Chapter 160

Herbert gazed at the goddess with deep affection and said, "I am unworthy of your favor."

The snow and wind suddenly ceased.

The deity remained silent… silent my ass.

The goddess was confused, bewildered, stunned.

The Ice Goddess opened her mouth in bewilderment, letting out a flat, off-key hum.

"... Hm?"

She had considered many reasons, but never this one.

You're unworthy of me?

Uh…

The Ice Goddess's form reappeared; she abandoned her cold, aloof dignity and scrutinized Herbert from head to toe.

Are you kidding me?

She had chosen Herbert not for any lofty reason—deep down, it was because she coveted his qualities.

In plain terms, she was after his body; she was the one taking advantage.

So what if he's a paladin?

I can just take up a spellcasting class too!

With her own blessings and favor, she was certain she could mold him into a powerhouse skilled in both physical and magical arts.

And now, he claims he's unworthy?

The Ice Goddess blinked, her expression odd, and asked, "You're… worried that guy won't agree?"

That dangerous guy, does he really care that much?

"But aren't you free from religious constraints?"

As far as she knew, the Mist Monastery had no patron deity; its monks followed all manner of beliefs.

That shouldn't be an issue, right?

Herbert had certainly considered this point and never intended to deceive her with such an excuse.

He shook his head softly and said, "The monastery does not forbid worship of deities, but I myself have already embraced a faith within my heart."

"I have sworn a sacred vow, and I will uphold it for my entire life."

Herbert's holy scar began to glow; a warm radiance spread from him, dispersing the mist within dozens of meters!

The mist melted like ice before fire, dissolving rapidly in the light and heat, leaving behind a vacuum-like space.

Herbert himself hadn't expected the holy scar to work so well—it had such a striking effect on the mist in these mountains.

But he didn't forget his purpose; he forcibly suppressed his doubts and continued his performance.

"You surely know the Pure Oath covers a broad range of purity."

"The body, will, soul, actions… naturally, including the purity of faith."

Herbert's gaze was sincere, filled with profound regret and shame as he said:

"I have devoted all my faith to the Oath; even if I accept your blessing, I can no longer return your favor."

"I have failed your expectations."

"So please, do not bestow your favor upon me, this unworthy vessel who cannot respond to you."

"I… do not deserve it!"

His words sounded complex, but in truth, they translated to one simple thing.

The subtext was just one sentence—you may bless me, but don't expect me to reciprocate.

Even more directly, it was a classic application of an inequality.

Accepting your grace ≠ agreeing to become your divine favored

The reason for all this theatrics? It was reverse psychology.

He was gambling.

Given the Ice Goddess's pride, she'd likely reject this excuse outright.

She'd probably, provoked, reveal her tyrannical CEO nature, wave her hand, and declare something like, "I bless you—what's it to you?"

And he, this weak little paladin, would be powerless to resist, and finally, helplessly accept the tyrant goddess's blessing…

The script was written—time to act!

But just as Herbert waited for the Ice Goddess to force her affection upon him, a small twist occurred.

"Wait a moment."

The Ice Goddess interrupted Herbert's act, her gaze strange as she stared at the woman in his arms and raised an eyebrow:

"You say you're upholding your vow—then what is she? What is your relationship with her?"

The Pure Oath, is it?

You two are pressed together like this—and you call that pure?

Are you mocking me?

That old hag Winter Goddess is one thing, but are you also treating me like a fool?

The goddess was furious.

Faced with the Ice Goddess's sudden strike, Herbert remained utterly calm; after a brief pause, he blinked repeatedly.

"You're… questioning my relationship with her?"

"Ha, questioning? What's there to question? Do you have anything to explain?"

The Ice Goddess snorted; the evidence was right before her eyes—she saw no need for explanation.

"Of course."

Herbert smiled, extending his arm covered in holy scars right before Her eyes, displaying it openly.

"My lady, please look — my oath remains pure, without the slightest effect."

The scar patterns were clear, filled with pure holy power, constantly emitting a reassuring faint glow.

Bathed in that light, Herbert asked back: "What relationship did you say I have with her?"

"Are you thinking… that something forbidden has happened between me and her?"

?

The Ice and Snow Goddess realized something was off, and her gaze began to wander.

"…Ahem."

Um, uh, yeah.

"She trusted me, chose to believe in me, and I also decided not to betray that trust, which is why we could become close friends."

Herbert gave a wry smile, weighed the evil dragon in his arms, gently patted her head, and said helplessly:

"Well, she really is a bit too clingy with me — to outsiders it does look a bit too intimate, so I can't blame you for overthinking."

That appearance, in someone else's eyes, didn't look like a couple, but more like a pet owner and a pet…

Herbert looked utterly innocent, gazing sincerely at the goddess whose eyes had begun to dodge, and asked:

"Now, do you understand our relationship?"

"Uh…"

In the end, the Ice and Snow Goddess wordlessly turned her gaze aside; She too realized something was off.

That's right.

If they really were in that kind of relationship, his oath would surely have been affected.

And since there's no problem now, that can only mean the relationship between them is clean and pure.

"So, you mean, you two really are just… friends?"

"Yes, we are only friends."

Herbert nodded firmly, his face full of sincerity.

Mm, right, right, right, that's exactly it.

She's just my little sister. mp3

Don't bother about whether she accepted my ring or not — that's not important.

Anyway, as long as there's no formally established status, then everyone's good friends.

All of them, they're all my wings!

After confirming he had successfully hoodwinked the Ice and Snow Goddess, Herbert continued his act.

He lowered his head and delivered his final line:

"So, please, my lady, understand my difficulties and forgive my disrespect."

Yes.

Forgive me.

And then…

After a silence, the Ice and Snow Goddess finally responded.

She proudly lifted her chin and snorted lightly: "No, we can't just leave it at that."

"Even if you won't become my adherent, you must still accept my blessing!"

Herbert kept his head lowered, the corners of his mouth twitching upward.

Yes, yes, yes, that's exactly it.

This is what I want to see!

(End of chapter)