Upon being welcomed into the house, Glen seated himself at the square table in the living room.

Hopdo's wife promptly poured him a glass of water and said, "I vividly recall how effusively Hopdo extolled you. He said your stories had bestowed upon him profound inspiration. I may not possess a deep understanding of art, yet I know that your tales have infused color into my otherwise monotonous life. Each night, I regale my children with your fairy tales, convinced that they will bring them enchanting dreams..."

This housewife was highly loquacious. Glen merely needed to respond casually a few times, and she would seize the opportunity to continue chatting incessantly.

She requested Glen to address her as Mrs. Hills. She was already the mother of two children.

Apart from the young boy who had opened the door earlier, there was a younger girl who, due to shyness, remained hidden in the inner room and did not emerge.

It was not until the time for cooking arrived that Mrs. Hills brought the conversation to an end, asking Glen to remain seated while she repaired to the kitchen to prepare the meal.

Sitting there idly, Glen found the situation somewhat trying. Fortunately, the young boy approached him with caution, as if desirous of asking something.

"Your name is Amy, isn't it?" Glen inquired with a smile.

The young boy nodded earnestly.

"I've heard that you're quite fond of the stories I write?"

The young boy nodded once more.

"Then, which story do you like the most?"

"I... I like them all."

"I'll be penning more fairy tales. Are you looking forward to that?"

"Truly?" Amy's eyes sparkled with anticipation.

"Of course, it's true. After I meet your father, I'll commence writing. And then, I can show them to you first."

In this manner, Glen effortlessly won Amy's trust, and they engaged in an animated conversation.

Both of them expounded upon their imaginative notions regarding the characters and events within the fairy tales.

As the sound of the door lock turning resonated, Hopdo opened the door precisely at mealtime.

Amy was compelled to interrupt the conversation, which he was loath to conclude.

Hopdo seemed to be in high spirits. He entered the house with a smile on his countenance. Just as he was about to call out to his wife, he suddenly beheld Glen sitting within the room.

The smile that he had hitherto struggled to contain blossomed fully, and he exclaimed in delighted surprise, "Oh! Behold! Is this not Mr. Glen?! I never anticipated your arrival so soon!"

As he spoke, the two embraced.

"You seem to be in good cheer, Mr. Hopdo. What felicitous event transpired today?"

Glen inquired in a tone reminiscent of an old acquaintance.

"An even more auspicious occasion for you. In fact, I've just returned from the club, where I was attending to the matter of your joining..."

Subsequently, Hopdo briefly recounted what he had accomplished during the meeting.

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Glen was deeply touched. Despite having met only once, Hopdo had dedicated so much effort to his affairs. At the same time, however, he felt a twinge of unease within.

At the dining table, Hopdo and his wife conversed with Glen without pause. It had been a long while since Glen had experienced such warmth.

Regrettably, he did not enjoy the meal to the fullest.

At the table, Glen caught sight of their young daughter, who was approximately six or seven years old. She nestled in her mother's embrace, constantly stealing furtive glances at Glen, the stranger.

Each time Glen directed his gaze towards her, the little girl would bury her head in her mother's bosom, which was utterly adorable.

Initially, Glen had planned to complete all the formalities expeditiously upon arrival and then make his return.

However, as the saying goes, the best - laid plans often go awry. Evidently, it was now too late, so Glen had no choice but to take up lodgings at Hopdo's house for the night and attend to the matter on the following day.

This news delighted Amy, who was looking forward to perusing Glen's newly - written fairy tales.

Glen did not disappoint him. He procured paper and pen and composed a story about a mermaid for Mrs. Hills, requesting her to read it to the two children in the evening.

The latter accepted the still - damp manuscript with a smile and began to read it intently.

Amy, accompanied by his sister, tugged at Mrs. Hills' skirt impatiently by her side.

Glen left them to their devices and retired directly to the room prepared for him to rest.

The story of the mermaid was a poignant and beautiful love story. Glen surmised that Mrs. Hills might not read it to the two children after she herself had finished reading it.

"The little mermaid transforms sunlight into eyeshadow and casts herself into the embrace of the foam..." Glen closed his eyes and softly crooned.

Perhaps due to unfamiliarity with the bed, he awoke quite early the next day.

Glen was concerned that Hopdo might still be abed. If so, he would have to wait to complete the formalities.

Thankfully, Hopdo rose from his slumber merely a dozen minutes later.

After partaking of breakfast, at Glen's urging, the two departed early, much to Mrs. Hills' uncomprehending and somewhat forlorn gaze.

Since Glen had his own deer - drawn carriage, they were able to dispense with the expense of hiring a carriage.

Hopdo provided directions all the way, and they successfully reached the club's headquarters, a large edifice resembling a church.

The main entrance below was guarded by two soldiers. Hopdo approached and exchanged a few words, and only after the two soldiers nodded were they permitted to enter.

"The formalities are not overly complicated. Shortly, I will accompany you to obtain a document. You are required to fill in some information and then submit it. Once it has been reviewed and approved by Her Highness the Third Princess, you will officially become a member."

As they traversed the spacious corridor, Hopdo apprised Glen of the tasks that lay ahead.

However, upon arriving at a place akin to an administrative office, a staff member therein addressed Hopdo, saying,

"Esteemed Mr. Hopdo, Her Highness the Third Princess has specifically instructed that this gentleman's formalities be handled directly in her office on the fourth floor."

"Did Her Highness the Third Princess truly say so?" Hopdo asked, his tone tinged with disbelief.

"Yes," the staff member affirmed with a decisive nod.

Hopdo and Glen exchanged a glance, both detecting a hint of bewilderment in each other's eyes.

Nonetheless, they had no alternative but to comply with the directive. They ascended to the fourth floor, and Hopdo rapped on the door of a particular office.

Dong, dong...

"Come in."

It was an exquisitely gentle and melodious female voice.

Upon pushing the door open, Glen's eyes widened slightly.

The interior presented a sight quite different from what he had envisioned an office to be.

Not only was the space expansive, but the various classical and aristocratic adornments and furnishings lent it the appearance of an oversized study.

In the corner stood a desk, behind which sat a strikingly beautiful young lady. Although she was not adorned with a crown, one could not help but feel that a princess's crown rested upon her head. Such was her regal bearing.

Beside the princess, two handsome knights stood on either side, exuding a keen edge that only Glen could perceive, reminiscent of a sharp sword.

"Your Highness," Hopdo led the way, and Glen followed suit, both bowing slightly in deference.

"Pray, dispense with such formality, Mr. Hopdo. I am cognizant of your purpose here."

The voice of the Third Princess seemed to possess a magical quality of amiability, enabling those of lower status to feel at ease and unconstrained.

"This is Mr. Glen, the creator of the fairy tales. I intended to have him join our club. Little did I expect that this would garner Your Highness's special attention."

Hopdo stepped aside to make an introduction.

Glen bowed once more. "It is an honor to make your acquaintance, Your Highness."

"I have long been aware of your reputation, Mr. Glen. Do not stand so distant from me. Draw closer. Do I appear that fearsome?"

The princess said, as if in jest.

Consequently, the two advanced a few steps.

Glen's primary focus was not, in fact, on the princess but rather on one of the knights beside her.

Was this not the peculiar youth he had encountered in the refugee camp in Dude Town? How had he now become a knight in the princess's entourage?... Glen wondered to himself.