Captain Dawson’s mount was a blade-horned giant lizard, a creature that Henry Bennett was very familiar with and had no fondness for whatsoever. Because of this, he kept a certain distance from Captain Dawson along the way. However, Captain Dawson didn’t mind at all; he simply assumed that the great sage was always like this.

The headquarters of the Heluo Temple was in Heluo City, six hundred li northeast of Tunhai City. The Heluo Temple’s domain spanned over two thousand li in all directions, but Heluo City itself was not large. It was a purely religious city, with all other functions being weak; it existed solely for the sake of religion. Within Heluo City, the most prominent building was the Heluo Temple itself.

Although it was a small city, it was the holy land in the hearts of all Heluo believers. Every believer considered it a lifelong honor to make a pilgrimage to Heluo City.

Bishop Brooks and his party, under the protection of the Guardian Beast warriors, arrived safely outside Heluo City. The light from the Stone of Faith atop the Heluo Temple in the city enveloped the territory of the three surrounding powers. When their convoy reached the edge of this light, Henry Bennett suddenly got out of the carriage.

The convoy continued forward. Agile as he was, he glanced at the carriage ahead carrying Bishop Brooks, then slipped into the carriage of Grand Duchess Cameron.

“What’s wrong, is there something you need?” Grand Duchess Cameron was surprised by Henry Bennett’s sudden arrival. Henry Bennett’s gaze fell on her flawless, jade-like face, that strand of fiery red hair, those deep blue eyes—everything about her was captivating.

“I…” Henry Bennett struggled to resist Cameron’s charm and gathered his thoughts. “I want to talk to you. You and Bishop Brooks must have gained quite a bit because of me, right?” Cameron didn’t bother to hide anything and nodded frankly. “That’s right. Especially me. Although I inherited the title of duchess, for a young woman like me, this position is far from secure.”

“Because of your appearance, the Temple will definitely reward me. With the Temple’s support, I no longer have to worry about anyone replacing me,” Cameron said.

Henry Bennett lowered his head, tracing patterns on the carriage floor with his finger, and asked seemingly casually, “So, you both benefit—what about me?”

“You?” Cameron was taken aback. “You now have a noble status and can even become a Guardian Beast keeper—that’s a tremendous honor. Don’t you think that’s enough?” Henry Bennett laughed, lazily stretching his body and drawled, “It’s not bad now, but I can’t shake the feeling that I’ve been trampled on as others climbed to the top. It’s not a good feeling. Buddha bless, you really ought to give me something to compensate my wounded, fragile soul, don’t you think?” Cameron was stunned, then said gloomily, “What else can I give you? I’m just a duchess in name only, with neither money nor power. What could you possibly want from me?” Henry Bennett almost blurted out, “I want you,” but fortunately his self-control was strong enough to swallow the words. If he made such a request now, perhaps Cameron wouldn’t refuse, but his image in her mind would be utterly ruined.

Besides, making a duchess your lover might not be such a good idea.

“You spent hundreds of thousands of gold coins to buy me, and you say you have no money?” Henry Bennett asked coolly. Cameron replied with a hint of sadness, “That money was borrowed from Yama Bank, the largest bank in Tunhai City, with my duchess title as collateral.” Henry Bennett winced. “You really have nothing at all?”

“Other than myself, I truly have nothing,” Cameron said helplessly. Henry Bennett narrowed his eyes. “Why do I feel like you’re hinting that you yourself could be my compensation?” Grand Duchess Cameron gave a brilliant smile. “You’re right, I could indeed be your compensation. But do you really find that interesting?” Henry Bennett was even more confused. “What exactly are you trying to say?”

“We could make this compensation a bit more interesting.” Grand Duchess Cameron lifted her chin slightly, perfectly displaying her noble bearing. “You may have permission to pursue me. If I’m moved, then I’ll be your compensation. What do you think?” Henry Bennett frowned and refused without hesitation, “Forget it, I’d rather not have your compensation.” With that, he nimbly slipped out of the carriage, leaving Grand Duchess Cameron sitting there in a daze.

Henry Bennett frowned and muttered to himself, “Pursue you? What a joke. Just looking at the crowd of admirers around you is headache enough. Besides, I finally made it to this world—how could I give up the whole garden for a single rose like you!” He quickly caught up to Bishop Brooks’s carriage ahead, ready to continue demanding “emotional compensation.” Grand Duchess Cameron sat in the carriage for a long while, then suddenly blushed with annoyance. “That damned guy, he really doesn’t know what’s good for him! In the Heluo Temple, who knows how many noble clergy have begged this duchess for permission, and I’ve never agreed to any of them. Now I give him such a golden opportunity, and he doesn’t even appreciate it!”