He made his way to the main entrance of the spire - shaped building. Shortly thereafter, he beheld a beast - headed individual with lustrous, jet - black scaled skin and a lizard - like head emerging, pushing something along with two human boys of around fifteen or sixteen years of age.

  Upon seeing Glen, their gazes did not linger; rather, with countenances etched with worry, they sought to bypass him.

  Although not unaccustomed to the sight of beast - headed folk, Glen was nonetheless taken aback to encounter one in such a densely - populated area.

  For him to appear here without a care, he must surely possess the requisite legal documentation... The thought flashed through Glen's mind in an instant, and he promptly called out to the trio on the verge of departure, "Pray, wait a moment. What might this be that you have? Could you enlighten me?"

  The beast - headed man, without so much as a glance back, replied, "A failure."

  Glen alighted from the vehicle and approached the three, barring their way with a polite smile. "In truth, I chanced to overhear your discourse within that edifice moments ago. Verily, those individuals are witless dolts. Merely because you hail from a different race, they deliberately set their sights upon you. Their arrogance blinds them to the profound value of what you have wrought. But I am of a different ilk!"

  After this rapid - fire oration, the beast - headed man across from him stared in wide - eyed amazement.

  It was some time before he exclaimed, his voice brimming with excitement, "I knew it! There must be those who would understand! You speak nothing but the truth! Ever since I took up residence in this land, I have endured naught but cold stares and unjust treatment! I have a passion for gears! I am enamored with inventing! Alas! Why will they not afford me an opportunity to prove myself! But... but now it is all at an end. I have exhausted all my savings in the pursuit of this electric light. Now, I must contrive a means to sustain myself and these two lads who have stood by me all this while."

  As he spoke, the beast - headed man cast a downward glance at the two human boys by his side.

  "Mr. Solray, are we to cease our endeavors?" one of the boys inquired in a hushed tone.

  The beast - headed man, Solray, shook his head wordlessly.

  "Surely not!" Glen exclaimed forthwith. "How could such a momentous creation be doomed to failure at the very outset? Do you not require funds? I am willing to provide them. I can assume the role of your investor!"

  The electric light was indubitably an inevitable development in the progress of this nation, and as its inventor, Solray was certain to amass a vast fortune. Investing at this juncture was tantamount to acquiring wealth with ease!

  "You wish to invest in me? But... why do you place your trust in me?" Solray seemed dazed, as if overwhelmed by the unexpected good fortune.

  "I am a merchant, and a discerning one at that. My judgment is unerring. Your invention shall assuredly yield a gratifying return for me," Glen cajoled.

  "What if... I should fail..."

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  "Come now! How can you lack faith in yourself? Who was it but a moment ago, steadfast in the conviction of their invention's success within that very building?"

  Glen gently patted Solray on the shoulder, bestowing an affirming look.

  "I beg your pardon. I am merely disoriented by this sudden turn of events. Rest assured, sir. I shall not falter!..." Solray paused. "May I have the honor of knowing your name, sir?"

  "Pray, call me Glen. Come, let us find a place where we may confer in greater detail..."

  Thereupon, Glen led Solray and the two boys into a rather tastefully - decorated tavern.

  After some deliberation, both parties reached an agreement that met with their mutual satisfaction.

  "Beyond this electric light, I am confident that Mr. Solray shall present me with even more delightful surprises. I can already envision that day," Glen encouraged as they parted ways.

  "I am most grateful to you, sir! I shall spare no effort!"

  Had lizard - folk possessed tear - ducts, Solray would likely have been weeping profusely at this moment.

  Continuing on his intended course, Glen, his hand caressing the hand - written agreement nestled within his bosom, was filled with a sense of contentment.

  Before long, the deer - drawn carriage entered what appeared to be a residential quarter. All around were two - or three - story houses, exuding a distinct medieval charm, with greenery and blossoms gracing the front yards and windows, creating a most aesthetically pleasing sight.

  It was evident that those dwelling here were of at least middle - class standing.

  However, the abode Glen had acquired was situated deeper within.

  Some of the passing residents cast curious glances at Glen and the peculiar, large deer drawing the carriage.

  They were attired immaculately, walking with an air of confidence and vitality.

  When some of the young ladies chanced to look upon Glen's visage, he would respond with a smile, whereupon they would blush becomingly and return a demure smile.

  Presumably, Glen's attire marked him as an outsider, thus attracting their attention.

  After all, this locale seldom witnessed the presence of non - residents, for it was not uncommon for individuals of high standing to reside here.

  Ordinary commoners typically gave this residential area a wide berth.

  At length, he found the place. Glen dismounted from the deer - drawn carriage and, upon beholding the imposing three - story residence before him, was momentarily stunned.

  The house, at first glance, was of considerable value, and the interior decor must have entailed a substantial investment.

  The front - yard lawn appeared to have been recently manicured, and the beautiful flowers planted in the flowerpots lining the neatly - laid flagstone path emitted a captivating fragrance.

  Just as Glen was about to enter the house to examine its interior layout, a woman's voice sounded from behind him. "Child, this is not a place to be trespassed upon. Depart at once."

  Glen turned to see an elderly woman, her head swathed in a kerchief, seemingly passing by, her eyes signaling for him to withdraw.

  "I am a resident here, madam. This house is now mine." Glen produced the key and displayed it to the old woman.

  The latter furrowed her brow, her expression skeptical. "You must not deceive me. Such deception will only bring you harm. I have seen the master of this house. He is a fearsome figure, one look at whom instills dread."

  So this house was occupied not long ago. It was probably that guy who gave the house to me. The other party mentioned the name of the original owner in the message. It is basically certain that I knew him before I traveled through time. Who could it be? ... Glenn instinctively searched his memory, but still had no clue.

  He had no choice but to pose a question to the old woman. "You have seen the owner of this house before. I wonder what manner of man he was? Perhaps he is related to me. This house was sold to me at a reduced price."

  Glen uttered a falsehood.

  The old woman, suspecting little, began to recall. "Oh, he was a towering man. I have never beheld one so robust. It seemed he could effortlessly slay a sturdy ox. When he passed by the Adelman residence next door, the large dog there dared not utter a sound!"

  Good heavens! With such distinctive features, the original owner should surely have remembered him vividly. Why can I not recall anyone fitting this description? Glen was plunged into a deeper state of bewilderment.

  "Thank you for your information, madam." In the end, Glen could only interrupt the old woman's account.

  The subsequent details were, for the most part, of little consequence.