The Demon King's Paladin

Chapter 66. Optics

After breakfast, Anna and I were preparing for the days travel. I had just finished changing into my simple clothes for the journey, when Warrick had arrived and began to speak to us.

" Anna. I think you should know that there's a meeting going on in the eastern garden. I assume that you would like to join the rest of the girls there. We have a free day today so we can use the day however we like."

Warrick winked at Anna, she seemed to understand something unsaid.

" I should also add that we have the day off. A report arrived and the Hero Party was held up in the Marsh Jungles to the north of us. I thought maybe we would continue on and just spend the free day resting when we were at the border. However, Aqua wanted to use the free day today.

After Warrick had explained the new plans for the day, Anna turned to me and began to speak. 

" Master! I'm afraid I'll have to leave your side for a few hours. I apologize, but please understand that this is all to help you in the future."

" It's okay Anna. Take care and be careful on the way there."

Anna left Warrick and I at the stables. Warrick looked around and sent a pulse of mana that would be hard to notice if I had not seen him do it first before speaking to me.

" So, John. Is there anything you'd like to tell me about?"

Warrick may have looked calm on the surface, but something tells me he was angry. I think I know what caused this. I thought it would be best to be honest about the poisoning incident. I explained to Warrick what had happened. He was definitely angry. Once he had calmed down a bit he began to speak.

" I'm sorry about this John. I had assumed that the good word from healing Sarah and I would be enough to cause my people to view you differently from other humans. It appears that I was wrong. I can't express my remorse enough for that."

Warrick seemed smaller than just a few moments ago. I thought it might be helpful explaining my perspective on the poisoning.

" Warrick, hear me out. I knew from the moment you summoned me that there was a certain view of humans here in Diablos. The crowd who was there when I was summoned had a mixture of looks. I thought they were monstrous. It seemed like if I answered wrong, they would take my head off. Because of that I expected a harsh environment before I could escape and find a way back home."

" John...."

Warrick still looked disturbed. I continued on.

" Now imagine my shock, that the leader of this group of Monstrous people and his wife. Treated me with respect and asked me, not demanded me to help them. After I heard your story and why you brought me here, I understood why you brought me here. I felt so terrible for you. I was so glad that I was able to help you and heal Sarah. Now admittedly all the things that have happened since then involving Sarah is its own bag of worms. But, in the end, I am happy I'm here. I've found family here."

Warrick seemed stunned at that part.

" Don't get me wrong now, I'm not a fan of being poisoned. But I haven't done anything benefitting the common citizen. I'm most likely seen as someone who is taking advantage of the good will of the royal family for saving Sarah. That combined with the hatred of humans I can understand why they have the attitude they have. Fixing that will take time. And as long as I can heal it with my spell, I'll have to bear with it."

Warrick started to calm down and seemed to understand what I was saying before long, he spoke in response of what I said.

" If that's the case John, how do you believe you will change the opinion of my people?"