Chapter 120: Shackles Named

「Mmm mmm mmm! Mmm mmm mmm mmm mmm! 」 ("Believe me! I'm really good at this!")

「Shh! Alright, alright, calm down first! Be good, okay! 」

After finally managing to calm Valentina down, Herbert silently wiped his sweat, feeling utterly exhausted all over.

I know you're good at demolition, but who told you to go demolish anything!

If that old bastard Archbishop had heard what you just said, who knows what he'd think!

He already suspects I went back to the Frost Crystal Kingdom to cause trouble, and now with you saying that, it sounds as if I'm really going to go destroy Wang Cheng.

Let me make this clear — no, I really didn't!

This is a complete misunderstanding!

I, Herbert, have never once thought that way… mm, maybe just a tiny bit.

Really~

「Pah pah pah! 」

Once released, Valentina stuck her tongue out at Herbert in disgust and bared her teeth at him threateningly.

Your fingers were just inside my mouth!

Stick them in again and I'll bite them off!

She shot Herbert an annoyed look and asked in a hostile tone, 「It's not this, and it's not that either, so what exactly do you people want me to do? 」

Valentina knew her own worth very well — all she had left was being good at fighting; she understood nothing about anything else, and had no desire to understand.

「This time, you don't need to hurt anyone, and you don't need to destroy any city. 」

Herbert naturally took a handkerchief and wiped the corner of Valentina's mouth, saying softly, 「What I need is for you to protect someone. 」

「Protect who? 」

「Me. 」

Herbert pointed at himself and said frankly:

「Right now, I may not be especially weak, but there are still far too many beings in this world stronger than me. I need a powerful expert to safeguard my safety. 」

「Since this person is indispensable, I hope that expert is you. 」

After listening, Valentina blinked rapidly, puffed out her chest a little proudly, and huffed, 「Then you must have chosen me because I'm strong enough, right! 」

「No, actually it's because you're obedient enough… ahem, kind enough. 」

「Huh!!? 」

Valentina's tail tightened, coiling firmly around Herbert's calf, silently expressing her indignation.

I advise you to watch your words!

But this time Herbert held firm; relying on his formidable physique, he completely ignored this painless warning and continued:

「Although I know you aren't evil or mad, before you thoroughly prove yourself, you'll need to be fitted with a layer of shackles whenever you go out. 」

Herbert placed the silver ring in his palm and held it before Valentina's eyes, saying solemnly, 「Once you put on this ring, you'll no longer be an ordinary person; you must not touch any worldly desires at all. 」

「…What did you say? 」

「Nothing, just a joke. 」

「Huh? 」

Herbert cleared his throat softly and got down to the serious matter:

「You need to wear this ring, constantly suppressing your emotions. You must not fly into a rage, must not slaughter the innocent — otherwise, your life will be in danger. 」

Valentina was already a little irritated, and upon hearing this she let out a cold laugh: 「Hah! Danger to my life? What kind of joke is that? How could I possibly be afraid of…」

「His Eminence the Archbishop will act personally. 」

「Eek! 」

Valentina's eyes went wide, then she guiltily glanced left and right, stubbornly yet obediently ducking her head, and changed her tune: 「How could I possibly ever go berserk! 」

Stubborn, but obedient.

Already behaving, please let me off. jpg

If it were anyone else, Valentina really wouldn't be afraid; no matter what, she could just go up and throw a couple of punches.

But that old fellow is different — the psychological shadow that super old bastard left on her is just too deep… that monster!

Seeing the Hungry Dragon Young Lady behave, Herbert smiled and asked softly, 「So, Valentina, will you come with me? 」

Herbert believed he had laid out all the conditions clearly, and Valentina should excitedly agree.

「…」

But unexpectedly, Valentina didn't give a direct answer; instead, after narrowing her eyes in thought, she tossed the question back to Herbert.

She said:

「Herbert, do you want me to come with you? 」

At this moment, the usual silly look was gone from Valentina's face; in its place was calm.

She might count as ignorant, but after all she wasn't a young, naive girl — she was a powerful dragon who had lived through long ages.

Valentina was a strong one who, even standing at the crossroads of fate, felt no fear of the future.

Her whole life had been spent battling fate.

In the past, it was always I who made the choice.

But this time, I hope you make the choice.

She handed the power of choice to the other person — what do you want me to do?

「…」

Herbert's breath hitched for a moment, but quickly returned to normal. He nodded gently and said seriously:

「I hope you'll come with me. 」

He has many choices.

Even if he truly lowered himself to beg, not only could he persuade a high-level cultivator, but he could also take away one of the three cardinals.

But if he absolutely had to choose one from these people to leave with him… he still hoped it would be Valentina.

He stared into Valentina's eyes and whispered:

"I don't want you to keep crouching inside this prison. You don't belong here."

"I want you to soar through the sky again. That is where you should live."

"I don't want you to remain lonely any longer."

"I… no, I shouldn't use such excuses."

Herbert shook his head and stopped searching for any more "for your own good" justifications.

He said:

"I want you to stay by my side."

"I want you to choose me."

No other reason. No disguised tricks. Only the most honest and sincere emotion.

He said:

"Valentina, come with me."

Only this one plea.

Even if death stands beside us, walk with me.

"Hmm~"

Valentina half-closed her eyes, stared at his for a long while, then slowly nodded: "Fine. Since you've begged me so sincerely, I'll help you."

!!!

"Then this ring…"

"Do you even have to ask?"

Valentina extended both hands toward Herbert, shaking them eagerly, almost ready to snatch the ring and slip it on herself.

"What are you waiting for?"

Herbert stared at her eager excitement and suddenly realized—did I just get fooled by her acting?

He who spends his days hunting geese ends up pecked by one.

But at this moment, Herbert felt no embarrassment—he shook his head and smiled.

"Heh… it'll be dangerous, you know."

"Great dragons never fear any danger!"

Valentina sniffed proudly, then shot back: "Do you even need me or not? Why so many questions?"

"I need you."

"Then stop wasting time—take me away now!"

Herbert stared at Valentina's finally unrestrained excitement, paused, then laughed and shook his head.

Really… that old cardinal led me astray…

Would Valentina refuse?

What bad intentions could a hungry dragon have?

"Fine!"

"I'll take you away!"

Herbert did not kneel on one knee—he simply took her outstretched left hand and slowly slid the silver ring onto her left ring finger.

Then, holding her hand, he bowed his head and gently kissed the finger adorned with the ring, whispering softly:

"I make no vow in the name of any god or fate. I, Herbert, pledge with my soul to you."

"I, Herbert, will never betray your trust."

Out of selfishness, I keep you—the sovereign meant to soar the skies—by my side, forcing you to bear danger.

With the chain named "love."

But beneath this chain's constraint, I will share everything I have with you.

No betrayal.

(End of Chapter)