After slightly adjusting her emotions, Charlotte Bennett's eyes regained that cold, starry, frosty moon-like luster. She simply said, “Let’s go.”

……

The Bennett Family Nan Clan.

For a long time, these two prestigious families had ruled this Ancestral Dragon City-State. Upon hearing the name of the Valkyrie, Ryan Carter immediately understood her background.

No wonder she was able to rule Yong City for a whole year amidst the chaos of the Wastelands—her background must be unfathomable.

But why was she overthrown overnight?

They escorted her all the way, trembling with fear, and finally completed their mission, but Ryan Carter could not leave just yet.

The The Bennett Family Imperial Court was grand and magnificent, but unfortunately, this was not a triumphant return.

The three of them waited quietly in a spacious city hall decorated with pearwood. Ryan Carter and Henry Sullivan stood a few steps behind Charlotte Bennett, who stood there facing a thin, middle-aged man with a long beard seated at the main throne of the hall.

Beside the man was a woman of outstanding temperament, dignified and graceful. She poured a cup of tea for the thin, long-bearded man.

“Master, don’t be angry. It’s enough that she returned safely,” the woman said softly.

“Bang!!” The teacup was slammed down hard by the long-bearded man.

Sharp shards of porcelain flew, scattering at Charlotte Bennett’s feet. One shard even bounced off the marble floor, mercilessly grazing Charlotte Bennett’s cheek.

A streak of bright red blood appeared on her face, and blood began to seep out.

Yet Charlotte Bennett stood there, never showing the slightest intention to dodge from the very beginning.

“If it were any other child taught by our The Bennett Family, they would have already chosen a place to take their own life in repentance. That would at least barely save some face for you and for our The Bennett Family!” the middle-aged, long-bearded man said, his expression neither happy nor angry.

“Master, I clearly set Yong City ablaze. How could this matter have spread back to the city-state so quickly?” Henry Sullivan said in disbelief.

“Is it your turn to speak?!” Head of the Bennett Family glared at Henry Sullivan.

Henry Sullivan hurriedly knelt down, not daring to lift his head.

It seemed there was an innate fear of Head of the Bennett Family. Ambitious and arrogant as Henry Sullivan was, he dared not act out in the slightest.

“You can’t even protect your own reputation and honor—how will you protect this Ancestral Dragon City-State, beset on all sides, in the future!” Head of the Bennett Family said angrily.

Charlotte Bennett still said nothing.

Seeing her remain so silent, Head of the Bennett Family grew even more furious...

But soon, Head of the Bennett Family forced himself to suppress the anger rising in his throat.

“No matter what, Charlotte has made many military contributions for our city-state, expanding our territory. Even though her reputation is now in tatters, her authority as a commander still remains,” the woman tried to persuade him.

“What authority as a commander is left? All the soldiers under her title of Lady Sovereign must now bear this shame with her. The title of Lady Sovereign will disappear from now on. Your guards will be dispersed to other camps to continue defending the western front. The successor to the Ancestral Dragon Divine Priestess will be Lillian Parker. You are to be confined in the palace and forbidden from seeing anyone!” As he said this, Head of the Bennett Family’s eyes already showed a hint of cold indifference.

“Master, as Lillian Parker’s younger sister, she might also be affected. Should we call her back as well…” the woman seemed to want to say something.

“Lillian Parker is Lillian Parker, Charlotte Bennett is Charlotte Bennett. Whoever dares to drag Lillian Parker into this, cut out their tongue, no matter who they are!” Head of the Bennett Family said.

“I will carry out this order,” the woman replied.

“Henry Sullivan.” Only now did Head of the Bennett Family turn his gaze to him.

“Your guilty servant is here!” Henry Sullivan hurriedly knelt, not daring to lift his face.

“Your dragon is a Gilded Fire Dragon?” Head of the Bennett Family asked.

“Gilded Fire Dragon? Master, that’s a dragon breed with the potential to advance to Dragon Lord. Its bloodline and attributes are top-notch. If he can prove his loyalty…” The woman showed a look of surprise.

“It truly is a rare and precious dragon. I didn’t expect you to have such an astonishing encounter after leaving the The Bennett Family. You did well this time, letting those Wasteland refugees know that people of our The Bennett Family are not to be trampled on!” Head of the Bennett Family said.

“I was exiled for my mistakes back then and have regretted it ever since, but my heart has always been with the The Bennett Family. After becoming a Dragon Herder, I happened to be training in the Wastelands. When I learned of the young lady’s trouble, I rushed over as fast as I could. Unfortunately, I was a step too late. Please do not blame the young lady, Master—it was my lack of decisiveness. I should have wiped out the surrounding towns as well, then this matter would not have spread back to the city-state.” Henry Sullivan expressed his loyalty.

Head of the Bennett Family nodded, seemingly satisfied with Henry Sullivan’s ruthlessness.

“You will serve under me. The Gilded Fire Dragon is indeed a dragon of boundless potential, but it also requires vast resources and guidance from a master… As long as you are loyal enough, I guarantee you a brilliant future!” Head of the Bennett Family said.

“Thank you, Master! Thank you, Master!!” Henry Sullivan’s face showed unconcealed excitement as he kowtowed in gratitude again!

A brilliant future!

That’s exactly what Henry Sullivan wanted—a brilliant future!

Not to be some Dragon Herder in those barren, desolate lands, but to stand supreme in this grand, prosperous, and magnificent Ancestral Dragon City-State!!

……