Chapter 63: Chapter 63: Attitude
Hearing the man’s words, Smelian didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he looked up at Dean, the department head, who was doing his best to make himself invisible. All his previous arrogance had vanished.
Feeling Smelian’s cold gaze, he even cracked a sycophantic smile, hoping Smelian would spare him.
But Smelian acted as if he hadn’t seen it, asking coldly, "Is that acceptable, Dean?"
The people from the Male Management Agency wanted him to put in a good word for them with Duke Lu Xia, but he had deliberately thrown this difficult problem to Dean. It was tantamount to holding his feet to the fire.
The moment Smelian finished speaking, the men from the Male Management Agency all turned to look at Dean, clearly waiting for his answer.
Not that any of their gazes were particularly friendly.
In their eyes, if Dean hadn’t made such a reckless accusation, they wouldn’t have been put in such a passive position.
And to think he’d claimed Smelian had an extremely poor relationship with his Female Master.
’If this is "extremely poor," then what does that make our relationships with our own Female Masters? We’ve never been defended like this!’
Dean was at a loss for how to answer. If he agreed to the Male Management Agency’s request, he would completely and utterly offend Duke Lu Xia. But if he refused, he would certainly offend the Male Management Agency. He was stuck, and the smile on his face looked more pained than if he were crying.
Smelian, however, didn’t stick around. After changing his clothes, he left on his own, leaving the two parties to face off.
He now felt an urgent need to see Lu Xia. The video call had been a test of sorts, a way to find out if he held the same standing as Graces in Duke Lu Xia’s eyes.
As it turned out, Lu Xia had not disappointed him.
This made Smelian ecstatic. The corners of his lips curled up, a smile he couldn’t suppress.
After ending the video call, Lu Xia met Graces’ worried gaze. She explained instinctively, "I’m fine. Some people from the Male Management Agency went to see Smelian. Apparently, his department head at the hospital reported him. What a busybody. I’m planning to go meet this Dean tomorrow."
The way Lu Xia said it carried the distinct undertone of ’just wait until I get my hands on that old geezer tomorrow.’
This couldn’t help but remind Graces of how Lu Xia had defended him in the very same way.
Although that protection was no longer his alone, he knew that this was simply Lu Xia’s nature, irrespective of status. She would even defend someone like Gallon, whom she had met by chance on the street, let alone those like them who were fortunate enough to become her husbands.
It was as if they were all basking in the glow of the protection Lu Xia provided.
"With you around, Smelian will be fine." ’Just like I was.’
"I won’t let anything happen to any of you. But it’s best to resolve this once and for all. He likes reporting to the Male Management Agency, doesn’t he? Fine, I’ll have them come over tomorrow, too." Lu Xia lifted her chin with a cute, proud air, as if to say, ’Two can play at that game.’
Smelian arrived home on schedule, within thirty minutes.
When Lu Xia saw him, she asked, "Are you all right? They didn’t give you any more trouble, did they?"
"I’m fine. With you here, they wouldn’t dare bully me. Thank you for helping me today."
"It’s not a matter of helping. As long as you are one of my people, I will protect you. Go have dinner. We’ve already eaten; we were just waiting for you. And don’t worry, I’ll go with you to the hospital tomorrow to sort this out."
Lu Xia’s words were decisive and efficient. She had both comforted Smelian and offered a solution, leaving him with no lingering worries.
Her words felt like a feather brushing against Smelian’s heart, softening it completely.
He couldn’t help but wonder once more, ’How can a female like Lu Xia exist in this world?’
’She’s completely upended my perception of females, making everything feel so unreal.’
’It’s as if I’ve been lifted out of a pit of suffering and dropped into a jar of sweet honey.’
"Okay." He didn’t refuse, nor did he offer more thanks. He could tell that Lu Xia was doing this simply because he was her husband. If he thanked her repeatedly, it would only put distance between them.
For the first time, Smelian felt that becoming one of Duke Lu Xia’s husbands was the luckiest thing that had ever happened to him.
He no longer wanted to say "thank you" to Duke Lu Xia, because he wanted to make their relationship real, not something that just floated on the surface.
He was beginning to want Duke Lu Xia’s favor.
Lu Xia was unaware of Smelian’s true feelings. After speaking with him, she turned and went upstairs. It was as if she had stayed behind for the sole purpose of waiting for him to deliver that message.
Watching Duke Lu Xia leave, Smelian couldn’t help but ask the old butler, "Was Duke Lu Xia waiting here for me all this time?"
"Yes. The Duchess has been waiting here for you to return. She was likely worried that today’s events would weigh on your mind, so she made a point to stay and speak with you." The old butler’s tone was matter-of-fact as he said this, as if it weren’t the least bit surprising.
Smelian nodded lightly. "I see. Thank you for telling me."
With that, Smelian headed upstairs to change his clothes. The old butler watched him go, thinking how much Smelian had changed since he first arrived.
Graces emerged from the dining room with a platter of cut fruit and, upon seeing the old butler, asked, "Is Smelian back?"
"Yes. He just finished speaking with the Duchess and went upstairs to change."
Graces hummed in acknowledgment and said no more, carrying the fruit platter upstairs.
The old butler stood where he was, raising an eyebrow. He was a little surprised by Graces’s calm demeanor.
In his experience, males were greedy, selfish creatures. He couldn’t believe that someone as intelligent as Graces would fail to see the implications of Smelian’s change. The fact that Graces said nothing and showed no sign of taking action was rather unexpected.
It wasn’t that Graces didn’t mind Lu Xia’s concern and protection for Smelian. He was just keenly aware that if he wanted to continue basking in his little Female Master’s favor and affection, there were certain lines he could not cross.
Besides, if it wasn’t Smelian, it would be someone else. He couldn’t be jealous of them all.
’I hope Smelian understands that, too. If he doesn’t, and dares to do anything that upsets my little Female Master, I absolutely will not let him off the hook.’
’In fact, I’ll make him regret ever being born.’
The moment he pushed open the bedroom door, Graces composed his expression. But before he could speak, he heard Lu Xia say, "Graces, Duke Leslie just sent a message. He’s hosting a celebratory banquet for you the day after tomorrow. Perfect timing—the suit I had the butler custom-order for you will be delivered tomorrow."
