Diary of Guarding Monster Girls-Chapter 524 - 318 I want you to serve me (6.4K)

I am Herbert Albert, and I’m here to show you how to survive in the most extreme and dangerous places!

In such places, without proper survival skills, you can’t last even a day.

This time, we’ve come to the Dark Territory.

Be very careful, this place is the lair of underground creatures, full of all kinds of unique demons, ready to ambush in the darkness at any moment!

Please be cautious with every shadow!

After all, you wouldn’t want to get poked by the eye demon’s tentacles in the ass... Oh, look over there!

What have we found?

A mushroom creature!

Although not recommended for eating ordinarily, in survival times, it’s a rare delicacy.

Just remove its head, and the rest is chicken-flavored, crunchy goodness!

...

"Alchemist, huh, though not a Great Druid, it will do."

"What a pleasant surprise to find what you weren’t even searching for!"

Herbert looked at the mushroom trader Miser, nodding satisfactorily, feeling wistful inside.

When developing Elda, Herbert previously encountered a tricky problem—unable to cultivate the land properly.

As part of the Divine Kingdom Ruins, the soil structure there had changed.

Fremay had attempted to concoct some alchemy potions; can’t say it’s useless, but the effect was far from satisfying.

She suggested Herbert find Great Druids to specifically improve the soil, which is the fundamental method for thorough enhancement.

Upon returning to the monastery, Herbert had tried to contact the Druids but achieved little progress.

Mainly, the most significant issue is that Great Druids are extremely hard to find.

They live in the wilderness, mingling with beasts and demons, detached from human society.

Moreover, Great Druids enjoy transforming into the likenesses of beasts and demons, blending into their groups, remaining in that state for years or even decades, becoming one of them.

Some extreme cases even lose themselves completely, becoming a legendary level demon, propagating offspring in the group, only reverting after death.

For these elusive beings, even the Druids themselves may not be able to locate them.

Additionally, due to Mist Monastery’s reputation for repelling demons, many Druid organizations are unwilling to make contact.

Though not to the point of clashing with a righteous cultivator organization, they showed no cordial demeanor.

Letters sent by Herbert under the monastery’s banner were "courteously" returned.

In contrast, those sent under a noble’s private name were completely ignored, with no replies at all.

The Druid organizations live amidst nature, with little to no need for money and power.

Desireless, they remain strong.

Those Druids even care less about paladins, thoroughly dismissing nobles.

Though some Druids of human origin fare slightly better in this regard, contacting them still requires time and opportunity.

Unable to connect in the short term, yet Elda’s development can’t be completely disregarded, Herbert had other backup plans.

One idea was to seek some exiled evil faction Great Druids, who might readily accept the nobles’ various "offers."

Furthermore, capturing and imprisoning evil Druids is much easier, with no moral burdens.

Even if exposed after the fact, it wouldn’t have any negative repercussions—an "innocuous" disposal can be made when necessary.

Alternatively, there’s a less ideal stopgap measure—finding better alchemy potions.

The mermaid lady’s amateur alchemist potions weren’t effective enough, but what if they were legendary potions from a legendary alchemist?

The effects would surely differ, wouldn’t they?

And now, see what Herbert has found?

A legendary alchemist with a demon identity, neutral leaning towards evil faction, and owing him favors!

Truly an ideal substitute—oh, at this moment, perhaps "good person" is more suitable ~

Besides, don’t forget this is the Dark Territory, even if someone mysteriously vanishes, it shouldn’t cause any issues... right?

"So nice, so nice."

Thinking of these, Herbert’s gaze at the mushroom trader grew increasingly gentle.

Miser felt uneasy under such a gaze, her distant original body couldn’t help but shiver.

Hiss!

This look is unnerving!

She hesitated, her puppet clone revealing an awkward smile, tentatively asking: "Uh, Paladin sir? Is there something you want to ask?"

What exactly do you intend to do?

Say something already!

Whatever happens, make it quick.

"Heh."

At this moment, Herbert’s attitude shifted, chuckling lightly, and spoke softly: "Since you’re not a villain, there’s no need to be so wary of me, and you don’t need to address me as sir, just use my name."

Herbert put away the cold attitude towards "evil," adopting a gentle, humble paladin mode.

"I am Herbert Albert, an ordinary paladin from the Mist Monastery."

Ordinary?

Miser found Herbert’s "humble speech" quite speechless, feeling he was being excessively low-key, even appearing a bit insincere.