Chapter 228: Chapter 228: Showing Off
The news of the natural conception, once it broke, immediately captured the anticipation and attention of the entire Federation.
So much so that a crowd of media reporters, as well as some citizens hoping to become volunteers, gathered in front of No. 3 Courtyard.
Doctor Eugene had a major headache over this.
After consulting Duke Lu Xia, Doctor Eugene rejected all interview requests and turned away the aspiring volunteers, completely locking down No. 3 Courtyard.
He also hung a "Do Not Disturb" sign on the main gate to make their position clear.
The public explanation was that the natural conception research was still in progress. They promised to announce any results in a timely manner and requested that everyone give No. 3 Courtyard some space to conduct their research.
Many people were surprised that No. 3 Courtyard could refuse so decisively.
After all, if it were anyone else, they would have likely trumpeted even the slightest achievement. It was, after all, the best way to gain fame and fortune.
Announce it, and the money would come rolling in, wouldn’t it?
These days, it was rare to see a place like No. 3 Courtyard so purely dedicated to research.
But this also served as proof of Duke Lu Xia’s exceptional nature—
"I made a special trip past No. 3 Courtyard today. They really have locked the gates and hung up a ’Do Not Disturb’ sign. But there’s still a huge crowd outside, and they can’t get in. What are those people even hoping to achieve?"
"The only person I’ve seen go this far is Duke Lu Xia. But speaking of which, don’t they already have a successful case of natural conception? Why not accept interviews and give the public some answers? What on earth are they still trying to research?"
"Think about the gene fusion agent. They started recruiting volunteers when the success rate was at 50%, and it wasn’t officially released to the public until it hit 80%. Of course, the former Queen was partly responsible for that, but I’m guessing Duke Lu Xia wants to wait until the probability of natural conception is higher before announcing the results. That way, she avoids giving us false hope only to let us down with a low success rate."
"I think the person above has a good point. That’s what I was thinking too. Right now, there’s only one successful case of natural conception, which is probably too few. It’s a ray of hope, but not hope for everyone. All in all, it’s better for us to trust Duke Lu Xia. She must have her reasons for doing this. We shouldn’t interfere too much and affect her research. After all, she’s the professional in this field."
"So to all you know-it-alls online, please, just shut up! If you’re so smart, why don’t you go research it yourselves? You’re all great at running your mouths, but if you were actually asked to do it, you wouldn’t accomplish a damn thing. All you know is how to criticize from the sidelines."
...
While the public was abuzz with discussions about natural conception, Lu Xia’s due date arrived.
Because she was carrying twins this time, everyone in the family was especially worried. Graces, Smelian, and Simon all put their work aside to come home. As for Cecil, it went without saying. He had been staying home to be with Lu Xia ever since her due date window began, ready for anything.
Doctor Eugene went a step further, leaving his work at No. 3 Courtyard a week early to move into the Duke Mansion and await the big moment.
As for Lu Xia herself, she was also somewhat worried about this pregnancy. Although she felt everything should be fine, she had never given birth to twins before. However, her body had been thoroughly transformed by the Spiritual Spring Water.
She believed that this time, too, she would safely deliver the two babies without any trouble.
As it turned out, while the process was a bit slower than her first birth, it was indeed very smooth.
When the two babies were brought out of the delivery room one after the other, Cecil tried to go straight past Doctor Eugene to see Lu Xia. But the doctor blocked him, thrusting the two infants into his arms. "You all wait out here. Duke Lu Xia said not to let you in."
"Is Xiaxia okay, then?" Graces asked first.
"She’s fine. The Duke is doing very well and can come out after a short rest. Cecil, you should take a look at the babies in your arms first. Congratulations on becoming a Male Father. They’re both male infants. You should start thinking about what to name them." As Doctor Eugene spoke, he didn’t forget to pat Cecil’s shoulder.
Cecil held the two little things and glanced down. ’Wrinkly.’ That was his first impression.
To be honest, he didn’t feel any particular connection to the two infants in his arms just yet. He was far more concerned about Lu Xia’s condition.
Simon came over and took one of the infants from him. "Don’t worry. Didn’t Doctor Eugene say the Duke is fine?"
The four of them didn’t have to wait long before Lu Xia was wheeled out by Eugene. The moment Cecil saw her, he knelt on one knee. "You’ve worked so hard, Lu Xia."
Lu Xia smiled and looked at the others. "I’m fine. None of you need to be so tense. Go on and get back to your business. Don’t all stay here."
Knowing that Lu Xia disliked them all crowding around her, Graces was the first to speak. "Alright, then. You get some rest. I’ll come see you again tonight."
"Go on. Take care of yourself, Graces."
"I know." Graces leaned in to give Lu Xia a hug before leaving.
Not long after he left, Smelian also departed from the house and returned to the hospital.
Simon glanced at Cecil, handed the baby in his arms to the old butler standing nearby, and also left quietly.
Knowing that Duke Lu Xia was alright, they could all finally relax.
It was best to leave this time for Cecil and Duke Lu Xia to be alone.
After the others had gone, Cecil moved close to Duke Lu Xia and nestled his brilliant golden head into her arms. "Lu Xia, thank you."
Lu Xia raised a hand and stroked his golden hair, saying softly, "You should be the one to inform Lady Daina. She has probably heard the rumors by now, so there’s no need to hide it from her. Just tell her directly."
Now that natural conception was public knowledge, she no longer needed to make up excuses.
Cecil nodded. "I understand. I’ll contact her in a bit."
Not long after taking Lu Xia back to her room, Cecil contacted Lady Daina.
Lady Daina, surprised to receive his voice call request, said, "What’s this? To what do I owe the sudden call? Is something wrong?"
"Ahem. Well, Mother, I’ve become a Male Father. I’m just letting you know. When do you think you’ll have time to come and see your two grandsons?"
Cecil tried his best to sound calm and natural, but in truth, he couldn’t resist showing off to Lady Daina that he had become a Male Father. That was why he specifically mentioned his ’two’ grandsons.
There was a moment of silence on Lady Daina’s end before she seemed to find her voice again. "What did you just say? I don’t think I heard you correctly. Say that again. You became a what?"
