"... Hmph! Just keep being stubborn for now! You'll change your mind one day!"

You'll regret it for sure!

"Since you don't want to become my devotee, what do you want from me today?"

After realizing her desires wouldn't be fulfilled, the Ice and Snow Goddess's attitude noticeably dropped, her pouty face on full display.

"If it's nothing important, don't blame me for being rude, hmph."

"It's like this, I wanted to ask you about the Great Druid."

Herbert wasn't surprised and spoke his prepared words: "You've seen how things are here; we need the Great Druid's help to change the soil."

He didn't beat around the bush but directly asked for help.

Rich lady, hungry, food.

If there is no help from the Great Druid, then I...

Upon hearing this request, the Ice and Snow Goddess frowned and gave Herbert a sideways glance: "Why should I help you?"

"Yes, why indeed?"

Herbert blinked and said with a smile: "Perhaps to earn my gratitude? Haha."

When dealing with someone who needs something from you, you don't have to be too courteous, as this is exactly what they want to see.

You need them, and when they need you later, you won't be able to refuse.

A mutually beneficial situation.

Upon hearing this shameless remark, the Goddess smacked her lips, muttering: "You greedy, stingy human."

Damn, I've been seen through.

At this point in the conversation, everything seemed to be going well, but the Ice and Snow Goddess shook her head a bit awkwardly after a moment of silence and averted her gaze.

"Ahem! Your proposal is good, but you'll be disappointed... I have no connection with the Great Druids; even if I issued a divine oracle, they probably wouldn't listen to me."

The Ice and Snow Goddess flicked her tail awkwardly, speaking with a stern face: "Although I am a Goddess of the Natural Pantheon, they do not follow my commands."

As a mere mascot of the Pantheon, the Ice and Snow Goddess was somewhat self-aware.

She had a bit of influence within the Pantheon of the Cold Winter Goddess, but in the larger Natural Pantheon, she didn't even rank.

To those Legendary or stronger Great Druids... the Ice and Snow Goddess is likely not a concern.

Indifference.jpg

While the Great Druids under the Cold Winter Goddess aren't specialized in farming, she could command them, but she really doesn't want to ask the Cold Winter Goddess for something like this.

Doesn't want to lose face...

"Ahem! If you really want me to help find them, I can at most ask, but whether they come or not... I can't guarantee."

Faced with this awkward response, Herbert remained calm and said gratefully:

"That's completely fine! Just your willingness to ask is enough to make me grateful."

Such gratitude from Herbert only made the Ice and Snow Goddess feel even more embarrassed, even feeling like she wanted to disappear.

To alleviate her own embarrassment, she thought for a moment and proactively said:

"Um... Regarding that Priest team you wanted, I've already prepared it; they'll be arriving near the Misty Mountains soon."

"I'll let you know when they get there, and you can guide them here."

The original plan was to have the Priests come after Herbert's side was more or less built.

But after seeing it herself this time, she realized it was indeed a safe place and made the decision on the spot.

"This... Thank you for your kindness."

This was completely a pleasant surprise.

Who would have thought Elda's first wave of population would be the Ice and Snow Goddess's Priest Order?

"Alright, that's settled then, I'm leaving."

After saying this, the Ice and Snow Goddess couldn't wait to leave, eager to escape.

Before dispersing, the Ice and Snow Goddess couldn't resist asking: "Mortal, do you really not consider becoming my devotee?"

Herbert didn't answer, just shook his head with a smile, giving a slight nod of courtesy.

"Thank you for your favor."

When he looked up, the Ice and Snow Goddess, feeling unamused, was already gone without a trace.

The Divine Spirit had left.

After the Ice and Snow Goddess left, Herbert looked at the half-submerged mermaid in the spring with a smile and asked:

"So, do you believe now?"

"After seeing all this, do you still think I'm their pawn?"

Pawn?

What pawn would dare talk to a Divine Spirit like that!

Herbert's conversation with the Ice and Snow Goddess was light-hearted, with no sense of hierarchy, more like a chat between friends.

Equality.

Though he appeared respectful and humble, he believed at heart that he was equal to her—and the Goddess didn't deny it.

That...

Glub glub—

She blew bubbles from her mouth, pouting underwater.

Because Fremay suddenly realized that since things were indeed like this, she had to agree to let Herbert venture into the depths of the Misty Mountains risking danger.

"Fremay, I once made you a promise."

Herbert knelt by the spring, extending his hand towards the mermaid.

"If you need it now, I can make you a new promise as well."

"I will definitely return safe and sound."

Glub glub...

After blowing a few more bubbles, Fremay floated up close to Herbert and said seriously:

"No."

"This time, I don't need your promise, I just need you to return safely."

Fixing her gaze on Herbert, Fremay said seriously: "With or without a promise, I'm willing to trust you."

"You won't disappoint me, will you?"

Upon hearing this determination mingled with reluctance, the youth smiled.

He cupped the mermaid's cheeks, gently kissed her, and whispered in her ear:

"As you wish."

"I certainly won't let down your expectations."

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