Chapter 90: Three-Family Traitor (34)

“Hm? Oh, yes, that’s right.”

The warden stared at the confident Herbert and realized how astonishingly short the time had been; she murmured, “It’s barely been ten days…”

Yes.

Herbert and Valentina had spent no more than ten days together.

In less than ten days, he turned a legendary-tier raging dragon into a dog that understood orders… well, a henchman.

Even training an actual dog wouldn’t be this fast, let alone a dragon.

Herbert’s speed was truly astonishing.

No matter what method he used, achieving such results proved his ability was extraordinary.

He is an exceptionally talented young man.

The Ash Bishop watched Herbert, growing more satisfied with each passing moment, and nodded slightly.

She didn’t care about his outward humility, nor his noble birth, nor his current weak strength.

She cared only for this ability.

Attitude can be faked, birth can be ignored, strength can be improved.

But talent—either you have it, or you don’t.

In barely ten days, Herbert had already revealed talent sufficient to reach legend status in the future… no, far beyond legend.

If he could control other monster girls as he had controlled the Rager, his future power would be terrifying indeed.

Over countless centuries, the warden had seen too many things—but even so, Herbert was among the rare few who stirred her curiosity.

How far will you ultimately go?

The warden imagined Herbert’s future, her eyes flickering with countless fragmented scenes—some mad, some mundane, some bloody, some beautiful…

Some images clashed with each other; others could be woven into a single story.

Would he be a lone warrior standing against foreign enemies?

Or would he become the master of countless monsters, a demon lord hunted by all?

Or would he raise his blade toward the heavens, becoming a blasphemous heretic who defied the gods?

…

Eventually, all the visions before the warden vanished, leaving only this young, weak, white-haired boy before her.

“Heh, by the way, no need to go through all this trouble…”

She laughed softly, clapped her hands lightly, and invited Herbert: “Herbert, would you like to visit me from time to time?”

“...What?”

Herbert froze. A strange sense of déjà vu struck him—he felt he’d seen this scene before… where?

Seeing his stunned silence, the Ash Bishop didn’t rush; she patiently explained: “I like talented young people. I often help them, hoping to see them go further.”

Yes.

No matter how far you gaze along the river of fate, searching through countless tributaries for the one branch where the future lies, it’s never as easy or pleasant as standing beside someone and watching it unfold firsthand.

The Ash Bishop extended her olive branch, offering Herbert a small favor: “Come. Join the Archive of Secrets.”

The three Cardinal Bishops each nominally oversee their own institutions; the warden’s is the Archive of Secrets.

But the Archive of Secrets had long been hollow in name only, with only the warden remaining—no other cultivators.

Before Herbert could answer, another person in the room broke down.

“Huh?”

The Thorn Bishop: ?

???

Wait, Madam Warden!?

Even Malcolm the dog came to steal my people—how could you do this too!?

And right in front of me!?

Couldn’t you at least do it behind my back!?

Even if you told me afterward, that would’ve been fine!

I know I can’t afford to offend you—I respect you—but you can’t treat me like this!

You’re doing this right before my eyes—what am I supposed to do!?

The Thorn Bishop, feeling once again betrayed, felt deep resentment and tried to resist, hoping to keep Herbert.

“Madam Warden, regarding this matter—”

But Malcolm the dog immediately betrayed him, bowing deeply: “The Knight Order has no objections. We fully comply with your orders.”

You dog!

Traitor!

The Thorn Bishop nearly choked with rage, took a deep breath, and growled: “...The Inquisition has no objections either.”

“Good.”

The Ash Bishop nodded in satisfaction, giving the Thorn Bishop a approving glance—unfortunately, one of them couldn’t see expressions, and the other couldn’t be seen.

It was like a stoic throwing flirtatious glances at a blind man.

After brief communication, the three elders settled the matter immediately.

As for the subject’s wishes—those meant nothing.

Did anyone ask you?

Would your answer even matter if they did?

Herbert understood the rules perfectly and gladly accepted the warden’s invitation.

“Thank you, Madam Warden.”

“No need to thank me. The Archive of Secrets currently has only you and me—no special rules, except one thing you must remember…”

Thus, Herbert had successfully connected the three major departments of the monastery, becoming a three-way link.

Hmm, this was truly exciting—though it felt oddly like he’d just landed the script of a romance porn heroine.

Wait, if I think about it this way…

As the warden explained the Archive’s rules to him, Herbert suddenly remembered something.

Since I now belong to the Knight Order, the Inquisition, and the Archive of Secrets—does that mean I’ve been promoted?

From a two-family traitor, I’ve successfully reversed my fate—I’ve become a true three-family traitor!

Somehow, the future feels brighter, better than ever.

“I have many texts here. Whatever you need, come and read them freely—just don’t tell anyone else…”

“Cough!”

The Rust Nail Bishop finally cleared his throat and reminded: “Madam Warden, the Grand Bishop is waiting for him.”

“Oh right, the old man wants to see you.”

The warden remembered and waved dismissively at the Rust Nail Bishop: “I know, I know. He’s delivered. I’ve seen your attitudes. You may leave.”

Why did they need two Cardinal Bishops just to escort Herbert?

One was already too many!

They didn’t even need to come themselves—any two Penitent Nuns could’ve easily dragged him here.

Their joint appearance clearly signaled their stance—this boy, they would protect at all costs.

“Thank you, my lords.”

The two bishops said nothing more, gave no parting advice to Herbert, and turned away immediately.

They had done all they could.

The rest was up to Herbert alone.

(End of Chapter)