"Governor Raymond. It's a pleasure to finally meet you."
Ying Jiuyao shook his hand with a forced smile, silver markings appearing on his skin as his tiger claws strained.
Raymond's face twitched in pain, his own smile almost faltering.
He glanced at the Four Great Beast Husbands standing solemnly behind Su An'an and said meaningfully,
"The Third Princess's entourage of guards truly lives up to its reputation."
"You flatter me."
Su An'an smiled faintly. "I was wondering, have you prepared the official approval for the female shelter?"
Raymond clapped his hands and laughed heartily, but his eyes were icy. "The Third Princess is certainly impatient. Please, follow me."
"Well, well! Isn't this the Wasted Evil Female who used her status as an Empress to force the Five Great Beast Husbands into marriage?"
A delicate laugh, like a poisoned dagger, cut precisely through the lively atmosphere of the banquet hall.
