"Hmph, the blessing of the Divine Spirit never requires the consent of mortals."

The Ice and Snow Goddess indeed spoke a line full of domineering charisma, just as Herbert thought she would.

From the perspective of the Ice and Snow Goddess, Herbert's refusal not only didn't decrease his charm but made him even more alluring.

Loyalty is always the most desired trait in a subordinate in the eyes of those in power,

No matter how intelligent or courageous one is, nothing can compete with "absolute loyalty."

Such a response only intensified Her desire to take Herbert under Her wing.

Snatch him away and mold him into my own form!

Enjoying the thrill of seizing love is not exclusive to any particular gender.

Everyone likes it.

Taking from others, snatching the treasures they hold dear, then watching them suffer in agony.

Heh heh, now that's what's called excitement!

As the person being fought over, Herbert was currently "utterly confused," completely "unable to understand" why the Goddess was still so interested in him after being rejected.

It was truly confounding... Pfft, cough cough!

He controlled his facial muscles, trying hard to keep his expression taut, frowning as he put on a puzzled look.

"Madam, what exactly are you trying to do..."

The Ice and Snow Goddess waved her hand with authority and said calmly, "Enough with the nonsense, this matter is decided."

"I won't make things difficult for you, nor do I expect you to immediately respond to my blessing."

"Just go ahead and pursue your own ideas, one day, you will understand where your true faith lies."

Herbert hesitated, frowned, and wrestled with his thoughts. Finally, after pondering for a long time, he unwillingly chose to accept.

"Well... alright then."

He looked up, his entire being exuding a sense of brokenness from being forced, and sighed, "If that's the case, then I can only thank you for your kindness."

"Mmm hmm."

The Ice and Snow Goddess, seeing him like this, remained calm on the surface but was extremely pleased inside.

In the end, Herbert still made a final "struggle," stubbornly saying:

"Although it may disappoint you, I must declare—my feelings for that one will not change."

In response, the Divine Spirit smiled confidently, "Heh, time will naturally provide you with the true answer."

Thus, the hero Herbert finally managed to awkwardly get through this unexpected incident.

[Ding Ding Ding!]

[Mission "The Stalking of the Ice and Snow Goddess!" completed!]

[New mission activated—"The Yearning of the Ice and Snow Goddess!"]

Herbert was safe... for now.

Being targeted by the Divine Spirit isn't necessarily a good thing, as it often stirs the river of fate, bringing unforeseen calamities to them.

But it's not necessarily a bad thing either.

When the fate of the one being watched is strong enough, this change will only make them even stronger.

Herbert felt that his destiny was indeed tough.

After all, not just anyone can become an ally of the Harmonious God.

In fact, everyone was quite satisfied with Herbert's quick witted response.

In the Ice and Snow Goddess's view, Herbert's loyalty was directed toward the deity that granted him its blessing.

This was indisputable and also demonstrated his loyal nature.

In Nenasha's perspective, however, Herbert's speech was entirely meant for Her.

This loyalty was for Her!

["Mmm mmm! You did well, that's exactly how you should be! But next time, react a bit faster."]

["Hmph, that guy wants to compete with me? Heh, once I'm liberated, I want him to realize where he went wrong!"]

But in reality, Herbert's words weren't specifically directed at anyone.

If he had to point to a person, it was probably referring to a certain not-so-famous Hungry Dragon sleeping soundly in his arms... even though she couldn't hear anything.

Some things don't need to be said out loud.

Even if they are said, they don't necessarily need to be heard by others.

It's enough for him to understand within his heart.

"Alright, speak up."

The Ice and Snow Goddess returned to the ice surface, standing with hands on hips, looking at Herbert, waiting for his answer: "What reward do you want?"

At this moment, Herbert was also a bit silent.

Yeah, what should I ask for?

After putting on a performance, he couldn't ask for Her blessing, as that would be self-defeating...

But what could this Goddess offer me?

Money?

Indeed, establishing a base requires a lot of wealth, but plundering it from Her might be damaging to Her character?

Moreover, turning the resources of the Ice and Snow Church into money might require some effort.

How about a rare Magical Artifact?

This thought lingered for a while before Herbert dismissed it.

A mere tool seemed too cheap.

Since he decided to seize the opportunity, he had to go big...

"..."

Herbert bowed his head in thought, naturally directing his gaze to the crystals like jade at the Ice and Snow Goddess's toes... where she was stepping.

Oh!!?

Ice!

I've got it!

Herbert raised his head—halfway, continued to look down at the Goddess, and said respectfully:

"I hope that in the future, you can send a team of Priests to my territory and refrain from transmitting any information to the outside world for a short period."

"Hmm?"

The Ice and Snow Goddess blinked, curiously asking, "What do you intend to do?"

To Her, this was nothing but an unusual request that piqued Her interest.

What hidden secrets could there be?

Herbert lowered his head slightly, indicating Her to look at what was in his arms. He patted Valentina's head and said softly:

"As you can see, I am different from other Paladins... at least different from most of them."

"I don't see Demons as blasphemous heretics. They may be dangerous, but not necessarily evil."

He stared at the Divine Spirit, slowly uttering what would be considered blasphemous words in the Monastery and throughout the human world.

"Humans are part of Nature, and Demons... are the same."

"In the eyes of Nature, there is actually no difference between the two."

The Ice and Snow Goddess's eyes widened slightly. She was well aware of how strongly such words would be opposed in the world.

Not only humans but Demons as well; their relationship had never significantly improved.

Perhaps only a small group of hybrids might agree with such a view.

Undoubtedly, before Her, this young man was sailing against the tide of the world.

Yet, he chose to quietly walk this path, knowing full well its price.

"You..."

Herbert shook his head at the ice and snow, not bothering to explain further.

He raised his head, looking at the mountains perpetually shrouded in mist, his voice gentle yet unwavering as he said:

"I want to establish a Pure Land where humans and Demons coexist, to create a space that ought to exist but no one has attempted before."

"And that place is... here."

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