All evil will eventually be brought to justice — except me!
After confirming there was an issue with the Prison of Darkness, Herbert decided to report it to the Monastery's high officials.
He didn't plan to solve it by himself.
A few hundred bucks a month, why would I risk my life?
Besides, it's not that I'm not trying, it's just that I really can't beat it.
Whether the upheaval was caused by the Dark Elf, the Vampire Prince, or both of them together, he had no power to resist.
It's beyond my capability.
Can't win.
If you're weak, practice more.
I can't afford to play.
Everyone, stop playing!
Smash the report button!
However, before seeking the Archbishop's help, Herbert had one very important thing to do.
He hadn't collected any Demon Material yet.
So, Herbert looked at the Sea Siren, who was staring at her colorful fishtail with a conflicted expression, and asked kindly, "Miss Fremay, I've returned already, are you still not ready?"
Not long ago, he had asked Fremay for a small gift — one of her Colorful Scales.
As a symbolic compensation for them reconciling and dismissing the past attempt on his life.
Fremay, although a bit hesitant, eventually agreed.
Because from Fremay's perspective, Herbert's sincerity couldn't be called low.
This was really just a symbolic gift.
It's just a scale from her tail, with no special meaning, and she could grow it back anytime after plucking one.
The only thing that made her feel a little off was his smiling face.
Something felt strange…
But, for some reason, she didn't want him to see the details of how the scale was taken off, so she sent him to the Third Region.
"Ready is ready." Fremay twitched her mouth, somewhat unsure whether her approach was right.
No, why does something still feel a bit off?
"You..."
She hesitated for a moment and couldn't help asking, "You're not going to do anything weird with it, are you?"
"Really, I just want to keep it as a memento."
Herbert nodded honestly, patting his chest in assurance, showing no signs of guilt.
Of course, I won't do anything strange.
How can using Demon Materials to strengthen oneself be considered strange?
After finishing, he curiously asked:
"By the way, what strange things are you referring to? I don't quite understand, could you explain it to me in detail?"
Fremay looked at the boy's "pure" eyes full of curiosity, for a moment unsure what to say, stuttering:
"Uh, just, using it to do some..."
"Do some what?"
The Mermaid Princess stared speechlessly at the boy, almost wanting to ask why a grown man didn't understand and needed her to explain.
But then she recalled his Purity Oath, leaving the words stuck in her throat.
Ugh, maybe he really doesn't get it!
Do I have to give him a lesson?
Sigh.
"...Forget it, just take it."
She shook her head speechlessly, tossing the palm-sized scale, which drew a graceful arc in the air, landing in Herbert's hand.
"I've given you the thing, don't ever bring that matter up again!"
"Of course, I'll preserve it well, as a symbol of our friendship." Herbert smiled slightly, bowing deeply to the Mermaid Princess.
Got it!
Dang dang dang—
Acquired Material [Legendary Sea Siren's Seven-Colored Scale]!
He suppressed his excitement, maintaining composure on the surface, and continued to chat with her for quite some time.
Only after Fremay showed impatience and shooed him away did he leave the Deep Water Prison.
Standing at the boundary of the First Region, the corners of Herbert's mouth slightly turned up, and he couldn't help but chuckle lightly.
"Heh heh, haha, kekeke!"
As expected of me!
To actually get material from a Monster Girl!
"...Why are you cackling?"
Valentina looked at Herbert cackling alone with disdain, beginning to regret her decision to befriend him.
Did I misjudge him?
Realizing others were around, Herbert cleared his throat twice and carelessly replied, "Oh, you're still here, why haven't you gone home yet?"
"Hmm!? Humph!"
Valentina rolled her eyes, let out a cold snort, and couldn't be bothered to deal with this guy.
I do want to leave, but will y'all let me?
Nope!
Anyway, she still remembered her previous agreement with Herbert and didn't voice her thoughts.
Finally, Valentina just sneered sarcastically, "Seeing you so happy, you must've had a great talk with others?"
Herbert blinked, looking at her in surprise, and asked curiously, "Oh? Are you jealous?"
???
"I'm not jealous of your...cough!"
Just as the rapidly reddening Valentina was about to explode, Herbert quickly calmed things down: "Haha, just a little joke, don't get so excited."
"I just tested the control of the Sealing Array, and although it's still a bit burdensome, it operates normally at least."
Well, it works only in the Second Region, ineffective in the Third Region.
"Oh." Valentina glanced at him suspiciously and, seeing his sincere expression, didn't dwell on it further.
However, what was the Sealing Array he mentioned?
As a Giant Dragon who grew up in the wild, Miss Valentina had no knowledge stored on this topic.
"Speaking of which, what are the rules of this prison?"
"Huh? What rules?"
"Don't you know?"
"Know what?"
Herbert blinked, Valentina also blinked, and the two of them stared at each other for quite some time.
Facing such pure and naive eyes like a college student, Herbert really didn't know what to say for a moment.
I thought you were simply wise but foolish, didn't expect you to be foolishly naive.
"...Never mind, just pretend I didn't say anything."
"Huh? Oh."
Valentina, though slightly curious as to why he stopped talking, wasn't too intrigued.
After a rare meal, though not fully satisfied, she felt languid and just wanted to sleep well.
Watching her yawn and curl up like a cat, Herbert shook his head helplessly and prepared to leave.
Just as he was about to exit, he suddenly remembered something and said to the nearly asleep Giant Dragon lady, "I'll help you cut your hair tomorrow."
Huh?
The Giant Dragon opened her eyes slightly, puzzled: "Why?"
"With it so messy, it must be uncomfortable, right?"
"No, I think it's fine..."
"No, You're uncomfortable! As a friend, I can't let you be uncomfortable!"
Valentina: ?
"Alright, it's settled, you sleep, and I'll trim your hair tomorrow."
Herbert decisively made the decision, ignoring Valentina's refusal, and left the prison.
"You can't just not care about it if you say so."
Outside the prison, Herbert pouted and murmured to himself, "I still need to collect your hair as material..."
Hmm.
Although it sounds a bit strange.
But I definitely won't do anything weird with it!
.
.
That night.
["Eat it."]
"Huh? No, how am I supposed to eat this!?"