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."

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

"Good choice."

smile, Douglas waved

front of us. Then, with a simple touch,

he started making small

you find your stay

a pretty

so? Anything you didn't

"The war."

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

an amicable smile appeared on his

be ready, how about you tell me about

the chair behind me, I crossed

know why I'm still

continued to

take that as a

relaxed attitude disappeared, and what replaced it was a serious one, but I couldn't help it. I was about to take a huge

that could

wrote, I felt that he could be trusted. He had a deep sense of responsibility, especially to those that were part

testament to his righteous behavior. He was the one that engraved onto them their current upright and selfless personalities. If there was anyone that could

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 my

say for sure. After all, I was no

that I brought, though unlikely,

I knew that I

I begin? It all

to tell Douglas

the Union to only be stabbed

the story, I tried my best to suppress my

the smile on the headmaster's face

the bounty, I was forced to leave the human domain. It is also the reason why

headmaster's eyes ripples slightly. For a

long before he finally

why the Union decided to

"...I do."

I replied.

first, I wasn't too sure, but after coming to Henolur, I understood why the Union

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

leaning back on my chair. Propping my hand

which was to accept their offer and sell me out. At the end of the day, they are still not ready

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

"Do you resent them?"

yes, I do.

Douglas's personality very well, I decided to be

right one, that didn't mean that

me under the bus right after

that I was

the tea, Douglas opened his

ask if you become strong enough to face them, what are you going to do

"…Good question."

I breathed out.

Was I going to make those that forced me to leave the human domain pay for

on causing them

head and staring at Douglas in

Although I do resent them, I have to keep the bigger picture in

to the

"Yes."

how much I hated the people at the Union, they were still

wanted to defeat the demon king, I needed them to

moment, uncrossing my legs

to the Union, it'll be

the small

depend on

Then, with my eyes locked on

"Sigh."

putting the teacup down, Douglas let out

enough for

hands behind his back, he walked towards a particular painting.

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

words were soft, they powerfully rang inside of