Diary of Guarding Monster Girls

"...Sigh."

Ophidia let out a deep sigh, feeling like her head was twice as big as normal.

Is the Archbishop the kind of person who irresponsibly stirs things up in secret and then quietly watches everything unfold, enjoying the chaos they’ve created?

Although the answer is sadly apparent, Ophidia knows the true nature of that old fellow... and you’d better not say a word.

Hey, it truly is so.

Ophidia rubbed her temples and asked with her last shred of sanity, "So, according to you... are all these troubles caused by him?"

"Me?"

Herbert raised his hand, innocently saying, "I didn’t say that, it’s all you—though if that’s what you think, I can agree with it."

I merely voiced an irresponsible guess; how you think about it has nothing to do with me.

It’s none of my business!

"Hoo..."

Ophidia could tell Herbert had no intention to engage in further argument, so she rolled her eyes in exasperation and gave a light snort.

Everything that seemed illogical suddenly made sense.

Ophidia had sensed something was amiss earlier. After all, those two weren’t young and weren’t brainless idiots; there had to be a hidden reason behind their sudden outburst.

Yet she didn’t dwell on it too much, chalking it up to some secret between the two or just a moment of madness on their part.

After all, even though it was outrageous, those two... could very well do something like that.

An unexpected but not unreasonable storification — just taking it as those two blowing off steam after so many years.

Therefore, despite being annoyed, she wasn’t truly angry, giving each a symbolic punishment without poking her nose into it further.

However, now, after Herbert’s reminder, Ophidia suddenly realized there had to be a true mastermind behind the scenes.

Indeed.

If the Archbishop hadn’t approved, how could those two dare to do such a thing?

Even if they weren’t afraid of me, how could they be so certain the Archbishop wouldn’t punish them?

The truth is singular.

It’s the Archbishop’s doing!!!

All these chaotic messes, it’s all that old codger’s fault!

Creaaak.

The sound of teeth gritting echoed in the quiet library; Herbert’s ears twitched, but he pretended not to hear, maintaining his smile.

It seems that someone is truly angered this time.

Ophidia considers herself a very emotionally stable person, having spent many years in solitude, which honed her temperament.

But at this moment, she was truly furious.

"...Hmph!"

Although the monastery supposedly had four high-ranking members, that simply wasn’t the reality.

The Archbishop always stayed holed up deep within, rarely dealing with matters, and even when he went out occasionally, he’d bring back troublesome Monster Girls.

Among the remaining three Cardinals, Ophidia was the leader, while the other two were frequently replaced over the years, leaving her as the only constant presence.

For so many years, Ophidia had been the one overseeing the monastery in its entirety!

Though she seemed to always be in the library, detached from worldly affairs, she had secretly put in considerable effort to keep the monastery running smoothly.

And now, this old guy, the Archbishop, not only doesn’t help with management but starts causing trouble?

That wretched old thing!

How dare he do this!!?

"Damn old thing!"

Hearing her growl through clenched teeth, Herbert’s lips twitched as he silently nodded in agreement.

Well said, perfectly spot on.

I agree with your words!

Yet, Herbert didn’t openly agree, instead pretending he heard nothing, looking up as if he’d seen something interesting in the sky—though there was nothing there.

Ophidia noticed Herbert’s exaggerated act and sneered.

"Tch, coward."

What’s there to be afraid of?

What’s so scary?

Although she held some respect for the Archbishop’s power, having known each other for so many years, she knew he wasn’t the kind to take jokes poorly.

To say the least, the Archbishop was more like a mischievous old child, and even if he saw her losing her temper and ranting, he wouldn’t mind one bit.

No, he might not only remain unoffended but could laugh delightedly instead.

Devious old thing!

And when facing such a thick-skinned character, honest folks like Ophidia inevitably get the short end of the stick.

The more she thought, the angrier she got, feeling increasingly stifled.

"Hmph!"

Fuming, Ophidia no longer cared that Herbert was right there. After all, he knew the truth, and her serpent tail extended from beneath her long skirt, striking the floor with force.

Smack! Smack! Smack!

Herbert, startled by the powerful serpent tail, pressed his lips together, a bit apprehensive.

Gulp.

He felt that with such strength, if the tail hit him, even with his current abilities, he’d probably end up bruised black and blue.

"Hmm, quite strong and powerful... pretty impressive indeed."

It seems that with my current skills, trying to slip past could be risky, with a risk of sudden demise.

As someone with extensive experience in appreciating Monster Girl tails, Herbert found this both dangerous and challenging.

Guess, I’ll have to wait until my ascension is complete, or even progress to Epic, before attempting to slip past with any sense of assurance.