Diary of Guarding Monster Girls

"So, my dear Evil God, after I fulfill your request, what kind of reward do you plan to give me?"

After finally soothing Nenasha, Herbert returned to his usual self and asked mockingly, "Surely you won't give me nothing again, right?"

He was quite upset about the fact that when he first received Nenasha's blessing, he gained nothing but a strange mark on his hand.

As for the abilities gained from the Demon materials... what does that have to do with you? That's all my own effort, isn't it?!

They are all conquered by me, one by one, through my own hard work.

All relying on my effort and sweat!

["Hmph, surely it won't disappoint you!"]

Nenasha snorted triumphantly, then emerged two tentacles from the shadows, gently touching Herbert and the sleeping Valentina's foreheads.

["Feel the power!"]

"Hm?"

Just as Herbert was about to question, he suddenly felt a strong power transmitted from the tentacles, surging into his body.

"Hm!!?"

.

.

Frost Crystal Royal City.

The noble district was bleak.

The nobles who usually travel have all vanished, and on the wide avenues, there's no living creature apart from the soldiers standing guard.

Almost all of the nobility were covered in a veil of unsolvable worry.

They gathered all the manpower they could for protection, cautiously hiding in their homes, avoiding meeting others publicly, but secretly communicating with their allies and exchanging information.

The reason for such a situation was simple; two major events occurred yesterday—[Bloody Ball] and [Scarlet Giant Dragon].

The dove returned.

But if it were only due to his return, this news wouldn't mean much to the noble circle.

Not everyone participated in that event back then, others are just curious about what he will do, while most are watching the development with a playful attitude.

But the fact was, Herbert not only returned but became incredibly strong!

He turned Philia's Princess Ball into a purgatory, brutally massacring the participating nobles!

Among the nobles were some professionals, and there were those who rose in resistance.

But those with only Initial and Middle Tier strength could not fight back against that terrifying guy at all.

They could only be slaughtered one by one, their heads taken by him.

But this bloody ball would only make them wary at most, and not cause universal fear.

What truly terrified them was the appearance of that scarlet Giant Dragon afterward.

That was absolutely a Legendary Level Giant Dragon!

No, possibly even more.

If judged by size, it might even be an Epic Level Giant Dragon!

What was the relationship between that dragon and Herbert?

Because all the witnesses were either dead or had fled, the nobles did not realize Valentina was that dragon.

But even without knowing this, it's not difficult to guess Herbert's association with that dragon—could he control that dragon?

If so, then... for the entire Frost Crystal Kingdom, it would be a terrifying disaster.

What worried them further was the reaction of the Frost Crystal Royal family.

Quite a few survivors saw the scene at that time—Princess Philia showed no reaction as Herbert was slaughtering, standing by indifferently watching.

Could she be one of the conspirators too?

With this notion in mind, even the Royal family's legend driving away the dragon seemed like an act of cooperation.

Shooting once and running?

Who ever heard of such a cowardly dragon?

Furthermore, until now, the Royal family has not made any statement about yesterday's events, it's hard not to suspect a connection between them.

What does this mean?

Has the Frost Crystal Royal family, after enduring for so long, finally decided to strike against the nobles?

If that's the case... these people better prepare themselves too.

.

Civilian District.

Unlike the anxiousness of the noble district, the civilian district was flourishing.

Very busy!

People forgot the economic pressure of this period, all stepping outside, discussing enthusiastically in the sunshine, and chatting with friends about everything they saw yesterday.

Bragging.

Giant Dragon!

I saw a huuuge dragon yesterday!

Some said the dragon was as big as half a castle!

Others said the dragon's wings covered the entire sky when spread!

Others said the dragon was three times bigger than the whole castle!

Speculations were varied, and the stories grew more bizarre with each telling.

The reason for the dragon's appearance also became increasingly peculiar.

Some said it came to attend the Princess's coming-of-age ball and wanted to abduct the beautiful Princess!

Others said the dragon was an envoy sent by the Divine Spirit, punishing those evil nobles!

Some even said the dragon came for free food and drink—such claims were least reliable and hardly believed.

But more than the terrifying scarlet Giant Dragon.

Residents discussed more about the hero who acted at the critical moment!

The mysterious lord who easily repelled such a terrifying dragon with just one shot!

Just one shot!!!

This made them feel as if legends had come to life.

They couldn't help but feel very safe.

With such a strong protector, the security of the kingdom wouldn't be in question.

These days were truly wonderful.

Life seemed full of hope!

.

Slums.

In contrast to the chaotic noble district and the bustling civilian district, nothing changed in the slums.

Still stagnant water.

There were even fewer breathing people than yesterday.

Even though quite a few saw the dragon yesterday, not many discussed it.

They were exhausted, lacking the spirit and energy; surviving was already using their last strength.

They saw no hope at all.

Just didn't want to die, so they held on, living one more day at a time.

But today, the slums were slightly different than usual, with a hint of commotion.

Because a special team had arrived here.

A team of about twenty people, all dressed in simple linen cloth.

They claimed to be Paladins from Mist Monastery, providing free treatment and help to those close to death.

…

"Sir Kaplan, the food has been distributed."

"Hm..."

Kaplan raised his head, moving his rough hand away from a small child's head, nodded to his mother, and gently said:

"The child is fine now, as long as he doesn't catch cold, he will recover soon."

The mother, expressionless, forced a semblance of expression, nodded to her, then wrapped the child in rags and slowly walked away with a limp.

Her thin figure reflected in Kaplan Nun's eyes, making her pupils tremble slightly.

She understood.

This team of twenty could not save too many people.

But... even if they couldn't save, they had to try.

If they could save even one more, they would.

But the real problem wasn't injuries, it was food!

They severely lacked food.

And right now, Frost Crystal's food prices…

Then, Blake, who had been mingling among the Paladins, approached Kaplan Nun, bowed respectfully and said:

"Sir Kaplan, please don't worry about the food issue, I have arranged according to His Highness Herbert's instructions to buy new food, which can be delivered by afternoon."

"Additionally, His Highness also said..."

He observed the nun's expression, cautiously repeating Herbert's words:",

"Just watch it yourself there."

"And then, you will understand whether my previous idea was extreme..."