As Alex waited for the Duke's return, Doctor Su and Secretary Lin made sure that all necessary medical preparations were in order. They meticulously checked and prepared medical utensils, ensuring that everything was ready to provide immediate assistance if needed. Despite the upcoming date, they both understood the paramount importance of Alex's health and well-being, particularly given the unique circumstances he was facing.

Knowing that robots were available to perform surgeries in emergencies, Doctor Su and Secretary Lin decided to pack additional emergency medical tools. While robots were efficient, they recognized that human expertise and intervention could sometimes be necessary, especially in unpredictable situations.

As they made their way through the military camp, Alex couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by the sheer scale of the operation. The camp buzzed with activity, as researchers and scientists from various fields engaged in discussions about their latest innovations and discoveries. The atmosphere was electric with excitement and anticipation, and Alex found himself drawn into the energy of the event.

Before long, Duke Drakonis returned, his presence commanding attention as he confirmed that Alex was ready. Together, they set off towards the heart of the military camp, where a multitude of professors and experts had gathered for the event. The air was filled with anticipation as they joined the throng of people, each deeply immersed in their own areas of expertise.

As they passed through stalls and other small advertisements, Alex and the Duke arrived the center of the military camp. There, an unknown voice echoed through the speakers, capturing the attention of everyone present.

"Welcome to the 100th Mecha Machinery Competition, a rare event that occurs once in a lifetime," the voice announced. "Today, our contestants include a total of 799 professors, each showcasing their expertise in the field of mecha machinery."

The announcement drew murmurs of excitement and anticipation from the crowd, as they eagerly awaited the start of the competition. Among the contestants mentioned were two renowned professors: Professor Nina Frost and Professor Griffin.

As the competition unfolded, Alex and the Duke found themselves immersed in the captivating displays of ingenuity and innovation. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as each contestant presented their unique designs and inventions.

First, they watched as Professor Nina Frost showcased her revolutionary mecha design. The sleek lines and advanced AI technology captured the attention of the audience, earning admiration for its cutting-edge features.

Next, they turned their attention to Professor Griffin's entry, which focused on optimizing the performance and efficiency of existing mecha machinery. His attention to detail and practical approach impressed both the judges and the spectators, showcasing his expertise in the field.

As the competition progressed, Alex couldn't help but marvel at the diverse range of designs and concepts on display. From futuristic robots to powerful machinery, each contestant pushed the boundaries of mecha technology in their own unique way.

As the final presentations concluded, the tension in the air was palpable as the judges deliberated on the results. The audience held their breath, eagerly awaiting the announcement of the winner.

In the end, it was Professor Nina Frost's innovative mecha design that emerged victorious, earning her widespread acclaim and recognition for her groundbreaking work. The audience erupted into cheers and applause as her achievement was celebrated.

As the event drew to a close, the atmosphere was electric with excitement and anticipation as the winners of the 100th Mecha Machinery Competition were announced. Professor Nina Frost's innovative mecha design had emerged victorious, earning her widespread acclaim and recognition for her groundbreaking work. The audience erupted into cheers and applause as her achievement was celebrated, a fitting tribute to her talent and dedication to the field of mecha machinery.

As the crowd began to disperse, the final rankings were revealed. Alongside Professor Frost, Professor Griffin stood proudly as one of the top contenders, his contribution to the competition not going unnoticed. In a surprising turn of events, an unknown rookie named Scarlet Hust claimed the third spot, her innovative design captivating the judges and earning her a place among the competition's elite.

With the top three winners announced, the event came to a close, marking the end of a memorable day filled with excitement and inspiration. As participants and spectators alike began to depart, the spirit of camaraderie and innovation lingered in the air, a testament to the passion and ingenuity of those involved in the world of mecha machinery.

As Alex and the Duke made their way back, their eyes fell upon the array of new gadgets and innovations showcased at the event. While the focus of the competition was on mecha machinery, they couldn't help but notice that many of the professors participating were also showcasing their expertise in other areas.

Among the new gadgets on display were breeding machines designed to optimize the reproductive process for various species, as well as food-making robots tailored to meet the daily needs of households. Protective covers and shields designed to enhance safety and security were also among the innovations being highlighted.

It was clear that while mecha machinery was a central focus of the event, the ingenuity and creativity of the participants extended far beyond that. Each new gadget and innovation represented a step forward in technology, aimed at addressing real-world challenges and improving quality of life for people everywhere.

As Alex and the Duke took in the sights and browsed through the various stalls, Alex's attention was drawn to a display featuring baby shoes designed specifically for dragon offspring. These shoes were crafted to be scale-resistant and boasted multiple functions to accommodate the unique needs of young dragons.

The shoes were made from a durable, flexible material that could withstand the rigors of dragon scales and claws. They were also equipped with features such as adjustable straps for a secure fit, built in cushioning to support growing feet, and temperature-regulating properties to keep the wearers comfortable in various climates. Some models even had retractable claws for extra grip and protection.

As Alex examined the shoes, a vendor approached with a friendly smile. "Ah, I see you're interested in our dragon baby shoes," she said. "These are some of our latest designs, made to ensure both safety and comfort for dragon infants. They come in a variety of sizes and styles to suit different preferences and needs."

Alex nodded, intrigued by the level of detail and innovation that had gone into creating these specialized shoes. "They look amazing," he said, admiring the craftsmanship.

The Duke, noticing Alex's interest, smiled warmly. "It seems you have an eye for quality," he remarked. "These would be perfect for our future pups."

The Duke's words made Alex blush deeply, his thoughts filled with images of cute dragon babies running around in those adorable shoes.

As they picked out a selection of baby shoes, ensuring they had a variety of sizes and styles, the vendor carefully packaged their choices, adding a few complimentary items such as protective covers for the shoes and a guide on caring for dragon infants. The Duke’s practical yet thoughtful approach to preparing for the future filled Alex with a warmth he hadn’t expected.

As they continued to explore the event, Alex's anxieties began to ease. Until now, he had never thought of building a family. His past experiences in the orphanage had made him wary of such dreams. The incidents he had witnessed, the manipulation, and the pain had left deep scars.

But now, as he walked beside the Duke, he began to think that maybe the person in front of him wasn’t so bad. The Duke had shown him nothing but kindness and genuine concern. They passed by more stalls showcasing a wide range of innovative technologies and practical solutions for everyday life.

As they continued their tour of the event, Alex looked at the Duke and felt a growing sense of hope. "Thank you," he said softly.The Duke looked at him, a gentle smile playing on his lips.

For the first time in a long while, Alex felt that maybe Lucy's experience did not necessarily apply to him. As he walked beside the Duke, surrounded by the buzz of innovation and the warmth of shared experiences, he started to believe that his fate could be different. The Duke’s genuine concern and the careful preparations they had made together painted a picture of a future far removed from the tragic cycle he had witnessed at the orphanage.

Alex glanced at the Duke, who was now examining a booth showcasing advanced medical technologies. The Duke's interest wasn't just superficial; he truly wanted to ensure Alex and their potential children were well cared for. 

This thought brought a smile to Alex's face, a feeling of reassurance washing over him. He paused and asked the Duke, "Would you have treated me differently if I wasn't human?"

The Duke paused, looking at Alex with a thoughtful expression. Knowing what had happened in the orphanage through Secretary Lin, he answered honestly, "I don't think so. The reason why I'm doing this isn't just because of the children or because you look pretty. You fascinate me. Normally, people run away in situations like our first meeting, but you didn’t. You felt like someone who isn't scared of me, and that made me happy."

As he finished, Alex could only think of one thing: this man is blind. Their first meeting should always be remembered deeply.

Alex's mind drifted back to their initial encounter, recalling the fear and uncertainty he had felt. But now, hearing the Duke's genuine words, he realized that perhaps there was more to their connection than he had initially understood.

Maybe I was just too shocked to run," Alex said with a small smile, trying to lighten the mood. "But I guess I was also curious."

The Duke smiled back, his eyes softening. "And that curiosity, that courage, is part of what makes you so special. I'm glad you stayed."

Alex felt like this dragon is a "my wife is the best" type, the kind of person who genuinely adores and cherishes his partner above all else. It was almost endearing how the Duke seemed to view Alex through a lens of fascination and affection, unbothered by the complexities that usually accompanied such relationships.

"You're a bit of a hopeless romantic, aren't you?" Alex teased, looking at the Duke with a playful glint in his eyes.

The Duke, lost in thought and not hearing the question, simply looked at Alex with a puzzled expression. "What did you say?"

Alex laughed and shook his head. "Nothing, don't worry about it."

The Duke continued to gaze at Alex, a gentle smile playing on his lips. In his eyes, Alex was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen, and he was determined to make him as happy as possible.

"You have a beautiful laugh, Alex," the Duke said softly, reaching out to gently tuck a stray strand of hair behind Alex's ear. "And I love seeing you smile."

Alex blushed slightly, feeling a warmth spread through him at the Duke's words. As time flew by, they eventually left the military camp, their date having gone better than Alex could have hoped. Just as they were about to enter the car, a person ran towards the Duke, urgency etched on their face.

"Your Grace, we have urgent matters," the person said breathlessly. "There is an attack on Planet 3064 Ganger. We need your immediate dispatch for support."

The Duke's expression shifted instantly from serene to focused, a look of determination taking over. He turned to Alex, his eyes filled with regret and urgency.

"I'm sorry, Alex," the Duke said, his voice firm but gentle. "Duty calls, and I must go. Please, take the car back to the hospital."

Alex nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation.

The Duke squeezed Alex's hand briefly before turning to the messenger. "Prepare my transport immediately. I'll be there shortly."

As the Duke hurried away, Alex watched him go, feeling a pang of sadness inside. He turned and entered the hospital, where he saw Secretary Lin in a state of agitation, talking to Doctor Su.

"What do you mean they declared war because we changed the orphanage heads? Cutting off a forced breeding illegal orphanage is a reason for war? Those people have no hearts!" Secretary Lin exclaimed, her voice tinged with frustration and disbelief.

Doctor Su nodded grimly. "It appears that the orphanage operations were more intertwined with the political and economic interests of certain factions than we realized. By shutting it down and changing the heads, we disrupted their power structure and their... supply chain. It's a drastic reaction, but it shows just how much they relied on those unethical practices."

Alex, overhearing the conversation, felt a surge of anger and sadness. The thought of innocent children being used and manipulated like Lucy and the others. 

As Alex entered the room, he saw a screen displaying messages left for them, apparently from the Duke. The messages detailed the current situation, explaining the political fallout and the reasons behind the war declaration. But what struck Alex the most was the mention of the orphanage he had come from. The pain and confusion surged within him. Why would the Duke do that? How did he even know about Alex's past?

As these thoughts filled his mind, Alex felt a wave of overwhelming emotion. His legs felt weak, and he started to shake. Secretary Lin, noticing his distress, quickly closed the screen and wrapped her arms around him, offering comfort and support.

Doctor Su stepped forward, his face serious but compassionate. "We need to take him to the protected estate immediately," he said to Lin. "I'll be joining him to ensure his safety and provide the necessary medical care."

Secretary Lin nodded, still holding Alex gently. "Of course, Doctor Su. Let's get him there right away."

Together, they escorted Alex to a secure transport vehicle. The ride to the protected estate was quiet, with Alex deep in thought and the others focused on ensuring his well being. The estate was a sprawling, fortified area designed for maximum security and comfort, a sanctuary amidst the chaos.

Upon arrival, Doctor Su immediately began setting up his medical equipment, ready to attend to Alex's physical needs. Secretary Lin stayed close by, her presence a constant source of reassurance.

"Alex," Doctor Su said gently as he checked his vitals, "I know this is a lot to take in. But we need to focus on your health right now. The Duke entrusted us with your safety, and we will do everything in our power to protect you."

Alex nodded weakly, still processing everything that had happened.