Chapter 1225 - 553: The "Rogue" Conduct

Chapter 1225: Chapter 553: The "Rogue" Conduct

But after returning, Ophidia showed no intention of apologizing to the Archbishop, nor any sign of reconciliation.

And the Archbishop, likewise, did not have the urge to come complaining about this unpleasant matter.

"What, are you some obedient child? Do you really take him for some old man with cloudy eyes?"

Ophidia sneered, scoffing:

"If he truly wanted to know the details, he has countless ways to find out. Why wait for you to voluntarily speak up? Him not asking you directly in itself is an attitude."

"I don’t know what kind of tacit understanding you two have, but it’s clear this time he has tacitly approved of your little tricks, hasn’t he?"

!!?

"Ah!"

Finally coming to his senses, Herbert was greatly shocked and stared wide-eyed, a flash of wisdom striking through his mind.

"Indeed!"

Ophidia was right, I was completely entrenched in my habitual thinking.

Since before, every time after doing big things I had to report to the Archbishop—mainly to clean up the mess and explain after causing trouble.

After doing this repeatedly several times, Herbert had developed a habit.

So this time, without thinking, I subconsciously felt the need to carry out a detailed report to the Archbishop, then started to worry about how much to say.

Now, after being reminded and thinking again... hey, it really seems there’s no need to be too troubled.

Saying some and hiding some will suffice.

If you don’t want to talk, you could just pretend you forgot about it.

Thinking carefully, the real reason this blunder occurred was all on myself.

It seems I truly lack the self-awareness of a strong person.

Herbert indeed possesses power that surpasses most mortals, and can even converse equally with Divine Spirits.

Regarding what this power truly can accomplish? What kind of respect it should command?

Yet he lacks that awareness.

Because the power came too easily, he doesn’t take it that seriously.

Herbert sees himself as a rising star, a talent with great potential.

But in reality?

From others’ perspectives, he has long since become a strong figure.

To mortals, he is truly a legendary figure; the youngest Godslayer of this era, a Paladin riding the Crimson Giant Dragon, a Saint of the Sun...

He has already built a great reputation.

In some fiercely independent, evil lands, his reputation can even stop children from crying at night and instill fear in enemies.

It’s good enough he doesn’t force others to report to him, let alone be forced by others to report.

Oh ho!

A brand new, slightly buoyant sense of pride, mixed with a sudden clarity, began to grow within Herbert’s heart.

I am quite strong now!

After figuring that out, Herbert immediately felt invigorated, preparing to halt the will-o’-the-wisp right in front of the Archbishop.

He even started considering whether to genuinely try adopting the demeanor of a strong person.

Like next time they meet, greet the Archbishop with a more casual, perhaps even lazy attitude?

Imagining that scene, it seems... quite tantalizing?

But soon, Herbert broke free from impractical fantasies, shaking his head vigorously.

"No, no, no..."

Then he remembered something, and his previously buoyant courage instantly extinguished, wilting on the spot.

The excitement on his face quickly faded, replaced by a touch of residual fear, awkwardly scratching his head in embarrassment.

No.

No, indeed!

I haven’t been drinking, so how come I’m carried away like this?

Admittedly, I can indeed show off and pose as a mighty figure to others.

But, in front of the Archbishop... well, it seems I’m currently not qualified for that.

Epic level enough?

Maybe just about.

But Legendary level... not quite enough.

Better to remain low-key.

Being too arrogant could lead to getting hit.

"Tempting fate is tempting fate, but still, don’t be reckless."

Recognizing reality, Herbert finally came to this modest, heartfelt conclusion.

So, he quietly and cautiously, rested his head back onto the cool, comfortable snake tail, as if that was his sole and eternal sanctuary.

With things as they are, just go to sleep first.

"... What are you doing?"

"Uh, sleeping? Good night—oh!"

Having already closed his eyes peacefully, Herbert was directly lifted by the snake tail coiling his waist, forced to stand on the ground.

"Herbert, are you afraid of him?"

Ophidia looked at Herbert and asked, somewhat puzzled: "For you, he shouldn’t be a scary presence, right?"

"Why do you resist so much?"

The Archbishop indeed has terrifyingly great strength, but that’s only for outsiders.

For so many years, though he always stayed in seclusion, he’s always been very kind and approachable to the people of the Monastery.

She couldn’t understand why Herbert appeared so unnatural when the Archbishop was mentioned.

After hearing the question, Herbert blinked several times, shaking his head helplessly and sighing softly.

Why?

Of course, it’s because I see him as my final goal!

But at this moment, it’s certainly not the time to fully disclose the truth. Herbert hesitated a bit, then softly said, "It’s not really fear, but if you must say it, deep down I actually respect him quite a lot."

That’s the truth.

Herbert genuinely respects the Archbishop’s character.

The more he understood how much the Archbishop wants to venture outside, the more he could comprehend how torturous it is for him to spend so many years holed up in the Monastery.