Herbert looked at the Ashen Bishop, seemingly frightened away by his enthusiasm, silently took a step forward, and said, "What will it take for you to believe me?"
"Well..."
As the Ashen Bishop hesitated, Herbert took another step forward and pressed, "Do I need to sign a contract? Or make a vow? Or do you need to look into my soul to know whether I'm telling the truth?"
Do you want to cut open my chest and see my heart?
With each question, Herbert took large strides forward until he stood right in front of the Ashen Bishop.
"..."
After being questioned repeatedly, the Ashen Bishop regained some composure and firmly stated, "No, you don't need to do any of those things."
She did not require Herbert to make any promises.
Even if he didn't mention it, she wouldn't ask for it.
To the Ashen Bishop, no matter how outrageous Herbert's actions might be, his status in her eyes would remain unchanged—a young sapling in need of protection and care.
