[{"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-443":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},2312372,4517,"Chapter 443: The True Person","an-improper-monster-girl-s-transformation-diary-chapter-443",443,"\u003Cp>The Sun Pope wants to meet me in private?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Herbert took a full three seconds to process this sudden news.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To be received by the Pope.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For any follower of the Sun Church, this would be the highest honor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Sun Pope’s status far surpasses that of angels, and he can be regarded as a demi-god walking among mortals.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Herbert did not feel excitement or joy—he merely frowned slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>First, he was not a believer in the Sun God, nor in any deity, and held no reverence for gods or their churches.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His attitude toward the Sun Pope was one of fear, not reverence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Sun Pope was a True Person, and one whose raw power rivaled that of a mid-tier divine force deity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A True Person summoned him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For ordinary people, just those words alone would leave them trembling with dread, unable to refuse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Herbert was different—he felt nothing special about those words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So what if he’s a True Person?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oh come on, he’s just a True Person, what’s the big deal?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We’ve got a True Person in our own family!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I even chat and joke with him!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After prolonged contact with his own Grand Archbishop, Herbert didn’t find True Persons particularly noble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They might deserve his respect for their power, but not his fear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Herbert had anticipated the Sun Pope might summon him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But that would be a formal audience, before all eyes, in public.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not for any special reason—just standard procedure out of respect for the Mist Monastery.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What he never expected was that the Pope himself wanted to meet him in private.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Herbert had no special ties to the Sun Church, nor did he think he’d caught the Sun Pope’s attention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Is the Pope curious about me?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>About what?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My talent? My monastic background?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or is he the one secretly watching me?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or perhaps…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Friendly, hostile—various possibilities flashed rapidly through Herbert’s mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But with too few constraints and too many possibilities, Herbert couldn’t reach a conclusion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally, he nodded slightly and asked the emotionless Archbishop: “You mean the Pope wishes to meet me privately? Without informing anyone in Shengcheng?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Correct.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Herbert hesitated, then ventured: “Uh… could I say I’m unavailable for this invitation?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huh?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon hearing Herbert’s words, Archbishop Evelyn made an extremely rare reaction—her eyes widened slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By exactly one-tenth. A significant emotional shift.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ahahaha…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Herbert let out a forced laugh, his lips twisting into an awkward smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He hesitated, then pressed on: “Well… if you must interpret it that way… yes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re right—I am refusing his invitation.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What lonely old man?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What widower?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We’re not familiar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Don’t drag me into this!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Besides, it’s not my fault your old man’s lonely!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If you’re really worried about him, go keep him company yourselves!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I take care of my own old man.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I chat with him sometimes, listen to his stories, give him some emotional value.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If possible, I’d like you to convey my stance to him,” Herbert stated bluntly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But this time, Archbishop Evelyn didn’t reply. She merely shook her head slightly, stepped forward, and silently stared at Herbert.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Staring—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She simply watched, saying nothing, yet saying everything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Herbert understood her meaning—it was non-negotiable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I see… I understand.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Evelyn’s unwavering stance, Herbert nodded silently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Understood. Accepted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though a trace of regret lingered, Herbert quickly adjusted his emotions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the troops come, send the general; when the water rises, pile up the earth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had tried—had made an effort—but failed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since avoidance was useless, he had no choice but to face it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Besides, it’s just another old True Person!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What’s so intimidating?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Do I need to avoid his sharp edges?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ridiculous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hmph!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Let me see what he’s got!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Herbert steadied his mindset, shed his helplessness, and smiled faintly at Evelyn: “Give me a moment—I’ll arrange things with my companions.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Herbert no longer evade, Evelyn said nothing more. She stepped back to her original position and nodded lightly: “Naturally.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Click.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Herbert closed the door and returned to the mansion, giving a slight nod to the three demon girls waiting in the parlor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“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.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Herbert spoke with the weight of a father leaving to buy oranges.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m leaving now. Do any of you have questions?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The three demon girls exchanged glances, looking at each other, silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mmm!!!” (chew chew chew chew chew)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally, Flora broke the silence, asking the most pressing question: “Master, is there any danger?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though they were technically out for a break, they were on official duty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As his bodyguards, their responsibility was to protect Herbert’s safety.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, the person they were meant to protect was leaving, leaving them safely behind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Probably not.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Herbert shook his head, grimacing: “If he wanted to harm me, he wouldn’t go through all this trouble.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though he’d speculated many motives, in any scenario, Herbert faced no real danger this time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As always: caution was necessary, but don’t dramatize it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like capital doesn’t care whether a sports student moves its cake—the scale difference is too vast.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the Sun Pope truly intended to act against him, Herbert wouldn’t even have time to react.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But…” Flora hesitated, as if wanting to say something.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Herbert cut her off, waving his hand: “Don’t worry—I’ll use this chance to ask him about your matter.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I… thank you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Flora bit her lip, wanting to explain, but finally nodded obediently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She wanted to say she wasn’t worried about purification—she was worried about his safety.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She never thought Herbert was a heartless, wooden Holy Knight—he knew exactly how she felt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And since he deliberately changed the subject, he must have his own reasons.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Is he worried someone might hear?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Flora narrowed her eyes and silently scanned the room, searching for any trace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But after looking around, she found no sign of anyone else’s presence, nor any magical devices.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Heh.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Herbert, pleased that Flora understood at once, nodded and turned to look at the Hungry Dragon Lady, who was struggling to chew something.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Valentina, what about you? Don’t you have anything to say?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mmm!!?” (Chew chew chew chew chew)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After seeing Herbert look at her, Valentina’s expression grew noticeably more agitated; she waved her hands wildly, pointing at her tightly shut mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chew chew chew chew chew! (Frantic, accelerated chewing!)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hm?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Herbert glanced at Valentina, who was trying to gesture, then at the pottery jar on the table, the size of a football.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wait, could it be?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...Oh!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Got it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Herbert understood everything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No wonder you suddenly went quiet—you’ve got your mouth stuffed full!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who in their right mind eats that much dried yogurt in one go?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s all stuck to your upper palate!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He flicked Valentina’s forehead with mild annoyance. “Don’t just try to swallow—use your tongue to lick it off.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You dumb dragon, do I have to teach you how to eat?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally, under Herbert’s exasperated gaze, Valentina, realizing what she needed to do, let her slender neck rise and fall once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Glug.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mmm? Mmmmm... Glug, ha!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After immense effort, she finally used her tongue to scrape the dairy off her upper gums and swallow it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ha, ah, hah!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That tiny thing looked harmless, yet it had exhausted her enough to make her sweat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t unpleasant to taste—but it was incredibly “unpleasant”!!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Valentina’s exhausted state now looked as if she’d been beaten up inside the mouth by dried yogurt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m going! I’ll protect you!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now that her mouth was free, Valentina perked up, raising her hand eagerly. “Let me go with you!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She’d come along with Herbert precisely to stick to him, craving to cling to him every moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Pope?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What about the Pope!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Can he tear us apart?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Valentina’s thoughts didn’t surprise Herbert—but he couldn’t let her act recklessly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Valentina, are you sure you want to come with me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes! If he dares hurt you, I’ll fight him!” The Hungry Dragon Lady made a startling declaration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Still planning to fight him?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My Hungry Dragon Lady, are you absolutely certain?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Go! I’m going... uh!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Valentina had been shouting, but suddenly realized—her entire dragon’s gaze cleared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hm!!?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As strong as that old man!!?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Valentina calmed down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even with her current inflated confidence, recalling that terrifying figure still filled her with a sense of her own insignificance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ignorance is fearlessness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There’s a curious phenomenon in the world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The weaker someone is, the more they boast about their own “strength,” convinced they’ve reached the peak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>True Qiangzhe , however, grow ever more humble, appearing approachable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The stronger Valentina became, the more she understood just how powerful that old man was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was sheer domination.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It didn’t leave her with psychological trauma she couldn’t bear to recall—but it forced her into cold, sober calm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Valentina’s lips moved slightly; she pondered for a moment, conflicted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally, she hunched her neck, lifted her eyes slightly, and tentatively asked Herbert: “Um... do I still need to come?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Hungry Dragon Lady showed rare compliance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She didn’t say she wouldn’t go.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She wasn’t afraid of death.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She never was, she isn’t now, and she never will be.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The only thing that might worry her was the possibility of being separated from Herbert.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But while she wasn’t afraid, she still didn’t want to wander near such a terrifying presence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not because she was afraid!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s... uh, well... uncomfortable. Yes, uncomfortable!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s not necessary. No need to make myself so uneasy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Herbert watched Valentina’s compliant demeanor and couldn’t help laughing; he reached up and ruffled her head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Heh, you don’t need to come with me. There’s no danger. Just stay here and guard everyone, understood?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mm-hmm!” Valentina exhaled in relief, nodding vigorously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perfect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yay!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Before I return, don’t go wandering off. Protect everyone for me, alright?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t worry! I won’t go anywhere!” Valentina patted her chest, solemnly promising loudly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I absolutely won’t go anywhere! No one will leave! I definitely... mmm!!?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Valentina was shouting, Herbert swiftly snatched the remaining dried yogurt from the jar and shoved it into her mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He even carefully pressed it perfectly against her upper palate, sealing it snugly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There. You spoke well. No more talking.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mmm!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Valentina gave Herbert a disgruntled side-eye but wasn’t angry—she happily resumed chewing chew chew chew chew...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, dried yogurt was a hassle to eat—but it suited her taste.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmph.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crete bluntly declared—none of my business!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since being forcibly brought to this place that made Crete constantly uncomfortable, she’d remained in this hissing, spiky-dragon state toward Herbert.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet Herbert, watching her furious impotence, didn’t grow angry—he smiled with delight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Heh.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching Crete’s fluffed-up state lifted his previously anxious mood; he took a satisfied deep breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yes, yes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s the attitude. That’s the expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I love seeing you resent me but can’t do a damn thing about it~\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Herbert’s smiling face made Crete’s heart sink—oh no, what’s this bastard planning now?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sure enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as Crete sensed danger, Herbert spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m not asking if you have any issues. I’m saying—how about you come with me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Come on!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Let’s have some fun!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Come with me to face the Holy Light, old man~\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh???”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just being inside Holy Light City already makes her suffer—forcing her to face the Saint? That would be worse than death!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I won’t!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But just as Cretei prepared to flee, she suddenly noticed the smile at Herbert’s lips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>!!?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wait, this guy is tricking me!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re lying to me!!?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, indeed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Herbert immediately admitted it, nodding calmly: “After all, I’m not some demon—I could never do something so extreme~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Herbert has always been kind-hearted; he only talks big—he never actually does anything that extreme.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...Tch!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cretei frowned tightly and asked slowly: “Are you mocking me? Do you look down on me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you insist on thinking that… then yes, I am mocking you, my timid Devil Girl, hah!” Herbert winked at her teasingly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he waved to Valentina and the others, laughed loudly, turned away, and opened the door to nod at Evelyn, who had been waiting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let’s go.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cretei: !!?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wait!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Devil Girl completely broke down, stormed to the door, and shouted at Herbert: “Come back! Explain yourself! How am I timid?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Come back here!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Herbert paused, turned back, and smiled at the furious Devil Girl: “So I really should come back?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And his answer—the door slammed shut violently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thud!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Behind the door, the Devil Girl clenched her teeth, pressing her shoulder hard against it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damn it!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You holy knight, you’re a real bastard!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why don’t you follow the script!!?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We’re here.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After walking in silence for a while, Evelyn in front finally stopped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Herbert shook his head, stepped forward casually, easily passed Evelyn, and nodded to thank her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No need. Thank you for guiding me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Knock knock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He tapped lightly, pushed open the wooden door, and murmured as it creaked: “I’ve been ready all along.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Facing a Saint equal to a god is a monumental thing for anyone—it’s hard to stay calm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Herbert was human; he naturally felt instinctive tension.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But as Herbert said, he had already prepared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just now, during his conversation with Valentina and the other two, Herbert received abundant “emotional value” from them, successfully regaining his usual composure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially Cretei—her perfectly cooperative stress response left Herbert deeply satisfied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Herbert stepped through the wooden door, felt no special barrier, and entered naturally into an ordinary room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The interior was simple and plain, filled only with heavily worn wooden furniture; the whole environment was almost destitute.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Sunfire Pope really stays here?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This is… hmm?” Herbert was puzzled when suddenly his ears twitched.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Creak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing the sound behind him, Herbert turned to see Bishop Evelyn had not followed—she stood outside, head bowed, gently closing the door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Click.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Herbert frowned slightly, then relaxed, lifting his gaze to the view outside the window—a simple balcony.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sunlight was warm, the breeze pleasant, everything seemed unusually comfortable and ordinary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Herbert’s intuition told him this was merely an illusion shown to him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This feeling was like accidentally stepping into a fragment of the past.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everything appeared normal, yet every detail exuded an ancient aura.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No aura of pressure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He looked like any ordinary old man basking in warm sunlight, savoring his rare moment of leisure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Herbert did not hesitate—he stepped onto the balcony, walked slowly to the old man’s side, bowed his head respectfully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your Holiness, I am honored to meet you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He smiled warmly, nodded at Herbert, and chuckled: “Heh, child, rise, come, sit here—don’t be nervous… oh?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Sunfire Pope was about to say more, but before he finished, he watched in disbelief as the boy casually flopped onto the chair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Worse still—the boy didn’t just lie down; he even rocked back and forth comfortably.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Creak… creak…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The entire motion flowed seamlessly, without a single pause.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ha!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Pope laughed heartily, nodding with great delight: “Excellent, child—you’ve surprised me, hah!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What an interesting little fellow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He hadn’t seen such a bold child in many years.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Herbert seem to want to sit up, he waved his hand: “No need to rise—this is fine, don’t be formal…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then the Sunfire Pope fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because he realized Herbert hadn’t been trying to rise—he’d only adjusted into a more comfortable position.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He glanced sideways at Herbert, his lips twitching slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You little brat…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aren’t you being a bit too brazen?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile, as Herbert met the Sunfire Pope, the Liushou  team back at the mansion returned to calm, each attending to their own tasks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Flora pretended to read quietly while internally analyzing the current situation, silently figuring out what her group needed to do.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cretei huddled in a dark corner, trying to feel better, muttering under her breath, silently complaining about Herbert’s misdeeds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for Valentina… she was still chewing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crunch crunch crunch crunch crunch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, Valentina’s ears twitched; she pulled her head out of the third jar and turned toward the door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mmmmm—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next second, the door was gently knocked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Knock knock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",2992,"2026-06-20T12:31:07.945Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","c0d1c7419ebf85a9ac2858984c420dd385b12f795cdfb174c6f465ec3aa18d82","an-improper-monster-girl-s-transformation-diary-chapter-444","an-improper-monster-girl-s-transformation-diary-chapter-442",453,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fan-improper-monster-girl-s-transformation-diary-cover.jpg"]