"Mortal..."

Amidst the swirling snow and wind around Herbert, a petite figure formed from frost gradually appeared.

The figure had a delicate and exquisite build, like a finely crafted ice sculpture doll, with skin as white and translucent as ice and snow, exuding a faint cold light.

Her long ice-blue hair cascaded like a waterfall to her waist, each strand seemingly made of ice crystals, glinting under the faint light.

Her face was delicate, with lashes slightly upturned, as if adorned with glistening frost flowers. Her ice-blue eyes were deep and cold, quietly watching the young man before her.

The girl was draped in a thin veil, gently floating in the air against gravity.

Her bare toes lightly touched the water surface, instantly causing the entire lake to freeze into a solid ice sheet.

Herbert blinked as he stood on the frozen ice.

This one, she doesn't seem like the Lake Fairy.

Cautiously, Herbert did not speak first, silently waiting for Her to speak after blocking his way.

The Ice and Snow Goddess, too, did not speak further after her initial call, accustomed to waiting for mortals to speak first before responding.

Thus, an awkward situation arose where neither party spoke, just silently watching each other.

Ice and Snow Goddess: "..." (Eyes cold)

Herbert: "..." (Scratching head in confusion)

After a while of silent standoff, it was Herbert who first broke.

The opponent was a mere idler blocking the way, but he had things to do.

So, after thinking for a bit, Herbert tentatively asked, "Um, excuse me... who might you be?"

Ice and Snow Goddess: ?

"Hm???"

Her icy aloof expression slightly changed, her eyes widened in disbelief, staring at Herbert.

You don't recognize me?

Looking like this, you can't recognize me?

Are you joking?

Herbert: ?

"Hm???"

And Herbert kept blinking, his gaze clear like a college student.

Am I supposed to know you?

I honestly can't tell!

Not lying to you!

"Hmph."

The goddess looked down at the boy with the utmost indifference, while the boy innocently shrugged.

"Sigh."

He expressed helplessly: Even with that look, I won't get excited; I'm not into that kind of thing.

Meanwhile, he was quietly trying to wake Valentina in his arms—but unfortunately, Miss Hungry Dragon was sleeping sweetly at this moment.

No matter what Herbert did, her consciousness seemed unable to awaken, completely immersed in the dream.

Herbert certainly didn't think Valentina would fail at a critical time; she was clumsy, but always reliable.

So, the only explanation for the current scene was—this person in front of him had somehow put Valentina to sleep, preventing her from waking.

"..."

This discovery made Herbert's heart sink slightly; the opponent's strength might be far greater than he had imagined.

Epic? Saint? Or... finally, a thought flashed through his mind, causing his heart to skip a beat.

He looked at the barefoot girl floating in the air, uncertainly asking, "Could it be... the Ice and Snow Goddess?"

"Hmph! Finally, you're done playing dumb."

The Ice and Snow Goddess snorted, feeling that Herbert had been pretending ignorance, feigning not to recognize Her.

Finally, under Her majesty, he admitted.

That's how it should be!

How could anyone not recognize me?

And Herbert, observing Her micro-expressions, deduced something and swallowed back the words he originally planned to say.

"I thought you were the Lake Fairy!" Such words, best not to say, could easily provoke Her.

From the earlier interaction, Herbert had already deduced some characteristics of the Ice and Snow Goddess—pride... but perhaps not very smart.

Hence, Herbert first respectfully bowed to Her, then asked calmly, "May I ask why the goddess is blocking my path here?"

In this world, almost all mortals would lower their heads before the incarnations of the Divine Spirits, humbly cowering at Their feet.

But Herbert would not.

He did not worship the gods.

Moreover, as a Paladin of the Mist Monastery, he did not need to bow and scrape to this not-so-powerful deity.

Showing a certain degree of respect was sufficient.

While the Archbishop was formidable when considered an adversary, as an ally, he was exceptionally reliable.

Herbert watched the Ice and Snow Goddess quietly, waiting for Her response.

Miss Divine Spirit, please mind your words!

We won't attack first, but we won't take a beating passively either.

We reserve the right to invoke the invincible Old Deng when necessary!

"...Ha, do you truly believe he can protect you?"

The Ice and Snow Goddess understood the meaning in Herbert's eyes, smirking disdainfully, "Mortal, daring to use him to threaten me? You've got some nerve."

"I'm not certain."

Herbert raised an eyebrow, shrugged, and replied with a smile, "But do you want to try?"

"Right now, here, kill me, then you'll know if the Archbishop will take notice."

"See if he will avenge me... for the murderer."

Herbert grinned brightly, with no fear at all, even a hint of excitement in his eyes.

Go on.

Kill me!

Right now!

Herbert gave the Ice and Snow Goddess a wink, his smile full of mocking intent.

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