Chapter 443: The True Person

The Sun Pope wants to meet me in private?

“…”

Herbert took a full three seconds to process this sudden news.

To be received by the Pope.

For any follower of the Sun Church, this would be the highest honor.

The Sun Pope’s status far surpasses that of angels, and he can be regarded as a demi-god walking among mortals.

But Herbert did not feel excitement or joy—he merely frowned slightly.

First, he was not a believer in the Sun God, nor in any deity, and held no reverence for gods or their churches.

His attitude toward the Sun Pope was one of fear, not reverence.

As the apex leader of the entire Sun Church and the Sun God’s earthly representative, the Sun Pope was unquestionably one of the strongest “mortals” in the world.

The Sun Pope was a True Person, and one whose raw power rivaled that of a mid-tier divine force deity.

A True Person summoned him.

For ordinary people, just those words alone would leave them trembling with dread, unable to refuse.

But Herbert was different—he felt nothing special about those words.

So what if he’s a True Person?

Oh come on, he’s just a True Person, what’s the big deal?

We’ve got a True Person in our own family!

I even chat and joke with him!

After prolonged contact with his own Grand Archbishop, Herbert didn’t find True Persons particularly noble.

They might deserve his respect for their power, but not his fear.

Herbert had anticipated the Sun Pope might summon him.

But that would be a formal audience, before all eyes, in public.

Not for any special reason—just standard procedure out of respect for the Mist Monastery.

What he never expected was that the Pope himself wanted to meet him in private.

Why?

Herbert had no special ties to the Sun Church, nor did he think he’d caught the Sun Pope’s attention.

Is the Pope curious about me?

About what?

My talent? My monastic background?

Or is he the one secretly watching me?

Or perhaps…

Friendly, hostile—various possibilities flashed rapidly through Herbert’s mind.

But with too few constraints and too many possibilities, Herbert couldn’t reach a conclusion.

Finally, he nodded slightly and asked the emotionless Archbishop: “You mean the Pope wishes to meet me privately? Without informing anyone in Shengcheng?”

“Correct.”

Herbert hesitated, then ventured: “Uh… could I say I’m unavailable for this invitation?”

Huh?

Upon hearing Herbert’s words, Archbishop Evelyn made an extremely rare reaction—her eyes widened slightly.

By exactly one-tenth. A significant emotional shift.

“…”

She stared at Herbert, incredulous: “Lord Herbert, are you saying you intend to refuse the Pope’s invitation? To turn down the request of a lonely old man?”

“Ahahaha…”

Herbert let out a forced laugh, his lips twisting into an awkward smile.

He hesitated, then pressed on: “Well… if you must interpret it that way… yes.”

“You’re right—I am refusing his invitation.”

What lonely old man?

What widower?

We’re not familiar.

Don’t drag me into this!

Besides, it’s not my fault your old man’s lonely!

If you’re really worried about him, go keep him company yourselves!

I take care of my own old man.

I chat with him sometimes, listen to his stories, give him some emotional value.

“If possible, I’d like you to convey my stance to him,” Herbert stated bluntly.

But this time, Archbishop Evelyn didn’t reply. She merely shook her head slightly, stepped forward, and silently stared at Herbert.

“…”

Staring—

She simply watched, saying nothing, yet saying everything.

Herbert understood her meaning—it was non-negotiable.

“I see… I understand.”

Seeing Evelyn’s unwavering stance, Herbert nodded silently.

Understood. Accepted.

Though a trace of regret lingered, Herbert quickly adjusted his emotions.

When the troops come, send the general; when the water rises, pile up the earth.

He had tried—had made an effort—but failed.

Since avoidance was useless, he had no choice but to face it.

Besides, it’s just another old True Person!

What’s so intimidating?

Do I need to avoid his sharp edges?

Ridiculous.

Hmph!

Let me see what he’s got!

Herbert steadied his mindset, shed his helplessness, and smiled faintly at Evelyn: “Give me a moment—I’ll arrange things with my companions.”

Seeing Herbert no longer evade, Evelyn said nothing more. She stepped back to her original position and nodded lightly: “Naturally.”

Click.

Herbert closed the door and returned to the mansion, giving a slight nod to the three demon girls waiting in the parlor.

“You’ve probably heard the news—the Sun Pope has summoned me. I must go. You three behave yourselves—stay here, don’t wander off.”

Herbert spoke with the weight of a father leaving to buy oranges.

“I’m leaving now. Do any of you have questions?”

The three demon girls exchanged glances, looking at each other, silent.

“…”

“…”

“Mmm!!!” (chew chew chew chew chew)

Finally, Flora broke the silence, asking the most pressing question: “Master, is there any danger?”

Though they were technically out for a break, they were on official duty.

As his bodyguards, their responsibility was to protect Herbert’s safety.

Now, the person they were meant to protect was leaving, leaving them safely behind.

“Probably not.”

Herbert shook his head, grimacing: “If he wanted to harm me, he wouldn’t go through all this trouble.”

Though he’d speculated many motives, in any scenario, Herbert faced no real danger this time.

As always: caution was necessary, but don’t dramatize it.

Like capital doesn’t care whether a sports student moves its cake—the scale difference is too vast.

If the Sun Pope truly intended to act against him, Herbert wouldn’t even have time to react.

“But…” Flora hesitated, as if wanting to say something.

But Herbert cut her off, waving his hand: “Don’t worry—I’ll use this chance to ask him about your matter.”

“I… thank you.”

Flora bit her lip, wanting to explain, but finally nodded obediently.

She wanted to say she wasn’t worried about purification—she was worried about his safety.

She never thought Herbert was a heartless, wooden Holy Knight—he knew exactly how she felt.

And since he deliberately changed the subject, he must have his own reasons.

Is he worried someone might hear?

Flora narrowed her eyes and silently scanned the room, searching for any trace.

But after looking around, she found no sign of anyone else’s presence, nor any magical devices.

“Heh.”

Herbert, pleased that Flora understood at once, nodded and turned to look at the Hungry Dragon Lady, who was struggling to chew something.

“Valentina, what about you? Don’t you have anything to say?”

“Mmm!!?” (Chew chew chew chew chew)

After seeing Herbert look at her, Valentina’s expression grew noticeably more agitated; she waved her hands wildly, pointing at her tightly shut mouth.

Chew chew chew chew chew! (Frantic, accelerated chewing!)

“Hm?”

Herbert glanced at Valentina, who was trying to gesture, then at the pottery jar on the table, the size of a football.

Wait, could it be?

He stepped forward and saw the jar was half-empty, filled with a dairy product resembling dried yogurt, with tooth marks still clinging to its surface.

“...Oh!”

Got it.

Herbert understood everything.

“No wonder you suddenly went quiet—you’ve got your mouth stuffed full!”

Who in their right mind eats that much dried yogurt in one go?

It’s all stuck to your upper palate!

He flicked Valentina’s forehead with mild annoyance. “Don’t just try to swallow—use your tongue to lick it off.”

You dumb dragon, do I have to teach you how to eat?

Finally, under Herbert’s exasperated gaze, Valentina, realizing what she needed to do, let her slender neck rise and fall once.

Glug.

“Mmm? Mmmmm... Glug, ha!”

After immense effort, she finally used her tongue to scrape the dairy off her upper gums and swallow it.

“Ha, ah, hah!”

That tiny thing looked harmless, yet it had exhausted her enough to make her sweat.

It wasn’t unpleasant to taste—but it was incredibly “unpleasant”!!!

Valentina’s exhausted state now looked as if she’d been beaten up inside the mouth by dried yogurt.

“I’m going! I’ll protect you!”

Now that her mouth was free, Valentina perked up, raising her hand eagerly. “Let me go with you!”

She’d come along with Herbert precisely to stick to him, craving to cling to him every moment.

The Pope?

What about the Pope!

Can he tear us apart?

No!

Valentina’s thoughts didn’t surprise Herbert—but he couldn’t let her act recklessly.

“Valentina, are you sure you want to come with me?”

“Yes! If he dares hurt you, I’ll fight him!” The Hungry Dragon Lady made a startling declaration.

Herbert didn’t refuse; he nodded with a smile and reminded her: “Really? By the way, the Sunlight Pope’s strength is probably on par with a Grand Archbishop.”

“Still planning to fight him?”

My Hungry Dragon Lady, are you absolutely certain?

“Go! I’m going... uh!”

Valentina had been shouting, but suddenly realized—her entire dragon’s gaze cleared.

Hm!!?

As strong as that old man!!?

Valentina calmed down.

Though she had ascended to Shi Shi, awakened her Dragon Bloodline, and received the Legacy of the Mother of Ten Thousand Dragons—making her stronger than before by several times—

But!

Even with her current inflated confidence, recalling that terrifying figure still filled her with a sense of her own insignificance.

Ignorance is fearlessness.

There’s a curious phenomenon in the world.

The weaker someone is, the more they boast about their own “strength,” convinced they’ve reached the peak.

True Qiangzhe , however, grow ever more humble, appearing approachable.

The stronger Valentina became, the more she understood just how powerful that old man was.

It was sheer domination.

It didn’t leave her with psychological trauma she couldn’t bear to recall—but it forced her into cold, sober calm.

Valentina’s lips moved slightly; she pondered for a moment, conflicted.

Finally, she hunched her neck, lifted her eyes slightly, and tentatively asked Herbert: “Um... do I still need to come?”

The Hungry Dragon Lady showed rare compliance.

She didn’t say she wouldn’t go.

If Herbert needed her to accompany him, she would follow at all costs—and without hesitation, launch an attack against the Sunlight Pope when necessary.

She wasn’t afraid of death.

She never was, she isn’t now, and she never will be.

The only thing that might worry her was the possibility of being separated from Herbert.

But while she wasn’t afraid, she still didn’t want to wander near such a terrifying presence.

Not because she was afraid!

It’s... uh, well... uncomfortable. Yes, uncomfortable!

It’s not necessary. No need to make myself so uneasy.

Herbert watched Valentina’s compliant demeanor and couldn’t help laughing; he reached up and ruffled her head.

“Heh, you don’t need to come with me. There’s no danger. Just stay here and guard everyone, understood?”

“Mm-hmm!” Valentina exhaled in relief, nodding vigorously.

Perfect.

Yay!

“Before I return, don’t go wandering off. Protect everyone for me, alright?”

“Don’t worry! I won’t go anywhere!” Valentina patted her chest, solemnly promising loudly.

“I absolutely won’t go anywhere! No one will leave! I definitely... mmm!!?”

As Valentina was shouting, Herbert swiftly snatched the remaining dried yogurt from the jar and shoved it into her mouth.

He even carefully pressed it perfectly against her upper palate, sealing it snugly.

“There. You spoke well. No more talking.”

“Mmm!”

Valentina gave Herbert a disgruntled side-eye but wasn’t angry—she happily resumed chewing chew chew chew chew...

After all, dried yogurt was a hassle to eat—but it suited her taste.

“Hmph.”

As Herbert turned to her, the Devil Lady let out a direct snort and spoke up: “I’ve got no problems. Go wherever you like.”

Crete bluntly declared—none of my business!

Since being forcibly brought to this place that made Crete constantly uncomfortable, she’d remained in this hissing, spiky-dragon state toward Herbert.

Yet Herbert, watching her furious impotence, didn’t grow angry—he smiled with delight.

“Heh.”

Watching Crete’s fluffed-up state lifted his previously anxious mood; he took a satisfied deep breath.

Yes, yes.

That’s the attitude. That’s the expression.

I love seeing you resent me but can’t do a damn thing about it~

Herbert’s smiling face made Crete’s heart sink—oh no, what’s this bastard planning now?

Sure enough.

Just as Crete sensed danger, Herbert spoke.

“I’m not asking if you have any issues. I’m saying—how about you come with me?”

Herbert winked at the slowly stunned Devil Lady, cheerfully adding: “I’m sure the old man won’t mind having another person to chat with.”

Come on!

Let’s have some fun!

Come with me to face the Holy Light, old man~

“Huh???”

Just being inside Holy Light City already makes her suffer—forcing her to face the Saint? That would be worse than death!

“I won’t!”

But just as Cretei prepared to flee, she suddenly noticed the smile at Herbert’s lips.

!!?

Wait, this guy is tricking me!

“You’re lying to me!!?”

“Yes, indeed.”

Herbert immediately admitted it, nodding calmly: “After all, I’m not some demon—I could never do something so extreme~”

Herbert has always been kind-hearted; he only talks big—he never actually does anything that extreme.

“...Tch!”

Cretei frowned tightly and asked slowly: “Are you mocking me? Do you look down on me?”

“If you insist on thinking that… then yes, I am mocking you, my timid Devil Girl, hah!” Herbert winked at her teasingly.

Then he waved to Valentina and the others, laughed loudly, turned away, and opened the door to nod at Evelyn, who had been waiting.

“Let’s go.”

Cretei: !!?

“Wait!”

The Devil Girl completely broke down, stormed to the door, and shouted at Herbert: “Come back! Explain yourself! How am I timid?!”

“Come back here!”

Herbert paused, turned back, and smiled at the furious Devil Girl: “So I really should come back?”

And his answer—the door slammed shut violently.

Thud!

Behind the door, the Devil Girl clenched her teeth, pressing her shoulder hard against it.

Damn it!

You holy knight, you’re a real bastard!

Why don’t you follow the script!!?

…

…

“We’re here.”

After walking in silence for a while, Evelyn in front finally stopped.

She halted before an ordinary wooden house, turned back, and whispered to Herbert: “The High One is just ahead—you may enter directly. Do you need more time to prepare?”

Herbert shook his head, stepped forward casually, easily passed Evelyn, and nodded to thank her.

“No need. Thank you for guiding me.”

Knock knock.

He tapped lightly, pushed open the wooden door, and murmured as it creaked: “I’ve been ready all along.”

Facing a Saint equal to a god is a monumental thing for anyone—it’s hard to stay calm.

Herbert was human; he naturally felt instinctive tension.

But as Herbert said, he had already prepared.

Just now, during his conversation with Valentina and the other two, Herbert received abundant “emotional value” from them, successfully regaining his usual composure.

Especially Cretei—her perfectly cooperative stress response left Herbert deeply satisfied.

Herbert stepped through the wooden door, felt no special barrier, and entered naturally into an ordinary room.

The interior was simple and plain, filled only with heavily worn wooden furniture; the whole environment was almost destitute.

The Sunfire Pope really stays here?

“This is… hmm?” Herbert was puzzled when suddenly his ears twitched.

Creak.

Hearing the sound behind him, Herbert turned to see Bishop Evelyn had not followed—she stood outside, head bowed, gently closing the door.

Click.

Herbert frowned slightly, then relaxed, lifting his gaze to the view outside the window—a simple balcony.

The sunlight was warm, the breeze pleasant, everything seemed unusually comfortable and ordinary.

But Herbert’s intuition told him this was merely an illusion shown to him.

This feeling was like accidentally stepping into a fragment of the past.

Everything appeared normal, yet every detail exuded an ancient aura.

In the center of the balcony stood a small round table and two reclining chairs; one chair held an ordinary old man with white hair and beard.

He had his eyes closed, lounging lazily in the rocking chair, a small cup of richly fragrant “Tears of the Sunfire” resting on the table, emitting a deep, coffee-like aroma.

No aura of pressure.

He looked like any ordinary old man basking in warm sunlight, savoring his rare moment of leisure.

Herbert did not hesitate—he stepped onto the balcony, walked slowly to the old man’s side, bowed his head respectfully.

“Your Holiness, I am honored to meet you.”

The old man slowly opened his eyes, studied Herbert quietly, and upon confirming his inner calm matched his outward demeanor, a flicker of surprise passed through his gaze.

He smiled warmly, nodded at Herbert, and chuckled: “Heh, child, rise, come, sit here—don’t be nervous… oh?”

The Sunfire Pope was about to say more, but before he finished, he watched in disbelief as the boy casually flopped onto the chair.

Worse still—the boy didn’t just lie down; he even rocked back and forth comfortably.

Creak… creak…

The entire motion flowed seamlessly, without a single pause.

“Ha!”

The Pope laughed heartily, nodding with great delight: “Excellent, child—you’ve surprised me, hah!”

What an interesting little fellow.

He hadn’t seen such a bold child in many years.

Seeing Herbert seem to want to sit up, he waved his hand: “No need to rise—this is fine, don’t be formal…”

Then the Sunfire Pope fell silent.

Because he realized Herbert hadn’t been trying to rise—he’d only adjusted into a more comfortable position.

He glanced sideways at Herbert, his lips twitching slightly.

You little brat…

Aren’t you being a bit too brazen?

…

…

Meanwhile, as Herbert met the Sunfire Pope, the Liushou team back at the mansion returned to calm, each attending to their own tasks.

Flora pretended to read quietly while internally analyzing the current situation, silently figuring out what her group needed to do.

Cretei huddled in a dark corner, trying to feel better, muttering under her breath, silently complaining about Herbert’s misdeeds.

As for Valentina… she was still chewing.

Crunch crunch crunch crunch crunch.

Suddenly, Valentina’s ears twitched; she pulled her head out of the third jar and turned toward the door.

“Mmmmm—”

The next second, the door was gently knocked.

Knock knock.

(End of Chapter)