Herpo narrowed his eyes slightly as he watched Voldemort's expression. "You must understand, our plan is extremely important. We absolutely cannot allow any accidents."
"On that premise, we must guarantee one thing: that his will is firm enough. And this probe from that Guardian happened to give me an idea."
Voldemort raised an eyebrow, a hint of impatience in his tone. "What exactly are you trying to say?"
"What I am trying to say is..." Herpo breathed out softly and lowered his voice. "The reason that Guardian's invitation failed was because your servant believed that this so-called 'Misty Illusory Realm' was false."
"Even after that Guardian explained it, your servant still held to his own view. I believe this happened because he experienced certain things before, which led him to form such an understanding."
"He must have made certain attempts, trying to achieve certain goals, only for all those attempts to fail. That was what filled him with suspicion toward the 'Misty Illusory Realm.'"
"In other words, you believe..." Voldemort rested a finger against his lips. "A man like Severus serves only for a real reward?"
"Of course!" Herpo nodded. "As for those servants of yours, I believe they are all incomparably loyal..."
Voldemort's eyebrows rose even higher. "I am pleased that you, as a guest, have finally learned how one ought to speak to one's host."
Herpo drew in a breath and tried his best not to think about Voldemort's comment.
He worked hard to restrain his emotions and still said in a calm tone, "Since that task is so difficult, then something should be shown to him!"
"For example, a sufficiently grand goal, or a reward—a reward great enough that he would risk everything and throw himself into it recklessly just to obtain it."
"Go on!" Voldemort narrowed