Chapter 273: Hellfield? Go Think About It (62K First Chapter)

How strange.

It's indoors, so why do I feel a bone-chilling wind?

Is the prison leaking air?

I always feel… my back is cold… why is that?

"Hmph."

"Ha!"

Herbert heard a familiar sound behind him and swallowed hard.

This… hmm.

He clutched the still-confused fallen angel tightly in both arms, forcing himself not to turn around, silently reassuring himself:

"…Maybe it's just the wind."

Yeah, probably.

Even though I can feel clear malice behind me, if I don't turn around, nothing will happen.

Right! If I don't see it, it doesn't exist!

Unfortunately, Herbert wanted to escape reality, but a certain trickster god had no intention of letting him get away so easily.

【"What wind? Are you just lying to yourself?"】

Nie Nasha popped up with ill intent, sweetly inquiring:

【"Oh! If you're too embarrassed to turn around, do you need me to tell you the real situation?"】

【"Guess who's here now? Here's a hint!"】

The trickster god deliberately cleared her throat and spoke in a grand, divine tone—like a god delivering an oracle—its echo lingering softly in Herbert's ear.

【"One flies in the sky, one swims in the water—they've only got two legs between them~ Hehe."】

【"Can you guess? Is it too hard? Want another hint?"】

【"For example, they're both very close to you~ Haha!"】

【"Who could it be? So hard to guess!"】

Nie Nasha's annoying whispering echoed at astonishing speed in his ear, successfully turning Herbert's initial panic into anger.

Angry.

This bastard… hmph.

"Tch."

You damn joke-loving trickster god, you're just here to laugh at me again, aren't you!

Herbert was furious, wanting to apply for a heated verbal battle with Nie Nasha.

But now was clearly not the right time.

And the real issue right now is—how the hell did they get here?!

Herbert didn't understand.

This is backwards.

The son-in-law swallowed the master… no, not that.

It's Haki Long and Haki Fish who escaped!

No, how the hell did you two get here?!

This… this doesn't make sense.

In the original script, weren't you two supposed to be locked in a brutal fight right now?

Even if you weren't fighting, you should've been resting peacefully in the Endless Labyrinth.

How did you get here?

The Third Precept's control is still in Herbert's hands, and the sealing array hasn't failed… how the hell did you cross zones to get here?

Did the teleportation gate malfunction?

Many questions, but time was short—no time to think further.

Herbert couldn't keep pretending forever; he had to find a solution before everything exploded.

【"Need me to help you?"】

"Help? How could you help?" Herbert narrowed his eyes suspiciously.

You'd be this kind?

I don't believe you for a second.

【"Of course! Since you're too reluctant to do it yourself, let me turn you around and say, 'Hey! You're here too? Why are you disturbing us?' or something like that~"】

【"I guarantee, after I say that, they'll leave peacefully—no need for you to even ask them."】

"... Hah!"

You fucking—

Herbert couldn't help but roll his eyes.

You're fucking insane!

You're pouring oil on the fire, aren't you?

It might've been fine before, but now you're determined to make it a disaster, right?

You trickster god, you've got the heart of a demon!

"No, thank you. I already have a plan."

Just now, Herbert had thought of a temporary, superficial solution.

Phew…

Herbert exhaled softly, then his gaze hardened.

Though this isn't the best solution, given the circumstances, we must proceed this way for now.

"Luciel, don't worry—this state of yours isn't your fault."

He didn't turn his head, continuing to gaze at Luciel with tender devotion, as if he'd noticed nothing, and said gently:

"You've merely lost yourself—but if you trust me, I will surely help you."

Herbert's words weren't just meant to soothe the confused Young Lady of the Fallen Angel; they were deliberately crafted as an explanation for the onlookers.

You two, don't act rashly—listen carefully: I have my reasons.

You must believe me!

While performing, he simultaneously diverted attention to activate the Penitentiary's permissions.

The sealing array of the Aurora Sanctuary had originally been controlled by Luciel; due to her unique status and formidable power, she had locked the path to the next level, blocking Herbert's passage.

But now, in her chaos, her grip on the array had weakened—Herbert seized this chance and reclaimed most of it.

Yet Herbert had no intention of using this opportunity to abandon the "caught-in-the-act" duo and flee to the sixth level for safety.

That wasn't realistic.

The demonic maidens on the fifth level already reached Epic rank; those beyond would likely be no weaker—he couldn't safely handle them yet.

Herbert's true purpose in seizing the permissions was only one: to solve the problem.

Since the love triangle couldn't be resolved,

then solve the person who caused the love triangle!

"Herbert, you must give me an explanation… hmm?"

As Valentina pouted, preparing to confront him, her ears suddenly twitched.

Click.

Without the slightest warning, a portal opened beneath her feet.

The portal appeared too suddenly; ordinary people had no time to react and could only fall helplessly with gravity—this was recorded in a certain movie about a hammer-wielding superhero.

Though the magic-user who favored daggers in close combat failed to react in time, this posed no problem for the Hungry Dragon Young Lady.

"Hmph!"

Valentina's primal instincts were astonishing—she reacted instinctively the instant the portal appeared.

Tap.

She tapped her toe and leapt over two meters, easily escaping the portal's range.

"Hmph, you think this pitfall can trick me?"

The Hungry Dragon Young Lady, untrapped by the portal, snorted triumphantly and prepared to press her inquiry further.

But just as she was about to land gracefully, the portal on the ground shifted sideways after her.

No—it didn't just shift; it actually flew after her!

Whoosh—

Valentina: Huh?

How is this thing tracking me!?

"What!? Herbert, you—"

Before the enraged Hungry Dragon Young Lady could transform into her dragon form and sprout wings, the rushing portal swallowed her whole.

Click-clack.

With a soft click of the door, Valentina was instantly sent back to her private chamber.

One-click return to quarters.

Naturally, no one would willingly step into a portal that suddenly opened before them—such a crude trick wouldn't fool anyone.

But what if the door came toward you?

Then you'd have no choice but to accept it.

In contrast to the resisting Hungry Dragon Young Lady, the Mermaid Young Lady was far more cooperative.

"…"

She glanced at the half-open portal beside her, saw the familiar Deepwater Prison beyond, and knew this door was meant for her.

She cast a sidelong glance at the faithless man still soothing the Fallen Angel, snorted, and pursed her lips.

"…Hmph."

In her normal state, she floated in midair—the flying portal couldn't catch her.

Fu Leimei stared at Herbert's back for a long while, then floated into the portal, leaving behind these words:

"I'm going back to rest. Don't disturb my sleep for the next two days."

Damn faithless man—don't bother me for the next two days!

"As for after two days… hmm, you figure it out yourself."

Hearing this, Herbert finally let out the breath he'd been holding.

Phew…

Thank goodness Fu Leimei understood.

Though Fu Leimei seemed displeased and indeed felt somewhat upset, she didn't throw a tantrum.

Rather than insist on staying and causing a scene, she chose to leave temporarily and made her stance clear.

Since Luciel seems to have hidden reasons, I won't press the matter now.

For these two days, go about your business.

Whether you deepen your bonds with the other demonic maidens or attend to official matters—do as you please.

I give you this time.

As for what comes after, hmm, that's up to you.

Whether you use flowery excuses or honest explanations, it's your choice.

Whether you can soothe me depends entirely on your own performance!

Actually, Fu Leimei's willingness to be so obedient isn't complicated.

On one hand, she's simply not a person who likes to argue; due to her race's traditions, she's more accepting of such things.

She's giving Herbert this face, unwilling to let things turn too ugly.

On the other hand… Fu Leimei is tired.

Not tired of this relationship.

But utterly exhausted, mentally and physically.

She's truly exhausted!

To be fair, Fu Leimei is far more exhausted than Herbert.

Herbert only needs to meet and report to the High Pontiff; she has far more to consider.

Since returning to the abbey, Fu Leimei has been busy nonstop.

First startled by Valentina, then reconciled with her, and finally confronted again over their differing views.

Though she knew Valentina wouldn't kill her, the psychological pressure was still immense.

Not to mention, in the end, she teamed up with Valentina to fight the Fallen Angel at full strength…

Guys, it's really tiring!

Fu Leimei is now too exhausted to even care why Herbert was in Luciel's arms.

The Fallen Angel? Forget it.

Let it be what it will.

Tired. Let it all be destroyed.

All I want right now is to go back to sleep.

Click.

She shut the teleportation gate with a deft flick of her tail; the Aurora Sanctuary returned to stillness.

Phew…

Herbert let out a soft sigh and finally relaxed his tensed muscles.

He'd need to soothe Fu Leimei carefully afterward—likely requiring considerable effort.

Valentina's side would demand even more energy, sweat, and painstaking effort to calm down…

But he'd barely managed to get through this crisis.

Herbert exhaled in relief—but some people were not pleased.

【"Huh???"】

An unnamed trickster god stared in confusion as the once-tense scene settled into calm within a few breaths.

【"What just happened? Is it really over?!"】

Where's my shōjo battle?!?!

Hey!

Where are the hair-pulling fights I wanted to see?

Where's your pride, both of you?

Show some spirit!

The god is enraged.

In a fit of rage… He just got angry.

As a disgraceful trickster god who can only parasitize others' souls, Nie Nasha could only vent verbally.

【"Why didn't they come over and make a scene with you?"】

Herbert rolled his eyes, speechless.

"So… you were just waiting for this exact scenario to unfold?"

【"Yes!"】

The trickster god felt no shame, speaking openly: "What else? Do you think I'd want to watch you easily control them?"

【"That'd be so boring!"】

Herbert no longer even bothered to retort; he didn't even bother rolling his eyes anymore.

Shuffling.

Herbert finally realized: his greatest critic in this world wasn't anywhere else—it was inside his own head.

"Enemies only want to destroy me physically, but my allies want to torment me spiritually."

【"Hehe~"】

Nie Nasha chuckled lightly, teasing: 【"Oh? You noticed that already? Haha, you really understand women's hearts!"】

If all women's hearts were as cruel as yours, I'd rather not understand at all!

"Hmph."

Herbert sneered and ignored the trickster god who kept pestering him.

Though Nie Nasha never stopped talking, constantly nagging him like a bratty girl, in action she was actually quite straightforward.

If she truly wanted to make Herbert's life difficult, she had countless ways—none of them hard to pull off.

Just a mouthy tough guy.

Setting that aside, just now, it was also with His help that Herbert was able to keep Lucille under control and barely suppress her tangled thoughts.

Now that the nuisance had left the stage, Herbert could continue his treatment.

"Feeling better?"

Sensing Lucille's emotions gradually calming, Herbert asked softly, "Can you think clearly now?"

The fallen angel was silent for a moment, then nodded slightly: "... I can now."

After Herbert had seen through her "subconscious," she really was in a mess, feeling as if she were about to collapse.

But under his soothing, Lucille gradually found herself again within this warm embrace.

Amid the endless chaos, she grabbed Herbert's hand as if she had seen a lifeline.

Lucille raised her head.

"Um... sorry, I seem to have caused you some trouble."

Although Lucille had been mentally confused earlier, she had still noticed with her peripheral vision the two guests who had appeared in the Aurora Sanctuary.

Two legendary-class magical creatures... and both were very special, very powerful.

If this were back before Lucille had fallen, she would certainly have been happy to kill them to strengthen herself.

But now she couldn't do that.

Both of them still carried Herbert's aura on them, indicating their special relationship with this Warden.

Additionally, those two also carried her own aura... well, she had clearly done something while she was in slumber.

If she had to guess, they must have accidentally triggered her combat instincts and fought with her sleeping self.

Fortunately, she hadn't killed them both.

"It's nothing major. I'll explain things to them on my end. The problem... well, it's not big."

Herbert shook his head, glossing over it lightly, without explaining the hardship he would later go through.

This road strewn with thorns and machetes was one he had chosen himself; no matter how bitter or tiring, he had brought it upon himself, and even if he had to kneel, he would crawl forward on his knees to finish it.

He moved the corners of his mouth and said awkwardly to Lucille, "Compared to those little things, could you put me down first?"

Herbert was by no means short, but right now, held in Lucille's embrace, he was in the awkward position of having both feet off the ground.

This big-sister with many arms and many eyes.

Hello.

Your embrace is indeed very warm, very soft, very springy... but could you do me a little favor and not hold me like this?

Could you not make me feel like a little shota run over by a cart?

I really don't suit this kind of role.

Really!

"... Understood."

Lucille was momentarily stunned by his words, realized the position the two of them were in, obediently released one pair of arms, and dutifully set Herbert down.

But just as Herbert thought he was about to return to the ground, another pair of Lucille's arms intercepted him halfway.

"Hm?"

Herbert blinked, looked at Lucille in confusion, his gaze seemingly piercing through the visor to see her evasive eyes.

What do you mean?

Break yourself off and reattach yourself?

Treating me like a basketball?

And an alley-oop at that?

Stare—

"..."

Under his gaze, Lucille tilted her head slightly, but stayed silent without explaining.

And didn't let go either.

She knew in her heart that she should let go, but her body didn't want to release Herbert just like that.

Herbert stared at her for quite a while, and could only sigh helplessly in the end.

Well, let it be.

It wasn't that he didn't resist; it was that his resistance was useless.

He tried struggling once, but those four arms only held him tighter, so he could only obediently give up.

Well.

Occasionally trying to be a shota once doesn't seem bad... as long as it's not being a loli.

The two of them maintained this posture for another while, and Lucille finally calmed down a bit more, loosening her arms slightly.

Still tilting her head, she asked slowly, "Am I really still believing in Him? But I..."

Lucille was somewhat lost.

This doesn't make sense.

If she really were still believing in Him, then why would she be fallen now?

She had clearly tried countless times, proven it countless times.

Reborn again and again from the old body, then falling once more.

What on earth...

"Don't worry." A muffled voice came from her chest.

Lucille lowered her head and saw Herbert currently lazily burying his face in her bosom.

?

Herbert had always held the belief of "since you can't resist, enjoy it to the fullest," championing a take-it-as-it-comes attitude.

"Looking at the result, you have indeed betrayed your former faith — that much is certain."

"However, you haven't completely denied your past convictions."

Herbert's muffled voice hummed, and when he spoke, the vibration made Lusiel's chest feel a tingly numbness.

She loosened her arms somewhat unaccustomedly, trying to lean back to dodge — but Herbert took the initiative and pressed closer again.

Want to run?

Heh.

You come when you want to come? Leave when you want to leave?

As if it's that easy!

Herbert made as if to bury himself back in, then laughed and stopped halfway, winking at the somewhat nervous angel.

Heh, just teasing you~

When you think I'm going to leave, I won't.

When you think I'm not going to leave, I'll leave on purpose.

Just playing around!

After teasing the fallen angel a bit, he finally got down to business.

"Even the violent, arrogant sun has a side that nourishes all things, doesn't it?"

"The sun walking toward extremism was wrong, but that doesn't mean He is utterly worthless."

The Sun God is guilty — that much is beyond doubt.

But He also has merit — that too is indisputable.

Although merit and fault shouldn't cancel each other out, He is absolutely not a deity that can be judged with a single word.

Humans are complex, and gods are the same.

They may, bound and interfered with by their divine duties, walk toward one extreme or another, but they themselves still possess their own independent wills.

Lusiel nodded thoughtfully.

She believed the Sun God had walked to an extreme, and stubbornly insisted He was guilty — wasn't that itself a kind of extreme?

The fallen angel thought for a moment, then softly asked the human youth in her arms: "... Then what should I do?"

Though he was young — only one-hundredth of her long life — there was a wisdom about him beyond his years.

She had a feeling in her heart that she could trust his words.

He would show her the way.

And Herbert did not disappoint Lusiel.

"Think about it, Lusiel. You need to think seriously."

He didn't give a definitive answer, but guided her to think for herself.

Not for me to tell you, but for you to reach your own conclusion.

"Where your future ultimately leads depends on your thinking, and on the final choice you make."

"Do you, as before, defy Him and choose a path completely opposite to His, walking it with resolve?"

"Or do you think a little more, don't completely deny Him, think for yourself, and walk your own path?"

"Lusiel, it was through thinking that you gained your freedom — why have you forgotten that?"

The fallen angel stood blankly in place, feeling as if a current of electricity had shot through her body.

She was moved by Herbert's words.

Why did the angel choose to betray the Sun?

Because she had her own thoughts.

"Your thinking represents your self."

I think, therefore I am.

"No rush to reach a conclusion."

Herbert gently stroked her cheek and said softly, "On this question, you can take your time and think."

"And now..."

Herbert took a deep breath, patted her arm, and said with difficulty:

"You, let me, down."

I surrender.

I surrender.

Feeling the embrace growing tighter, his expression shifted slightly, and he rasped, "I, can barely, breathe..."

This woman of yours — why does she squeeze tighter the more excited she gets?!

Are you doing some kind of "sister-crush embrace" here?

"Ah! Sorry, I'll let go right now..."

Lusiel pulled herself out of her thoughtful state, flustered, loosened her hold on Herbert, and set him down on the ground.

"Cough, cough!"

Herbert, who had finally broken free, coughed twice and panted laboriously for a while before recovering.

He raised a hand to refuse Lusiel's support, lifted his head, looked at the fallen angel whose posture seemed somewhat bashful and uneasy, and brought up another matter.

"... Cough, cough, come to think of it, there's something I forgot to ask you."

"Before I arrived, what were you up to?"

"Or rather, why did you enter combat mode before?"

Herbert didn't come here in the first place to be Luciel's life coach; he had only come to investigate because of the disturbance transmitted from the Aurora Sanctuary.

Right.

I was originally just here on patrol!

I just wanted to figure out what the heck you'd been up to.

As a result, the moment Herbert stepped in, he only saw Luciel in a fully armed combat stance.

Before he could even open his mouth to ask, the Young Lady "Sunspot," who had sensed the Sun God's aura and gone on high alert, hard-CC'd him on the spot.

First she grabbed him, stripped his five senses, and locked him in a dark room; then she forcibly dragged him to watch a little film; and finally she made him responsible for helping her work through her feelings.

I haven't even done my actual job yet!

And upon hearing Herbert's question, Luciel, who had been a little coy just before, suddenly fell silent.

"Earlier, I…"

(End of this chapter)