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."

that I had just come out from a long battle, all I wanted to do

"Good choice."

pleased smile, Douglas

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

tea, he started making

did you find your

a pretty

so? Anything you

"The war."

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

me, an amicable smile appeared

tea to be ready, how

behind me, I crossed

to know why I'm

continued to smile

take that

it was a serious one,

could decide my

Douglas 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

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

that I thought about it, the changes that had been happening due to what I did

never say for sure. After all, I was no god. I

I brought, though unlikely, have changed Douglas into someone

I knew that I had to take this

begin?

so I started to tell

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

tried my best to suppress

conversation, the smile on the headmaster's face slowly started

Because of the bounty, I was forced to leave the human domain. It

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

long before he finally opened his

the Union decided to agree to your

"...I do."

I replied.

sure, but after coming to Henolur, I understood why the Union

the war that is currently happening. With the demons not wanting to suffer any major setbacks, they most likely ordered the Monolith to cease all forms of conflicts with the

leaning back on my chair. Propping my hand on the armrest, and resting my cheek on

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

teapot, Douglas poured the now-ready tea

"Do you resent them?"

If so, yes, I

very well, I decided to be honest

the right one, that

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

say that I was

small sip of the

if you become strong enough to face them, what

"…Good question."

I breathed out.

I going to let them go for what they did? Was I going to make those that forced me to leave

planning on

Douglas in the eyes, I

Although I do resent them, I have

referring to the

"Yes."

much I hated the people at the

I wanted to defeat the demon king,

eyes and musing for a moment, uncrossing my legs and leaning forward, I softly

Union, it'll be on the forms of self-defense, as for what happens

down, I looked at the small

on the

words, a deep silence shrouded the room. Then, with my eyes locked on Douglas, I patiently waited

"Sigh."

a while, putting the teacup down, Douglas let out a

good enough for

walked towards a particular painting. Halting his

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

words were soft, they powerfully rang inside of my