Chapter 4 - Part 12 (Book 1 - Fantasy World)

Walking up the stairs, Han noticed that Helania had not followed them up, likely talking to the inn clerk. He couldn't help but smile, thinking of the older woman who seemed attracted to him, though he suspected that even she didn't know why that was the case.

He imagined that Helania was perceptive and noticed his interest in the woman. She was likely setting things in motion for his future. Though he was curious, at the same time, it felt like digging too deeply into it would ruin his fun.

Queen and Brittany quietly walked behind him, not finding it strange for Helania to act alone.

Though it hadn't been long since he created them, Han was slowly noticing behavioral differences, especially their general attitude. It was particularly noticeable with Brittany.

"I should reward her at some point," Han thought -- enjoying how his creation demonstrated such passion and loyalty towards him.

Though it was painful to remember, Han hadn't recalled Beth behaving in such a manner -- especially if someone talked down to him. There were even moments when she would join the teasing, later telling him that she didn't mean it and was only keeping him humble.

It was why he appreciated how Brittany behaved.

Reaching the third floor, Han glanced at Tom, his family, and Elis -- waiting for him. He raised an eyebrow but then realized what would cause their behavior.

They rushed towards Han before firing off questions.

"My Lord, what is happening? The hotel staff had stopped by our rooms to inform us that the Empire was invading. However, they recommended we wait in our rooms until further information was available." Tom's eyes were wide, looking at Han and then at his creations.

Queen looked at Tom coldly while Brittany had a sneer on her beautiful face.

Han knew Tom was worried about his family's safety, not blaming the man for demanding answers. This was especially the case since all the other villagers were being evacuated as they spoke. Only inside the inn did there still appear to be people, making Han wonder who had made such a decision and why.

Tom paused before lowering his eyes, the blood draining from his face. "My Lord, I ask your forgiveness. My behavior is not acceptable for someone of my status." He bowed to Han.

Han shook his head, waving a hand, "Your worries are natural, considering your family's safety is in question."

"My Lord, thank you for your mercy," Molly stood next to her husband and quickly bowed as well.

"As I said, your actions are reasonable," Han looked at Molly before turning his head to Tom. "Both of you, raise your head."

The two straightened their backs.

Tom's face was no longer pale, though a bit of sweat was on his forehead.

"Speak," Han noticed how Tom looked like a student requesting permission to use the restroom, holding something in due to his earlier actions.

Tom raised a hand and coughed, "Hoping that Elis would have more information, considering how she had been part of your entourage when you arrived to save my family, we asked her what we should do." Tom paused before continuing, "She advised us that there was nothing to be worried about and that we should wait for your arrival."

Elis blushed upon hearing Tom's words. "My Lord, I simply wanted to comfort his family, considering the children were also frightened."

Han looked at the two children, who didn't appear as bothered by what was happening. Based on their behavior, he suspected the two didn't fully understand what was happening. His eyes noticed additional maids waiting next to the room for Tom's family.

Sensing their Creator looking at them, they curtsied in greeting.

Han thought it was interesting the contrast of emotions. Tom and Molly worried about what was seen outside, while Elis was reassured. Then there were the two children who didn't fully grasp what was happening. The maids helped to keep their emotional states in check so they weren't overly stressed.

"The matter about the Empire has been dealt with. It should be soon that everything returns to relative normality in this village." Han nonchalantly waved a hand to brush aside the matter.

Then, he remembered the woman they had encountered earlier, the one from the Academic City. Han suspected it was a prominent location with some influence based on how she used her title. If it was a simple school, it was unlikely that they would send out someone to support the village.

Thinking it would be an opportunity to explore the world instead of simply heading to the capital. Han sensed that his plans would need to be adjusted now that he encountered the woman.

He looked at the group in front of him. "With the new information I have acquired, I think it is time for us to part ways."

Tom and his family's eyes widened at Han's sudden announcement.

Elis looked at Tom's family before looking at Han and his group.

"I will be traveling to other parts of the Kingdom, and I suspect it will diverge from your normal plans, Tom. You and your family have been a delight, but I believe it is time to say goodbye for now, though our paths may converge in the future." Han smiled.

Tom's face fell a little after hearing they would be parting ways.

Molly had the same expression, though she looked back at Elis.

Han smiled at how the children behaved, turning to look at the maids that arrived after he had left the inn. He imagined that the children enjoyed what the maids had provided. The innocence of children and how it was easy to read their minds was always a wonder.

"Brittany, have the maids do something nice for the children," He linked with his creation.

"As you wish, My Master," Brittany obeyed.

Though the children were likely more concerned about the snacks and other items they were able to experience, Tom and Molly had different expressions.

"My Lord, though our time has been short, I have become indebted beyond what a single lifetime could provide. I hope that in the future, our family will come to your mind if you ever require anything." Tom bowed.

"Yes, My Lord. You are our family's benefactor. My children have a future only because of your actions. Please, do not hesitate to call for us, and we will arrive with haste." Molly bowed, her eyes moist from tears.

Han suspected that Tom may be thinking of his loss from no longer having a connection with him, but he didn't doubt that the merchant was genuine with his words. For a merchant, relationships and network development were crucial to success. He even remembered times when he benefitted greatly purely due to tentative connections he made with the help of others.

His eyes moved to look at Elis, who had a slightly bitter smile. "If you are still interested, you are more than welcomed to continue traveling with me." Han offered the village woman.

Han couldn't help but think Elis had only left her home because of him. With that in mind, he had no desire to abandon her just because something interesting had surfaced. For as long as she wanted, Han would allow Elis to travel with his group, even willing to offer her a position inside the Stronghold.

Hearing Han's words, Elis's expression brightened slightly before she bowed. She then looked at Han, "My Lord, I'm forever changed for the benefit I've gained from meeting you and the Ladies who have treated me well, especially for someone as lowly as myself. But...," Elis blinked, a tear traveling down her cheek, which she wiped away with the back of her hand. "I will be declining your offer."

Han looked at Molly before looking at Elis.

"I've discussed it with Molly, and I would like to help out with Tom's business," Elis struggled to hold back her emotions.

Molly moved to stand by Elis's side and gave the village woman a comforting hug for support.

Elis raised a hand to touch Molly's arm. "All that I've been able to experience and the opportunities gained are because of you, My Lord. I'm truly grateful you've shown so much kindness and presented a brighter world filled with opportunity." She sniffled as she pressed her other hand to her face, though failing to hide the rivers of tears that streamed down her face -- which now appeared slightly more vibrant than when she was back in her home village.