Diary of Guarding Monster Girls-Chapter 380 - 262 [Defender] (4K)

According to the original plan, Herbert intended to, after finishing up with Svanni, take a stroll through the Molten Hell on the fourth layer, chat and play with Miss Devil and Miss Demon, and then, at last, head to the fifth layer to find the Fallen Angels.

After spending some time with Luhier, he would finally return to the Endless Maze to see if Miss Hungry Dragon and the others had determined a winner.

But the sudden situation at hand left Herbert unable to continue executing the original plan.

Herbert’s eyes narrowed slightly, a glint of contemplation flashing within them.

Something unexpected had happened on the fifth layer.

What’s Luhier up to again!?

Herbert changed his mind on the spot, deciding not to look for Flora and the others, and instead headed directly to investigate what’s going on with the Fallen Angels.

He wanted to see what this restless Fallen Angel was up to this time!

"Sir Herbert, it seems you have other matters to attend to, then, it’s already time for you to leave."

Svanni, being very perceptive, immediately stopped straddling him once she realized Herbert had noticed something, voluntarily getting off him.

Svanni didn’t pesteringly demand Herbert give her an answer right away. Instead, she let him leave voluntarily.

This is the benefit of communicating with smart people,

both parties know what they want, understand what they need, and recognize that the other party needs to carefully consider matters, incapable of providing an immediate answer.

Wise individuals know when to speak and, more importantly, when to remain silent.

To yield is often to create boundless opportunities.

When negotiating, being overly aggressive is not always the best choice.

Though being firm can certainly intimidate the other party, it may also backfire, arousing their rebellious sentiments.

She was actually quite pleased and surprised at the attitude Herbert had exhibited this time.

Their interaction this time could be seen as completely breaking the ice, with Svanni "sincerely apologizing" and Herbert "letting bygones be bygones."

Now, they had become "intimate friends" capable of openly speaking the "truth."

No matter how much genuine affection underlies their interaction, on the surface, they had managed to move past previous disagreements.

"Hmm, you’re right, I do need to leave now."

Herbert got up from the vine sofa, stretched his neck, plucked a leaf casually, and nodded towards Svanni: "Regarding the matter with Stella, I need some time to think."

"After all, she is the lord of a city in the Dark Territory, with considerable power. This matter requires cautious handling."

However, Herbert didn’t shut down the conversation, suggesting instead: "But, before I give you an answer, you can prepare a few tentative action plans."

"You can compile all the information you know."

Svanni, being a member of the Moore Clan and having achieved high status through her own power, wouldn’t lack internal insights into her own family.

With her as an insider providing information, regardless of whether a silent beheading operation or a grand frontal assault were necessary, plenty of support would be available.

"Once you have those plans ready, I should have also made a decision, and we can discuss directly then."

Svanni nodded slightly upon hearing this, respectfully saluting.

"Understood."

Although Herbert didn’t explicitly state what decision he would make, Svanni had already worked out his thinking.

He was basically in agreement.

Herbert was clearly persuaded by the benefits Svanni proposed.

The current silence was just due to considering some finer details, weighing more pros and cons.

But this wouldn’t change his current stance; agreement was merely a matter of time.

This outcome aligned with Svanni’s expectations; no one would reject such immense power and wealth.

Before sufficient benefit, even a Paladin would waver.

Moreover, this young man didn’t seem to fit the stereotypical image of traditional Paladins: rigid and inflexible.

He was sharp, perceptive, and enigmatic.

Though his actions couldn’t be strictly considered pure or righteous, he still emitted an awe-inspiring aura of sanctity.

He had not fallen.

To determine whether a Paladin has fallen, it truly requires consideration from both subjective and objective sides.

Subjectively speaking, as long as a Paladin strays from their inner conviction, forsakes past oaths, they lose the protection of those vows, with severe consequences potentially resulting in backlash.

Objectively, actions such as desecration or corruption truly could inadvertently lead a Paladin toward a fall.

When facing enemies, engaging various dangerous Demons, they inevitably become affected by others, suffering incursions from evil forces.

Abilities like corruption and pollution not only cause tangible harm to a Paladin’s body but may also alter their physical form.

This transformation is not merely physiological but can severely undermine their power-based, previously sustained on pure conviction.

When a body can no longer endure the warmth brought by the Holy Light, instead suffering harm, how many Paladins can still devoutly adhere to their beliefs?

The accumulation of these negative factors shrouds them like shadows in the darkness, ultimately causing them to lose their initial divine brilliance, truly walking the path of falling.

But sometimes, such influence is not absolute.

For there are always those who will prove to this world—willpower can indeed transcend all.

In the law of this world, willpower truly can bring power!