Diary of the Improper Monster Girl Transformation.

Chapter 556 Humiliated!!! (Bonus Chapter 319 for 6K Views!)
Herbert was quite surprised when he returned to the lava hell.

Surprisingly, this place is... completely peaceful.

This tranquility was not deathly stillness, but a rare, almost eerie peace.

The lava lake still had bubbling lava flowing slowly, making a low gurgling sound, but the usual shouts and curses could no longer be heard.

Why isn't Kretty getting beaten up?
Why isn't Flora hitting anyone?
This quiet was quite unsettling for Herbert, who was used to the noisy scene every time he returned.

"Huh? Why are you so quiet?"

Huh?
That's strange, that's really unusual!

Why wasn't that brat punished today?

Herbert searched around and finally found Flora sleeping deep inside the lava pool.

Located at the bottom of the lava pool is a special cave-like space containing an even smaller and more unique lava lake.

The scorching orange-red liquid flowed slowly within, occasionally forming a huge bubble that would burst with a pop, sending up a few sparks.

Flora floated in the center of the small lava pool, curled up with her wings folded behind her and her tail resting quietly at her side, her breathing steady and long.

A faint golden holy power and demonic power intertwined and flowed around him, forming a delicate balance field that isolated the surrounding lava heat waves while greedily absorbing the pure fire attribute energy within them.

Although she awakened as a succubus paladin with Herbert's help, she did not lose her original succubus abilities and could still draw power from flames.

This unique dual talent allows her to thrive in the lava hell environment, where she can temper her will and purify impurities through holy light, while also strengthening her physical body and nourishing her essence through flames.

At this moment, Flora was clearly in a deep meditative state, processing her recent gains, especially the insights Herbert had given her.

Yes, although the lava energy here is not enough for Flora to break through, reaching the epic stage requires more than just energy.

It doesn't matter; she has already obtained the most important "inspiration" from Herbert.

From a certain perspective, it can be considered as being enlightened in the ancient Herbertian sense, receiving some precious "nectar".

This "nectar," carrying a touch of holy light and heat, was undoubtedly the nourishment she needed most at this moment.

Judging from the occasional flash of golden light of enlightenment in her eyes, one could tell that the "enlightenment" had been remarkably effective.

Herbert did not disturb Flora's cultivation and quietly withdrew after confirming that she was alright.

"If Flora is cultivating, then what is Kreti doing?"

If Flora's quietness could be explained by "cultivation," then the silence of that ever-restless devilish lady who stirs up other people's emotions seems even more abnormal.

Based on his understanding of Kreti, after losing Flora as her "opponent," she should have gone to visit other floors, but her presence remained lingering here.

what is she doing?
Filled with curiosity, Herbert found Miss Devil staring blankly into space inside the bronze fortress.

She slumped into a recliner covered with a soft blanket, her head resting against the back of the chair, her once alluring eyes now dull and lifeless.

Ok?
What style is this?

Just as Herbert thought something had happened to Kretty, Miss Devil made a strange noise.

"Ah—hehe."

Miss Devil's mouth was slightly open, her eyes staring blankly at the ceiling, but the corners of her mouth were slightly upturned, as if she was thinking about something.

?

"Ok?"

Herbert felt very uncomfortable watching Kretty, who was just sitting there doing nothing and completely spacing out.

Did I contact the wrong person?

Why are you being so well-behaved today?

No, if you're so honest, it takes away a lot of my fun!

"Hey, hey, hehe..."

Miss Devil not only stood there in a daze, but would also occasionally let out a few strange laughs that made people frown.

The laughter wasn't loud, it had a slightly silly quality, and it seemed to be mixed with a hint of something indescribable...sweetness?
She seemed completely absorbed in her own world, oblivious to the outside world.

From a distance, the scene looked as if she had been stained with something dirty.

"Um……"

Herbert hesitated for a moment, but finally decided to step forward and test the waters.

He tiptoed, approaching Kretty as if approaching a small, potentially frightened animal.

Upon closer inspection, Kreti's alluring face displayed a complex expression, a mixture of confusion and shyness, with a hint of longing mixed with an obvious touch of naivety.

Herbert waited a while, and when she still didn't react, he raised his hand and tentatively poked Miss Devil's cheek.

Poke.

When his fingers touched that skin, which was slightly cool yet exceptionally soft and smooth, he could feel a slight tremor beneath his fingertips.

Kreti's body reacted instinctively, but her mind strangely ignored Herbert's presence, seemingly completely unaware of his approach.

Herbert pursed his lips, increased the pressure slightly, poked again, and called out softly at the same time.

"Hey—are you alright?"

!!!

It's like pressing a switch.

Kretty's lifeless eyes instantly became lively, her focus snapped, and her sharp gaze locked onto the face of the uninvited guest who was standing right next to her!
Then—I got a huge fright!

"Ah! What happened to you... cough!"

Like a cat whose tail has been stepped on, she almost sprang up from the recliner, but the movement was too sudden, and she choked on her own saliva before she could catch her breath. She coughed until her face turned red and tears welled up in her eyes.

"Cough cough!"

So, the legendary devil, clutching his chest and coughing violently, glared at Herbert with his teary eyes, as if he had committed some heinous crime.

She gritted her teeth and said angrily:
"What are you doing!?"

Herbert blinked, then asked with considerable surprise:
"Eh? Is that okay?"

?

When Kretty came to her senses, her eyes widened even more as she stared at him in disbelief.

"Um???"

What the hell are you talking about?
Do you even remember you're a paladin?!

"Tch, I can't be bothered with you!"

To hide her inner turmoil, Kreti abruptly turned her head, giving him the back of her head and a big eye roll.

She tried to remain calm and steer the conversation to a safer place, saying in a tone that was half-changing the subject and half-complaining, "By the way, why did you suddenly appear again? Don't you know that's scary!"

Do you even know what private space is?

I can just stand here in a daze.

If you suddenly come by while I'm doing something else here, wouldn't that be incredibly awkward for me?
"Other things"... This vague reference made Kretty's heart skip a beat again, and some more private and unspeakable scenes instantly flashed through her mind.

hiss!
Stop! Stop it now!

Damn brain, stop thinking!
No, no, no, no, no.

If you actually saw this... wouldn't I just have to kill myself?
A sense of social death gripped her instantly.

No, I absolutely can't let this guy know what I'm thinking!
"Don't get excited, don't get excited!"

Herbert, after cracking a joke, showed a satisfied expression, as if he really enjoyed seeing her flustered and guilty look.

"Just kidding, why are you so nervous?"

He chuckled, shrugged, and casually pointed in the direction he had come from, explaining in a serious tone:
"Also, I didn't just appear out of nowhere. I greeted you before I came over, but you were just spacing out and didn't notice me."

Why were you just standing there spacing out?

After being questioned by Herbert, Kretty seemed a little guilty, her gaze shifting to the side.

She pouted hesitantly, wanting to say something, but held back in the end, muttering somewhat awkwardly, "What's it to you? Mind your own business."

This almost implies that "I'm thinking about something, and it's something I can't tell you."

Tsk.

So what if we get caught?
Do you want to know what I'm thinking?
Don’t even think about it!
How could I possibly tell you that I was thinking about you just now?

Miss Devil's inner monologue is once again playing out intensely.

Kretty tried to maintain a facade of indifference and impatience, attempting to build a psychological defense.

I was just having very academic thoughts about what would be a good name for a child born from a human and a demon, and I wasn't thinking about any other random things...

Impossible, absolutely impossible.

I will never tell you about this in my entire life!
I can tell anyone, but I can't tell you.

You'll never guess the truth!

She made a firm vow in her heart, as if that would protect that pitiful secret.

"In my opinion, that little devil was probably... no! He was definitely thinking about you just now."

As Herbert observed Kretie's varied and expressive facial expressions, he heard Nenesha's teasing yet confident voice echo in his mind.

This self-proclaimed "Master of Human Nature" Miss Humor can make that assertion.

That shameless devil! She's just having puberty!
"Ah."

A true master of human nature also agreed with this view, calmly saying, "I know, I could tell at a glance."

Herbert felt nothing; in fact, he almost wanted to laugh.

Kreti's thoughts were almost entirely written on her expressive face and her restless little movements, making them as easy for him to understand as an open book.

"He's probably thinking about things that are inappropriate for children, but he's too embarrassed to say them out loud."

Ah.

Do you think I don't know your dirty little schemes?

Me? I'm already used to it.

No doubt you're lusting after me!
She definitely wants to beat me to my knees, then grab me and use me as a punching bag! [“You know everything, so why haven’t you exposed her?”]

Nenasha always loved stirring up trouble, secretly fanning the flames with excitement, seemingly looking forward to seeing Kreti mortified and furious.

"Shouldn't you have exposed her on the spot, then used that to threaten her, followed by taking advantage of her vulnerability, saying, 'If you don't want others to know about this, then behave yourself!', and finally take over her body and play with her ruthlessly!"

?

Herbert was taken aback by the God of Harmony's overly "direct" and "complete" suggestion.

No, this familiar process... When did you go to Japan for further studies?
This is nothing, how do you already have a complete operating procedure?
If I weren't so strong-willed, wouldn't I have been misled by you and gone astray?

Unfortunately, you've come to the wrong person!

I'm a paladin, you know! (Very loudly)

So Herbert, with a righteous expression, angrily rebuked the God of Music: "Hey! You witch! You fiend, stop trying to confuse my mind with these tempting words!"

【"oh?"】

Nenasha, instead of being angry at being scolded, asked with amusement, "So you admit it's tempting to you?"

Herbert showed no embarrassment at being exposed, and readily admitted, "Oh, of course! What's there to hide?"

He smugly hummed to himself.

"If the timing wasn't wrong, the progress wasn't enough, and I wasn't still a bit short of the mark, I would have already started. Why would I need you to teach me?"

Hmph, I'm no ordinary paladin.

Herbert had a clear "plan" in mind.

Conquering Miss Devil is a long-term strategy that requires patience, skill, and the right timing. How can you use a simple, crude, and easily backfire approach like that of the Foolish God of Comedy?
That's so inelegant.

"Ha, men."

Nena snorted, used to Herbert's hypocritical attitude, and wisely said, "Fine, you guys play, I can't be bothered with you~"

Miss Harmony quietly left the stage, handing it back to the Paladin and the Devil.

Let's keep having fun!
Unaware of Herbert's rapidly changing thoughts, Kretty thought she had successfully deceived him and continued, "Besides, I'm not always this energetic."

As she spoke, she yawned wearily and stretched, the movement deliberately slow and languid, revealing her curves and seemingly silently displaying her alluring charm.

Although he was unconsciously displaying weapons, his facial expression suggested that he was in low spirits.

"What's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"

Herbert's expression changed, his brows furrowed slightly, and he was about to place his hand on Kreti's body to examine her condition.

As a result, Kreti blushed slightly, turned her body slightly, and subtly dodged the large hand that was approaching.

She appeared to be sick and exhausted, but in reality, she had just been mentally exhausting herself by imagining too much of her future life.

"No, I'm perfectly healthy, I'm just a little bored—well, a little idle."

Kretty was telling the truth.

Having spent so much time in prison before, I didn't feel much at all; hundreds of years just passed by so casually.

If you want to mess around with the devil and be a jerk, and the back and forth goes on, time will pass by.

At that time, boredom was the norm, and she even learned how to coexist with it.
As a result, after going out for a stroll and walking around the City of Holy Light... only a few days have passed, but I'm already starting to feel like I can't stay here anymore.

Her experiences in the City of Holy Light were like a bombshell dropped into her dark and monotonous world.

Having experienced the wonders of the outside world for so long, returning to this unchanging prison was a huge shock that she found hard to adjust to.

What was once a "habit" has become "endurance," and what was once a "passing time" has become "bitter torment."

Tsk.

I'm really greedy.

But this is actually a very normal psychological state.

From frugality to luxury is easy, from luxury to frugality.

Kreti shook her head, not taking the matter too seriously, or rather, she forced herself not to think about it any further, as it would expose her weakness and dependence.

She looked up at Herbert and scoffed, "So, what brings you here this time?"

"Oh dear, does that mean I can't come to see you if there's nothing wrong?"

Herbert smiled as he looked at the devilish lady, whose expression was feigned indifference, and naturally sat down on the bronze chair next to her, saying with a chuckle, "I don't think our relationship is that distant, is it?"

"Ah."

Miss Devil sneered, showing her disdain for his overly familiar and shameless manner, but she did not drive him away and tacitly allowed him to approach.

She turned her head to look into his eyes, and deliberately emphasized her tone as she hummed, "Is that so? I don't think we're that close."

“Yes, yes, you must have misremembered.” Herbert smiled and looked back, his eyes filled with an almost blinding sincerity.

"...Tsk."

Kreti gazed into those captivatingly beautiful eyes and secretly clicked her tongue.

Does she not know whether it's true or not?
Miss Devil's guilty eyes darted around, and when she saw Herbert's lips, her heart skipped a beat.

Those beautifully shaped lips, always carrying a wicked smile, now seemed to possess some kind of magic, reminding her of the brief but clear sensation of that first contact.

Warm, soft, and carrying the pure scent unique to holy light...

Woo!
I can't think about it anymore. Why did I impulsively kiss him back then?

Impulsiveness can really kill you!
Just as Kretty was feeling slightly nervous and very "worried" that Herbert would use this as an excuse to do it again, the other party gentlemanly looked away.

Herbert changed the subject, saying, "However, coincidentally, I do have something I'd like to ask you about this time."

???

Coming to her senses, Kretty glared at the seemingly "completely clueless" man and couldn't help but mutter, "Ha, what a hypocritical man."

She now strongly suspects he did it on purpose!

He deliberately leaned in, using that ambiguous attitude to provoke her emotions, and then put on a businesslike demeanor. It was an insult to her charm!
What kind of gentleman are you pretending to be here with?

What I want to do, no, what you want to do... how could I not know?

Playing hard to get, right?

Changing the subject at this point, are you doing it on purpose?

snort!
You are humiliating me!
Don't think about it!
I will absolutely not give in to your wishes!
She made up her mind again, determined not to let him see her concern and... even the slightest hint of disappointment.

"Humph!"

Feeling teased, Miss Devil snorted in dissatisfaction, raised her chin, glanced at Herbert sideways, and asked haughtily, "What, is this how you ask for help?"

Ok?
Herbert watched as Kretty's eyes and expressions shifted, from guilt to embarrassment and anger, and then to feigned arrogance, and chuckled inwardly.

He found Miss Devil increasingly adorable; her hypocritical and manipulative nature was far more interesting than straightforward seduction.

Seeing her express her dissatisfaction so awkwardly, I almost burst out laughing.

What's the proper attitude when asking for help?

Am I supposed to lie on the ground with my belly exposed?

Oh!
Do you also want a massage?
Herbert blinked, then readily got up, walked behind Kretie, and skillfully placed his hands on Kretie's shoulders, beginning to gently massage them.

His fingers were long and strong, with gentle holy light energy and a unique life force at the tips, pressing precisely on Miss Devil's tense shoulders and neck.

The technique was incredibly skillful, as if it had been honed through countless trials. It could not only relieve fatigue but also possessed an indescribable, relaxing magic.

"Yes, yes, beautiful lady, it was my oversight. Let me serve you."

Massage master Herbert, back in action!

Kretty had initially wanted to dodge the question or say something tougher to save face, but seeing Herbert's humble posture, she felt a little smug.

"Hmph, that's pretty much it."

She snorted, then began to enjoy his "service" with a clear conscience.

"Hmm~"

A very faint groan, filled with satisfaction and languor, escaped almost from the depths of her throat.

!!!

Kreti quickly shut her mouth, her face flushing red, but her body reacted honestly, her tense muscles gradually softening and relaxing under those magical hands.

Because he still had serious business to discuss, Herbert didn't immediately use any special techniques, but instead demonstrated his skills very seriously.

While he was diligently serving Kretty, he verbally described the peculiar devil from Finn's diary.

"Do you remember this devil?" he asked softly, his hands still moving as if it were just a casual question.

"Well……"

Kreti, her eyes drooping with sleep, mumbled, "So, according to you, you're looking for a demon that can bring bad luck?"

"Do you think I have a relationship with her?"

Her voice was nasal, soft and languid, and her thinking speed seemed to slow down due to extreme relaxation.

Herbert nodded and said frankly, "I do feel that way, after all, your luck is quite special."

"As for the connection between you, maybe there is, maybe there isn't, it doesn't matter."

"I was just curious, which doesn't mean I really wanted to do anything to her."

This is the truth.

In a sense, that devil was another culprit who indirectly caused the tragedy that befell Herbert.

However, the relationship is still quite different. Although he made a mistake, he shouldn't have received the same treatment as Finn.

Well, it's basically a case of "being spared death but not escaped punishment."

I really don't know how to do anything~
I guess so!
"Um……"

After listening, Kreti pondered for a moment, then her eyes suddenly lit up as a figure flashed through her mind.

"Wait, are you talking about her?"

(End of this chapter)