[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-an-improper-monster-girl-s-transformation-diary":3,"chapter-an-improper-monster-girl-s-transformation-diary-an-improper-monster-girl-s-transformation-diary-chapter-440":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","An Improper Monster Girl's Transformation Diary",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2312369,4517,"Chapter 440: Look Again, Look Again (62K Votes Requested)","an-improper-monster-girl-s-transformation-diary-chapter-440",440,"\u003Cp>“What’s wrong?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Flora noticed Valentina’s unusual state—she felt that Miss Long, who had always been unruly, was now tense in a way she had never been before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Did you notice anything?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What had Valentina sensed?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon hearing her companion’s voice, the Dragoness snapped back to herself and said uncertainly: “I… I felt someone watching me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She wasn’t even sure if she’d just imagined it—or truly sensed danger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the Sage in her mind couldn’t give an answer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, Crete, who had wrapped herself tightly in black lace-patterned mask, leaving only her eyes exposed, chimed in with a sarcastic remark: “Watching you? What are you talking about? Everyone over there is just staring at you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She pouted, gesturing for Valentina to look at the crowd gathered at the city gate—completely forgetting her own lips were hidden beneath the mask.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Valentina understood Crete’s gesture and turned toward the townspeople by the gate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The three of them had been waiting here for a while, following Herbert’s instructions, drawing considerable attention from onlookers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their eyes held no lust or greed—only curiosity, wondering why these three women stood here instead of entering the city.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Were they waiting for someone?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or did they think their faith wasn’t devout enough?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No, I mean… that gaze felt dangerous.” Valentina pursed her lips, still trying to salvage her dignity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was dense, not stupid!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She could tell the cold gaze had come from something far beyond these weaklings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Valentina, stop talking.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Dragoness was about to say more, but Flora gently tugged her, warning: “Don’t forget where we are.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This is Solanthis.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feeling a hidden strong one watching?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Is that strange?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This is the Holy City of Light.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It would be stranger if there weren’t true elites guarding it!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you truly felt that dangerous gaze, it’s probably him warning us not to cause trouble.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A warning—or a reminder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for why only Valentina sensed it, it’s likely because she’s the strongest among us, seen as the leader.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...Fine.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Valentina still felt this explanation was slightly off, but she reluctantly accepted it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For now, she’d let it be.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She didn’t keep thinking—not because she couldn’t figure it out, nor because she disliked thinking—really!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But because Herbert was coming back soon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching the two figures approaching—one ahead, one behind—Valentina broke into a bright smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed everything went smoothly on Herbert’s end.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had prepared thoroughly, establishing various signals.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Herbert wore his helmet, it meant the Holy City wasn’t safe—they must be ready to flee.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he removed his helmet, it meant all was well—they could enter peacefully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though separated only briefly, this was still a touching reunion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the onlookers around them seemed… too many.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Valentina’s brow twitched as she glanced at the faithful still blocking the city gate, obstructing the only path in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Dragoness didn’t try to push through—she simply glared at them, fiercely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What are you staring at?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still staring? Still staring?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Make way! Make way!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But she forgot she was dressed as a maid—her furious glare lost several levels of intimidation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was another condition Herbert had set: she had to wear a maid outfit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To make her seem less threatening, Herbert had gone to great lengths.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s right.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s not because he likes maid outfits!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Added to her careful suppression of her aura, her glare appeared anything but fearsome.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It looked more like an angry little cat—almost cute. Some elderly faithful couldn’t help smiling warmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Tch!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing they remained unmoved by her “fierce” stare, Valentina pouted and huffed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmph!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The irritated sound shook the crowd before the gate; the airwave sent many stumbling backward, all blinded by flying dust.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bishop Evelyn reverted to human form just before landing, gently descending among the crowd without harming anyone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Herbert continued flying until he reached the three, just as the airwave from Valentina swept backward, making the wide habits of the two demon girls flutter violently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He clearly saw the airwave outline the true shapes hidden beneath their robes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vast plains and rolling hills laid bare.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Valentina: “Hmph~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crete: “Huh?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Herbert: “Huh?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Flora: “Huh?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The culprit had no idea what she’d done and continued humming, watching the crowd fall like wheat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The well-off victim merely gave a casual “Huh?” and didn’t care.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the lucky witness, Herbert blinked slowly, instinctively comparing the two sides.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The second victim—utterly outraged—immediately lost her composure, clutching her chest and glaring furiously at Herbert, who was still comparing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What are you staring at?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still staring?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In this world, nothing is worse than comparison.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like wearing the same outfit—when everyone wears the same thing, the ugliest one feels embarrassed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Herbert thought Flora didn’t need to be so upset.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In his view, demon and devil each had their own merits.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Big has its advantages; small has its charm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The mature woman has her appeal; the little girl has her sweetness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only those who eat everything are truly healthy!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s fine—I appreciate them all equally!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking this, Herbert gave Flora a thumbs-up and smiled gently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You’ll grow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Don’t be sad, don’t rush!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In gloomy days, stay calm!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Believe me, happy days will come!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if you don’t grow, it’s fine!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You’re wonderful too!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tiny is cute too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Flora didn’t know what Herbert was thinking—but seeing his expression, eyes, and gesture, she instinctively knew he was up to no good.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She gritted her teeth, furious, and let out a sharp huff.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmph!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You’re really too much.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps because of the long years they’d spent together in dreams, Flora now treated Herbert far more casually than before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though nominally still his servant, her actions showed less deference.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whoosh—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m back. Sorry to keep you waiting.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Herbert landed before the three. Before they could speak, his brow twitched—he sensed something unusual.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What’s wrong?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His gaze swept over their faces as he asked softly: “What happened while I was gone?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He sensed the subtlest shifts in their hearts without them needing to speak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though they appeared normal, all three behaved with slight unease, as if carefully guarding against something.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Herbert didn’t think much of it—he simply assumed they had been mistreated by the Sun worshippers earlier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Herbert’s acute perception of human emotion made Kreti’s brow twitch slightly, deepening her interest in him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...Hss.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She always felt Herbert was a devil wrapped in the skin of a holy knight, possessing an innate, piercing insight into human nature.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He could easily detect others’ emotions and manipulate them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This gift seemed born solely to toy with people’s feelings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was a devil by nature.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If one could harness this gift... it would be an exceedingly terrifying thing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Others would instinctively grow wary when facing a cunning devil, fearing they’d be lured into his traps.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But when facing a legendary holy knight, the situation would be entirely different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The identity of a holy knight was Herbert’s perfect disguise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Most people would unconditionally believe the words of a legendary holy knight, convinced of his righteousness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one would ever imagine a “harmless” legendary holy knight would do devilish things to lead them into an abyss of eternal ruin!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If I were to guide him... gulp.” Kreti swallowed hard, suppressing this dangerous thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She didn’t want to see Herbert walk down such a perilous path.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was certainly fascinating—but also dangerously so.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And—apparently, he didn’t need her guidance at all; he had already mastered it on his own.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kreti fell silent, pondering these thoughts; Flora pouted at Herbert; only Valentina responded immediately after hearing his question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes yes yes!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While the other two remained silent, Valentina leapt forward, quickly reporting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ve got to tell you! Someone just stared at me!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Uh, someone definitely did!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some might think such matters shouldn’t be shared with others—they’d prefer to handle it alone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But for Valentina, that approach wouldn’t work.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hide it?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why hide it?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Isn’t a mouth made for speaking?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Besides, Herbert is far, far smarter than me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If I can’t solve it, Herbert will surely find a way!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Just now, I felt someone suddenly glare at me... hmm, maybe not entirely aimed at me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I just had this strange feeling—a gut instinct told me someone dangerous was looking this way.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By the end, she grew embarrassed, her voice dropping, her confidence visibly fading.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But I’m not even sure if anyone was really there, or who it was, or where...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She chuckled awkwardly. “There must’ve been someone, right? I think so... maybe?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Herbert’s brow lightly furrowed as he listened to Valentina’s disjointed account of what had happened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Alright, I understand the situation.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After thinking it over, he nodded slowly and smiled at the hungry dragon girl. “Don’t worry—it’s nothing serious. Even if something happens, I’m here.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mm!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Herbert shared the same view as the others—this was ordinary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was Solanthis. It was normal for powerful figures to be present, and for some to show hostility toward them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Sun Church’s conservative and liberal factions were locked in fierce conflict; Herbert had already witnessed their disagreements.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If some high-ranking figures approved their entry, others surely disapproved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nothing to worry about.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As long as they kept to themselves, caused no trouble, and broke no laws, no one could touch them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, with the monastery backing them, as long as they didn’t commit something outrageously egregious, they’d be safe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Lord Herbert, please follow me.” Bishop Evelyn quietly stepped behind Herbert and gave the group a slight nod.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her gaze swept over the three demon girls, finally lingering on the tightly wrapped devil, staring deeply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hm?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kreti, who had been lost in thought, snapped back to attention under that gaze, feeling uneasy. She frowned. “What is it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The bishop, who had always remained calm even during arguments, subtly twitched her brow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet, Bishop Evelyn ultimately said nothing, shaking her head with unchanged composure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...No, nothing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She ended the exchange, turned, and led the way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though she said nothing, her unusual demeanor was clearly different from before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had she sensed something?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Herbert’s mind stirred. He nodded, signaling the three to follow, while secretly speaking to the devil girl.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What? Do you know her? An old acquaintance?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No, I don’t recognize her.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kreti also sensed something odd. After careful thought, she still found no memory of ever meeting the Sun Church’s bishop.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She didn’t know her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But she seems to recognize you. Have you truly never had any past conflict?” Herbert pressed curiously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It felt like there was some story between them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I have no idea.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once Kreti confirmed she truly didn’t know Evelyn, she grew calm and shrugged. “Ask her yourself. Don’t ask me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Maybe I’m her enemy—perhaps I killed someone dear to her? Who knows?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The devil girl scoffed dismissively. “Well? Regret bringing me along now?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I told you not to bring me! You insisted! See? Problems already!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This journey to Solanthis was for Herbert’s mission, Flora’s purification ritual, and Valentina’s voluntary accompaniment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only Kreti had resisted from the start, utterly opposed to coming to the Holy City.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even now, having successfully entered the city, she remained unchanged—stubbornly, I didn’t want to come!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was like a child refusing to go to school—you simply didn’t want to go.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter what you said, you still didn’t want to go.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just like a child’s futile resistance against school, Kreti’s struggle was the same.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Useless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Come to school—it’s for your own good.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Come to the Holy City—it’s for my happiness!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The more Kreti resisted, the more Herbert wanted to bring her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The more you resist, the more excited I get.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It sounded twisted—but that was Herbert’s true thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Indeed, forced affection brings joy.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Herbert slowly understood Nenasha’s happiness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under Bishop Evelyn’s guidance, they arrived at a secluded mansion in the heart of the Holy City.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She declined Herbert’s invitation to enter, then turned into a flame giant and departed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unlike its plain exterior, the mansion’s interior was opulent, dominated by white and gold, with Sun Church’s solar motifs everywhere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There were many rooms—plenty for everyone to rest comfortably.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Each member of the group reacted differently to it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Valentina leapt onto the largest sofa the moment she entered, stretching lazily and sprawling over the soft fabric.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Flora, by contrast, was far more composed—she walked calmly into the room, yet her curiosity drove her to pick up a book from the shelf and begin reading rapidly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kreti, however, was the complete opposite. Even after entering, she kept her mask on, moving cautiously through the room, afraid of touching anything imbued with holy light.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Pfft, hah!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Herbert watched this absurd yet heartwarming scene and couldn’t help laughing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He clapped his hands, drawing everyone’s attention, then stood. “Alright, pick any room you like. Sleep wherever you want.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Tonight, rest well, all of you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t mention tomorrow’s plans—those trivial matters could wait.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though puzzled, the three demon girls accepted his arrangement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To ensure the energetic hungry dragon girl rested peacefully, Herbert tapped her forehead three times, reluctantly rejecting her suggestive invitation to play.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What are you opening?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Do you think about nothing but this kind of thing every day?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You've been operating the Ace War Goddess all day—she needs rest, and pilots get tired too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Besides, is the Glory Holy City a place for you to do this?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...Wait, actually, it sounds kind of thrilling?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Herbert seriously considered it, and dangerous thoughts involuntarily surfaced in his mind: “What if I try it the night before we leave?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No, no, no—this place can be seen as the Sun God’s divine realm; you can’t act recklessly! If He notices, it won’t be fun anymore.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After repeatedly weighing its feasibility, Herbert could only reluctantly abandon this bold and dangerous idea.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Don’t get yourself killed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Herbert chose a room with a mirror for himself and locked the door after entering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After double-checking everything, he stood before the full-length mirror, squinting at his reflection.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Three, two, one… oh.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Herbert silently counted three seconds in his mind—the reflection in the mirror had indeed changed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What? You called me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luka Lía’s figure came alive, blinking curiously: “Have you arrived?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Heh, I’m fine.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Herbert smiled cheerfully: “Just checking in—pretend I missed you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As expected, he was met with the Mirror Spirit’s disgusted look.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Tsk!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hahaha!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a secure escape route secured, Herbert was in high spirits.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With Luka Lía’s ability, he could bring Valentina and the other three back to the Monastery at any moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In good spirits, Herbert chatted with Luka Lía a while longer, then waved goodbye as sleepiness overcame him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only when Herbert instinctively lay on the bed and closed his eyes did he vaguely sense something was wrong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m… tired? How could I be tired...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Herbert fell asleep.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had long since no longer needed sleep thanks to Nenasha’s aid, yet this night, Herbert still slept.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Herbert dreamed—for the first time in a long while.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A long, strange dream.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He walked beneath blazing sunlight, then strolled through shadow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Light and shadow alternated, endlessly repeating.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t know how long he’d walked, nor how much farther he had to go.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Herbert kept walking until the dream shifted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He dreamed he was crushed beneath a massive mountain that had flown in from nowhere, his body tightly bound by thick ropes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only then did he gain a sliver of clarity within the dream.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Herbert suddenly felt a cold, indifferent gaze—having watched him for who knew how long.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>High above, gazing down from the sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From that blazing, radiant sun.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...Cough.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Herbert awoke, his first sight was the “mountain” crushing him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Valentina had somehow broken the lock last night and skillfully climbed onto his bed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If that were all, it wouldn’t matter—it wasn’t new.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the problem was, she’d apparently dreamed something, crawled out from under the covers, curled up, and firmly settled herself on Herbert’s stomach.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As immovable as a mountain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You really have no sense of your own weight!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You’re this big and you’re lying on someone’s stomach?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Are you a cat?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if you are, you’re an orange cat half-dead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Herbert finally managed to reach out and push—no effect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh? Oh!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A thick dragon tail emerged from beneath Valentina’s maid dress, tightly binding Herbert to her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thump.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Helpless, he gave the “mountain cat” on top of him a firm smack on the buttocks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hey! Wake up!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under Herbert’s pressure, Valentina slowly opened her eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She blinked, dazed, then looked at Herbert and quickly blinked again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why did you sneak over here?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Hungry Dragon paused, then happily nuzzled him: “But you came just in time—I was just thinking—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before the Hungry Dragon could finish her lewd remark, Herbert clamped a hand over her mouth and shook his head: “No, you weren’t!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Look where you are—hold off for now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And you, Luka Lía—still watching! Still watching!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The motionless mirror figure rolled her eyes and huffed: “Tsk—who cares to watch?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile, in an underground crypt hundreds of miles from the Glory Holy City, hundreds of Cultists of Lust gathered around a altar forged from the flesh and blood of various creatures, whispering prayers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the altar’s center, a blood-red egg, three men tall, trembled slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, a faint heartbeat echoed from within.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thump-thump!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",2857,"2026-06-20T12:31:07.945Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","938383e75c8fcc7a915ddb1f7756aca0a66b453d401a983538132501f252c58a","an-improper-monster-girl-s-transformation-diary-chapter-441","an-improper-monster-girl-s-transformation-diary-chapter-439",453,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fan-improper-monster-girl-s-transformation-diary-cover.jpg"]