When Zephirin stepped through the gates, her aura changed abruptly again, becoming exceedingly meek.
Arriving before Velin and Xuemiyya, Zephirin placed her right hand over her chest, bowed, and said, "Greetings, my lord. Greetings, madam."
"No need for such formalities."
Velin waved a hand and helped Zephirin up, speaking with a gentle smile.
"My lord, it was my fault that I did not come to receive you and madam upon your arrival. Please forgive me." Zephirin lowered her head slightly as she replied.
"It is nothing." Velin did not seem to mind. "I came to East Lake City in private this time and did not send formal notice. It is perfectly normal that you did not come to see me because you were occupied with other matters."
"Besides, your subordinate accompanied us in your stead without any breach of etiquette. That is enough."
"After all, you should know my character and manner of doing things."
"Yes, my lord," Zephirin answered.
Velin's gaze passed over Zephirin and looked behind her. Seeing no one there, he asked curiously, "Where is that subordinate of yours?"
Zephirin's expression did not change as she answered calmly, "She rendered merit, so I rewarded her with three months of cultivation at Ice Lake."
"Clear rewards and punishments. Very good."
After saying that, Velin did not continue the subject. Instead, he asked, "When I entered East Lake City this time, I noticed many Silver Rank professionals. Was that your doing?"
"Yes."
Zephirin answered without the slightest hesitation.
"With so many Silver Rank professionals, how did you manage to support them? Could you clear up my doubts?" Velin asked with a puzzled expression.
"My lord, if you and madam wish to know, please sit over here. I will explain everything slowly." Zephirin gestured invitingly and smiled.
Seeing this, Velin