Diary of the Improper Monster Girl Transformation.

Chapter 532 Ophelia's "Active" Reward (Bonus Chapter 292 for 6K Views!)
No?

Why are you suddenly being mean to me?
Herbert was taken aback by the displeased voice, blinked, and quickly realized the true nature of Ophidia's unusual behavior.
She's scared!
As for why I'm afraid, does that even need to be said?
She's trying to renege on her debt!
Ophidia was probably afraid that I would ask her for a reward, so she wanted to send me back first.

Yes, she's running away!

Ophidia, you cowardly legless lizard!
So Herbert couldn't leave, and he simply started shouting loudly at the door, calling out repeatedly into the crack.

"Open the door! Open the door!"

"Don't hide inside and keep quiet, I know you're home!"

"Open the door if you dare!"

Finally, after half an hour of Herbert's relentless efforts (continuous harassment)...

The door is open.

Ophidia couldn't pretend she hadn't heard, so she dragged the shameful guy inside.

Herbert can afford to lose face, but she can't afford to lose face like this!
"Hum~"

Herbert, like a victorious general, strode into the demiplane, deliberately lingering in front of the aloof cardinal.

"Humph."

Ophelia didn't even glance at Herbert, gave a soft snort, rolled her eyes, and then continued to pretend to be engrossed in her book.

With a serious expression, focused eyes, and upright posture, he seemed completely absorbed in the book, without the slightest wavering.

But the tail peeking out from under her skirt, swaying slightly with Herbert's position from time to time, proved that she was not as calm as she appeared.

Ophidia kept a close watch on Herbert, worried that he might launch a surprise attack.

"Oh ho?"

Herbert smiled slightly as he looked at her nimble tail, but instead of pointing it out immediately, he pretended not to see it and looked away.

Only the most foolish and clueless person would immediately expose the girl's feigned composure.

Those poor fellows will probably never understand that the momentary smugness they feel will ultimately lead to bitter consequences.

The back-and-forth tug-of-war is the most interesting and also the most beneficial for future development.

If you expose it right away, it's tantamount to cutting off your own future.

Herbert leisurely sat down next to Ophidia, not in a hurry to urge her, and openly began to peek at the contents of the book in her hands.

"Huh, why are there no words?"

Herbert stared at the blank pages of the book, a book of unfathomable mystery, and his lips twitched slightly.

Miss, even if you're not very attentive, you shouldn't try to fob me off with a blank notebook.
That was a bit lazy!

"Your mind is not at peace, that's why you can't see the words on the page." Ophidia was quite calm, showing no embarrassment at being caught red-handed.

"This is the keeper's book, recorded in a special way, and only a calm mind can see the secrets within."

Eh?
Is there really such a saying?

"Oh?"

Really? You're probably just kidding me.

Herbert looked at Ophidia with suspicion, observing the subtle expressions on her face.

The conclusion is that although one of the young ladies felt a little uncomfortable under Herbert's gaze, her breathing quickened slightly, and her heart rate gradually increased, she did not detect any signs of a lie overall.

Is there really such a thing as a keeper of secrets?
He squinted, thought for a moment, and then slowly exhaled.

call……

As he exhaled the stale air from his chest, his previously agitated state of mind calmed down in just a few seconds.

And when the mind calmed down, tiny and blurry words actually appeared on the seemingly blank book.

"Oh, that's really true!"

"Ok?"

Ophidia hadn't had high hopes for Herbert, not believing that someone as impetuous as him could calm down so quickly.

So she was careless and didn't replace the book.

As a result, even if she wanted to close the book now, it was too late.

Herbert has already seen the contents of the text on it!
Oops!

Ophidia's heart tightened, and she almost couldn't maintain her composure and was about to make a run for her life.

However, Herbert's reaction was quite calm, not at all as excited as she had imagined.

There wasn't a hint of smugness in his expression.

Ok?
Ophelia blinked, glanced at Herbert's profile, and tilted her head in surprise.

Did he really see it?
If he hadn't seen it, he would have really been fooled by his acting skills.

But if he saw it... how could he be so calm?
Ophidia was torn between pretending to be oblivious and genuinely not caring, while Herbert, on the other hand, seemed quite relaxed and even teased her.

"By the way, you just said that I wasn't focused and couldn't see the words... were you really able to see them just now?"

He turned his head to look at the seemingly calm bishop, raised an eyebrow at her, and the teasing in his eyes was self-evident.

If you ask me, when it comes to who has a less tranquil mind, I'm nowhere near as good as you.

"...I've always been able to see it."

Ophelia stubbornly insisted, then forced herself to calm down before finally seeing the words on the page.

She figured it out.

Since Herbert was pretending not to care, there was no need for her to dwell on it any longer.

Humph.

I'll see how long you can keep up this act!
"Oh? Then let's assume that's the case."

Herbert glanced at her, unconcerned, and continued curiously with a smile, "So, this book is... uh, one of your favorite classics?"

Ophidia wanted to continue pretending to be profound, but his words made her eyelids roll and she couldn't help but glare at him.

You really are shameless!

Her lips twitched, she took a deep breath, and tried her best to make her voice calm as she said, "This is not the ancient book you think it is, but a brand new biography that I will record myself."

Yes, it's just a biography.

There is no other reason.

But Herbert, not one to back down now, stared into her eyes and pressed on, "Stop talking nonsense and just tell me if you like it or not?"

"...I don't hate it."

Ophidia stared intently at the "hateful smile" of the boy and snorted, "But if you keep asking these pointless questions, I might change my mind."

Try asking me again?
"Oh, okay, okay, I won't ask anymore."

Upon realizing that the other person was about to break down, Herbert immediately became extremely obedient and shut his mouth.

Oh well, I won't ask then.

stingy person~
Herbert quieted down, but Ophidia couldn't swallow her anger.

Ugh, so annoying.

This guy is clearly the most dishonest, but he insists on putting on a harmless and honest face.

It's clearly all your fault, but you're acting like nothing happened.

Feeling resentful, Ophelia wanted to retaliate in a small way, so she wrinkled her nose, steeled herself, and simply asked, "What kind of person do you think the protagonist of this biography is?"

Ok?
"you ask me?"

Herbert looked up at her strangely after hearing this, blinked with a puzzled look in his eyes, and pointed to himself.

Eh, me?

"...Yes, it's you."

Although Ophidia also felt that the question was a bit outrageous, she had already spoken, so she forced herself to continue, "You are also a keeper of secrets, and you will also participate in the writing of this biography. I am now asking for your thoughts."

hiss.

Herbert hesitated for a moment, a rare occurrence, before struggling with uncertainty, "Me? Is that appropriate? Well, I think..."

"I don't want you to feel it, I want me to feel it!"

Seeing his conflicted expression, Ophidia suddenly felt like she had found a way to deal with him, so she continued firmly, "I'm asking you what you think, so just tell me."

"Oh, since you've put it that way..."

Herbert's expression suddenly hardened, and he nodded as if he were making a desperate decision: "Then I'll reluctantly obey. I will definitely tell you everything I know and give you a satisfactory answer!"

"Then ask me!"

Ok?
Ophidia's heart skipped a beat when she saw Herbert's expression.

No, something seems off.

Although she vaguely felt that she had made a mistake, there was no turning back now.

So, after a moment's hesitation, she could only steel herself and point to the unwritten chapter, asking, "Um... what do you think should be the title of this chapter?"

Herbert's expression turned serious. After a moment of contemplation, he slowly said, "Let me think..."

"Since it is a biography, the most important thing is to ensure its authenticity and to evaluate this person's life from a fair and objective perspective."

"As recorders, our most important quality is objectivity. We cannot let too much personal opinion interfere. Am I right?"

The more serious Herbert looked, the heavier Ophidia felt in her heart. After hesitating for a moment, she slowly nodded.

After all, Herbert wasn't wrong. Perhaps he really intended to cooperate this time, but he was just overthinking things.

But where does this unease come from?
"Then I know what to do."

Herbert nodded slowly, then said in a serious voice, "How about 'The Godslayer Outwits the God of Sand and Stone'?"

?

"What about 'The Handsome Paladin vs. the Ugly Sand Giant'?"

? ?
"Or, to put it another way, 'As Miss Ophidia expected, Herbert kept his promise, ultimately did not disappoint her, and received a valuable reward'?"

???

Ophidia looked at Herbert, who was talking nonsense with a straight face, with disgust in her eyes, her eyelids rolling back.

She no longer feels angry, only emotionally exhausted.

I was actually naively hoping you could be at least a little more serious...

It's the most foolish thing to expect an answer from you!
Yes.

The protagonist of the unfinished biography in Ophelia's hand was none other than Herbert, who was standing beside her.

That's why Herbert was completely bewildered when he was invited to co-write the book.

You want me to write my own biography?
Autobiography?
Although something feels a bit off, since you've invited me so warmly, I'll definitely cooperate!
Ophelia looked coldly at Herbert, who had come specifically to cause trouble, and asked, "So, you call this without personal opinions?"

“Of course!” Herbert didn’t think there was anything wrong with his assessment at all, and said seriously, “I’m evaluating this event from a completely fair and objective perspective! There’s not a single personal feeling mixed in!”

Fairness, impartiality, and transparency will stand the test of history.

But seeing the increasingly cold look in the bishop's eyes, Herbert also toned it down a bit and immediately changed his tune, saying, "However, if you're not satisfied with these titles, then I have another idea in mind."

"How about 'The Gods Died Because of Me'?"

Ophidia: !
Herbert, observing the slight change in Ophidia's expression, knew what kind of answer would satisfy her.

So he completely put away his playful mood and asked softly in a tone that was sad but also mixed with a faint sense of relief: "Or perhaps, 'A Mortal's Revenge Against the Gods'?"

!!!

Upon hearing this answer, which was almost exactly what she had expected, Ophidia was completely moved and could no longer maintain her feigned composure.

She looked at Herbert with a complicated expression and slowly asked, "Revenge? You... what are you seeking revenge for?"

What grudge do you have against the gods?
you……

Herbert did not answer, but instead reached out and grabbed Ophidia's slender hand.

!!!

Ophidia's fingertips trembled slightly involuntarily, but she did not pull her hand back, instead letting him gently hold her palm.

Because there was no aversion to Herbert, and also because of his soft whisper at that moment.

他 说:

"Tell me, wouldn't you say this counts as me avenging them a little bit against the gods?"

who are they?
For the two people sitting side by side at this moment, this answer is not even a question.

Naturally, these are the secret keepers who died because of the gods.

Those fearless mortals who dutifully recorded secrets, only to be seen as thorns in the side by the gods.

Those poor people who gave everything for their ideals.

It would be a lie to say that Ophidia was not moved at this moment.

Herbert became the Keeper of the Secrets because of her, and his desire to avenge them was naturally also because of her.

But more than being moved, she was filled with panic at that moment.

Ophidia admitted that she had secretly hoped that Herbert would one day avenge the gods for those who kept secrets, and that those arrogant gods would pay the price in the future.

But when Herbert actually confronted them, she couldn't help but worry about his safety.

She didn't want him to be seen as a dangerous person who had to be eliminated by the gods because of this mission, so she never brought up these past grudges.

So Ophidia pursed her lips and whispered again, "...You don't have to carry that hatred."

You didn't have to take on that mission.

But Herbert remained remarkably calm after hearing this, even laughing easily: "It's too late, Ophidia."

"From the day I became the keeper of secrets, whether I like it or not, and whether you like it or not, I have been unable to escape this responsibility."

"Fate does not change according to your or my will."

“From the moment I passed the test, I became one of the Keepers of the Secrets, the successor to those pitiful people who are not tolerated by the gods.”

Not to mention, Herbert had already borne the tragic fate of being rejected by many gods earlier because of a certain god of humor.

“From the very beginning, I have been on the opposite side of the gods.”

"Now that things have come to this, you don't need to feel guilty about this established fact, nor do you need to worry about me."

Ophidia felt that Herbert was burdened with heavy shackles because of the Keeper of the Secrets, but in reality, that hatred meant nothing to him.

Sprinkle some water~
"..."

Ophelia pressed her lips together tightly, her hand gripping hers involuntarily as she looked at Herbert with a complicated expression and asked, "...For what?"

She didn't know why she asked this meaningless question, or even what kind of answer she wanted.

At this moment, she couldn't help but ask this boy who seemed to never know what fear was.

What was Herbert's purpose?
Is it all worth it?
"for you."

Herbert looked into Ophidia's eyes and smiled calmly, "If giving this answer makes you happy, then this is my answer."

"So that I can accomplish the missions you cannot, and avenge them against those arrogant beings."

He gently held the bishop's trembling fingers, conveying his warmth and calmness to her.

"And if this seemingly far-fetched reason is not acceptable to you... I have another answer."

"I'm still doing this for you."

He winked at her and said with a smile:

"It's such a simple and boring reason, so that you can be proud of me and so that you can be fascinated by me."

"As for which reason you choose to believe, that's up to you."

Herbert chuckled and lifted the slender hand he was holding, then lowered his head and gently kissed the fair, jade-like back of the hand.

Then, looking up at Ophidia, whose expression was a mix of crying and laughing, he said, "So, for someone who has already worked so hard, shouldn't you, as my superior, give me a small reward?"

See you in the picture!

I'm coming clean, I'm not pretending anymore.

I went through all this trouble and went through all this trouble, all for a little reward from you!

I don't ask for much, but you should at least be more proactive and give it to me quickly.

Look, I've tried so hard, and you're still thinking about renegeting on the debt? Isn't that a bit unreasonable?

"……hehe."

Ophidia was initially moved by Herbert's confession and even felt somewhat overwhelmed by his sacrifices.

But when he heard his final, teasing request for a reward, he suddenly calmed down.

This isn't a matter of emotions cooling down, nor is it a matter of losing one's temper.

The emotion I felt did not fade away, but it seeped into the depths of my soul.

She suddenly realized something.

Whatever Herbert's purpose was, whether for himself or for others, he avenged the Keepers of the Secrets.

Therefore, as the last keeper of the secret, she should repay him.

Yes.

This should never be a lofty "reward," but rather a sincere "repayment."

Whether intentionally or unintentionally, Herbert deliberately referred to this feedback as a reward.

Since he has taken the initiative to make such a request, I have no reason to refuse.

Besides, I had wanted to reward him all along, but I just hadn't made up my mind to do it.

I used to keep him out of the door, which was a way of mentally preparing myself.

But now... there's no need to prepare mentally anymore.

She made up her mind.

Ophidia took a deep breath, gave Herbert a strange look, and then slowly nodded: "Alright, I will give you the 'reward' you wish for."

Great!
Herbert smiled broadly, gave a small peace sign, and was about to lean in for another kiss.

However, Ophidia ignored his little gestures and continued, "However, I don't like being manipulated, so... I have my own way of doing things."

"so?"

The snake's tail slid silently and quietly wrapped around Herbert's waist.

"Oh!"

A cold, slippery, and powerful snake tail coiled around Herbert's waist, then shoved him in front of Ophidia.

Ophelia looked at Herbert, who was so close to her, and swallowed nervously. Then, trying to appear calm, she emphasized, "You mustn't be mistaken, this isn't you asking me for a reward."

"Instead... I'm the one who takes the initiative to praise you."

Her gaze darted elsewhere, and she spoke slightly quickly:

"Ahem! Since you have truly proven yourself as you promised, which satisfies me, I, as the Cardinal and your superior as the Keeper of Secrets, hereby give you a small commendation."

"You must not become arrogant because of this."

Herbert blinked, not immediately understanding the difference between the two.

But there was one thing he understood.

The reward is almost mine!
"understand!"

So he answered honestly, obediently closed his eyes, and prepared to receive praise from his superiors.

By the way, what will be the form of praise this time?

Given Ophidia's personality, she'll probably kiss her cheek again.

Or, how about we order somewhere else this time?
Earlobes, forehead, corners of eyes, or...

Herbert, with his eyes closed, was wondering where she would kiss him on the face when suddenly his brow furrowed.

My lips felt a warm, cool sensation.

"Well!"

At that moment, Herbert's mind wasn't filled with excitement, but rather with a peculiarly conceived thought.

"This time, she really did force a kiss on me!"

The proof is like a mountain!

……

……

Natural Sanctuary.

"How to do?"

The Goddess of the Forest sat in the woods with her knees drawn up to her chest, looking troubled as she picked at her nails.

"No, what reward should I give him?"

"Could it be that……"

When Fulingya thought of the thumbs-up and encouraging look the Goddess of Winter had given her, her lips twitched.

Do I really have to do this?

"No, is this really true?!"

(End of this chapter)