With her head pressed gently on his back, and a soft tone, she said. "Noah, listen to me carefully. You didn’t create the hatred between these kingdoms. You didn’t teach them to see each other as enemies worthy of destruction. That conflict has existed for decades, long before you ever arrived here."
As someone who had witnessed both the best and worst of people throughout her long life, Lola understood what Noah was feeling at this exact moment, and she didn’t want to leave him experience it alone, like she had then.
"What you’re seeing out there...that’s not your responsibility. It’s theirs. They chose to use your items for war instead of growth, for destruction instead of prosperity. That choice belongs to them, not to you."
Noah remained silent, but she could feel some of the tension in his posture beginning to ease as her words reached the part of him that needed to hear them.
With a gentle but honest voice, Lola said. "I know it’s hard to watch. It hurts to see something you created being twisted into an instrument of pain. But consider this: how many people have been healed by your bread? How many lives have been saved by your enhancement items when they were used properly?"
Her voice grew warmer as she continued. "You’ve given people hope, strength, and the ability to protect themselves and their loved ones. You’ve created opportunities for growth and advancement that never existed before in Esta. Those positive impacts don’t disappear just because some choose to misuse your gifts."
She paused, allowing her words to settle before offering a different perspective.
"And even this battle—terrible as it is—might finally force both kingdoms to confront the futility of their endless war. Sometimes people need to see the full cost of their hatred before they’re willing to choose a different path."
Lola’s embrace remained like an anchor to Noah, her presence offering him the support he needed.
Whilst Noah’s mind has been strengthened, he was still just a normal human a few weeks ago; it was normal for him to be affected. Whilst he killed many monsters, he had yet to kill a single humanoid creature. Sure, he was also the reason why Richard and other nobles were killed, but they deserved their death; they had betrayed their people and kingdom for profit.
"You’re a good person, Noah. A good person who’s given others the tools to be better than they were. If they choose to use those tools for destruction instead of construction, that reflects their character, not yours."
Lola’s final words were filled with wisdom, before she stayed silent and simply hugged Noah, spreading her warmth across his body.
"Don’t let their failures diminish the good you’ve accomplished, or the good you’ll continue to accomplish for those who deserve it."
Noah felt the tension in his shoulders gradually release as Lola’s words settled into his mind. The weight of responsibility that had been crushing him moments before didn’t disappear entirely, but it decreased into something more manageable—an acknowledgement of the complexity of the situation rather than a burden of guilt.
Noah placed his hands over hers, where they rested across his chest, the gesture conveying gratitude that words alone couldn’t express.
"Thank you. I needed to hear that perspective. Sometimes it’s hard to see beyond the immediate consequences to the bigger picture."
He turned within her embrace to face her, noting the concern and understanding in her ruby eyes.
"You’re right about the choice being theirs, I can’t control how people use what I provide—I can only try to make sure I’m offering something that has the potential for good."
Lola’s arms loosened but didn’t release him completely, maintaining the connection while allowing him space to process his thoughts.
"It still bothers me," Noah admitted with honest self-reflection. "Seeing that level of destruction and knowing my products amplified it. But you’ve helped me understand that carrying guilt for others’ decisions isn’t productive or fair to either of us."
The distant sounds of continued magical warfare served as a reminder that the conflict was far from over, but Noah’s perspective on his role had fundamentally shifted through her guidance.
"I should return to Earth for now," Noah decided with practical wisdom. "Let things settle here before reopening."
His expression grew more serious as he considered her safety in the current volatile situation.
With a gentle but firm tone, Noah instructed Lola. "I want you to close the shop for the time being. Your safety is more important than any potential sales. With all those enhanced grandmasters fighting nearby, some might get bold ideas and try to attack the shop or enter to steal things.
Whilst you have the ability to kick them out of the shop, let’s avoid the potential of it happening in the first place. Prevention is better than cure."
Lola nodded with understanding, though her expression showed concern for Noah.
"Of course, it’s wise to avoid unnecessary risks while tempers are running so high."
She paused before adding something more personal. "Noah, remember that I’m always here if you need to talk through anything."
She paused for a second between her words before continuing. "Look, even Leo is here too. He will always listen to your feelings, right, Leo?"
"Of course! I’m always here to listen, Father."
Her offer, coupled with involving Leo, carried the sincerity of someone who genuinely cared about Noah’s well-being rather than simply maintaining their relationship as workers.
"Whether you think it’s too much of a burden, or just needing someone to listen while you work through difficult decisions, we understand the unique pressures you’re dealing with and are always happy to be a part of your life."
Noah smiled warmly, to say that he wasn’t moved by her words would be a lie.
"That means more than you know," he replied with sincere gratitude. "Having someone who understands you by your side...is really important. Thank you, Lola, Leo."
With final arrangements made and her safety ensured, Noah prepared to return to Earth.