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."

black tea was much better for relaxing. Now that I had just come out from a

"Good choice."

pleased smile, Douglas waved

of us. Then, with a simple touch, the water in the pot began to

the tea, he started making small

find your stay in

pretty nice

so? Anything

"The war."

water began to boil, the headmaster threw in

me, an amicable

to be ready,

behind me, I crossed

to know why

continued to

take that

and what replaced it was a serious one,

could decide

of the only selfless humans in the novel I wrote, I felt that he could be

He was the one that engraved onto them their current upright and selfless

had been happening due to what I

never say for sure. After all,

changes that I brought, though unlikely, have changed Douglas into

that I had to take

I begin? It all started

started to tell

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

recounted the story, I tried my

the smile on the headmaster's face slowly started to fade as his

hands with the Monolith and put a bounty on me. Because of the bounty, I was forced to leave the human

headmaster's eyes ripples slightly. For a while, he didn't say

he

Union decided to

"...I do."

I replied.

coming to Henolur, I understood why the Union decided

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

thoughtfully said before leaning back on my chair. Propping my hand on

which was to accept their offer and sell me out. At

now-ready tea into a tiny porcelain teacup in

"Do you resent them?"

yes, I do.

I decided to be honest with my

was the right one, that

to throw me under the bus right after getting

that

small sip of the

I may ask if you become strong enough to face them, what

"…Good question."

I breathed out.

that forced me to

on causing them significant

staring at Douglas in the

Although I do resent them, I

referring to the demon

"Yes."

hated the people

the demon king, I needed them to

my eyes and musing for a moment, uncrossing my legs and leaning

be

the small ripples that appeared

depend on

the room. Then, with my eyes locked on Douglas, I patiently waited

"Sigh."

while, putting the teacup down, Douglas let

good enough for

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

carry on the hatred you have for the Union, I do understand

words were soft, they