Diary of Guarding Monster Girls-Chapter 709 - 383 You are really arrogant (5K, please subscribe!)_3

Herbert stared at Ophidia, seriously saying, "You're not a savior, and you shouldn't have to bear this alone."

He even spoke somewhat rudely, "In my view, this is just a shackle you've tied around yourself with your own hands."

"You know this in your heart, but you pretend not to... no, you do know, and you're even proud of it."

He couldn't help but snort with a hint of sarcasm, "So, do you think you're a tragic hero from some epic novel? Do you need to shoulder all of this alone? Must it be you alone to bear everything?"

"If it's so painful, why not seek help from others?"

"You..."

Herbert stepped forward, staring intensely at the increasingly silent Ophidia, slowly saying, "You truly are arrogant!"

!!!

Pa!

The rune snake tail behind Ophidia slammed heavily on the ground, creating a massive crack in the hard surface of the half-plane.

The powerful impact at the moment of striking even caused the entire half-plane to tremble slightly.

Anger.

Under Herbert's deliberate "provocation," Ophidia was successfully enraged.

Yet even in such furious emotions, she maintained her rationality and did not lose control.

"You... what do you even know?"

Ophidia supported herself with the snake tail, towering above, looking down at the ignorant and rude young man.

She's angry because Herbert knew nothing and dared to make bold claims here.

"What happened back then? What did we go through? You know nothing!"

Do you know the pressure we endured back then? Are you aware of what we faced?

No, you don't! 𝗳𝐫𝚎𝗲𝚠𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝘃𝚎𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝗺

Herbert's words seemed to stand on a moral high ground, but essentially, they were easy to say when uninvolved.

Yet facing the looming pressure, the raging flames of anger, even a hint of killing intent, Herbert remained calm.

He stepped forward again, almost leaning into the other's face, speaking in a deep voice:

"Yes, you're right, I know nothing, and what I've said is merely the irresponsible comments of an outsider."

"But! I know there's no sacrifice in this world that should be taken for granted."

He defied heaven and earth, reaching out to grab Ophidia's collar, taking charge as he spoke firmly, "Whether willingly or reluctantly, no one should be sacrificed!"

"Don't you understand this!!?"

"Back then, did they willingly let you sacrifice yourself?"

!!!

Herbert's words shook Ophidia to her core, her thoughts returning instantly to that moment in the past.

No matter how many years had passed, the final words of those people still echoed in her ears.

"Child, don't do this!"

"Ophidia, no—"

"Silly child, don't be so impulsive!"

"You don't have to bear all of this alone!!!"

At that time, she had hesitated too, but ultimately defied their wishes, choosing to shoulder the mission of them all alone.

Perhaps, as Herbert said... this is arrogance.

Believing oneself able to bear everything, to undertake everything, isn't this also a form of arrogance?

And as Ophidia was plunged into painful recollections, Herbert suddenly smiled.

He released the grip on her collar, instead gently embracing Ophidia's waist, softly saying:

"Moreover..."

"I also don't intend to remain ignorant forever, if you're willing to tell me, I'm willing to listen."

"You don't have to bear all of this alone."

!!!

In an instant, Ophidia's anger dissipated.

Vanished utterly.

Different times, different places, different individuals, yet similar words were spoken.

They persuaded her, encouraged her not to bear everything alone, not to undertake all by herself.

While the former no longer had the ability to share the burden, the latter had already shown his effort.

I am willing to share the burden with you.

"..."

Her body started to tremble, her arms dropping weakly, then slowly raising unnaturally.

Ophidia hesitated for a moment, but ultimately returned the embrace gently.

Feeling the warmth emanating from Herbert, she slowly closed her eyes...

How long has it been since she last felt such warmth?

So long that she had forgotten how warm a human body could be.

The two quietly held each other, neither speaking further, feeling each other's breath and heartbeat.

After a period unknown in duration, Ophidia finally spoke, her voice murmuring almost like in a dream, "Herbert, you are truly arrogant..."

Herbert said Ophidia was arrogant, but in truth, everyone's arrogance was no match for his.

Regarding this, Herbert lightly laughed and candidly admitted.

"Yes, I know and have never denied it."

I am arrogant, so what?

Is anyone displeased?

"Although some say the arrogant will eventually taste their loneliness, I believe that's incorrect."

"I am not alone, am I?"

"You will journey with me."

Herbert laughed, teasingly winking at the still nonplussed Ophidia, "As my sole colleague, you won't abandon your novice Secret Keeper, will you?"

"You wouldn't be so heartless, would you?"

Upon hearing his words, Ophidia laughed, shaking her head, "Haha, you... huh?"

Before Herbert could react, he suddenly felt darkness before his eyes.

"Huh?"

.

.

"Guardian, I'm here to find Herbert, he... huh?"

Rusted Nail Bishop gave a salute, blinking at the empty half-plane, somewhat perplexed as he blinked again.

Hiss... Where did Herbert go?

I clearly saw him come in, right?

Where is he?

Ophidia: "..."

Indeed.

Where is Herbert?

"... Come to think of it, is there really no other place to hide here?"

Herbert pouting, then turned his head to glance at the snake tail beside, shaking his head again.

"Hm, I think this place is just fine."