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."

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

"Good choice."

pleased smile,

us. Then, with a simple

the tea, he started making small talk with

find your

a pretty nice

that so? Anything you

"The war."

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

to me, an amicable smile appeared on

we wait for the tea to be ready, how

on the chair behind me, I

want to know why

continued

that

previous relaxed attitude disappeared, and what replaced it was a serious one, but I

that could

in the novel I wrote, I felt that he could be trusted.

was Donna's and Monica's master was a testament to his righteous behavior. He was the one that engraved

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

could never say for sure. After all, I was

I brought, though unlikely, have changed Douglas into

I had to take this

begin? It

I started to tell Douglas

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

recounted the story, I tried my best

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

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

slightly.

before he

know why the Union decided to agree to

"...I do."

I replied.

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

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

my chair. Propping my hand on the armrest, and

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

Douglas poured the now-ready tea into a tiny porcelain

"Do you resent them?"

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

Douglas's personality very well, I decided to be

that didn't mean

resented them. But, to throw me under the bus right after getting back

just say that I was very

of the tea, Douglas opened

strong enough to face them, what

"…Good question."

I breathed out.

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 I going

planning on causing them

staring at Douglas in the

them, I have to keep the bigger picture in

to the

"Yes."

how much I hated the people

I wanted to defeat the demon

moment, uncrossing my legs and leaning forward, I softly

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

the small ripples

on the

shrouded the room. Then, with my eyes

"Sigh."

a while, putting the teacup down, Douglas let

good enough

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

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

were soft, they powerfully rang inside