Chapter 63: Offense and Compensation (Bonus Chapter 44, Part 2)

Nie Nasha looked at her ally, who showed no sign of realizing anything was wrong, hesitated, then finally sighed:

【"You… well, I suppose it's reasonable."】

Herbert's casual, unbothered demeanor left Miss Xie Shen speechless.

If you're happy, that's fine.

"By the way, Nie Nasha, there's one more thing I need to tell you."

As he wrote, Herbert spoke offhandedly: "I now hate most when others interfere with my thoughts or stir my emotions."

"This incident won't happen again."

In an instant, Miss Xie Shen's voice vanished completely.

The room fell silent, save for the soft scratch of pen on paper.

After a long while, Nie Nasha coughed twice, then spoke softly, embarrassed: 【"…Alright, I was wrong this time."】

Tonight, Herbert's emotions were unusually shattered.

One reason was the emotional vulnerability of late night, which nearly turned him into a brooding youth.

The other reason was the handiwork of this mischievous deity.

Nie Nasha had done it too!

He deliberately stirred Herbert's thoughts, making him voice, in a lighthearted way, the things buried deep inside—things he normally could never say.

But at the same time, He also subtly guided Herbert's anger, trying to steer him toward the direction He desired…

Though the latter attempt failed at the last moment, all these maneuvers were real.

By the end, His provocation was so obvious—how could Herbert possibly have missed it?

Nie Nasha rarely admitted fault, but then added, slightly aggrieved: 【"But I was just trying to help you—you seemed so conflicted."】

It's not because I wanted to hear gossip!

Hmm.

Not entirely because of gossip.

Gossip accounted for at most nine—wait, eight—no, seven… six percent!

Only six percent!

"Precisely because I understand this, I'm letting it slide this time."

Herbert shook his head, speaking coolly: "But my ally, remember this: there will never be a next time."

Even if the other meant well, he would not fully accept it.

"Nie Nasha, you truly don't understand human hearts…"

In this world, too many things are done under the guise of "I'm doing this for your own good," and most never earn gratitude from the one they're meant to help.

Herbert fell silent for a moment, then said with weary resignation: "But since I can see you had no ill intent this time, I'll teach you."

"Next time something like this happens, you can consult me first, warn me in advance—but never act directly upon me."

"Let me restate this one final time: I am your ally, not your slave, puppet, or believer. Do you understand?"

【"Huh? Not allowed?"】

Miss Xie Shen clearly looked disappointed, whispering sadly: 【"Why can't you be fully mine? So stingy…"】

"…Hm?"

【"Cough! Fine, fine, this time it's my fault—I won't do it again."】 Nie Nasha coughed twice, and the guilty One finally surrendered.

"Hmm."

After another long while, after Herbert finished writing his reply to Philya, Nie Nasha ventured tentatively:

【"Will you go to the appointment?"】

Go to the appointment?

Herbert fell silent upon hearing the question, then shook his head: "We'll see then—there's still two months; no need to decide now."

There's still time.

No need to rush into considering distant matters—focus on what's right in front of you first.

Improve your strength, conquer the monster girls—that's what matters…

"You will go."

"Hmph, how can you be sure I… hmm?"

Nie Nasha's confident whisper made Herbert grunt—but as he casually retorted, his eyes widened further.

No!

That voice hadn't come from within his mind—it was… behind him!!?

Herbert whirled around, desperate to see Miss Xie Shen's true face.

Let me see your true form!

But unfortunately.

Behind him, there was nothing but a bare wall and his own shadow cast by the candlelight.

【"Ohhh, what are you doing~ Neck sore?"】

Nie Nasha's voice was calm, as if He had done nothing at all.

Herbert narrowed his eyes, slowly turned back, and smiled: "…Nothing."

He gave up decisively, abandoning any thought of playing hide-and-seek with Miss Xie Shen.

Because Herbert knew: if Nie Nasha didn't want him to see, no matter what he did, he could never succeed.

But if He wanted him to see, even if Herbert refused, He would appear anyway.

On this point, both understood without speaking.

Behind him, Miss Xie Shen's voice was soft and teasing, laced with mockery.

"You will go."

"... Be quiet."

"Hehe~"

Nie Nasha laughed playfully, watching the boy whose inner turmoil belied his calm exterior, silently chuckling to herself.

Herbert, my dear ally.

You will go.

After all...

How could someone as proud and vengeful as you possibly pass up this chance for revenge?

Nie Nasha laughed for a moment, then suddenly said: 【"By the way, aren't you feeling sleepy right now?"】

"Sleep? Sure... but saying all this won't help—I truly don't feel any drowsiness."

Herbert tried yawning, but sadly felt not the slightest hint of sleepiness.

Insomnia.

Then he heard a smug little laugh behind him: 【"Then, as compensation for offending my dear ally just now, let me help you~"】

Help me?

How?

As he pondered, Herbert's left hand suddenly rose uncontrollably, then slowly descended...

???

Wait, wait a minute!

What are you doing!?

"Hey hey hey! You..."

Just as Herbert was about to stop her, her palm gently pressed against his forehead.

At the same time, a voice as tender as it was seductive echoed at his ear:

【"Don't resist. Just sleep peacefully~"】

After that...

Herbert's vision went black, and his consciousness abruptly severed.

He fell asleep.

Herbert had a dream.

He dreamed he appeared in a pure white space.

He lay lazily on the ground, letting his mind go blank.

No—he was resting on something soft.

This elasticity... was it... a thigh?

A knee pillow?

But whose leg was it?

Herbert tried to think, then decisively chose to give up.

Too hard to figure out. It was too warm here. His mind wouldn't turn... Fine, no more thinking.

He surrendered, slowly closing his eyes in the dream.

In a daze, he heard a soft song drifting from above.

He didn't understand its meaning.

But he naturally understood it was a very gentle lullaby.

Like a cradle song...

【"Hehe..."】

The next morning.

Refreshed and energetic, Herbert arrived early at the Third Precept Hall and raised the Ring of Austerity in his hand toward Valentina, who was still half-asleep, shouting:

"Put it on me!"

Valentina:... Huh?

Today: 4 updates, added 2 extra, one more than promised yesterday.

(Then, thanks to the patron—now owe 3 more updates.)

I gave it my all.

I've done all I can. Now it's up to fate.

Thank you all for showing up as promised—I love you!!!

If Sanjiang succeeds in climbing up, I'll add three more updates!

Everyone, let's charge together!!!

Love you~

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

(End of Chapter)