Crunch, crunch.
"You... don't think you can buy me off with just a few skewers of grilled meat."
The same words, spoken just as unclearly.
But the difference was in the tone.
Valentina's words no longer had the earlier hardness, only a hint of dignity that was a bit pitiable.
This was her last bit of defiance.
How could a noble giant dragon be tempted by grilled meat, ending up in such a state?
If word got out, it would be laughable.
No, absolutely impossible!
Thinking this, she bit into the meat chunk with tears, chewing with great elegance.
Having learned from the last experience, she finally mastered the art of savoring slowly this time, intending to relish the taste on her tongue.
Herbert observed everything but said nothing.
He neither mocked nor took advantage to make excessive demands.
It wasn't enough.
Indeed, as Valentina said, a mere barbecue wouldn't be enough to make such a proud giant dragon bow down.
The stakes were far from sufficient.
But so what?
Herbert never intended to make her submit by relying on this from the start.
Did he want a fake acquiescence of yielding by playing along?
No.
What he wanted was... habit.
Herbert wanted Valentina to get used to his presence, to adapt to the trade of him supplying food, to make her feel that he was indispensable.
Even... experiencing withdrawal symptoms would be ideal!
Of course, reaching that point was still far away, and their relationship needed continuous nurturing.
How to cultivate it?
This required constant feeding and incessant favor brushing.
And to achieve this... he needed a reasonable excuse.
So, as Valentina chewed, Herbert once again made his request—not to swear, and he would bring her food.
"(Chew, chew), gulp, why do you insist on making me not swear?" Valentina was puzzled, not understanding why he was fixated on this.
"Firstly, I am a paladin, and such language makes me uncomfortable."
"Secondly, although you are a prisoner and I am the warden, I hope we can become friends."
"And the basis of friendship is that two people can treat each other peacefully and equally, isn't it?"
"Miss Valentina, do you not wish to be friends with me?"
Herbert looked at Valentina seriously; his bright eyes were full of sincerity, making her somewhat uneasily look away.
"This is my only request, is it impossible?"
Friends?
Valentina was puzzled at this word, even somewhat confused.
As a giant dragon, she had never had friends.
Driven out from the dragon nest by her mother when still a young dragon, she, who had wandered all her life, had never built a nest, nor had she kept company with other giant dragons.
She occupied a territory for a time, grew bored, then left to find the next territory.
Valentina rarely communicated with others, even when forced to, she had always left those matters to the human female warlock she "caught."
She firmly believed that strong beings were destined to be lonely.
Giant dragons needed no companions.
No need.
So, when that warlock was hunted and killed, why was she angry? Why did she want to destroy those guys and their families?
Was her dignity being challenged?
"...Ah."
During her long imprisonment, Valentina thought a lot but never found an answer.
But at the moment this young mortal made such an unheard-of request, she suddenly had a fleeting insight.
Friend... did she regard that person as a friend back then?
She fell silent for a while.
After some time, Valentina returned to reality from her memories and thoughts, casting a deep look at Herbert.
Was it intentional?
After a moment of eye contact, she turned her head to the side and murmured softly, lacking a bit of confidence: "...If it's just being friends, then it's not impossible."
She didn't understand why she agreed.
Perhaps, she merely wanted him to confirm some doubts in her heart.
Hearing the response, Herbert smiled and smoothly took out a blank sheet of paper from his pocket, saying sincerely: "Then draft an agreement."
"Hmm...huh!?"
Valentina turned sharply, glaring at the oblivious mortal, intending to teach him a lesson—
But before she could get angry, the words stuck in her throat because she saw the faint smile at the corner of the boy's mouth.
She'd been tricked!
"Haha, just kidding."
Herbert put away the blank sheet of paper, winking playfully at her.
Then he stepped back, placed his right hand gently on his chest, and saluted the prisoner inside the cell with a slight noble grace.
"Though I introduced myself the day before, allow me to introduce myself again."
"Herbert Albert, duke's son, also a paladin sworn to purity, the new prison warden here."
"Please feel free to call me Herbert in the future, and I shall call you Valentina."
He took a step forward, unexpectedly kneeling on one knee before the prisoner in the cell, extending his right hand towards her within the cage.
Valentina: "...Hmm?"
If Valentina desired, she could break his arm in a moment, even pull him to the bars and crush his head.
Yet Herbert extended his hand to her fearlessly.
Miss Dragon, what will you do?
Will you ruthlessly trample my goodwill and remain a wicked dragon within a cage?
Or... try another possibility?
Looking into the dragon's eyes, he softly said:
"Let's get along well!"
.
.
"..."
After entering the second zone, Herbert did not continue walking but stood silently with his head down.
For a long time, he slowly lifted his head, laboriously exhaling a breath from his lungs.
"Whew... haha, hahaha!"
The gamble paid off.
The handshake was not part of the original plan; it was a spur-of-the-moment inspiration.
A very risky attempt.
But he thought it was worth a try!
"Seriously, when did I become such a gambler?" Herbert mused, feeling he had changed somewhat.
In his previous life, he would never make such reckless decisions.
Was it influenced by experiences in this life?
This life, Herbert was an unworldly noble scion, yet not lacking the will to make decisions at critical moments.
Not everyone could abandon everything and devote themselves to a monastery; such a decision required courage and resolute will.
Unfortunately, still slightly lacking.
"Not ruthless enough of heart..."
Herbert reflected, turning to look at the water bubble ahead, meeting the beautiful eyes hidden within.
He smiled, stepping forward in large strides and joyfully waving as he called out:
"Miss Fremay, long time no see!"