CHAPTER 62: 62 OFFENSE AND COMPENSATION (4/4, EXTRA 2)

Nenasha looked at the ally who didn’t feel there was any problem at all, hesitated for a moment, and finally sighed:

["You... alright, I guess it’s reasonable."]

Herbert’s casualness and nonchalance left even the Evil God speechless.

As long as you’re happy.

"By the way, Nenasha, there’s one more thing to tell you."

Herbert remarked seemingly offhand as he wrote, "I really hate it when people interfere with my thoughts and stir up my emotions."

"What happened today, let it not happen again."

In an instant, the voice of the Evil God completely disappeared.

The room was silent, except for the scratching sound of the pen against paper.

After a long time, Nenasha coughed twice and said somewhat awkwardly: ["...Fine, I was indeed wrong this time."]

Tonight, Herbert’s emotions were unusually fractured.

The blame lay partly with the emotional turmoil of the late night, almost turning him into a melancholic youth.

On the other hand, it was the handiwork of the Harmonious God.

Even Nenasha got involved!

He deliberately stirred Herbert’s thoughts, prompting him to express in an easy manner those thoughts he usually couldn’t voice out.

But at the same time, he guided Herbert’s anger, trying to steer him toward the direction he desired...

Although the latter attempt failed at the last moment, these manipulations did really happen.

In the end, his provocations were so obvious; how could Herbert not notice?

Nenasha admitted her mistake, which was rare, but then pouted with some grievance: ["But I only did it because I saw you were conflicted and wanted to help you."]

Not that I wanted to hear any gossip!

Hmm.

At least it wasn’t all because of the gossip.

Gossip was at most nine, uh, eight, uh, seven... sixty percent!

Only sixty percent!

"Precisely because I understand this, I’m not going to hold this against you this time."

Herbert shook his head and said lightly, "But, my ally, please remember this—there really won’t be a next time."

Even if the other party meant well, he wouldn’t fully accept it.

"Nenasha, you truly don’t understand human nature..."

In this world, many things done under the guise of "for your own good" are rarely appreciated by the person concerned.

Herbert paused, somewhat helplessly said, "But seeing that you genuinely had no ill intentions this time, I can teach you."

"Next time this happens, you can consult with me first, inform me in advance, but you absolutely cannot take direct action against me."

"Once again, I reiterate—I’m your ally, not your slave, puppet, or follower, do you understand?"

["Eh? Not allowed?"]

The Evil God was visibly disappointed, whispering sadly: ["Why can’t it be all of them? So stingy..."]

"...Hmm?"

["Ahem! Alright, alright, this time it’s my fault, it won’t happen again."] Nenasha coughed twice, admitting her fault and eventually giving in.

"Hmm."

After a long while, when Herbert finished writing the reply to Philia, Nenasha tentatively asked:

["Will you keep the appointment?"]

Keep the appointment?

Herbert paused for a moment upon hearing this question, then shook his head, "Let’s talk about it when the time comes. There are still two months left, no need to rush into it now."

There’s still time, after all.

No need to rush to consider these distant matters; taking care of what’s in front of you is the right path.

Improving strength and conquering Monster Girls are what’s important...

"You will definitely go."

"Ha, how can you be sure I... hmm?"

Nenasha’s assertive whisper made Herbert snort, but as he retorted casually, his eyes widened.

No!

The previous words didn’t resonate in his mind but from...behind!!?

Herbert quickly turned around, intending to catch a glimpse of the Evil God’s true appearance.

Let me see your true face!

But unfortunately.

Behind him, aside from the bare wall and his shadow cast by the candlelight, there was nothing.

["Oh, what are you doing~? Is your neck uncomfortable?"]

Nenasha’s voice was leisurely, as if she had done nothing at all.

Herbert squinted, turned back around slowly, shook his head, and laughed, "...It’s nothing."

He decisively gave up, not intending to play any hide-and-seek games with the Evil God.

Because Herbert understood that as long as Nenasha didn’t want him to see her, no matter what he did, there would be no way to do so.

But if she wanted him to see her, even if he didn’t want to look, she would definitely make herself appear.

Both of them tacitly understood this point.

From behind, the voice of the Evil God was seductive, with a hint of teasing.

"You will definitely go."

"...Quiet."

"Hehe~"

Nenasha giggled, watching the boy whose heart was not calm on the surface, quietly laughing inside.

Herbert, my dear ally.

You will definitely go.

After all...

For someone as proud and vengeful as you, how could you pass up the chance for revenge?

Nenasha laughed for a while, then suddenly said: ["By the way, do you want to sleep now?"]

"Sleep? It’s alright...but it’s no use saying so much, I really don’t feel sleepy."

Herbert tried to yawn but, unfortunately, felt no sleepiness at all.

Insomnia.

Then, he heard a smug chuckle from behind: ["So, as compensation for offending my dear ally earlier, let me help you~"]

Help me?

How to help?

While pondering, Herbert’s left hand suddenly lifted high against his will, then slowly began to lower...

???

Wait a moment!

What are you going to do!?

"Hey, hey, hey! You..."

Just as Herbert was about to stop it, his hand gently pressed against his forehead.

At the same time, a seductive, soothing voice echoed in his ear:

["Don’t resist, sleep peacefully~"]

Then.

Herbert’s vision went dark, and his consciousness abruptly ceased.

He fell asleep.

.

.

Herbert had a dream.

In the dream, he found himself in a pure white space.

He lay lazily on the ground, allowing his brain to go blank.

No, he was resting on something soft.

This elasticity, it seemed...thighs?

A lap pillow?

But whose legs were they?

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

It was too warm here, and his brain couldn’t function...oh well, never mind.

He gave up struggling and slowly closed his eyes in the dream.

In a trance, he heard soft singing coming from above his head.

He couldn’t understand the words.

But he could naturally understand it was a very gentle song.

Like a lullaby...

["Hehe..."]

.

.

The next morning.

A refreshed Herbert arrived early at the Third Commandment Hall, raising the Ring of Suffering in hand and called out loudly towards Valentina, who wasn’t fully awake:

"Put it on me!"

Valentina: ...Hmm?