Alex was awoken by the aroma of food. As he opened his eyes, he was greeted by a table laden with a variety of tasty dishes and fresh fruits. The sight and smell were so inviting that he began to eat, savoring the flavors and temporarily pushing his worries aside.

A few minutes later, the Duke entered the room, watching Alex eat with a thoughtful expression. He walked over and sat down next to him, waiting patiently until Alex noticed his presence.

"How are you feeling?" the Duke asked gently, his tone filled with genuine concern.

Alex paused, swallowing a mouthful of food before answering. "Better, I guess. This food is really good," he said, offering a small, appreciative smile.

The Duke nodded. "I'm glad you're enjoying it. You need to keep your strength up." He paused, considering his words carefully. "Alex, I wanted to talk to you about your situation. The doctor has some concerns about your pregnancy."

Alex's eyes widened slightly, his appetite momentarily forgotten. "Concerns? What do you mean?"

The Duke sighed, leaning forward. "It appears that your body is undergoing some unique changes. The doctor believes you might be carrying more than one pup, which is unusual unless you're part dragon yourself. We need to understand more about your background to ensure your safety and the safety of your offspring."

Alex's mind raced, trying to process the information. "But how is that possible? I'm just..."

The Duke's voice softened. "Don't worry, Alex. I already know you're an orphan. Secretary Lin is also an orphan, which is why she adores you a lot. All you need to do is fill your belly and stay in good health. Nothing more."

Finishing his reassuring words, the Duke leaned in and gave Alex a gentle kiss on the forehead before leaving the room. Shortly after, the doctor entered, his expression serious but kind.

"You will not tell him, will you?" the Duke asked the doctor quietly as he turned to leave. "Tell him about an old story of the past? We are in the future now."

The doctor nodded, understanding the weight of the Duke's words. "I understand, Your Grace. I'll make sure Alex receives the best care. We need to ensure he has all the nourishment and support he needs during this time."

"Good," the Duke replied. "I need to buy more food now, Doctor. Make sure he is comfortable and well taken care of."

With that, the Duke left the room, leaving Alex in the capable hands of the doctor. The doctor approached Alex, his demeanor gentle and reassuring.

"How are you feeling, Alex?" he asked, checking his vitals and making sure he was comfortable.

"I'm okay," Alex replied, though his voice wavered slightly. "Just a bit overwhelmed, I guess."

The doctor smiled sympathetically. "That's completely understandable. You're going through a lot right now, but we're here to support you every step of the way. Let's focus on keeping you healthy and comfortable."

As Alex settled back into the pillows, the doctor continued to monitor his condition, ensuring that he was well fed and taken cared for. Unlike the harsh life at the orphanage, this new environment provided him with a level of comfort and attention he had never experienced before. For the first time, he felt genuinely looked after.

The luxurious setting, with its plush bedding and the array of delicious food, was a stark contrast to the sparse and often meager conditions he had grown up with. He could almost see himself enjoying this new lifestyle, despite the overwhelming and surreal circumstances. However, as he began to relax, a nagging thought crept into his mind.

Alex realized he might have fallen into a trap of comfort. The Orphanage had taught him to be wary and not to be greedy. He had seen children get adopted for their looks, only to later find them again, young and vulnerable, becoming parents. Humans were seen as easy breeding machines for other species. Adopters often sought them out for this purpose, ensuring a supply of their own race.

The memories of his fellow orphans, those once bright faces now marred and forced to despair, haunted him. It was a cruel cycle, one that Alex had managed to avoid until now. The sudden realization that he might be caught in this cycle again sent a shiver down his spine.

He had to stay vigilant. The Duke's benevolence and Secretary Lin's kindness could very well be part of a grander scheme. Despite the comfort, he could not afford to let his guard down.

His mind churned with possible plans. Alex knew he had to gather more information about his situation, and always be ready to escape if things took a darker turn. He couldn't trust anyone completely, not yet. The stakes were too high, and his freedom is too precious.

Determined, Alex steeled himself against the seductive lure of his new environment. He would play along for now and watch for any signs that confirmed his fears. But above all, he would not let himself become a pawn in someone else's game. He had survived the harshness of the orphanage, and he would survive this too.

Alex was the only orphan who was often punished. He would read books in the orphanage, seeking solace in stories to escape the harsh realities of his life. The orphanage was managed by a halfangel, halfdemon man who harbored a deep hatred for Alex. Whenever a wealthy couple visited, hoping to adopt, Alex would be locked in the basement, hidden away while the other children were paraded as potential adoptees. The favored children would be chosen, leaving Alex behind to clean the entire orphanage as a punishment.

Alex remembered how the prettiest children were gradually adopted, one by one, except for his friend Lucy. She was the favorite child, the one who received all the attention and gifts, and the manager's clear preference, which fueled his hatred towards Alex. When a poor family came to adopt because they had lost their own child and could not conceive another, Alex was thrown at them like garbage. The family, however, was delighted to adopt a child, and they took him in with open arms.

The new family noticed Alex's intelligence and nurtured his potential, teaching him as best they could. He excelled in his studies and eventually took an IQ entry test that earned him a scholarship to a prestigious school. Alex studied diligently, determined to make the most of the opportunity. By the time he turned eighteen, he was preparing to leave for college.

Before departing for college, Alex decided to visit the orphanage one last time to see his only friend, Lucy. She was three years older than him, and he had fond memories of their time together. When he saw her, he was shocked. Lucy had given birth to two babies and seemed to be living a life of luxury. She always got everything she wanted but now looked sad and defeated, married to the manager who had made their lives so difficult.

Through conversations and observations, Alex learned the grim truth: most of the couples who visited the orphanage were not just looking to adopt a child out of goodwill. They needed a human child for various nefarious purposes, whether to keep as a trophy or for more sinister reasons. Lucy, who had once seemed to have everything, had been used and manipulated, her freedom and future stolen from her. This revelation filled Alex with a renewed sense of determination. He vowed never to let himself be trapped or used in such a way, no matter how comfortable his surroundings might seem.

As time passed, Alex learned the tragic fate of Lucy. She had committed suicide after giving birth to five children, the last being fully human. It turned out that Lucy had an affair with another halfhuman, also from the orphanage. The child of these two grew up, displaying extraordinary traits from both parents.

Lucy, overwhelmed by the relentless cycle of pregnancies and the bleak reality of her situation, reached her breaking point. After giving birth to her last child, she saw no way out and took her own life. The news devastated Alex, filling him with sorrow and a profound sense of injustice.

The realization that his friend had been driven to such despair because of the cruel circumstances they were both subjected, made Alex even more determined to forge a different path for himself. He vowed to honor Lucy's memory by succeeding and living a life free from the manipulation and exploitation that had defined their childhood.

This renewed sense of purpose fueled Alex's resolve to confront the challenges in his own life. No matter how daunting the future seemed, he knew he had to persevere, not just for himself, but for Lucy and all the other children who had suffered in silence. He couldn't allow himself to become another victim of a system that humans are breeding machines for others.

As Alex finished another plate of food, as Duke Drakonis entered the room carrying yet more delicious dishes. Alex, who had already indulged in the previous offerings, found himself compelled to continue eating. The rich flavors and sumptuous textures were a far cry from the sparse meals of his past.

"Alex," the Duke began, his tone gentle but firm, "I've been considering your situation very carefully. Given everything that's happened, and the unique circumstances we find ourselves in, I have a proposal for you."

Alex paused, his fork halfway to his mouth. "What is it?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Duke Drakonis took a deep breath before speaking again. "Let's get married."

The words hung in the air, almost surreal in their weight. Alex's heart raced, his mind reeling from the unexpected proposal. He put down his fork, his appetite vanishing in an instant.

"Married?" Alex echoed, trying to process the Duke's words. "Why?"

The Duke's expression softened, and he reached out to take Alex's hand in his. "I know this is sudden, and it's a lot to take in. But considering your potential pregnancy with dragon offspring, marriage would offer you protection and status within our society. It would ensure your safety and provide a stable environment for the children. I also believe that it could help us manage the situation better, given the societal and political implications."

Alex felt a mix of emotions, confusion, fear, and a hint of something else he couldn't quite identify. "But... we've only just met. How can you be sure this is the right thing to do?"

The Duke squeezed his hand gently. "I understand your hesitation, and I don't expect you to decide right away. But please consider it. This isn't just about tradition or politics; it's about ensuring the well-being of both you and the children. I promise to support you, to make this as smooth and respectful as possible."

Alex looked into the Duke's eyes, searching for any sign of deceit, but all he saw was sincerity and concern. The proposal was overwhelming, but the Duke's reasoning made sense in a way.

"I... I'll need some time to think about it," Alex finally said, his voice trembling slightly.

"Of course," the Duke replied, his grip on Alex's hand reassuring. "Take all the time you need. I'm here for you, whatever you decide."

Alex, still in shock from the proposal, looked up at the Duke, his mind racing. "What if I say no?" he asked, his voice barely audible.

The Duke leaned in close, his breath warm against Alex's ear as he whispered, "Then I will be depressed, not having you in my life." He pulled back slightly, his gaze intense but sincere. "How about a date? I heard you came here for an event in the mecha machinery depertment. Let's attend it together."

Alex blinked, trying to process the Duke's words. The offer of a date seemed to soften the overwhelming intensity of the marriage proposal. "A date?" he repeated, his tone uncertain.

The Duke nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "Yes, a date. Let's get to know each other better. We can attend the event you came for and spend some time together. No pressure, just a chance for us to see if there's something more here."

Alex took a deep breath, feeling a flicker of hope amid the confusion. "Okay," he said slowly. "A date sounds... nice."

The Duke's smile widened. "Great. The event starts in an hour. I'll have your belongings brought here, and we can head out together. Is that alright?"

Alex nodded, still feeling a bit dazed but also curious. "Yes, that sounds good."

"Wonderful," the Duke said, standing up. "I'll leave you to get ready. I'll be back shortly."

As the Duke left the room, Alex sat back, trying to gather his thoughts. A date with the Duke. It was unexpected, but it also felt like a chance to understand the man better and perhaps find some clarity in the midst of the whirlwind his life had become.

As soon as Doctor Su returned to the room, he was taken aback by the transformation. The private clinic rooms in this hospital were already special, designed for military personnel and high-ranking officers. However, the room now resembled a luxurious, comfortable home environment, a stark contrast to the clinical setting it had been before.

Doctor Su could only look at Secretary Lin in astonishment, feeling a mixture of frustration and resignation. "The Duke brought all his stuff and changed the room to a more suitable environment?" he asked, his voice tinged with disbelief.

Secretary Lin nodded apologetically. "Yes, I'm sorry, Doctor Su. The Duke wanted Alex to feel more at home. He arranged everything after our discussion of todays date."

Doctor Su sighed, rubbing his temples. "He did all this in twenty minutes after telling me?This man is crazy."

Lin offered a sympathetic smile. "The Duke is very determined when he sets his mind to something. He wants the best for Alex, especially given the circumstances."

Doctor Su shook his head, still in disbelief. "Well, I suppose it’s done now. I’ll proceed with the check-up as planned. At least Alex seems comfortable."

He approached Alex, who was now sitting up in bed, looking slightly more relaxed. "How are you feeling, Alex?" Doctor Su asked, his tone professional yet kind.

"A bit better," Alex replied, "though still a bit nervous."

Doctor Su nodded, conducting the check-up efficiently. "You seem to be recovering well. Just continue to rest and take it easy. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask."

Alex gave a small nod. "Thank you, Doctor."

As Doctor Su finished, he glanced at Secretary Lin. "I'll leave him in your care for now. Make sure he stays comfortable and doesn't overexert himself."

Lin nodded. "Of course, Doctor Su."

With that, Doctor Su left the room, still shaking his head at the rapid transformation orchestrated by the Duke. Lin turned to Alex with a gentle smile. "If you need anything else before the event, just let me know. The Duke will be back shortly to take you."

Alex nodded, feeling a mixture of apprehension and curiosity about the upcoming date.