Chapter 394: He Doesn't Want It, She Insists (6K Subscriptions Wanted)

I want it!

I want it!!

I want it!!!

Listening to the demon Young Lady's impassioned shouts, Herbert was completely dumbfounded.

Thi—this is right?

Can this kind of thing really be plotted out this loudly?

Don't you have any sense of shame?

Or is it that…

"Uh, you want me to help you raise your strength?"

"Exactly!"

Kreti nodded decisively: "I want you to help me too!"

"No, I think… that method probably isn't suited for you."

After much deliberation and hesitation, Herbert still didn't accept Kreti's enthusiastic invitation right off the bat.

No rush, wait a moment.

What if there's a trap?

But clearly, Kreti didn't understand Herbert's hint—she just thought this man was stingy, unwilling to bring her along.

Stingy man!

She pouted and huffed: "Herbert, why are you so stingy! You won't even part with this?"

Herbert:?

Me, stingy? Am I stingy? When was I ever stingy!

And besides, what am I supposed to part with?

"Since you were able to help Valentina raise her strength, then you must be able to help me too!"

The demon Young Lady looked at the youth with a face full of longing and made her request—I want you to aid my cultivation!

"Me too!"

And after putting forward her own demand, Kreti correspondingly showed her own sincerity—she wouldn't take so much help for free, she was willing to pay for it.

"Of course, I won't take your help for nothing either. I'll give you corresponding returns, and we can sign a contract."

"The rules of the contract will be drafted by you, and I can promise not to tamper with it in any way."

Kreti gazed at him full of sincerity and said earnestly: "How about it? Being able to offer such terms, I'm already being very sincere, right?"

To be fair, for a demon who was always cunning, voluntarily proposing to sign such a fair contract really already counted as being extremely sincere.

Perhaps some are curious—isn't a "fair contract" simply a matter of course?

It really isn't.

For demons, when it comes to contracts, fairness isn't the norm—unfairness is.

Any loophole that can be exploited must be exploited, any pit that can be dug must be dug.

Only the strong and the wise are worthy of signing contracts with demons.

And the "strong" and "wise" that demons speak of actually refer to two kinds of people.

Either those who can overpower demons in martial force, forcing them to obediently sign a "fair" contract.

Or those who outwit demons in schemes and calculations, making them willingly and wholeheartedly sign an "unfair" contract.

And to obtain a raise in strength, Kreti broke precedent and adopted the attitude reserved for the strong.

After hearing the demon Young Lady's brilliant scheme, Herbert was silent for a long time.

"…"

This time, he really was silent for a long time, and kept fidgeting, looking extremely conflicted.

Herbert would rub his chin for a moment, frown for a moment, and then stare deeply at Kreti for a moment.

He pressed his lips tightly together, expression solemn. Only after quite a while did he relax, shook his head helplessly, and let out a long sigh.

"Sigh!"

After sighing, Herbert rubbed his temples with a bit of a headache, pouted, and muttered:

"This Valentina really—why does she tell everyone everything? Can this kind of thing be told to people? Isn't this just making trouble for me? Really… sigh!"

Herbert kept sighing on his side, but Kreti's expression grew more and more delighted.

"Good, good, good!"

Herbert's helpless reaction also made Kreti secretly delighted.

"Hehe, guessed right!"

She knew she had played this move correctly!

If Herbert had agreed to Kreti's request on the spot, she would instead have suspected whether what Valentina said was a trap.

But Herbert being so conflicted now confirmed one thing for her—he really had a way!

This mysterious youth really did have a method that could help her raise her strength.

Moreover, seeing how conflicted Herbert looked right now, the price this method required was no small matter—he wasn't very willing to offer it to others.

Herbert "agonized" for quite a while, then seemed to finally see things clearly, raised his head, and said:

"Kreti, this matter—I originally didn't want anyone else to know, but since you've unexpectedly learned of it, I won't hide it any longer."

"Mm, mm!" Kreti nodded excitedly.

Here it comes!

Time to get to the main point!

Under the gaze of the Devil Young Lady, Herbert said in a low voice, "Yes, just as you think, I do indeed possess a method to help you raise your strength."

"With my help, Valentina has now broken through the barrier of Legendary Peak and formally advanced into an Epic Dragon."

"Mhm mhm mhm!!!"

Even though she had roughly guessed this outcome, when she actually heard the news from Herbert's mouth, Kreti still felt shocked.

Epic!

Valentina had actually already successfully stepped into Epic!

Last time she saw her, she was still stuck at the edge of advancement; in just a few short days, she had already successfully advanced.

Recalling once more the terrifying combat power Valentina had unleashed at Legendary Peak, Kreti grew increasingly wary of Valentina's current strength.

Just how strong is the current Valentina...?

At the same time, Kreti grew increasingly curious about the help Herbert could provide, and increasingly desirous of it.

What kind of help is it, exactly?

A potion to be swallowed?

Or an injection to be administered into the body?

Or some special spirit-gathering array?

And no matter which it was, it was what she needed right now.

She had to grow stronger — stronger than that damned demon by far — to wash away her past humiliation!

Kreti had already made her plans in her heart — if one day she truly could become stronger than Flora, then she would take revenge for everything that had been done to her, doubled!

For example, hanging Flora up and whipping her!

Whipping her hard!

"... Hehe, hehehe, hahahahaha!"

Just imagining such a scene, Kreti could not suppress the corners of her mouth, and could not help but burst into laughter.

"Hehe."

Herbert looked at her excited eyes, secretly laughed a little as well, then continued with a solemn expression in a low voice, "However, you know too, if outsiders were to learn of such an ability, what kind of consequences it would cause."

"An ability that can help others raise their strength — in any era, it would be coveted by people with the greatest malice."

Kreti nodded in deep agreement, indicating she understood his concerns.

"Mm."

It really was so.

Just as Herbert said, if such an ability were known by outsiders, the days ahead probably would not be peaceful — she would be harassed by all kinds of people.

She knew what Herbert was worried about, so she decisively made a promise: "Don't worry, I won't tell anyone else — this can be written into the contract."

To obtain Herbert's help, the Devil Young Lady could truly be said to have offered the utmost sincerity.

Not only did she offer the fair treatment given to a "strong one," she even proactively proposed the unfair treatment given to a "wise one."

To make a devil voluntarily sign an unequal treaty — one could imagine how much Kreti craved this power — she wanted revenge so badly.

The Devil Young Lady had been oppressed by the Demon Young Lady for hundreds of years; now, at last, she saw the hope of turning things around, and there was no way she would let go.

And faced with the generous conditions Kreti proposed, Herbert still wore a solemn expression. After pondering for a moment, he said somewhat apologetically, "Kreti, you truly have given me a great surprise, offering very satisfying sincerity."

"I am indeed willing to accept your conditions, but before we sign the contract, there is one thing I must remind you of."

He gazed deeply at Kreti and said in a low voice, "I won't hide it from you — the help I can give you is not without cost; you will need to pay a certain price."

"Note, this price is not paid to me, but something you yourself will lose — do you understand?"

Faced with Herbert's solemn reminder, the corners of Kreti's mouth lifted slightly, and she gave a light smile: "Don't worry, I understand it all."

How could Kreti not understand this principle?

There is no free lunch in the world, and pies do not fall from the sky.

Alchemy stresses equivalent exchange, and the gifts of fate have long been price-tagged.

She was not a greenhorn child, of course she understood the operating rules of this world.

To put it bluntly, as a devil, she understood it far, far better than Herbert!

Kreti waved her hand grandly and said domineeringly, "No need to say more, I understand it all — let's hurry and sign the contract!"

Very urgent.

But Herbert at this point was still wavering. After hesitating for a while, he said in a low voice:

"So, you've truly decided... after everything I've said, you still choose to let me help you, is that right?"

"Yes!"

To grow stronger, the Devil Young Lady decided to pay any price!

She would make a comeback!

She would pin that damned demon beneath her and beat her!

Even though this might mean she would be making a deal with a devil, paying a painful price... wait, something seems off here?

I am the devil!!?

Strange — why did I subconsciously place myself in the position of the weaker party?

Somewhat vexed at her own foolishness, the Devil Young Lady clenched her teeth in embarrassment and indignation, venting this foul mood onto Herbert, snorting angrily, "Enough! Stop dragging this out — are you even a man or not?"

"I've already said it to this extent, and you're still hesitating — what's there to hesitate about!"

"I'll put it right here — even if problems arise later, I'll bear them alone, and I don't need you to take responsibility!"

Dawdling, indecisive — not at all like the arrogant youth she had known before.

It seemed no one was perfect.

Even someone as arrogant and excellent as Herbert would reveal his shortcomings in certain matters.

After being forced into a corner by the demon Young Lady, Herbert helplessly raised both hands, sighed, and conceded: "Fine, fine. Since you've asked so sincerely, made such a strong request… sigh! Alright then, I'll give you one chance."

He sighed deeply, and only with great difficulty managed to suppress the corners of his mouth that kept wanting to curl up.

There was no helping it.

There really was no helping it.

I really can't… hold it in anymore.

Pfft.

Hahahaha!

Everyone saw it, alright!

It's not that I wanted it — she's the one who insisted on giving it!

I am pure and innocent, utterly without blame!

Did Herbert not want to sign the contract? Did he not want to give Kleit special guidance?

Meat delivered right to one's mouth — not eating it would be a waste.

What reason is there to refuse?

Herbert had never intended to refuse from the start, and was prepared to comply with Kleit's request.

However, he was also clear that the cause of this whole affair was entirely a small misunderstanding — it was because Kleit did not understand exactly what kind of help Herbert was offering.

And this kind of small misunderstanding could be easily cleared up.

So, did he want this misunderstanding cleared up?

Of course he didn't.

Therefore, what Herbert needed to do was use this misunderstanding, make capital out of it, and achieve his own goal.

Let the demon Young Lady lift a rock only to drop it on her own foot.

I already did my utmost to refuse, and reminded you several times at that, yet you still wouldn't let go, insisting on having me help you…

In that case, whatever happens afterward, you can't blame me, right?

Right?

Right!

And now that things had reached the point of no return, Herbert had not relaxed, and was still giving his all to his acting.

Looking at the two sheets of parchment Kleit had eagerly produced, he hesitated for a moment and asked: "Kleit, does this thing absolutely have to be signed?"

"I'm willing to trust you — between us, we don't need a contract like this, do we?"

Herbert, putting on the look of a naive dupe, volunteered: We're all friends, we're all buddies!

I trust you, I'm sure you won't betray me!

So, we don't need to sign any contract or agreement, right?

Logically speaking, the naive dupe he was playing was exactly the type villains loved most.

Because without a contract, their agreement had no guarantee, and any losses would receive no protection.

But the demon Young Lady refused decisively at this point.

"No, this absolutely must be signed!"

She had no intention of taking advantage of the situation — but not because her conscience had suddenly awakened, rather for another reason.

Rules.

This world had its own set of operating rules.

The demon Young Lady knew that the most expensive thing in this world was a free gift.

Free things were always the most expensive.

Favors were the hardest thing in this world to repay.

Moreover, for demons who belonged to the Order faction, obeying the rules was simply their nature.

If you asked them to do chaotic things, they would actually be unable to accept it — it would be like asking someone with OCD to mess up the things they had just organized.

"This contract must be signed — not just for you, but for me as well," Kleit said firmly, without yielding an inch.

"But, I think…"

"There's no 'but'! I don't care what you think, I only care what I think!"

"…Alright."

In the end, this debate concluded with Herbert's "compromise."

After much back-and-forth, Herbert, as the beneficiary, finally accepted the unequal contract that the demon Young Lady had proactively proposed.

Signed!

At this point, he could only sign it.

And when the contract formally began to be signed, Herbert changed his demeanor once again, revealing a startling talent in this area.

He didn't need Kleit to explain anything at all — he could fully understand the meaning of every operation in the contract-signing process.

"First, these two sheets of parchment are the body of the contract. As for why there are two…"

"No need to explain, I understand — the contract in duplicate, each of us keeps one copy."

Herbert didn't just understand — he could even draw inferences from one instance.

"Actually, the ideal situation for signing a contract also requires a credible witness — triplicate, with the witness keeping one copy."

"It's just that you probably don't want Flora to serve as the witness for this contract, and combined with the trust between us, the process can be simplified — duplicate is fine.

Kleit blinked, not expecting Herbert to be able to say such a thing, and nodded: "Uh, right, exactly — each of us keeps one copy."

Moreover, as the contract signing continued, Kleit's astonishment only grew.

Herbert could not only easily understand all these rule requirements, but could even propose optimization plans.

Moreover, the most important point — Herbert was really too good at haggling.

"I feel this request is unreasonable, I need to make some modifications."

"I think the... oh, the terms of the contract can be slightly modified."

"How about this — I take a step back, and you take a step back too. How does that sound?"

……

This youth was extremely skilled at quoting just above his own psychological bottom line, making himself feel the pain, yet unable to refuse.

Before him, Kreti felt like a green recruit.

After a long bout of haggling, the two finally reached a consensus that satisfied both sides.

Setting aside some minor trivial requests, the entire contract, in Herbert's view, was actually like a crude labor contract.

Herbert was responsible for providing "special guidance" to Kreti, helping her improve her strength so she could suppress Flora in the future.

And the price Kreti had to pay was obeying Herbert's not-excessive requests, protecting his safety, helping him build Elda... and so on, eighteen items in total.

And the interesting thing was, Herbert expressed satisfaction with this, and Kreti was also very satisfied.

One against eighteen, the advantage was hers!

For Kreti, compared to her grand ambitions, these small prices didn't count for anything at all.

"Phew..."

When the entire contract was signed and done, Kreti blinked in a daze, feeling as though she had just been haggling back and forth with a powerful devil.

She couldn't shake the feeling that something seemed a bit off.

However, although her heart was in turmoil and she felt as though she had fallen into some trap, the joy in her heart still made Kreti let down her guard.

She carefully put away the contract, a satisfied smile appearing at the corner of her mouth.

With this contract, her strength could be further improved!

The grand plan of revenge against Flora had been put on the agenda; the true day of counterattack wouldn't be far off either.

Just as the Young Lady Devil was off daydreaming again, Herbert over there also carefully put away the contract, smiling as he said: "Our contract has been signed, hasn't it?"

"Mm, that's right."

"Then, I should provide you with assistance as the contract requires, shouldn't I?"

"That's right."

"Well then, no time like the present — let's proceed with the first assistance right now."

Herbert made the decision with a clap, smiling as he beckoned to Kreti: "Here, come here and stand in front of me."

"Okay."

Kreti was also a little excited at this moment, wondering what kind of method Herbert would use to help her.

What was he going to do?

A potion? Or... hmm?

Just as Kreti was excitedly thinking, Herbert in front of her made a move — he undid the buttons on his robe.

His hooded cloak drifted slowly down behind him, drawing Kreti's gaze along with it.

What does this mean?

Hmm?

And when she suspiciously pulled her gaze back, she happened to see Herbert's next move — he continued to undo the buttons on his shirt collar.

Hmm??

If it were only this step, although Kreti was puzzled in her heart, she could still accept it.

After undoing one button, Herbert grabbed the collar, then gave a casual tug, pulling off the entire top in one go, revealing the solid body beneath.

Hmm???

The Young Lady Devil was shocked by this scene and instinctively took a step back, but her stubbornness made her unwilling to reveal her timidity, so she forcibly stopped her steps.

Herbert was taking off his clothes — he must just be hot, right?

But Herbert's actions were far from over. Before Kreti could even ask, he proceeded to make his next move.

He reached his hand, very naturally, toward the belt at his waist — wait!!!

Hmm!!?

Before this, Kreti could still endure it, thinking Herbert might have other moves coming... but this time, she truly couldn't take it anymore.

"Stop!!!"

The Young Lady Devil grabbed the youth's wrist in one swift motion, asking in shock: "What are you doing!!?"

After being stopped, Herbert didn't force his way to continue. He raised an eyebrow with a smile and asked curiously: "Hmm? I'm helping you, aren't I? Isn't this what you strongly requested?"

Kreti was completely dumbfounded.

When did I ever request something like this?

"I requested it? When did I ever ask for this kind of help? Are you saying... what!!?"

As she shouted, the Young Lady Devil suddenly realized something, her eyes going wide as saucers.

Wait, wait!!?

N-no way?

No way!!!

"Yes, this is what you wanted."

Herbert gazed affectionately at the Young Lady Devil standing dumbfounded on the spot, and said softly: "Everything, as you wished."

Ye Gong loves the dragon?

But the key point is... haven't you not even seen the big dragon yet?

"Alright, enough nonsense."

Herbert smiled gently and said softly, "Don't get worked up. Take a deep breath—remember to breathe through your nose. Dizziness and nausea are normal."

Whoosh—

Before Herbert could make his move, Kleiti, who had come to her senses, suddenly let go of his hand, then rapidly retreated, charging into the bronze fortress at astonishing speed.

As she fled, she called out in a wretched voice, "No, no, no—don't come over here!"

Herbert watched the panicked demoness retreat, in no hurry to chase.

Only after she had shut the great door tight did he say with a brilliantly radiant smile, "You think hiding in there means I can't catch you?"

"Have you forgotten what exactly my identity is?"

"Besides, the contract is already signed—surely you're not thinking of going back on it?"

"Run? Where exactly do you think you're running to?"

Little sister, trying to run now?

Can you escape?

He walked slowly up to the bronze gate and said with a beaming smile:

"Open sesame!"

As the words fell, the great door of the bronze fortress slowly opened.

Creak, creak, creak…

"NO!!!"

(End of chapter)