The Author's POV

Following the dwarf, we soon got out of the northern tower and directly entered the city of Henolur.

Upon entering the city, I noticed that compared to before, it was a lot quieter.

The liveliness that shrouded the city when I had first arrived was no longer there, and what replaced it was a solemn atmosphere.

"We're almost there."

Walking through the city's empty streets, before long, we arrived in front of a mansion.

With metal fences surrounding the place, what I could see from the gap of the fences was a lush green garden filled with all sorts of plants and trees.

Stopping beside the gate, the dwarf that led me here pressed onto the bell of the mansion. Then, as if expecting the dwarf's appearance, the gates of the mansion opened up.

Ki Clank—

The moment the gates opened, the scenery that I could barely see from the gaps of the fence was now on full display for me to see.

Surrounding a large fountain in the middle of the garden was a neat array of plants and trees. The wide range of colors that came from the plants perfectly contrasted the beige-colored mansion that stood in the middle of the garden.

Taking a step into the mansion, I took a deep breath. Compared to the city, the air here was much fresher.

With both feet outside the mansion gate, the dwarf that brought me here opened his mouth.

"Please enter tha mansion, me duty be now over an' I shall now leave."

"Oh, sure."

I absentmindedly replied at the dwarf.

My mind was too distracted by the view presented before me.

"This is amazing..."

Walking around the mansion, I couldn't help but marvel at the garden.

It had to be noted that we were currently underground, meaning that there was no sunlight. For the plants to grow this healthy, it was a testament to how advanced the dwarves were.

"You like it?"

Startling me out of my thoughts was an aged voice.

Without turning around, I already knew who it was.

"It's nice."

I faintly replied.

"I'm glad you like it, Ren."

Turning my head, my eyes paused on the old man standing next to me.

As I stared at him, he gave me a calm and unfathomable feeling.

Looking back at me, he asked.

"Should we head inside?"

"Sure."

Judging from how he called me Ren, he appears to have finally recognized me.

Not that it was hard since I wasn't trying to hide it.

From how I didn't hide my face, to how I straight up used my real name in the achievement points section.

The goal in doing so was to gain his attention. Even if I was acquainted with Waylan, that didn't mean he could allow me to meet Douglas.

The purpose of exposing myself was to gain Douglas's attention.

"Over here."

Upon entering the mansion, Douglas brought me inside of an enormous living room where we sat down.

Right as we sat down, Douglas offered me some tea.

"Would you like some tea?"

"Sure."

"Green or black?"

"Let's go with black."

tea, black tea was much better for relaxing. Now that I had just come out from a long battle, all I wanted to do

"Good choice."

pleased smile, Douglas

Then, with a simple touch, the

tea, he started making

did you find your stay

a pretty nice

that so? Anything you didn't

"The war."

water began to boil, the headmaster threw in black tea leaves before closing

his attention back to me, an amicable smile appeared

wait for the tea to be ready,

on the chair behind me, I crossed my

to know why

answering, Douglas continued to smile

that as

was a serious one, but I couldn't help it. I was about

that could decide my

the novel I wrote, I felt that he could be trusted. He had a deep sense of responsibility, especially

master was a testament to his righteous behavior. He was the one that engraved onto

about it, the changes that had been happening due to what I did shouldn't have affected him since he wasn't within the scope of

could never say for sure. After all, I was no god. I didn't

I brought, though unlikely, have changed Douglas into

I

I begin? It all started

so I started to tell Douglas

Monolith to how I escaped and saved the people from the Union to only be stabbed in the back by them. Of course, I did omit some important information, but I did say most of

I recounted the story, I tried my best to suppress my

the whole conversation, the smile on the headmaster's face

with the Monolith and put a bounty on me. Because of the bounty, I was forced to leave the human domain. It is also

ripples slightly. For a while,

he finally

you know why the Union

"...I do."

I replied.

but after coming to Henolur, I understood why the Union decided to agree to the Monolith's

of the war that is currently happening. With the demons not wanting to suffer any

Propping my hand on the armrest, and resting my

they chose the most pragmatic solution, which was to accept their offer and sell

Douglas poured the now-ready tea into a tiny porcelain teacup in

"Do you resent them?"

referring to the Union? If so, yes, I do. I very much

personality very well, I decided to be honest with my

that didn't mean that

to throw me under

that I

sip of the tea, Douglas opened his

strong enough to face them, what are you going to

"…Good question."

I breathed out.

going to make those that forced me to leave the human domain pay for what they did to me? Or was I going to

you planning on causing

staring at Douglas in the eyes, I shook my

not. Although I do resent them, I have to keep the bigger picture in

to the

"Yes."

people

defeat the demon

a moment, uncrossing my

meantime, whatever I do to the Union, it'll be on the forms of

looked at the small ripples that appeared

on the

my words, a deep silence shrouded the room. Then, with my eyes locked on

"Sigh."

teacup down, Douglas let

enough for

towards a particular painting. Halting

I do not wish for you to carry on the hatred you have for the Union, I do understand where you are coming

soft, they powerfully rang inside of my