While Charlotte was feeling nervous and uneasy, Zhao Chen's gaze fell upon her severed ears.
Although Zhao Chen had long grown accustomed to the old scars on Charlotte's body and harbored no dislike for them, seeing these wounds always left a bitter taste in his heart.
"Charlotte, we now have our own medical ship. Would you consider undergoing body restoration?" Zhao Chen suggested.
Charlotte was taken aback for a moment. She lowered her head and whispered, "Actually... I keep these scars as a reminder not to forget what happened in the past..."
Zhao Chen raised his hand and gently stroked Charlotte's head. "We won't forget the past, but we can't remain trapped in it forever. We have a future ahead of us, and many more things to accomplish.
"Now, almost all the beastmen from the former rebel army who were scattered across the Stellar Glory Empire have been gathered by you. Some have been settled on Dragon Star One, while others have joined our Fierce Dragon Fleet.
"Everyone is now embracing their current lives. You should also shed these burdens you carry.
"If you believe that the failure of the rebel army back in Warhammer was your fault, why not ask the comrades who followed you? Have they ever blamed you?"
After hearing Zhao Chen's words, Charlotte hung her head even lower, her tail drooping weakly toward the ground.
"General Charlotte, the commander is right. Seeing you always like this... to be honest, even though we don't say it out loud, it pains our hearts," a beastman female soldier stepped forward, speaking with compassion.
Zhao Chen's words had been audible to everyone on the bridge. Moreover, his earlier actions had naturally drawn the attention of all the female soldiers on the bridge. How could they possibly miss such a juicy piece of gossip right before their eyes?
"General Charlotte, we have seen you in your most glorious and radiant days. We also hope you can lead us forward in the Fierce Dragon Fleet in your best state!"
"We cannot enjoy a good life while you, General, remain trapped in the painful memories of the past!"
"The commander is right. We have never blamed you for the defeat of the rebel army back then!"
Hearing the words of the beastman female soldiers around her, Charlotte's eyes grew complex, filled with deep emotion.
Zhao Chen raised his hand again, stroking Charlotte's head as he said softly, "Captain Charlotte, I have an order for you.
"While I am on Fierce Dragon Prime later, I need you to go to the T3 Andromeda-class interstellar medical ship and undergo full-body restoration treatment. All expenses will be covered by the Fierce Dragon Fleet.
"This is an order!
"If you refuse, I will personally drag you there myself!"
Charlotte bit her lip lightly and finally nodded in agreement.
Afterward, the T3 Blizzard-class Light Interstellar Battlecruiser, Ship One, arrived at Fierce Dragon Prime.
To create an atmosphere and enhance the presence, Ship One of the T3 Blizzard slowly entered the atmosphere of Fierce Dragon Prime, accompanied by ten Black Rhinoceros-class Interstellar Heavy Assault Frigates.
When this interstellar fleet appeared above the Zhao family mansion on Fierce Dragon Prime, all members of the Zhao family were urgently assembled. It was only then that they learned their lord, who had not returned for over a year, had arrived.
Zhao Family Mansion
A dense crowd of Zhao family members gathered outside the parking plaza specially built for shuttle landings within the mansion grounds. They raised their heads, gazing up at the interstellar fleet hovering above them.
Though it consisted of only eleven starships, they dared not underestimate it in the slightest.
After all, the T3 Blizzard-class Light Interstellar Battlecruiser was hailed as a legendary starship.
The hangar of that legendary starship opened, and a shuttle emerged. Simultaneously, fifteen units of T2 Black Knight-class Light Interstellar Combat Mechs were deployed.
They landed first around the Zhao family mansion.
"Black Knight Squad One has arrived at the designated position."
"Black Knight Squad Two..."
"..."
The fifteen Black Knights stood on the ground like guards awaiting the arrival of their sovereign.
The shuttle slowly descended onto the center of the plaza, and its hatch opened.
The first to emerge was a squad of the commander's guard, composed entirely of female soldiers.
They carried laser rifles, wore portable individual armor, and their weapons were equipped with individual energy shields.
When necessary, they could ensure the commander's safety.
"Without permission, no one is allowed within five meters!" the guard captain barked sternly.
The Zhao family members promptly retreated beyond the five-meter perimeter.
The memory of how this Fierce Dragon Fleet had once bloodily purged the nobles of the Fierce Dragon Star System right here at the Zhao family mansion was still vivid in their minds.
At that moment, a figure stepped out from the shuttle.
He wore the standard uniform of the Fierce Dragon Fleet, draped with a sharply tailored military-style overcoat.
Zhao Chen swept his gaze around the surroundings. Every Zhao family descendant caught by his glance nervously lowered their heads.
Unlike a year ago, the present Zhao Chen—or rather, Viscount Zhao Chen—gave off the aura of a mighty dragon resting atop a mountain peak. His entire presence seemed more restrained.
Yet, the pressure he exuded had not diminished but rather intensified compared to a year ago, commanding awe without the need for anger.
A single glance from him made them feel as if they were bearing the weight of a colossal mountain.
"Jiang Hong, acting lord of the Fierce Dragon Star System, pays respects to the Viscount." Jiang Hong was one of the few among the Zhao family members permitted to approach Zhao Chen at this moment.
She knelt on one knee, her words filled with reverence—a stark contrast to her attitude from a year ago.
"Zhao family descendants **, pay respects to the lord."
It was unclear who among the Zhao family spoke first, but gradually, those around knelt down one after another.
"All rise. I'm just here to visit home; there's no need for such a grand display.
Everyone except Jiang Hong, disperse." Zhao Chen ordered.
With Zhao Chen's command, the plaza quickly became much emptier.
"First, I'll pay my respects to my Second Grandmother." Zhao Chen strode forward.
Jiang Hong and the others followed closely behind.
At the most secluded ancient house in the rear courtyard of the Zhao estate.
"All of you, wait outside." Zhao Chen stopped at the main entrance, left the instruction, and entered the courtyard alone.
The courtyard retained its simple, classical style, with pillars and a few small animals inside.
Second Grandmother lay on a rocking chair with her eyes closed, as if asleep.
A maid was massaging Second Grandmother's shoulders beside her.
Upon seeing Lord Zhao Chen appear, the maid was so startled she stood frozen in shock.
Zhao Chen placed a finger to his lips, signaling her to remain quiet, then gestured for her to step aside.
He himself began to massage Second Grandmother's shoulders.
It's hard to imagine that Zhao Chen's enemies would ever believe that the man who could annihilate them with a snap of his fingers could be so quiet and ordinary here, just like any other junior.
"Must be tiring out there," Second Grandmother said, placing her hand over Zhao Chen's.
Zhao Chen's nose tingled with emotion. The Zhao family members, including Jiang Hong, had only looked at him with awe, their eyes filled with envy and jealousy.
They feared his strength and coveted everything he possessed.
They only saw his glamour and imposing presence, unaware of the burdens he carried behind the scenes.
"If you're tired, rest a while," Second Grandmother patted his hand gently.
"Mhm," Zhao Chen responded softly.
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