This woman had indeed done her homework thoroughly. She had dug up the backgrounds of all three of them, and even her forms of address struck exactly the right balance—not too familiar, not too distant, neither fawning nor arrogant.
She was leagues better than that old inspector yesterday who had run faster than a rabbit.
"Have a seat." Su Li lifted his chin and pointed at an empty stool beside the stone table.
Livia thanked him and walked over to sit down. The three maids behind her retreated to the courtyard gate, while the two guards stood directly outside.
Saina tossed the scallions into a bamboo basket, wiped her hands on her apron, and walked over.
Elena came down from the second floor as well. While still on the stairs, she had already swept Livia from head to toe with her gaze. A deep-blue gown, excellent fabric but no unnecessary adornments; her hair was neatly pinned up, and she wore not a single piece of jewelry.
Elena sat down on the other side of the stone table and crossed her legs.
"Your Highness, there's no need for pleasantries. Just say what you came to say."
Livia nodded.
She took a roll of parchment from her sleeve, unfurled it, and laid it on the stone table.
"This is the royal family's formal proposal. Three conditions."
Su Li tilted his head for a look but did not reach for it.
Livia read it aloud herself.
"First, Mr. Su will be granted treatment equivalent to that of a prince, with access to all royal privileges and unrestricted passage through military, political, and financial affairs."
"Second, after the Iris Family takes over part of the power, the royal bloodline will retain its nominal standing, and the descendants born to Mr. Su and me will