Chapter 128

"Mmmmm! Mmmmmmm!" ("Believe me! I'm really good at this!")

"Shh! Enough, enough, calm down first! Good girl!"

After finally calming Valentina, Herbert quietly wiped his sweat, feeling utterly drained.

I know you're good at demolition, but who asked you to tear it down?!

If the Grand Archbishop heard you say that, who knows what he'd think!

He already suspects I returned to Bingshan Kingdom to cause trouble—now you say this, and it sounds like I'm planning to destroy Wang Cheng!

I swear, no, I really didn't!

This is a complete misunderstanding!

I, Herbert, never thought such a thing… well, maybe just a little.

Really now~

"Pfft! Pfft! Pfft!"

Once freed, Valentina spat out her tongue at Herbert in disgust and bared her teeth threateningly.

Your fingers just went inside my mouth!

Try it again and I'll bite them off!

She shot Herbert a sour look and asked sharply: "If this isn't it, and that isn't it, then what exactly do you want me to do?"

Valentina knew her limits—she was only good at fighting, clueless about everything else, and had no desire to learn.

"This time, you don't need to hurt anyone or destroy any city."

Herbert naturally took out a handkerchief and wiped the corner of Valentina's mouth, whispering: "We need you to protect someone."

"Protect who?"

"Me."

Herbert pointed to himself and said calmly:

"I'm not weak, but there are still too many beings stronger than me in this world—I need a powerful ally to safeguard my life."

"Since this person is indispensable, I hope that ally is you."

Valentina blinked rapidly, puffed out her chest with pride, and snorted: "Then you chose me because I'm strong, right!"

"No, actually because you're obedient… cough, I mean, kind."

"Hn!!?"

Valentina's tail tightened, coiling tightly around Herbert's calf, silently expressing her outrage.

I advise you to watch your tongue!

But Herbert held firm, ignoring the feeble threat with his formidable physique, and continued:

"Though I know you're not evil or insane, until you prove yourself, you must wear a restraint when you go out."

Herbert placed the silver ring in his palm and held it before Valentina's eyes, solemnly: "Once you wear this ring, you are no longer mortal—you must sever all ties to worldly desires."

"... What did you say?"

"Nothing, just a joke."

"Huh?"

Herbert cleared his throat twice and gave a serious warning:

"You must wear this ring to suppress your emotions—no outbursts of rage, no senseless killings, or you risk your life."

Valentina, already annoyed, scoffed outright: "Hah! Life danger? What nonsense—I'd never be afraid—"

"The Grand Archbishop will act himself."

"Eep!"

Valentina's eyes widened in shock; she glanced around guiltily, then reluctantly shrank back and corrected herself: "How could I ever lose control?!"

Stubborn, but obedient.

Behaved now, please spare me. jpg

If it were anyone else, Valentina wouldn't care—she'd just punch them twice.

But that old man was different—the psychological trauma he left her with was immense… that monster!

Seeing the Dragoness grow docile, Herbert smiled and asked softly: "Then, Valentina, will you come with me?"

Herbert believed he had made all the conditions clear—Valentina should eagerly agree.

"..."

But Valentina didn't answer immediately. Instead, after narrowing her eyes in thought, she tossed the question back at Herbert.

She said:

"Herbert, do you want me to come with you?"

For the first time, Valentina's face lost its usual foolish expression—now it was calm.

She might be naive, but she was no innocent girl—she was a mighty dragon who had lived through countless ages.

Valentina was a warrior who stood at the crossroads of fate, unafraid of the future.

Her entire life had been a battle against destiny.

In the past, I always made the choices.

But this time, I want you to choose.

She placed the choice in his hands—what do you want me to do?

"..."

Herbert's breath paused for a moment, then resumed normally. He nodded gently and said seriously:

"I want you to come with me."

He had many options.

In fact, if he truly begged, he could have persuaded not just a Gao Gao Jie cultivator, but even one of the three Cardinal Bishops.

Yet if Herbert had to choose one person from all of them to walk beside him… he still wanted it to be Valentina.

He stared into her eyes and whispered:

"I don't want you to remain trapped in this prison—you don't belong here."

"I want you to soar through the sky again—that's where you truly belong."

"I don't want you to remain alone."

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

Herbert shook his head, abandoning all pretenses of "doing what's best for her."

He said:

"I want you by my side."

"I want you to choose me."

No other reasons. No tricks. Only pure, honest emotion.

He said:

"Valentina, come with me."

Just this one plea.

Even if death waits beside us, walk with me.

"Hmm~"

Valentina half-closed her eyes, studying his for a long moment, then slowly nodded: "Fine. Since you asked me so sincerely, I'll help you."

!!!

"Then this ring—"

"Do I even need to say it?"

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?"

Watching her impatient excitement, Herbert suddenly realized—did I just get fooled by her acting?

He who hunts birds too long gets pecked by them.

But at this moment, Herbert felt no embarrassment—only a quiet smile.

"Heh… there will be danger."

"Great dragons fear no danger!"

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

"I need you."

"Then stop wasting time—take me now!"

Herbert stared at Valentina's unrestrained excitement, paused, then laughed softly.

Honestly, that old Grand Archbishop messed with my head…

Would Valentina refuse?

What harm could a hungry dragon possibly have?

"Fine!"

"I'll take you!"

Herbert didn't kneel—he simply took her outstretched left hand and slowly slid the silver ring onto her ring finger.

Then he lifted her hand, bowed his head, and gently kissed the finger bearing the ring, whispering softly:

"I do not swear by any god or fate; I pledge to you with my soul alone."

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

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

With the chain named 'love.'

Yet beneath this chain, I will share everything I have with you.

No betrayal.

(End of Chapter)