Diary of Guarding Monster Girls

The Holy Hall.

The Archbishop looked at the returning young man, and his lips unconsciously curled up as he gently said, "Looking at you, haha, I presume you have found your answer."

"Yes."

Herbert lowered his head respectfully and sincerely thanked him, "Thanks to your guidance, I understood what I was lacking."

Without the Archbishop's reminder, Herbert might have taken a long time to notice what he was missing when interacting with the Monster Girl.

Sincerity.

Ultimately, it was a lack of an utterly sincere heart.

Perhaps others might still harbor some distractions in their hearts, but Valentina truly did not.

For a Monster Girl like her, one should reveal one's true heart.

Heart for heart, emotion for emotion.

The Archbishop looked at the young Paladin who had clearly undergone a spiritual transformation and slowly nodded.

Young one, your eyes have changed significantly.

Not bad.

Not too dull.

As he gazed at the young man, in those gray eyes, the Archbishop saw many images.

There was blood and fire, slaughter and death.

Giant Dragons soared in the sky, spewing flames, and countless creatures wailed and perished in the ruins.

Is this the disaster you wish to bring to that city?

But at the same time, he saw other completely different images.

There was sugar and honey, flowers and wine.

Countless citizens took to the streets, their faces filled with joy, singing and dancing in celebration of goodness.

Is this the happiness you wish to bring them?

Which one is your true choice?

"Then, let me ask you again."

So, the Archbishop asked, "Herbert Albert, is it death and destruction that you want to bring to Frost Crystal this time?"

It was a sharp and soul-searching question, but with previous experience, Herbert was well-prepared with an answer.

"No."

He stood upright and said firmly:

"This time, returning to the Royal City, I will indeed bring slaughter and death, but not for destruction."

"But to bring to the people of Frost Crystal the justice they are anticipating!"

His eyes were full of determination, with no attempt to hide his true heart, explicitly stating his goal.

He was indeed returning for revenge.

But... not just for revenge.

He said:

"The afterglow of the once Dragon Slayer Hero has faded, and the current Frost Crystal royalty has become utterly corrupt, with too many Fallen among the royal members."

"They have colluded with other aristocrats in the Royal City, wantonly enslaving and oppressing the people, seizing lands, issuing debts, selling slaves..."

"Too many have died due to their greed, too many families have shattered because of their desires, forcing too many into wicked paths."

"Those people certainly deserve punishment, but the true source of evil is not them, but rather the fallen aristocrats forcing them onto that path."

"Even though they have laundered their crimes through endless connections, acquiring money stained with black blood, this sin will not disappear."

"They are the true sinners, and sinners must be punished!"

Herbert had set the stage for a long time before dropping the real bombshell: "The Frost Crystal Kingdom needs a cleansing, a complete revolution."

"I will join forces with the Frost Crystal royalty to initiate a top-down cleaning in the Frost Crystal Kingdom, leaving no fallen aristocrat unpunished."

"Even the Albert Family will be no exception."

This was Herbert's confident reason to persuade the Archbishop not to interfere with his actions upon his return.

Though he indeed planned revenge, it was not mere retributive killing but under a very justifiable pretext.

"The Frost Crystal Kingdom is like a big tree; some of its roots have rot. What needs to be done now is to cut off the decayed parts so that it can continue to grow."

He had no intention to impact the existing order of the world, abolish the aristocracy, or abolish slavery.

Such actions were too radical; the time was not yet ripe, nor would they hold any meaning.

What he could do was execute a bloody cleansing under the name of justice against those people.

Paladins are indeed kind, but their capabilities far surpass mere kindness – they are prepared to kill!

As expected, after hearing these words, the Archbishop pondered momentarily, not reproaching him but instead asking, "What if they don't agree with you?"

"Then I'll help them take action!"

The young man responded in a stern voice, firmly declaring the bloody future that awaited the Frost Crystal Royal City.

"If the Frost Crystal royalty disagrees, then I'll do it myself."

"No matter what, evil must be purged!"

The Archbishop nodded, indicating agreement with his viewpoint.

But then he shook his head and sighed softly, "But your strength is not enough to accomplish these."

After all, the Frost Crystal Kingdom is a powerful kingdom, not short of true strongmen.

Against such a behemoth, a High Tier Paladin seems insufficient.

"I understand this, so I wish to ask for your blessing."

"Oh?"

Herbert drew his sword, then respectfully presented it to the Archbishop, kneeling on one knee as he humbly said:

"I have already possessed a sturdy shield for protection; now I beseech you, grant me the sword to destroy evil."

Yes, this was Herbert's true reason for seeking out the Archbishop this time.

He was indeed here to freeload.

All the previous set-ups, whether sincere or pretended, were for this moment—Old Deng, bring forth the money!

The Archbishop blinked, picked up the blade, shook his head, and sighed lightly, "Child, you have your own agenda."

"Yes."

Herbert did not hesitate to admit, earnestly saying, "But precisely because of anger and hatred, I won't spare any Fallen."

"But simultaneously, as a Paladin, I can also promise not to harm any innocent person."

The Archbishop looked at him, thought for a long time, and ultimately nodded.

"Very well."

"Then since you have such a heart, well... this time, I will accompany you."

Herbert suddenly looked up.

Staring blankly at the old man.

Ah?

???

"Uh uh!"

He blinked continuously, stammering, "Um, um, isn't it unnecessary..."

Well, they indeed have sins.

But... are their sins truly that grave!!?

For you, an elder, to make a move, did they violate the heavenly rules? Uh, angered the gods?

Unlikely!

"Are you... serious?"

The Archbishop nodded calmly and stood up slowly, stretching his body as he asked rhetorically, "Of course, can't I go?"

"Uh, I think you shouldn't go, right?"

Herbert wiped his sweat and awkwardly said, "After all... you are still needed here to maintain order."

"Hmm, that's true."

"Besides, I believe dealing with them might not require your presence."

The Archbishop sighed disappointedly, then sat back down, sighing softly, "Ah, I'm not needed, am I..."

"Sigh, today's young folks don't know how to appreciate the elderly."

Herbert glanced sideways at the elderly man saying this, having numerous things he wanted to say, but ultimately, he kept them in his heart.

Don't ask why.

Can't beat him!

.

.

Frost Crystal Royal City, Silver Wing Duke's Mansion.

"Master, Her Highness Philia has sent an invitation for her coming-of-age banquet. Should I send someone to inform His Highness Herbert?"

In response to the butler's tentative inquiry, the silhouette standing by the window, gazing at the moon, did not turn but coldly replied:

"No need to bother with him. If he wishes to stay there, just let him fend for himself."

"Understood."

The butler bowed his head and retreated, leaving only that figure alone in the room.

For a long time, there was nothing but a barely audible sigh.

"Sigh..."