Chapter 107: Effort (33)

“Your Highness...”

Blake stared at Herbert’s upright back, momentarily stunned.

Herbert had changed.

Although he had already sensed something subtle the last time they met—that Herbert was no longer the same as in his memory.

But as a retainer who had watched him grow up, Blake had still preferred to believe it was merely the distance of time and a facade forged by trauma.

But now, Blake could finally be utterly certain—His Highness had truly changed.

Not just in outward behavior, but genuinely, from within to without.

His strength had grown far greater than before, his character far stronger, even colder than before.

In the past, Blake had always thought Herbert’s personality and conduct resembled the late Lady.

But now, he strongly sensed the Lord’s shadow in Herbert.

Cold and sharp, like metal wings—elegant yet brimming with danger.

Also, what had he just heard?

Did His Highness mean... he planned to return to Wang Cheng!?

Blake hurried after Herbert, not daring to walk beside him, but falling a step behind, head bowed, whispering:

“Your Highness! Do you mean... you plan to return and seek justice?”

Has Your Highness truly decided to return and clear your name!?

Blake had not been in Wang Cheng when the incident occurred—he had been dispatched on a mission, and by the time he returned, the matter was already settled, and Herbert had already come alone to the monastery, leaving no chance to visit.

He did not know what exactly had happened, or what treatment Herbert had endured.

But to be honest, he felt some regret, even frustration at Herbert’s actions.

Hiding in the monastery, becoming a holy servant—this was simply not the act of a man...

Thinking of this, Blake blinked, and fell silent.

He had misjudged His Highness.

Prince Herbert was not cowardly—he had chosen temporary restraint, waiting for the right moment to strike back.

“What? Is that so surprising? Did they think I’d stay here forever?”

Herbert’s lips curled slightly as he watched Blake’s evasive eyes, speaking with amusement:

“Did they think I’d spend my whole life cowering here as a pious holy servant, trembling at the memory of the past, never daring to set foot in Wang Cheng again?”

“That’s a bit too low of an opinion of me, isn’t it?”

“Just how fragile do they think I am?”

Herbert shook his head, speechless.

They were underestimating him.

Even now, with his two lifetimes’ memories awakened, Herbert had never forgotten what he had suffered.

Not everyone could survive the punishments of the Kingdom’s prison.

Not to mention, the moment Herbert awakened his past-life memories, he had immediately listed several things he must do.

At the very top of that list was returning to eliminate those behind the scenes and settle the score.

If he couldn’t resolve the problem properly, then he’d eliminate the one who caused it—no matter who it was.

“Then... when do you plan to return?”

After receiving Herbert’s affirmative answer, Blake became ecstatic.

With Herbert’s current strength, he was certain His Highness could easily sweep aside those noble youths who looked impressive but were useless.

He wanted to take Herbert back to Wang Cheng right now!

In contrast to Blake’s excitement, Herbert remained utterly calm, even cold.

“This isn’t urgent.”

He gazed straight ahead, his eyes calm, speaking softly: “Two months from now. I’ll handle it when I attend the banquet.”

Blake, doused with cold water, widened his eyes and hurriedly said: “Two months!? Your Highness, won’t you reconsider?”

Two months is enough time for too many variables—what if the situation grows even more complicated by the time you return to Wang Cheng?

“I’m not in a hurry. Why are you?”

Herbert glanced at Blake with a puzzled look, then shook his head, sighing slightly:

“Blake, I’m not saying this to be harsh, but instead of worrying about my affairs, you should focus more on your own strength.”

“When I was a child, you were already a Gao Jie warrior. Now that I’ve grown up, how come you still haven’t reached Legendary? Are you not working hard enough?”

Blake: ?

Wait, Your Highness, why are you talking about me!?

He wanted to explain, but Herbert raised a hand to stop him, criticizing:

“You used to say advancing in strength was difficult, but now that I’ve experienced it myself, it’s not nearly as hard as you claimed!”

“Were you lying to me back then?”

Blake: ??

This burly warrior had never felt so wronged, so close to tears.

Every word of explanation stuck in his throat.

How could he explain?

In one month, he had nearly caught up to thirty years of Blake’s effort.

How could he explain!?

Compare goods, and you discard them. Compare people, and you die.

With a prince of such astonishing talent, he might as well just keep his mouth shut.

Seeing Blake thoroughly defeated, Herbert secretly chuckled, then patted his shoulder and encouraged:

“There, don’t be discouraged. Just work harder from now on.”

“Since the opportunity is rare, don’t go back yet—stay here and learn from the Knight Order. They’ll give you thorough guidance out of respect for me.”

Don’t worry.

The knight brothers will definitely be ~very~ ~thorough~.

Blake wanted to explain, but ultimately slumped, head bowed in shame, covering his face and fleeing.

“Understood...”

What else could he say now?

Sigh.

Blake tilted his head up at a forty-five-degree angle, holding back his tears.

At that moment, even this fierce man couldn’t help but mutter in confusion: “Could it really be... that I’m not working hard enough?”

Whether Blake worked hard or not, Herbert didn’t know.

But he himself? He truly did work hard.

Deeply loyal to his desires, and willing to exert tremendous effort.

When he had a new desire, he would work tirelessly, using every possible means to achieve it.

He would scour the entire internet just to find the source of a blurry image.

Or, like now...

“Valentina, can’t you just listen to me once?”

“Hmph!”

(Chew chew chew)

“You’ve already seen it before, so don’t be so stingy!”

“Hmph.”

(Chew chew chew)

At this moment, the warden—who should have been outside the cage—was now inside, clinging shamelessly beside the prisoner.

“Just give in to me already!”

After enduring the harassment for a long time without reaction, Valentina finally exploded after finishing her food: “Who let you touch my tail! Get away—um.”

A skewer of meat was shoved into her mouth; all her shouts vanished, her eyes instantly brightened.

A skewer of meat was shoved into his mouth; all roars vanished, and his eyes grew clear.

(Chew chew chew)

She stared at the pile of meat skewers in Herbert’s hand, hesitating.

Finally, her attitude softened.

She picked up a skewer, turned away, and muttered: “Hmph... it’s only once, agreed?”

Herbert nodded vigorously, pounding his chest in assurance: “Yeah yeah yeah! I’ll only touch it once!”

This time, I’ll only touch your tail once.

Herbert nodded vigorously, pounding his chest in assurance: “Mm-mm-mm! I’ll only touch it once!”

We’ll see next time!

Family! An amazing piece of news!

We'll talk about it next time!

Family! An astonishing good news!

Just as I had given up hope and fully resigned myself to waiting for the official launch...

Then he told me: “Huh? Haven’t the operations team sent you a notice yet? You’ve already made it to Sanjiang.”

Me: “Huh?”

Yes!

I made it to Sanjiang!!!

I really made it to Sanjiang—

I’m alive, utterly alive!

Aaaaaah—

Thank you all!!!

I’m brimming with energy now! I’m stockpiling chapters like crazy!

Even though I still haven’t received the site message, I’m adding five extra chapters!

Aaaaaah—

Brothers, wait till I launch—I’ll make it worth your while!





(End of Chapter)