This was not an easy decision.
He really couldn't forgive what Valeska had done to him.
But, on the other hand, he didn't want to lose his life either.
If he didn't forgive Valeska, then Elowen would most likely order him to leave the kingdom and give him a large sum of money to keep quiet about what had happened to him.
However, Valeska would never let that happen.
She would kill him when he was on his way.
Valeska would never believe he could keep Glazareth's secrets after all that had happened to him.
He had to find a way out as soon as possible.
If he had to forgive Valeska, then he also had to get paid the same amount as his pain.
But....
What?
Something great.
Something he really needed right now.
He had to get it.
He closed his eyes.
He searched his memories—deeper, and deeper still—until he found the one thing he needed most.
'Eidolith Crystal'
A blood-red crystal that had been secretly stored for generations by the royal family.
Something that was most protected and guarded by members of the kingdom.
No one knew about this crystal except the members of the kingdom and him, the writer.
The Eidolith Crystal has the ability to protect the user's Life Factor from destruction while also functioning to control the weather.
What is Life Factor?
Life factor is a concept of existence that defines all life and existence. Life factor is deeper than the body, soul, and mind (fundamental aspects). If someone's Life Factor is destroyed, they will automatically be erased from existence to the conceptual stage.
With the Eidolith Crystal, his Life Factor would be far safer.
Not only Life Factor, but he will also be able to manipulate the weather as he pleases.
This is a big advantage for him.
Forgiving Valeska was easy, as long as he could get that Crystal.
He knew where the crystal was now.
The crystal was usually stored in a chest located in the basement of the kingdom.
But.
It's not there anymore.
The crystal was no longer in the basement of the kingdom.
However, now the crystal was in the hands of Priest Aldren!
He remembered now.
The crystal had been missing from its storage place for a long time, and no one knew about it.
Priest Aldren had secretly stolen it a year ago for his rebellion plan.
Yes...
'Looks like this is going to bea little complicated'
Hastora opened his eyes and glanced briefly at Priest Aldren before finally glancing at Elowen.
He had already made his plan.
Now all he had to do was follow this storyline, and change it a little according to his wishes.
"I forgive her" said Hastora.
Elowen looked up.
"Huh?"
"I forgive her"
Hastora stood up.
"Do I need to repeat myself?"
Elowen replied
"No, you don't need to repeat it again, but..."
Elowen straightened her body and looked at Hastora.
"Why can you so easily forgive someone who made you suffer like this?"
Elowen asked.
She was curious.
Why could this man forgive her daughter after what she did to him?
It was impossible for him to forgive her for free.
He would definitely ask for a large payment.
Money.
Yes, he would definitely ask for a large sum of money.
Money means everything—at least, to most people.
"I just felt like I had to forgive her, that's all"
Hastora replied.
This was the beginning of his plan.
"Oh? Why is that?"
Elowen asked
She was a little surprised, but she didn't want to show it.
Hastora's answer felt outside of her expectations.
It wasn't money that came out of his mouth.
But...
Another answer?
Hastora replied
"Because a good heart always has room for forgiveness."
"Huh? Why—"
"What?"
Priest Aldren suddenly cut off Elowen's words.
"What did you say just now?"
Priest Aldren approached him.
His expression changed.
The man really looked happy.
He didn't know what he was thinking, but Hastora could already guess.
And it was all part of his plan.
"Good people always have room in their hearts to forgive" Hastora replied.
Priest Aldren glanced at Elowen.
A wide smile appeared on his face.
"Did you hear that?" he asked Elowen
"I heard"
Elowen replied
Priest Aldren continued to ask.
"Do you know what that means?"
"I don't know, so what does it mean?"
"I think this man is very suitable"
"Suitable?"
"Yes, he is very suitable and very worthy to be one of my five main subordinates"
"Main subordinates?"
Elowen frowned.
"What is that?
"My main subordinates are the subordinates with the highest rank among my other subordinates. And I feel that this man is very suitable to be one of my main subordinates" Priest Aldren explained at length.
"Huh? Why can you think like that? Even though this is the first time you've met him, why are you so sure?"
Elowen asked.
Priest Aldren replied.
"Did you see his eyes?"
Elowen was silent for a moment before finally looking at Hastora's eyes.
"Why? What's wrong with his eyes?" Elowen asked curiously.
"Look at his eyes, so clear and clean... The eyes that my main subordinate members should have"
Priest Aldren closed his eyes.
"And did you hear his answer just now? He can easily forgive the person who tortured him so easily"
Elowen was silent for a moment listening to Aldren before finally nodding her head
"Yes... I understand. Those eyes, the eyes that should be owned by people with clean and loving hearts."
"So... Do you understand what I mean now?"
Priest Aldren asked.
Elowen replied.
"Yes, you can recruit him into your main subordinates. Anyway, my business with him is over."
Elowen turned around.
Her expression changed.
"Take this with you, and then make your choice. I'm done with you here"
Elowen covered her hands with blue energy before a bag of gold coins appeared.
"Here, take it."
Elowen threw the bag at Hastora.
Hastora caught the bag before Elowen finally left the room with Lysette.