Diary of Guarding Monster Girls-Chapter 412 - 274 Love’s Punishment (5K)

In the tranquil space, Herbert and the Ashen Bishop stood facing each other, surrounded by an endless void, as if it kept expanding outward.

"..."

The Ashen Bishop’s robe, akin to embers after burning, slightly fluttered despite the stillness, bringing back the suffocating pressure once more.

Herbert knew very well that after his playful antics, this epic figure was clearly a bit displeased.

His ill-timed joke evidently angered this powerful being.

But...

So what?

I have many little secrets~

But I’m not~ telling you~

Just~ won’t~

Tell you~

Heh↑heh↓

Facing his powerful superior, Herbert chose a playful defiance.

Being cheeky, hehe, it’s fun!

The young man’s demeanor felt complete.

The frustration from the earlier confrontation with the Ashen Bishop vanished in an instant after his playful act.

Haha~

He felt elated.

But he forgot one crucial thing: when you’re not strong enough, don’t provoke those you cannot defeat.

No, Herbert actually knew this; he was fully aware.

Yet, he simply wanted to act mischievously!

As for anything else, it’s not important.

Happiness is all that matters!

Everyone knows smiles follow the "Conservation of Smiles Law" — a smile is either on one’s face or transferred to someone else’s.

Herbert was happy, but clearly, someone would be unhappy.

"..."

On the other side, the Ashen Bishop lowered her gaze for a moment, then slightly lifted her eyes, silently watching the smiling youth.

After quite a while, she finally sighed, her shoulders dropped, and she laughed helplessly.

"Sigh... Haha."

Having lived so long, she finally understood what it means when "people really laugh when they’re speechless."

She finally had the chance to feel what others felt when she acted mischievously with them.

Eh.

It is indeed a bit irritating.

But the issue is... I have the privilege to be playful, do you? Do you?

"You’re quite bold, aren’t you? Daring to joke with me, haha."

The Ashen Bishop’s voice was low and icy, as if emerging from the Abyss, permeating Herbert’s ears.

The sound made his body stiffen, his movements increasingly sluggish.

Eyes hidden beneath shadows emitted sharp gazes, like cutting blades piercing directly into Herbert’s soul.

Herbert felt a piercing chill, as if his soul were about to freeze.

Yet, at this pivotal moment, Herbert didn’t panic and moved the few parts left of his body that could still move.

He shrugged his shoulders, and his lips curled into a mischievous, teasing smile.

Of course he knew what he was doing, knowing that the Ashen Bishop was undoubtedly displeased—but again, so what?

Why not evade?

Because he’s not afraid!

Even though the Ashen Bishop’s abilities are unfathomable, Herbert truly is fearless—much like he never worried about the Archbishop hurting him.

He had discerned some of her views about him.

The Ashen Bishop greatly cherished talent and wouldn’t oppress this outstanding genius.

When faced with harmless jokes, she definitely wouldn’t deal with them seriously.

"Haha, if I’ve made you uncomfortable, please allow me to apologize."

Herbert bowed slightly, his posture perfect, meticulously demonstrating sincerity through body language.

Yet, he didn’t show the corresponding sincerity in his expression or words.

"I just feel that a too solemn atmosphere isn’t quite right for the two of us."

Herbert laughed, winked at the Ashen Bishop, smiling as he countered:

"Do you not think so? Or, are you planning to punish me because of it? I doubt you’d be so petty, right?"

The youth’s exaggerated demeanor resembled an innocent little white flower, yet his words were suggestively playful... paired with his communicative, lively eyes, he embodied the essence of a heroine in women’s fiction.

Oh oh oh, sister, look at you, why are you not generous at all?

I... ahem, I’ve already apologized, what more do you want?

Why keep pursuing this matter!!?

Come on, listen to me, let’s be more magnanimous, don’t fuss over such trivial matters.

You know, taking a step back opens vast horizons~

Let’s not haggle over insignificant things~

Some words, Herbert didn’t articulate, but his eyebrows fluttered, saying everything without speaking.

Through those communicative eyes, he successfully conveyed all his thoughts to the Ashen Bishop.

And then... the Ashen Bishop got even angrier.

Why are you winking, putting on a show for me there!?

As the one completely dominating in power, she didn’t choose to respond in Herbert’s manner.

She opted for a more simple and direct approach.

"Alright, alright... Of course, I won’t be that petty, naturally."

Beneath the shadows, her eyebrows slightly knitted, fingers lightly raised, instantly binding Herbert with an invisible force, rendering him immobile.

Herbert: ?

After the sudden constraint, he instinctively tried to resist, then helplessly realized he couldn’t even blink or shrug this time.

Oops!

The situation seems dire.

And just as Herbert was searching for a way out, the bishop lady with "no legs" glided slowly before him.

She looked at the boy with a frozen smile and a look of embarrassment in his eyes, shaking her head.