Diary of Guarding Monster Girls

Now, in their hearts, Herbert is already the hero who "within just a month, has driven the evil nobles of the Kingdom into a corner, making them struggle at death's door."

Yes, a hero indeed.

Herbert had the paladins spent over half a month in the slums helping the people, just so they could witness firsthand what residents of Frost Crystal Kingdom were going through.

He didn't deliberately tell the paladins what the enemy looked like but gave them an opportunity to witness it themselves.

See what kind of life these people lead, make them believe that all Frost Crystal nobles are evil.

Herbert meant for them to understand—even if I commit genocide against the noble families, my actions are completely righteous.

Everything I do is for the poor people, all for them to have a better life.

Eliminate evil, guard justice.

Acting in righteousness through acts of slaughter.

In the name of justice, execute acts of destruction.

If handled well, the two can be indistinguishable.

This is just the first time, and it's already achieved such results. There will be a second time, a third time...

When there are enough instances, without any manipulation, they will naturally believe everything Herbert says.

They won't even think they've been manipulated.

Because everything was witnessed with their own eyes!

If all actions are righteous, then my heart and my deeds shall be as clear as a mirror.

Though there's no unified title yet, Herbert's name among the paladins is beginning to hint at a change.

From "Sir Herbert" towards "Crimson Knight," "Eye of Judgment," "Wings of Vengeance"...

Those titles have yet to be decided, for Herbert's deeds are still not enough to draw a name that convinces everyone.

But Herbert is not in a hurry, he believes he will one day possess a title filled with reverence like others.

While pondering future plans, Herbert marched on, his steps swift within the mist.

He completely adopted the shortest path, a straight line, to reach his destination quickly.

Though Valentina could have directly taken him down to that port, his main goal was first to explore a safe and reliable route.

If a path can only be traveled by him alone, it's no reference at all.

He wants to build a paradise that communicates normally with the outside world, not an island hidden deep in the mist.

After progressing for several hours and covering one-third of the journey, Herbert gradually slowed down, frowning at the view ahead.

"What is this..."

An unexpected situation appeared before him.

A lake.

A massive lake, with no end in sight, blocked his way.

Dark blue waters with no signs of life; the water rapidly deepens five meters offshore, turning blue-black, the bottom unseen.

"What is this situation?"

Comparing the map he previously drew and his memory of the journey, Herbert is certain this lake originally didn't exist here.

In his plan, the lake should have been on his left side; he deliberately bypassed it.

Did I get lost?

Herbert frowned, pondering briefly, then shook his head, dismissing self-doubt.

"No, impossible."

"I won't lose my way even in the dark, so why would I stray in the mist?"

"Did the trajectory shift left today?"

Herbert chuckled self-deprecatingly, casually uttering, "But surely the lake can't grow legs and run over, right? That's too far-fetched... tsk."

He paused in silence, and his brows couldn't help but perk up.

You know what, actually, don't dismiss it.

Such bizarre things, in this world, seem not entirely implausible.

"Nenasha, can you sense any life in the lake water?"

["..."]

The Harmonious God rarely turns serious, carefully sensing for a long while before saying softly: ["There's something... it might be related to me, but right now, there's no apparent hostility."]

Herbert too perceives the lake water, but he can only feel a sense of delight.

The water elements here are exceptionally active, even more than Fremay's manipulated ones, constantly summoning Herbert, urging him into the water.

(Come over!)

(Friend, come here.)

(Join us!)

(Hurry!)

Herbert doesn't sense hostility from the water elements but finds the urging somewhat unsettling.

It feels like the beginning of a horror story.

"Should I perhaps head back the way I came?"

["...No need, haha."]

After hesitating for a long time, Nenasha finally relaxes, smiling meaningfully: ["Oh~ So this is what it is!"]

["Alright, I know what's inside now, you can proceed with confidence, and if you're lucky, you might gain significant benefits."]

"Hm." Herbert rolled his eyes, snorted, "Must you keep me in suspense? You mystical creature!"

["I'm not pretending. I truly am a god~"]

"Shut up, a sealed god has no right to talk."

["Heh!"]

Herbert simultaneously bantered with Nenasha and gently took the koala off himself with some effort.

He delicately placed Valentina onto the grass beside him and then removed his shirt, placing it over her.

"Hm? Mm, hmm..."

For a brief moment, Valentina awoke, but she inhaled the reassuring scent filling her nostrils, hugged the shirt, and quickly drifted back to sleep.

Her reaction also assured Herbert somewhat.

If she can sleep peacefully, it proves the eerie lake water hasn't posed any threat to the intuitive Valentina.

Thus, even if something goes wrong, it won't affect much, will it?

Herbert removed his long boots, rolled up his pant legs, and cautiously stepped into the water.

!!!

A strong vitality surged from the cool lake water, rapidly traversing his legs and spreading throughout his body, making Herbert uncontrollably exhale.

"Phew..."

(Friend!)

(Good friend!)

(Come further forward!)

As he felt increasingly joyful calls, Herbert's smile became sincerer, whispering: "Haha, no rush."

He didn't immediately follow the water element's urging but stood still with closed eyes, beginning to regulate his breath.

What Herbert was unaware of, and even Nenasha overlooked, was as he stood there adjusting his breath, an icy gaze had been fixed on him for long.

Snowflakes drifted.

A petite figure made of ice and snow appeared on the distant mountain above the lake, viewing him across thousands of meters, piercing the mist, looking down... stealthily observing Herbert's every move.

When Herbert entered the misty mountains, fine snowflakes already began falling from the sky, and that patch of cloud had trailed him all the way.

If he understood more about the Ice and Snow Goddess Church, he would have noticed this—the snowflakes are the eyes of the goddess.

"If she wished, every snowflake can be her eyes, an extension of her domain."

The Ice and Snow Goddess's gaze is upon him!

"That mortal..."

Normally, she wouldn't come to this place, as it represents some forbidden existence.

But now, the Ice and Snow Goddess is willing to risk it all to cast her gaze here.

For a simple reason.

She's somewhat displeased.

In fact, without exaggeration, without bias, solely based on historical records—female deities tend to hold grudges.

Being the most powerful female, with subtler minds, they pay more attention to small details.

The Ice and Snow Goddess is discontent with the mortal youth who threatened her bishop by invoking a saint within her divine hall.

Yet she was curious about why he was helping expand her faith.

Both provoking and offering, what do you mean?

Mortal, you've succeeded in catching the goddess's attention!

So she risks being noticed by other divine spirits, keenly observing this young man.

But unexpectedly, this observation revealed Herbert recklessly stepping into the misty mountains.

Does he wish to court disaster?

"...Why have you come to this dangerous place, what are you planning to do?"

The Ice and Snow Goddess pondered, seeing a gigantic purple tentacle emerge from the lake water, charging towards Herbert.

"Mortal!!?"