@Turkeyjerkey there's no easier way to showcase the protagonist being nicer than expected. I mean, it's not too hard to be nicer than expected when mages are literally expected to torture their slaves to death.
Also, I must note I find it really quite amusing how multiple LNs/mangos/animus are basically variations of the same subject. Take this one, Rise of Shield Hero, and How not to summon a demon lord: they literally have whole common plot blocks!
On the other hand, only this one has blushing elf ears, so it wins in my book :3