "Why didn’t you go in with them?"

Smelian raised his eyes and gave him a cold glance. ’We’re hardly familiar. At most, we just know each other’s names.’ "Aren’t I supposed to be out here looking after you?"

"Tch!" Cecil scoffed. "More like you couldn’t get in, right? From the looks of it, Grace is basking in all the glory. Aren’t you jealous?"

"Duke Lu Xia isn’t the kind of Female Master you think she is. You’d best keep words like that to yourself, or you’ll regret it." He recalled once having the same attitude and doubts himself, which was why he decided to offer a warning upon hearing Cecil’s attempt to stir up trouble.

"I’m not interested in what kind of Female Master she is, and I don’t want to know. If she could just go back to ignoring me like before, I wouldn’t go looking for trouble," Cecil said, running a hand through his golden hair in frustration. "You, on the other hand, seem to have settled in quite well. Do you enjoy being a husband that much?"

Smelian didn’t get angry at his impertinence. ’He’s just an ignorant child. Why should I lower myself to his level?’

’It would be better if he never finds out how wonderful Duke Lu Xia is. I’d prefer it that way.’

"That’s right. If I have to be a husband to someone, I’d rather it be Duke Lu Xia. If you’re so unhappy, you can go and petition her. She’ll release you from your bond and let you leave."

"Do you think I’m scared?"

"If you’re not scared, then what are you doing here?" Smelian let out a soft laugh, his tone dripping with a mockery that couldn’t have been more obvious. ’No matter how he tries to spin it, he was still dragged here by Lady Daina.’