That's definitely not it.

It's simply because this matter is too far-fetched, completely out of consideration.

After all, according to her original estimation, given Herbert's half-hearted effort, he'd at most get the Seed of the Sun's Holy Flame — and that's mostly out of respect for the Monastery.

She couldn't fathom that Herbert would actually negotiate directly with the Sun Pope and even haggle for more and more.

Finally, the old foxes Herbert and the Sun Pope, one young and one old, managed to agree on a price, deciding on the task and payment.

Once it's accomplished, the Sun Pope will personally pluck a strand of Radiant Holy Flame for Herbert to use as material for his Holy Sacrifice Baptism.

At this moment, Herbert, perhaps all in his perception, noticed that the enormous Sun Wheel seemed dimmer than he had seen before.

Comparing with his impression, it felt like it had traveled from high noon to the time of sunset, softening endlessly.

Could it be that even the sun has periodic changes in the Holy City of Radiance?

This slight discovery intrigued Herbert. He looked in other directions, noticing that the praying believers were oblivious, seemingly long accustomed to such changes.

"It's indeed an interesting scene."

Herbert thought to himself with light-hearted admiration.

Really quite marvelous.

Gosh, there's a reason why people say the Holy City of Radiance is a metropolis; it even has a skyline that adapts to the time!

Places like the Frost Crystal Dynasty, those feudal small spots, can't compare at all.

Do they have that capability?

Not a chance!

They wouldn't even be enough to shine their shoes!

After grumbling a bit internally about his hometown, Herbert came back to reality and looked at the woman in front of him.

...Oh?

Herbert widened his eyes in amazement.

The woman's appearance was truly unexpected to him.

The woman's figure was tall and strong; although she wore a pure white robe that concealed her body, her athletic figure was still noticeable.

The woman in front of him was a robust lady—well, not exactly.

She was about as tall as Herbert, but her shoulders weren't broad, she wasn't particularly burly, didn't have exaggerated muscle definition, nor an intimidating presence.

But you could see details on her exposed arms, those seemingly slender yet powerful long muscles that held impressive strength.

Her muscle lines were gilded by the sunshine, and when she raised her arm, a micro-glow like liquid gold flowed within.

Her waterfall-like brilliant gold hair hung down to her ankles, and instead of adding a touch of femininity to her image, it complemented her stature like a golden cloak.

Instinct told Herbert that the body before him was not a gentle, beautiful vase, but a bona fide war machine.

Definitely not a delicate Princess, but a Queen full of strength and skills.

Powerful and strong, powerful and strong indeed!

These seemingly soft little fists could probably kill me with a single punch!

Herbert realized that she was absolutely above an Epic-level power.

Upon realizing the opponent's strength far exceeded his own, Herbert restrained his bold gaze, slightly lowered his eyes, and slightly nodded in salute.

"Lady, it's an honor to meet you."

He expressed his respect while maintaining his dignity.

Neither servile nor overbearing, he politely showed his respect for her as a junior.

Even if she was an Epic powerhouse of the Sun Church, what did that have to do with him?

Epic, so what?

I casually joke with your Saint!

After Herbert saluted, the Wandering Lady didn't return the gesture but instead frowned slightly, speaking ambiguously, "Lady..."

Hmm?

Herbert listened to the other person's meaningful voice, blinking, with a slew of questions in his mind.

Huh?

No?

Then..."Mister"?

No, no, still not right.

How can I casually presume someone's gender!!?

How dare you!

Ahem.

Isn't it, has the Holy City of Radiance evolved to this version already?

If that's the case...

Hello, my gender is an armed helicopter!

As for which particular model of an armed helicopter, don't ask me.

I haven't decided yet.

Of course, Herbert kept these amusing thoughts to himself.

He understood well the principle that words can lead to trouble.

Among familiar folks who can forgive him, he might go a bit overboard, but before uncertain people, he tried to maintain low profile.

Herbert didn't delve into the other's peculiarities. Instead, he asked another question: "By the way, what's the matter for which you're looking for me?"

You suddenly sought me out, surely it's not for nothing?

Can't be just chit-chatting, right?

After asking, Herbert waited quietly for the other's response, but this mysterious woman took quite a while before speaking.

Just the woman with the shimmering golden hair, merely gazing at him with soft golden eyes.

The deep gaze seemed to penetrate Herbert's being, gradually revealing all his secrets.

"...Hmm?"

Such undisguised keen scrutiny also stirred Herbert's heart slightly, feeling somewhat unnatural and furrowed his brows.

Female gaze!

This is the female gaze, isn't it!

Looking at me like this...could it be, you're truly a lady at one's wit's end!!?