Bai Lian narrowed his eyes, a cold glint flashing within them. He looked as if he would crush Doris in the next instant.

Pani couldn’t hold back either. His ears twitched upright in anger, his face a mask of fury. "You’re not worthy of knowing our wife’s rank!" Pani was overcome with emotion, his chest heaving violently. He longed to rush up and confront Doris.

The crowd, however, gasped and covered their mouths in astonishment. This young female was actually the wife of two of the Empire’s Admirals and the Highest Healing Officer.

Su Yaoyao watched the scene unfold. ’The way my Beast Husbands are defending me is so cool,’ she thought, silently giving them a thumbs-up.

Then, she lowered her voice and whispered, "Calm down, my darlings." It was as if she were soothing a pack of young beasts on the verge of erupting.

Upon hearing this, Augustine frowned slightly, his eyes filled with jealousy. He looked at Reg, Bai Lian, and Pani, his tone carrying the authority of a superior. "Sit down, all of you. Do not be rude."

The three of them clenched their teeth, chests heaving as they suppressed their rage. They slowly sat down, but their eyes remained fixed on Doris, as if trying to see right through her.

Then, Augustine turned to the Countess, his expression calm but unquestionable. "Doris, as for Miss Su Yaoyao, this Emperor has my own considerations. You need not inquire further."

Doris’s face flushed then paled. She lowered her head resentfully. "Yes, Your Majesty."

’At past banquets, she was always the only female and naturally the center of attention. But now, some damn girl has appeared out of nowhere and stolen her spotlight.’

’And she’s the wife of so many outstanding males?! It’s unbelievable!’

The banquet continued in this delicate atmosphere, filled with the clinking of glasses and the sounds of conversation, but Su Yaoyao felt like she was sitting on pins and needles. Every second was an agony.

A soft chuckle suddenly sounded, seeming to whisper directly into her ear.

Su Yaoyao turned her head and saw Augustine leaning back in his seat, propping his forehead on his hand. His gaze was lazy yet playful, fixed firmly on her.

"Your Majesty." Su Yaoyao felt a little flustered under his gaze and instinctively lowered her eyes. Her voice betrayed her nervousness.

"If you really don’t want to sit here, let’s go get some fresh air." Augustine’s voice was deep and magnetic, carrying a tone that brooked no refusal.

"Huh?" Su Yaoyao was surprised. Before she could react, Augustine had already reached out, taken her by the forearm, and deftly pulled aside the heavy curtains, heading toward the banquet hall’s balcony.

Seeing Su Yaoyao being led away, Bai Lian and the others instantly shot to their feet. They meant to follow but were stopped by the guards.

"Apologies, Admirals. His Majesty wishes to meet with Miss Su alone." The guard’s voice was neither servile nor overbearing, yet it acted as an invisible barrier, blocking their way.

Outside on the balcony, the moonlight poured down unreservedly, cloaking the entire world in a silver veil.

Augustine released Su Yaoyao’s hand, crossed his arms, and leaned against the balcony railing. "Weren’t you wanting to discuss the matter of Snake Scale City with this Emperor? Go on."

Any longer, and Su Yaoyao felt she would burst from holding it in.

Su Yaoyao’s eyes lit up. ’Finally, we can talk business.’

She took a deep breath, straightened her back, and put on a serious expression:

"Your Majesty, the Empire honors females. This has long been our tradition. However, beneath this tradition lies a serious loophole—there are no laws to protect males from domestic abuse."

Augustine frowned slightly, a flash of surprise in his eyes. "Yaoyao, why do you say that?" His voice was still steady, but his gaze held a new hint of inquiry.

Su Yaoyao’s expression was grave, her gaze firm as she continued, "Your Majesty, among the common people, cases of females abusing their male partners are commonplace. There are even heinous acts of torture and murder of males.

And due to the lack of laws, the females who commit these evil deeds often face no substantial punishment.

In such an environment, the males have no sense of security whatsoever. They only want to survive. Out of desperation, they formed Snake Scale City and became an anti-Empire force.

But in essence, they are still subjects of the Empire!"

Augustine fell into deep thought. The moonlight spilled onto his face, outlining his resolute features. His gaze was profound and complex. After a long while, he spoke:

"But they traffic in military arms and openly defy the Empire. If this Emperor does not suppress them, how can I maintain the Empire’s dignity?"

Su Yaoyao leaned forward eagerly, her hands unconsciously clenching into fists. "Your Majesty, they are not truly traitors. They were simply left with no other choice.

If the Empire could enact laws to protect males, give them the security they deserve, and allow them to live peacefully in their own homes, why would they so easily turn their backs on it?

I implore Your Majesty to show mercy and not give the order to attack the city. Give those poor males a chance. Give Snake Scale City an opportunity to submit."

Augustine looked at Su Yaoyao’s determined eyes. Her gaze revealed a dedication to justice and compassion for the weak, and he couldn’t help but be moved.

"This Emperor will give your words careful consideration. However, this matter concerns the Empire’s legal system and social order. I must discuss it with my ministers."

A flicker of hope ignited in Su Yaoyao’s heart. She curtsied slightly in a respectful salute. "Thank you, Your Majesty. The people of Snake Scale City are all hoping the Empire can grant them justice and peace."

A look of admiration for Su Yaoyao appeared in Augustine’s eyes. The corners of his mouth turned up slightly as he praised her, "Yaoyao, you have a compassionate and brave heart. That is exceedingly rare in this world."

His voice held a hint of gentleness, as if he were both soothing and applauding her.

Hearing his praise, Su Yaoyao’s cheeks instantly flushed red. A flicker of surprised shyness crossed her eyes. "Your Majesty is too kind. I just can’t bear to see those innocent Beastmen suffer."

Just then, music for dancing began to play inside the banquet hall, the graceful melody drifting out on the night breeze.

Augustine bowed slightly, elegantly extending his hand. "Yaoyao, may I have this dance?" His eyes held a hint of expectation, sparkling in the moonlight.

Su Yaoyao noticed that Augustine had used the word "I." ’It’s like we’re back to how it was before, when I video-chatted with the big boss,’ she thought, which made her relax.

She was a little shy, her cheeks flushing slightly. "But I’m not a very good dancer." Her voice was tinged with bashfulness and hesitation.

"It doesn’t matter. Just relax." Augustine’s voice was low and gentle, like a warm breeze that blew away Su Yaoyao’s nervousness.

"Alright." Su Yaoyao looked at the large hand before her and slowly placed her own upon it.

It was a classical piece with a soothing melody. Augustine held Su Yaoyao’s hand, his steps slow and measured under the moonlight. Every movement was gentle and deliberate, as if telling an ancient story.

Their shadows stretched long in the moonlight, swaying gently with the music.

Suddenly, the music changed, becoming fast and passionate.

Augustine’s hand slid down to grasp her waist, pulling her sharply toward him.

They were so close that Su Yaoyao could feel the warmth radiating from Augustine’s body and hear the steady beat of his heart.