After the procedure, Secretary Lin watched as Alex drifted back to sleep, his breathing steady and calm. She took a moment to ensure he was comfortable, then quietly left the room. Once outside, she pulled out a sleek device from her pocket, resembling a modern bracelet, and dialed a number.

Holding the device to her ear, she waited as it connected. A moment later, a deep voice answered on the other end. "Yes, Secretary Lin?"

"Duke Drakonis," she responded respectfully. "I wanted to update you on the situation with Alex. We used the crystal, and it confirmed his innocence. He was simply an unfortunate bystander caught in the chaos."

There was a brief pause before the Duke spoke again. "That's good to hear. Ensure he is well taken care of, and inform him that we will speak in person soon."

"Understood, Your Grace," Lin replied.

"That's all for now," Duke Drakonis said.

Ending the call with Secretary Lin, Duke Drakonis turned and entered a room filled with personnel deep in discussion about the recent incident.

As the Duke entered, the room fell silent, and all eyes turned toward him. He walked to the head of the table, his presence commanding attention.

Meanwhile, back in the penthouse, Secretary Lin was watching over Alex as he slowly wake up.

Alex stirred, blinking his eyes open, disoriented at first.

"How are you feeling, Alex?" she asked softly, her voice calm and soothing.

Alex soon answered with a stiff voice, "My body is aching, and my throat hurts a little."

Secretary Lin nodded, her expression sympathetic. "That's understandable, given everything you've been through. I'll have some pain relievers and a soothing drink brought up for you. Rest is important right now."

She moved to a console by the bedside and pressed a button. Moments later, a small robot appeared, carrying a tray with medicine and a warm, herbal tea. Lin handed Alex the medicine and the tea, helping him sit up slightly to take them.

"Thank you," Alex murmured, his voice still raspy.

Lin gave him an encouraging smile. "You're welcome. Just focus on getting better. Duke Drakonis and our team are handling the rest."

Alex soon answered with a stiff voice, "My body is aching, and my throat hurts a little."

Secretary Lin nodded, her expression sympathetic. "That's understandable, given everything you've been through. I'll have some pain relievers and a soothing drink brought up for you. Rest is important right now."

She moved to a console by the bedside and pressed a button. Moments later, a small robot appeared, carrying a tray with medicine and a warm, herbal tea. Lin handed Alex the medicine and the tea, helping him sit up slightly to take them.

"Thank you," Alex murmured, his voice still raspy.

Lin gave him an encouraging smile. "You're welcome. Just focus on getting better. Duke Drakonis and our team are handling the rest."

Alex turned and asked, "Is my innocence proven? Can I go back to my hotel room?"

Secretary Lin responded, "Yes, your innocence is proven. However, you cannot leave just yet. If you don't mind, I can get your belongings from your hotel and arrange a refund for you. You can stay here for the time being. Dragons are really protective of potential offspring lately, especially now."

Alex processed this information, feeling a mix of relief and resignation. "I understand," he said quietly. "It's just a lot to take in."

Lin nodded empathetically. "I know it is. But your safety is our priority, and staying here is the best way to ensure that. Duke Drakonis will make sure you are well taken care of."

Alex processed the information with a smile, but he felt a twinge of sadness inside. If he was correct, he might have problems now. He asked Secretary Lin, "I wanted to participate in an event, that's why I came here. I can't stay long. Is it fine to leave the country?"

Secretary Lin's expression softened. "I understand your concerns, Alex. We'll do our best to accommodate your situation. However, given the current circumstances and the protective nature of dragons regarding potential offspring, it may be challenging to leave immediately."

Alex choked and gave in. "I understand, but when proven that I am not having offspring, can I leave at that moment?"

Secretary Lin was quiet for a moment and then answered, "As you know, I am not a dragon and cannot make that decision. Please stay calm until the Duke arrives. Do you need assistance with other matters?"

Alex looked around and answered, "I need to take a bath." He slowly stood up and started walking.

Secretary Lin watched him and said, "You can use the private bathroom on the second floor. I'll be getting your stuff from your hotel."

Alex realized for a moment and said, "But I didn't tell you my hotel."

She smiled gently. "I read your memories. No worries, I know everything there is."

Alex nodded, still feeling a bit uneasy, but he made his way to the private bathroom as Secretary Lin had instructed. The events of the past day weighed heavily on his mind, but he hoped a bath would help clear his thoughts and give him some comfort amidst the uncertainty.

In the bathroom, there was a big tub with bubbles and clean, warm water. On the wall of the tub, there was a screen. Alex enjoyed the bath and turned on the screen. The screen soon displayed topics that might interest him: "Sleeping with dragons,"

"Can you get pregnant with just one night with dragons,"

"Does birth hurt holding dragon offspring." In that moment, realizing again that every electronic device hears all, Alex cried inside.

"Can you get pregnant with just one night with dragons," the screen displayed. Alex's heart sank as he read the words. The possibility of such a consequence from his one-night stand with the dragon weighed heavily on his mind.

As he submerged himself in the warm water, he couldn't shake off the fear and uncertainty. The idea of being tied to the dragon in such a profound way filled him with dread. Yet, a small glimmer of hope flickered within him. Maybe, just maybe, if he could prove that there were no offspring, he could free himself from at least some of the pain and uncertainty.

He leaned back in the tub, closing his eyes, trying to push away the intrusive thoughts and find solace in the warmth of the water. But deep down, the question lingered, haunting him with its implications.

He reached out and touched the screen, playing the documentary video displayed on it.

The documentary delved into the intricacies of dragon biology and reproduction, exploring the possibility of conception from a single encounter with a dragon. As he watched, Alex's anxiety grew, each revelation fueling his fears and uncertainties.

The realization hit Alex like a ton of bricks. Dragons' reproduction with just one night was not only possible but more possible than impossible. The words echoed in his mind, sending shivers down his spine.

As he sat in the bath, the warm water suddenly felt suffocating, closing in on him like the walls of a prison cell. The implications of his encounter with the dragon became painfully clear. His one reckless act could potentially bind him to a lifetime of consequences he hadn't even begun to comprehend.

With a heavy heart, Alex sank deeper into the water, feeling the weight of his situation pressing down on him from all sides. The thought of being forever tied to the dragon, of never being able to escape the consequences of that one night, filled him with a sense of despair.

But even as he grappled with the enormity of his situation, a small ember of determination flickered to life within him. He couldn't change what had happened, but he could control how he responded to it. With a steely resolve, Alex vowed to face whatever came his way with courage and resilience, determined to find a way out of the darkness that threatened to consume him.

Alex emerged from the bath, feeling refreshed yet burdened by the weight of his thoughts. He dried himself off and slipped into the brand new clothes provided for him by Secretary Lin. The fresh attire offered a small semblance of normalcy in the midst of chaos.

As he dressed, Alex couldn't shake off the lingering unease that gnawed at him from within. The knowledge of the potential consequences of his actions weighed heavily on his mind, casting a shadow over his every move.

Leaving the bathroom in a crisp white shirt and blue pants, Alex felt a strange mix of anxiety and determination. As he stepped into the main room, he was taken aback by the transformation. Secretary Lin had tidied the space, decorating it to his tastes with calming decor and even some plush toys to ease his stress. His luggage was neatly arranged, making it feel as though he had always been staying there.

Secretary Lin turned to him with a warm smile. "The Duke has arrived. Please follow me to the conference room."

Alex nodded, feeling a flutter of nerves in his stomach. He followed her through the opulent penthouse, his thoughts racing. The walk to the conference room felt longer than it was, each step echoing his mixed feelings of uncertainty and determination.

As they reached the conference room, Secretary Lin opened the door and gestured for Alex to enter. The Duke, a commanding presence, stood at the head of the table, his gaze sharp yet not unkind. The room was filled with a quiet tension, the weight of the moment palpable.

"Welcome, Alex," the Duke said, his voice calm and authoritative. "Please, have a seat. We have much to discuss."

Alex took a deep breath and walked into the room, ready to face whatever awaited him.