That was a hard regulation by the system.
From conception to birth, it must be exactly three months, not a second more or less.
The system’s explanation was concise and clear.
This is to ensure the complete stability of the genetic chain and to avoid the unpredictable consequences of time discrepancies.
However, Selene always had some unease in her heart.
She felt such regulations were too mechanical.
Even though the system guaranteed there would be no pain, like going to the bathroom effortlessly.
Selene just felt it wasn’t very reliable, she had been on edge lately.
The system’s voice always carried an emotionless calm tone.
But the more it was like this, the more she felt suspicious.
After all, this is about having a child, not drinking a glass of water.
She secretly checked the system’s history logs, only to find the relevant data was encrypted, with absurdly high authorization levels.
This deepened her doubts even further.
Every night before sleeping, she’d instinctively touch her belly to confirm everything was normal.
Heath had already completed the necklace.
When she first saw it, she was stunned into silence.
It was even more beautiful than she imagined.
Unfortunately, it remained locked away, yet to be used.
It was a thin chain of intertwined silver threads, embedded with a pale purple Crystal Stone in the center.
The chain was etched with dense runes, obviously crafted with immense effort.
When Heath handed it to her, his fingertips trembled slightly, and a flicker of barely concealable anticipation danced in his eyes.
Selene took it, and as her fingertips touched the cool metal, her heart inexplicably fluttered.
Nowadays, there’s a rumored Royal Family exclusive potion that stabilizes male emotions and enhances female spiritual power.
But it’s all controlled by the Empress, priced ridiculously high, and impossible to purchase.
This potion is said to be a palace secret formula, extremely complex, requiring hundreds of rare herbs and special spiritual power guidance.
Every drop is a condensation of top alchemist’s efforts.
The market has long seen countless imitations, but none can truly replicate its effects.
In the black market, an original bottle of "Peaceful Water" could even trade for a small estate.
And those who truly possess the formula are likely only a few.
Caleb wasn’t aware of the underlying intricacies, merely following orders.
Every day, people from the palace delivered boxes of fresh flowers to Selene, ostensibly sent by Princess Lilian.
The bouquets varied widely, including Snow Orchid, Moon Shadow Vine, and Morning Dew Rose.
Each bouquet was perfectly arranged.
The flower couriers never spoke, placing the flowers down and leaving, respectful in demeanor.
Caleb assumed this was typical courtesy among nobles.
After all, Selene now held a distinguished position, receiving gifts seemed normal.
He never suspected these flowers had another purpose.
The petals contained trace elements that were crucial auxiliary materials.
Heath was one of the few aware of the truth, delighting in the secret understanding between him and the Female Master.
He distinctly remembered that night when Selene secretly instructed him to collect all the petals from the first batch of flowers, using a custom distiller to extract the essences.
In that moment, his heartbeat quickened.
Since then, he’d silently cooperated, handling each bouquet meticulously, leaving no waste.
Whenever Selene nodded in satisfaction, an indescribable sense of fulfillment welled up in his heart.
As Selene worked, he’d stay close and assist by handing items, learning incredibly quickly.
Now, he could complete most steps himself.
But oddly, his concoctions always fell short.
He was efficient, with a good memory, able to replicate Selene’s operations almost flawlessly.
From grinding herbs to controlling distillation temperature, to the final still fusion.
He was meticulous, even more than her.
However, no matter how hard he tried, the final potion always lacked that reassuring quality.
The color was the same, the scent similar, but it missed that soul-soothing power.
His potion at most invigorated the spirit, similar to previously tried ones.
But the Female Master’s "perfume," just a whiff brought unparalleled solace, relaxing the entire being.
Many who tried it claimed the first whiff made them cry.
While his own potion only energized akin to a cup of strong coffee, short-lived and superficial.
Every time he stayed beside the Female Master, he felt utterly at ease.
That sensation didn’t stem from the potion but originated from her.
He even began to suspect that true "Peaceful Water" wasn’t produced by concoction.
But stemmed from Selene herself.
Selene mused, the Empress had quite a tolerance, with rumors already rampant, yet she suppressed the news silently.
Speculations about "Peaceful Water’s" source abound.
Various forces were covertly investigating.
But the Empress remained silent, neither confirming nor denying.
Instead, she increased her support for Selene, even tacitly allowing her to control more resources.
This abnormal silence made the situation even more enigmatic.
Jumping into the fray now would be self-destructive.
Rationality told her, now wasn’t the time to reveal the truth.
Currently, Caleb and the others trusted her greatly.
Even business once guarded as core operations were entrusted to her care.
She was now a big boss managing hundreds of stores, just waiting for the core technology to stabilize.
From herb trading to spice supplying, potion distribution to intelligence networks.
Her influence had quietly reached every corner of The Empire.
Caleb managed visible protection and coordination, while Heath secretly assisted in perfecting the technical chain.
Each store served as a node.
And she was meticulously weaving her own web of power.
As long as the formula of "Peaceful Water" remains undisclosed.
She can maintain the upper hand in this surging undercurrent of a game.
"Female Master, are you feeling down?"
Caleb could always sense her mood changes instantly.
His gaze always lingered on her.
In the past, he seemed cold and distant, unapproachable.
But now, he was surprisingly attentive.
This period, he’d all but spoiled her.
Three meals a day served promptly by the bed, clothing and footwear personally selected by him.
Even on casually indicating thirst, a perfectly tempered glass of water at her lips.
He’d almost groomed her into a pampered young lady with idle hands.
Stopping her from even bending to pick up items, pressing gently on her shoulders.
"No, not at all."
She shook her head in denial.
Truthfully, she remained agitated inside, but she chose silence.
Now the Beast Husbands behaved civilly, devoid of past conflicts, the tribe seemed at peace.
Evan and Ethan were much more sensible, no longer impulsive as before.
Instead, they’d learned to help her manage daily chores actively.
Heath was remarkably well-behaved, checking in every morning, joining her in the garden for evening walks.
Zane followed Caleb in learning martial arts techniques, practicing diligently, seriousness etched across his youthful face.
As for Alza, recovery was slower, yet his complexion improved daily.
Everything seemed to be moving in a positive direction.