Soothed by the three men, Su Yaoyao slowly emerged from under the covers. With their help, she hastily tidied her appearance.

When she stepped out of the Flying Ship and saw the magnificent Imperial Palace of the Imperial City before her, she was stunned by the sight.

The towering walls, the exquisite carvings—every detail proclaimed the power and majesty of this nation.

Just then, the sound of unified, powerful footsteps rang out. Two rows of Royal Guards in golden Armor stood in perfect formation, their long spears glinting with a cold light.

Surrounded by the guards, a man with a commanding presence strode forward.

He had long, silver hair and wore a crown. His magnificent robes were embroidered with the golden royal crest, all of which undeniably highlighted his supreme status.

Su Yaoyao looked at Augustine nervously, her eyes filled with unease and apprehension, especially after learning that he was His Majesty the Emperor.

Augustine’s gaze seemed drawn to her as if by a magnet; it hadn’t left her since the moment she appeared.

’The little female shows no surprise at seeing me. It seems she already knew my identity as the Emperor.’

"You’ve finally returned." Augustine’s voice was deep and magnetic, echoing across the open landing pad.

Bai Lian led Su Yaoyao and the others forward quickly, dropping to one knee. "Greetings, Your Majesty."

Su Yaoyao hurriedly followed suit, curtsying. Her heart pounded like a drum; she had never imagined she would come face-to-face with the supreme ruler of the Empire. 𝚏𝕣𝐞𝗲𝐰𝕖𝐛𝐧𝕠𝕧𝚎𝚕.𝐜𝚘𝗺

"All of you, rise." A faint smile appeared on Augustine’s face.

He walked over to Su Yaoyao with steady steps, extended a hand, and personally helped her up. His movements were gentle yet graceful. "It must have been a long journey."

Su Yaoyao took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. She raised her head slightly, mustered her courage, and said, "It was no trouble, Your Majesty."

Just then, Roland suddenly dropped to his knees with a THUD and did not rise. His voice was filled with guilt and self-reproach. "Your Majesty, please punish me. I failed to complete the mission to conquer Snake Scale City."

Augustine’s gaze shifted to Roland, a complex mix of emotions flickering in his eyes—authority, but also a hint of leniency.

"I am too happy seeing Yaoyao today. You assisted Admiral Bai Lian in escorting her back, which is a merit. Your merits and demerits cancel each other out, so your punishment is waived."

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Only then did Roland dare to rise slowly. His forehead was covered in fine beads of sweat, and he breathed a silent sigh of relief.

Seeing this, Su Yaoyao’s heart tightened. She quickly said, "Your Majesty, there is something I wish to discuss with you."

The helpless eyes of the Beastmen in Snake Scale City flashed through her mind, filling her with anxiety and worry.

"We can discuss it later. I’ve prepared a welcome banquet for you." As if he hadn’t noticed Su Yaoyao’s anxious expression, Augustine simply smiled, gently took her hand, and began walking toward the main hall.

Su Yaoyao was frantic, but facing this noble and imperious Emperor, she didn’t dare say more.

She was led along by Augustine, her steps flustered as she followed, her eyes filled with worry and unease. From time to time, she glanced back at Bai Lian and the others.

Her Beast Husbands watched her with concern. Bai Lian even silently mouthed words of comfort to her: *Don’t be afraid, Yaoyao. We’re all here.*

Seeing them, a wave of warmth washed over her. She nodded gently, her steps gradually steadied, and her gaze grew a little more resolute.

Arriving at the banquet hall, she saw a massive crystal chandelier casting a brilliant light, illuminating a long table laden with delicacies.

The royal nobles were already seated. When they saw Augustine enter with Su Yaoyao, they all rose to bow, and a chorus of greetings filled the air.

Augustine led Su Yaoyao to the head of the table and gestured for everyone to be seated.

Augustine held her hand, refusing to let go, as Su Yaoyao, terrified, sat with His Majesty the Emperor at the head of the table.

"This... Your Majesty, this is hardly appropriate, is it?"

Augustine smiled, leaned in slightly, and whispered in her ear, "I just want to be a little closer to Yaoyao."

This made Su Yaoyao blush, but she didn’t dare resist.

Bai Lian, Reg, and Pani sat in the seats closest to the head of the table. Watching the Emperor sitting so close to Yaoyao, they all frowned with jealousy, secretly displeased.

The banquet began. Servants moved among the guests, pouring wine and serving dishes.

The nobles raised their glasses one after another to pay their respects to Augustine, while also casting curious glances at Su Yaoyao, whispering to one another about the mysterious woman who had suddenly appeared among the royals.

Su Yaoyao forced a smile and mechanically returned the greetings of those around her.

But she noticed a certain Countess whose gaze held a trace of disdain and hostility. At that moment, however, she had no time to worry about such things.

Finally, she couldn’t help but speak up again. "Your Majesty, about the matter of Snake Scale City..."

Augustine raised a hand to cut her off, saying with a smile, "Yaoyao, enjoy the food first. We can discuss these things after the banquet. It won’t be too late.

"I had cooked food from Ancient Earth specially prepared for you. Have a taste." His tone, though gentle, carried an undeniable authority.

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Hearing this, Su Yaoyao had no choice but to drop the matter and silently lowered her head to eat.

At this moment, the Countess in magnificent attire spoke up. "Your Majesty, this Miss Su looks so young. What remarkable qualities does she possess to be so highly regarded by you? Could she be an S-Class female?"

She deliberately emphasized the term "S-Class," her tone filled with undisguised provocation and doubt.

As soon as she said this, it was as if a stone had been thrown into the lively banquet hall, sending ripples through the crowd.

The surrounding nobles began to whisper amongst themselves, their voices low.

A portly baron with gold-rimmed glasses, his face a mask of astonishment, raised his voice and said:

"S-Class? That’s a once-in-a-millennium occurrence! If this young lady really is one, it would be incredible!"

His words drew more murmurs of agreement. All eyes, like spotlights, turned to Su Yaoyao, filled with curiosity and scrutiny.

A smirk played on Doris’s lips, a flash of triumph in her eyes.

’Of course, she knew how low the probability of an S-Class female’s birth was. The Star Network’s database hadn’t been updated with a new S-Class female in nearly a thousand years.’

’She had brought it up deliberately to put Su Yaoyao in an awkward position and make a fool of her in front of everyone.’

Before Augustine could answer, Reg shot to his feet, his gaze icily fixed on the Countess.

"Are you qualified to speculate on my wife’s rank?"

Reg’s voice wasn’t loud, but it carried an immense deterrent force. The entire banquet hall instantly became so quiet you could hear a pin drop. Everyone was stunned by his sudden outburst, not even daring to breathe.

Just then, Bai Lian also stood up. He stood ramrod straight, his expression cold and stern, his voice low but filled with a commanding pressure.

"Countess Doris, watch your mouth. If you make malicious speculations about my wife again, there will be a price to pay."