Diary of Guarding Monster Girls

Chapter 752 752: 398 Sun Goddess (Unofficial History) — Wish all mothers a happy holiday! _2

When I seriously think about it, I'm really not sure of His gender?

"...Hiss."

Herbert took a sharp intake of breath, slowly widening his eyes.

No way, it can't be such a coincidence, right?

My mouth isn't blessed; surely such things wouldn't happen...

Herbert was so shocked by his own bold speculation that his body froze, whereas the Sun Pope regained his composure.

The old man laid back on the recliner again, leisurely lifting his cup, and casually asked, "So, child, why did you purposely use this topic to provoke me just now?"

After the shock, he finally came to his senses, realizing Herbert's true intent in saying these words.

Ever since entering here, he seemed to always want to irritate me?

"...You really did notice."

Herbert, seeing his trick being exposed, didn't argue, lifted his head, and smiled openly, "To get an answer, I want to know why you are so lenient with me?"

"Haha."

The Sun Pope waved his hand dismissively, saying, "An old man showing tolerance to a child who comes to chat with him, does it really need any reason?"

"That reason might make sense, but I don't think it's the true answer." Herbert shrugged, indifferent.

Besides, I didn't come to visit you on my own, you clearly summoned me.

"I need a true answer, even if that answer might not be what I hope for."

Is it exploitation? Or appreciation of talent?

No matter the result, Herbert wants to know the answer.

This is the private space of the Sun Pope, Herbert is at an absolute disadvantage.

Yet in this disparity of power, he insists on asking for an answer.

Is this stupidity born from arrogance?

No.

This is wisdom derived from contemplation.

Precisely because the power difference is great enough, Herbert can make such a somewhat presumptuous act.

When you are weak enough, even your defiance looks cute—this also means the superior will tolerate more of your offense.

Precisely because Herbert is too weak for the Sun Pope and is a friend not a foe, he can make this bold provocation.

After hearing Herbert's words, the Sun Pope restrained his smile, examining him seriously from head to toe.

"You really do resemble him...especially in such trivial aspects."

After a moment, the old man moved his gaze away from the youth, looking at the cup's reflection, shaking his head, "If I hadn't sensed none of his aura on you, I might have thought you were his offspring."

The Sun Pope didn't mention who the person was, but Herbert, who faintly speculated in his heart, understood.

Oh~

You're giving Old Deng some face, aren't you?

Alright, worthy of being a master of face.

Although the Archbishop's stories never mentioned the Sun Pope, as peers of the same era, they must have interacted.

At least acquaintances.

However, it now appears that...their relationship might be better than I guessed.

"It's my honor to resemble him."

Herbert shrugged and continued to ask, "So, your tolerance towards me is all for his sake?"

Pope Ivanson laughed heartily, "At least partly, since you've been chosen by him and carry his protection, as an old friend I naturally should support a bit."

"Besides, some of it is also a small reward for your prior contributions."

Contributions?

Herbert raised an eyebrow, surprised he did something worth a personal reward from the Pope.

Pope Ivanson saw his confusion and smiled, "How quickly have you forgotten? Didn't you do quite a few things with that Giant Dragon?"

Herbert: Hmm???

Hey!

You, Old Deng, how do you know we did a lot?

Are you eavesdropping on us too?

—This kind of question, of course, wouldn't be asked aloud.

Before speaking, Herbert suddenly realized what the Pope was referring to.

Oh.

So that's what you're talking about!

Sigh, I thought it was something else!

The Sun Pope couldn't fathom Herbert's swiftly changing inner drama, and continued the previous topic, "Although you disrupted those children's grand plans, you indeed thwarted the Evil God's minions from harming the Mortal Realm and saved many little ones who shouldn't have died."

Saying this, a flash of helplessness and heartbreak passed through his eyes, as he sighed, "But they, alas, still don't understand."

"Compared to momentary rivalries, what truly matters to the gods has always been the believers and the faith they provide."

Listening to the old man's seemingly complaining words, Herbert restrained all minor thoughts, frowned, and seriously asked, "You mean, you know all this is just a...farce?"

Though this war between the Divine Churches has been imposing, both sides have already suffered considerable casualties.

Yet to Herbert and some mindful individuals, this is just a farce.

No matter the intensity, no matter the scale, this is just a hastily erupted farce.

The old man didn't answer, just gently shook his head with a soft laugh.

"Haha."

The Sun Pope knew the true nature of this muddled war from the beginning—a mere farce.

He knew.

But still acquiesced to the Church's decision.

"Then why don't you stop it?" Herbert was puzzled.

With the Sun Pope's authority, he could completely suppress any opposing voices.

If so, the current situation wouldn't occur.

The old man smiled faintly, and jokingly whispered, "Why should I stop it?"

!!!

"Children need to grow, when I was at their age, I also couldn't understand the elders' thoughts."

"If I teach them, they won't listen."

"People only understand what they should truly do after making mistakes."

People teach people, can't teach.

Events teach people, teach once.

"...But if, they themselves can always avoid mistakes?" Herbert instinctively asked after a moment of silence.

"If they could always avoid mistakes, it'd be better, but can you do it?"

Herbert was silent, lightly shaking his head.

He realized upon asking—it's impossible.

Not to mention others, even he himself can't achieve that.

Though Herbert has always been proud, thinking he's not worse than anyone, he's also done many foolish things in this life.

The most correct thing is not necessarily what he wants to do, and what he wants may not be right.

But ultimately, whether right or wrong, people still do what they wish.

Being true to oneself is enough.

He suddenly comprehended it.

This time, perhaps the Sun Church will win, but it will come at a painful cost.

Because the Sun Pope needs them to feel this pain.

He wants to teach them what truly should be done.

At the same time, Herbert also understood the Sun Pope's purpose for deliberately summoning him here.

This unpredictable factor he's become has subtly caused his original plan to deviate.

So...

Will you keep me here, awaiting the outcome?

"..."

Herbert raised an eyebrow, not revealing everything, glanced around, switched the topic, and asked, "What is this place?"

The youth didn't ask, and the old man didn't elaborate further, kindly answering, "Here, it's an afternoon in my memory."

"A certain one? You don't remember anymore?"

"Of course, child, now you're still young, but when you're my age, many things will be forgotten." The old man laughed heartily, stroked his beard.

Herbert blinked, slightly raised an eyebrow.

That's what you say.

But...

Have you really forgotten?