Chapter Four: Career.

The moment Colonel Grace’s words fell, the surrounding air seemed to freeze. The adjutant momentarily forgot to mask his expression, his mouth agape in unrestrained shock.

My God!

What exactly did he just hear?

Colonel Grace actually said that Duke Luxia had asked him to return to work?

And even encouraged him to work diligently?

The final question was so surprising it even cracked his voice.

Seeing the adjutant’s unhidden astonishment, Grace felt an odd surge of pride and satisfaction within himself.

So he wasn’t the only one who found it unbelievable.

Before long, the news that Grace had been allowed to return to work the day after his marriage spread throughout the entire First Military District.

Even his superior, General Snop, personally came to inquire after him. “Are you alright? Do you need Dr. Lane to examine you?”

Rumors had it that Duke Luxia was extremely cruel, deriving pleasure from tormenting males. People had seen countless male orc bodies carried out from the duke’s mansion, mangled beyond recognition, not a scrap of good flesh left intact.

To think that Grace had become the duke’s consort, no one knew what he must have endured.

As Grace’s commanding officer, General Snop felt deeply ashamed that he couldn’t help him out of such a predicament, but at least he could offer some assistance within his power.

Realizing the general had misunderstood, Grace quickly said, “Thank you for your concern, but there’s no need. I’m not injured.”

“No injuries? How could that be… cough, I mean, if you are hurt, don’t hold back. We all know your situation; you don’t have to…”

“You misunderstand. I truly am not hurt.” Grace knew the general meant well, but he genuinely didn’t require medical attention. Last night, Duke Luxia hadn’t done anything excessive to him. On the contrary, it seemed like the duke had been the one exhausted. Thinking back on the events, Grace’s cheeks flushed. “I came today to resume my post.”

“You’re coming back to work?” General Snop’s eyes widened instinctively, disbelief flashing across his face. He had assumed Grace was here to resign, not to renew his position.

The adjutant trailing behind Grace, seeing the general’s shocked expression, felt reassured.

See, it’s not just me overreacting—this truly is astonishing.

That Duke Luxia would actually allow Colonel Grace to continue working.

Within the empire, countless females believed that males going out to work was a form of public exposure, a breach of “conjugal duty,” and that such males should be seized and subjected to “husbandly virtue” discipline.

In many parts of the empire, there were even “husbandly virtue halls” where female masters sent their male companions for training to elevate their own status.

So to hear that someone like Duke Luxia would approve of Colonel Grace returning to work was truly shocking.

“Hmm, my mistress consents to my continuing work.”

“I see. That’s wonderful.” General Snop quickly masked his surprise, patting Grace’s shoulder as if trying to appear casual. “Since that’s the case, work hard and don’t overthink it. If you need any help, be sure to speak up. I’ll do my best to assist.”

“I understand. Thank you for your concern, Your Excellency.”

“All right, then get to work. I won’t keep you any longer.” With that, General Snop turned and left, calling the adjutant along with him.

Once they were a good distance away and glanced back, Grace had already returned to his office, leaving no trace behind.

“Your Excellency, are you worried that Colonel Grace isn’t telling the truth?” the adjutant whispered, eyes sharp as if he had seen through everything.

General Snop sighed and nodded. “That’s why you need to keep a close watch. If you notice any injuries on him, inform me immediately.”

The adjutant saluted sharply. “Task accepted!”

In truth, he couldn’t fully trust Colonel Grace’s words. After all, the duke was notoriously fearsome.

Moreover, by the empire’s rules, the first time a male received favor—regardless of status—they must undergo inspection by the Male Management Agency.

Those inspections were utterly humiliating.

Some female masters even delighted in watching males stripped of their dignity.

If Colonel Grace had truly undergone such an inspection, he wouldn’t have appeared at the military district so early this morning.

Nor would he be in such good condition.

After all, he had seen firsthand what male orcs looked like after being subjected to those inspections.

Could it be that Colonel Grace hadn’t actually received the duke’s favor?

He recalled hearing that at the recent enthronement ceremony, Duke Luxia had taken four consorts. Perhaps Colonel Grace hadn’t been favored last night.

Even so, Colonel Grace’s return to work was undeniably astonishing.

At this moment, Duke Luxia, accompanied by the old steward, arrived at Estate One, entirely unaware of how much shock Grace’s return to work had caused.

She walked through the neglected research facility inside the estate. The instruments and equipment remained, but the researchers were nowhere to be seen.

The old steward, trailing behind, scanned the entire estate with growing confusion, unsure of what exactly Duke Luxia intended.

Then she spoke, “Arrange for someone to restore the gardens. Organize the research rooms and recruit a new batch of researchers. As for the focus, I’ll send you a list later. Also, find one or two of the empire’s most popular and reputable celebrities—I have use for them.”

Hearing her rapid-fire instructions, the old steward’s ears perked up in disbelief.

Did he really just hear that right?

Duke Luxia was uttering words unrelated to sending males out to amuse herself. Surely this wasn’t a hallucination?

“What are you standing there for? Are these tasks difficult?”

“No, no, I’ll get right on it!” The old steward snapped back to reality and hurried out. Duke Luxia sat to the side and sent the information on the types of researchers needed to his communicator.

She planned to turn Estate One into the empire’s premier beauty research and development company.

She refused to believe that the empire’s females didn’t care about beauty.

Back in the apocalypse, survival left no room for such pursuits, but now was different. When life no longer hung in the balance, people naturally sought quality in living.

Within minutes, several profitable plans had already formed in her mind, waiting only for execution.

One had to admit, the old steward was efficient. Within half an hour, gardeners were ready, clearing weeds throughout Estate One.

At that moment, the wide-open gate let in a graceful female figure. Seeing Duke Luxia standing nearby, she removed her sunglasses, curled her lips into a coy smile, and flicked her wavy hair provocatively.

“What wind blows you here today, Duke Luxia? What are you doing—digging for treasure in the courtyard?”