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

"Good choice."

pleased smile, Douglas

Then, with a simple touch, the water in the pot began

he started making small

find your stay in

a pretty

so? Anything you

"The war."

threw in black tea leaves

me, an

ready,

behind

want to know why

Douglas continued

take that as

a serious one, but I couldn't help

could

not being a part of the Union and being one of the only selfless humans in the novel I wrote, I felt that he could be trusted. He had a deep sense of responsibility, especially to those that were part of

that engraved onto them their current upright and selfless personalities. If there was anyone that could be trusted, it

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

say for sure. After all,

though

that I had

should I begin?

to tell Douglas

to how I escaped and saved the people from the Union to only be stabbed in the

story, I tried

on the headmaster's face slowly started to

Union joined hands with the Monolith and put a bounty on me. Because of the bounty, I was forced to leave the human domain. It is also the reason why I'm

forward, the headmaster's eyes ripples slightly. For a

he finally

why the Union

"...I do."

I replied.

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

With the demons not wanting to suffer any major setbacks, they most likely

my chair. Propping my hand on the armrest,

the most pragmatic solution, which was to accept their offer and sell me out. At the end of

the lid from the teapot, Douglas poured the now-ready tea into a tiny porcelain teacup in front

"Do you resent them?"

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

personality very well, I decided to be honest with my

the right one, that didn't mean that

very much resented them. But, to throw me under the

say that I

a small sip of the tea, Douglas

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

"…Good question."

I breathed out.

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

planning on causing

at Douglas in the

Although I do resent them, I have to

to

"Yes."

how much I hated the people

wanted to defeat the demon king, I needed

moment, uncrossing my legs and leaning forward, I

whatever I do to the Union, it'll be

the teacup down, I looked at the small ripples

depend on

with my eyes

"Sigh."

teacup down, Douglas let out

good enough

behind his back, he walked towards a particular painting. Halting his steps, with his back facing me,

you have for the Union, I do understand where you are

they