Chapter 4 - Part 13 (Book 1 - Fantasy World)

Seeing Elis' tears made Han think about how his actions, even if minor, could have such a material impact, which made him pause. It made him wonder how Elis would grow in the world after interacting with him and his creations.

"I can only think of myself as fortunate to find someone with so much potential and be allowed to help you unlock your life. There is no need to feel thankful. To be present as you find something you want to chase after is more than enough for me." Han smiled at seeing how the woman who started out beaten down by life bloomed into a wonderful woman.

Han lifted his hand towards Elis.

Seeing Han's outstretched hand, Elis looked up at him with her eyebrows raised, searching for the meaning of his gesture. She then looked back at the palm.

Slowly, in Han's hand, it started as a water droplet of light, hovering a few inches from his skin. Though the light was dim, it began growing in intensity.

Molly stared at the light in Han's hand before her eyes looked at him, her mouth partly open. Though she wanted to ask, her eyes were slowly drawn back to the droplet.

Initially, the light was dimmer compared to the mana crystal lamps, but it didn't remain the case as the light became brighter. Its intensity was significant enough that Elis and Tom's family had to look away, covering their eyes to protect them.

Han smiled, able to see the ball of light slowly begin to form as though it were liquid metal. Two points on the ball started to be pulled before creating an intertwining pattern. The two lengths of the chain continued to replicate the design before finally meeting at the ends, a clasp formed to connect them. Next, the ball of light slowly began to flatten like a water droplet pressed between two panes of glass.

On the surface of the flattened droplet were two bright points as though a high-focused laser was engraving onto the surface of the metal. Each point slowly created the image of a star and moon.

Seeing the star and the moon, Han reflected on their significance in his life and why he had chosen them. Though his creations may not fully understand his relationship to the two symbols, he was confident that it would be soon that they, along with everyone else, did.

The hallway was bathed in cosmic lights, various colors emerging and being replaced in an endless cycle.

Han slowly pulled away his powers, and the light faded until everything returned to normal. However, the wall lamps seemed slightly brighter than before.

With the light no longer blinding them, Elis and Tom's family hesitatingly removed their hands.

Elis' hands slightly trembled from the experience as she looked at what now existed in the center of Han's palm. Seeing the ethereal beauty created by Han, the simple village woman's eyes were mesmerized as though nothing else existed in the world.

Though the pendant was solid, if a person looked closely, the material gave the impression of being liquid with how it appeared to continually flow. The symbols of the star and moon had a faint glow, making anyone captivated by its eldritch beauty.

"To congratulate you on beginning your new future, I wanted to gift you an item to commemorate our connection. Wherever you go, if you hold onto the pendant and concentrate, your voice will be able to reach me." Han raised his hand to offer the item to Elis.

Still entranced by the necklace, Elis continued to gaze at it.

"Elis?" Molly's eyes looked at Elis, her brow slightly furrowed before she looked at the item in Han's hand. Unlike Elis' expression, Molly stared at the object as though it were a creature that needed to be respected lest it defends itself.

Hearing Molly's voice, Elis shook as though she were pulled out from a deep dream.

Elis turned to look at Molly and then at Han, "I'm sorry, My Lord. It was just so beautiful that I couldn't help myself." She giggled, tears forming as her emotions overflowed.

Holding two hands in front of her and below Han's hand, Elis bowed to accept the gift.

Slightly tilting his hand, the necklace gracefully slid onto Elis' hands. Though the item dimmed slightly after losing contact with its creator, the necklace was still breathtaking with its unworldly appearance.

Feeling the necklace in her hands, Elis straightened. Visibly tearing up, “Thank you, my lord! I'll cherish this present and always have it hanging from my neck.”

Han looked at Tom, smiling slightly at how his expression was similar to his wive's. Tom's eyes were locked on the item, pulled in by its beauty and respectful of its hidden strength. It was like looking at a highly venomous snake and appreciating its appearance while giving it enough space.

"Due to matters I must handle, I hope each of you has a wonderful night. Feel free to ask your maids for any convenience you might desire. They will continue to serve you until my business in this village ends, so I hope you do not feel constrained by social etiquette." Han smiled as he wished them a good night.

"I wish for you a good night, My Lord," Elis bowed, the pendant already hanging from her neck.

"We wish you a good night, My Lord. We look forward to our next encounter." Tom bowed to Han, knowing it would be the last time he met the mysterious young lord for a while.

Han nodded to Elis and Tom's family before walking towards his room, the door already opened by Brittany.

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As Han entered the room, he smiled upon seeing Helania already waiting for him in the main social space.

"I see that your business with the inn clerk has ended?" Han grinned, the back of his mind curious about what had taken place between his creation and the woman.

Helania smiled as she bowed, "Yes, My Master."

Han was happy that Helania didn't even offer an explanation, already knowing that he wanted to be surprised in the future. He couldn't help but ponder how the inn clerk would fit into his life and the tapestry created by his actions.

Turning to Queen, "I want you to assign one of your creatures to look after her, hidden in the shadows and out of sight. Have it report if anything suspicious happens around Elis.”

The longer he stayed in Eletran, Han learned that the world was drowning in violence due to the level of civilization, far beyond anything which could be found on Earth. With such thoughts in mind, leaving the simple village woman exposed to the limitless dangers of the fantasy world didn't give a pleasant sensation.

Han also worried about Elis' position, being of a lower social status compared to Tom's family. Though he didn't think that Tom or Molly would intentionally abuse Elis, it didn't change the fact that Elis lacked life experience and education. The pendant would also serve as a reminder to Tom's family that Elis would always have a connection to him. Every time Tom or Molly looked at the pendant hanging from Elis' neck, they would think of him and the consequences of any overtly hostile actions.

Han also knew that even if Tom and his family didn't take advantage of Elis, plenty of other people would be eager to use her for their own gain. It didn't help that she was still a beauty despite her age. She would likely have many attempting to approach her with the appearance of kindness but with hearts filled with greed and lust.

With that in mind, Han had instilled the pendant with his will to protect her. It may not have unlimited power, but even the attacks he witnessed used by the Empire wouldn't have an impact on her. The pendant would also alert her of the intentions of others so that she may navigate life, avoiding malicious individuals.

He even made sure that the moment Elis put on the necklace, she'd have no desire to remove it from her body. She'll always desire to have the metal against her skin. In addition to the protections granted to the item, no existence could force Elis to part with it.

Having Queen's minions monitor Elis would also solve any issues that could occur outside his casual predictions.