Diary of Guarding Monster Girls-Chapter 702 - 381 Then you kiss me! (7K, please subscribe!)_2

The reason it was only "almost" was entirely because her emotions had been redirected by Herbert.

If it weren't for Herbert's abstract maneuvers interfering, Kreti might have sunk into painful regret and resentment at this moment.

Her soul burned with the flames of unwillingness, oppressed, gradually veering into extreme.

And this, in fact, was the true purpose of Herbert's abstract actions, so as not to force her into submission.

He certainly didn't want to see Miss Devil sincerely hate him.

Joking with fools, there's nothing to it.

Fools have a not-so-clever self-awareness, even if they're duped, they only sulk for a while and accept their misfortune.

The same goes for smart people.

Smart people understand the trick the moment they are duped and admit their defeat.

They don't dwell on the immediate gains and losses, even in failure, they just think about winning back next time using different methods, reclaiming their position.

The most painful part of humanity lies in those caught between these two extremes.

Mediocre in clever and foolish ways, the most uncomfortable position.

They lack clear self-awareness, regard themselves as smart, but are often mocked as fools.

In fact, blind overestimation is not confidence, but pointless self-torture.

Recognizing oneself is the first step to becoming truly smart.

Only with this understanding, letting go of oneself, can one truly succeed.

Among the Monster Girls Herbert interacted with, there were many "smart people," like Fremay and Svanni, and many "fools" like Valentina and Eliza... ahhem!

Of course, what Herbert thought were just metaphors, not the true facts.

And Kreti belonged to the type who hadn't recognized her own positioning.

She is by no means stupid, nor a genius, just an ordinary person.

This was not belittlement, but Herbert's heartfelt evaluation.

If Kreti were truly smart, she wouldn't have any conflicts with Flora, but instead would have become friends with her only roommate.

Instead of occasionally bothering the other, inviting a "beating."

But Kreti isn't foolish, keeping to the Bronze Fortress, avoiding jumping into the lava lake to fight Flora to the death.

What's the most important point in strategizing against her?

Is it leaving a deep impression on her heart?

This is necessary but not the most important.

The real goal is actually "not to harm her."

To not hurt her emotions—for example, by not making her realize she's truly an idiot.

And, not to use too harsh methods from the start.

Gradual progression, slowly working, nibbling away at her heart bit by bit, is the correct approach.

Herbert's abstract acts were also to transfer Kreti's anger onto himself—transference of hatred.

Although Miss Devil would still be angry, she wouldn't blame herself, but instead hate him more deeply.

This was exactly what Herbert wanted.

It's well-known... that the transformation between "love" and "hate" is quite simple.

Just a small incident could make someone disillusioned with a lover they once loved to the extreme, or turn arch enemies into inseparable lovers.

The complex and easily disturbed nature of human emotions.

Though those who toy with emotions might ultimately gain nothing, Herbert isn't afraid, because he's always sincere.

If all I give is sincere, then all I receive will also be sincere.

As for how much sincerity I have... it's none of your business!

Anyway, I'm being sincere!

Moreover, there's this whole set of concepts and other methods, like modeling for opportunities, length for sound, technique for stance... ahem.

Persisting in this "sincerity for sincerity" philosophy, Herbert continued teasing Miss Devil, smiling affectionately, "I truly understand your current state, you're not wrong! You're just too repressed!"

At that point, Kreti's emotions were entirely stirred by Herbert, forgetting her previous failure in the contract, glaring viciously at him.

Yes, the poor Miss Devil had become a toy in the hands of the Paladin. JPG

"I'm not... huh? Repressed?" Even in her burning anger, Kreti blanked for a moment.

What repression?

"Don't understand? Sigh, you're really too oppressed here in the Disciplinary Hall, not even realizing your own problem!" Herbert shook his head regretfully, restraining the upward curve of his lips.

Clearly, she was oppressed.

"Humph!"

Even without fully understanding Herbert's meaning, Kreti understood his eyes—he's mocking me!

Miss Devil continued her rage.

What repression or not, what's obscene or not.

You're slandering!

Pure slander!

Also, even if we take a million steps back, even if I do have obscene thoughts, what about you?

How do you have the face to say that?

How dare you evaluate me?

What did you just do?

Taking off your clothes is one thing, but what's with taking off your pants!!?

"Eh, did you just roll your eyes at me? You know, that's also a sign of repression..."

"Ah ah ah!"

...

After being toyed with repeatedly by Herbert for a while, Kreti's anger gradually subsided, rolling her eyes at him continuously.

"See, you're repressed again."

"Tsk!"