A Villain's Guide to Saving the World-Chapter 45: The Great Villain! Swears Loyalty...?

Lucian’s mind snapped back to the real world—the scorched courtyard of Perval Manor.

He stared at the crimson assassin, whose eyes were now blank, mind utterly shattered.

"Well... guess I gotta break the bad news to the Third Prince," Lucian chuckled. With a casual snap of his fingers, he scorched the assassin’s body into ash, hellfire devouring it completely.

The Third Prince, sheathing his sword, approached with a look of confusion etched into his draconic features—though his eyes still flickered faintly, disappointed he hadn’t gotten his rematch. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝕨𝕖𝗯𝚗𝚘𝕧𝕖𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝕞

"What was that about?" the Third Prince sighed, draconic traits fading as he spoke.

"Information," Lucian said simply, smiling as he approached and gave the prince’s shoulder a friendly pat.

"Take a look."

Lucian’s eyes glowed, the tips of his fingers pulsing with a soft violet light.

The Third Prince stiffened, clutching his forehead as a flood of knowledge hit him.

"Well... that explains things," the Third Prince muttered as he recovered, casting Lucian a wary glance.

"You do realize that even if you helped fend off the attackers, you’re still a threat after the... display you showed," he said, narrowing his eyes. His voice was sharp now—a clear threat.

Lucian only laughed, resting a hand on his forehead, violet eyes gleaming with a flicker of crimson.

"And what do you propose then?"

The Third Prince instinctively backed off, knowing full well he didn’t stand a chance—even if every fighter in the city stood against Lucian.

"I’ll give you a warning..." the prince said, gripping the sheath of his sword tightly.

Lucian’s laughter died down, his smile fading into something colder. His expression hardened, shadows curling faintly at his feet.

"A warning...?"

Lucian’s voice dropped low, the weight of it alone nearly sending the prince to his knees.

The Third Prince faltered, hands trembling as he braced to draw his blade once more.

"Your very existence is an affront to the gods’ laws," the prince said, forcing his voice steady despite the fear tightening his throat.

"And as one of the future rulers of this kingdom, you should understand where I’m coming from."

Lucian placed one hand casually on his hip, while the other fidgeted with the necklace around his neck.

"What about another proposal?" he asked, tone light but dangerous.

The Third Prince held his sword tight, muscles taut with the readiness to strike.

"And that is...?"

Lucian smiled—Plan A might’ve failed, but Plan B was unfolding perfectly.

Right in front of him.

"I will serve as your retainer," Lucian announced, stretching his arms wide. The shadows around him slithered like living tendrils—a blatant show of power and influence.

The Third Prince’s eyes widened in shock, his hands instinctively loosening from his sword as the full weight of the offer sank in.

"But—"

Before he could finish, Lucian was already upon him.

With a flick of his fingers, Lucian tapped the Third Prince’s forehead, moving so fast it was almost as if he blinked into place.

"Think wisely," Lucian said, his voice calm, almost teasing. His fingers hummed with a deep violet energy, reverberating through the prince’s head.

"Take a look at my memories, will you?" Lucian chuckled.

He smiled to himself—this was a gamble.

But if it worked?

He would become far more powerful than before.

The Third Prince stumbled back, the truth dawning on him like a blade pressing against his throat.

"Your..." He unsheathed his sword, though his arms trembled uncontrollably.

"The Dark Lord..."

Lucian laughed, a low, rich sound, before shaking his head.

"Former Dark Lord, you mean."

The Third Prince unsheathed his sword, now having a vague idea of Lucian’s intentions.

"The things you showed me..." the Third Prince said, his voice hitching. His hand rose to his throat as he struggled to steady himself.

"It wasn’t... purely evil..."

His blue, regal eyes flared, glowing faintly.

"Fine... you can be my retainer."

Lucian laughed—slow, deep, and resonant.

From the ground around him, dozens of shadow soldiers began to rise, their summoning intentionally loud to draw attention. The entire manor was still in chaos after the sudden assassination attempt, and Lucian wanted everyone to notice.

"Then let me reintroduce myself, Prince!" Lucian roared, his voice booming across the courtyard, reverberating against the shattered walls.

In the distance, he saw nobles pouring into the courtyard—curious onlookers, alarmed guards, and even commoners from the outer gates who had caught wind of the commotion.

Among them, he spotted Reina and Fey, both staring wide-eyed at the unfolding scene.

"I am Lucian!" he declared.

Behind him, the shadow soldiers materialized a dark flag, bearing no crest—only a swirling abyss at its center.

"Archmage of Darkness swears fealty to the Third Prince!"

Lucian dropped to one knee, fist planted firmly into the dirt.

In perfect unison, the hundreds of shadow soldiers knelt beside him, creating a breathtaking, terrifying spectacle.

I don’t even know what an Archmage of Darkness is, Lucian thought, a smirk flickering across his lips as he bowed.

It just sounds cool—and a hell of a lot better than saying ’former Dark Lord.’

The Prince steadied himself, aware that nearly the entire city was now witnessing the spectacle Lucian had orchestrated.

With a decisive flick of his Codex, a brilliant glow flared beside him.

"Rise! Lucian the Archmage! From this moment forward, you will serve me—and me alone!" he shouted, his voice resonating with authority.

As the words rang out, the grass that had been scorched and uprooted by Lucian’s earlier magic regrew in an instant, the courtyard once again embracing its vibrant green life.

Lucian lifted his head. Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted Ignir among the crowd—his young face bright with pride.

The boy who Lucian knew would one day become a hero looked thrilled to see him being recognized by the prince himself.

But before the moment could fully settle, another presence arrived.

"How interesting," a voice purred suddenly, materializing right beside the Third Prince.

It was Reid—charming, annoyingly charismatic as ever.

The Third Prince flinched, whipping his head around in surprise.

"What the—! Where were you—"

Reid interrupted by tossing a head onto the grass before them.

The very earth seemed to tremble beneath it.

"I was ambushed upstairs in my own manor," Reid said with a light laugh, casting a glance at Lucian. "Terribly rude of me to be late."

Then, raising his voice toward the gathered crowd, Reid declared, "You hear it, folks! And as the Duke of Greywood, I too swear fealty to the Third Prince!"

His voice, bolstered by his Dominions, rolled across the courtyard like a thunderclap.

The crowd erupted into applause—though not everyone was pleased.

Several nobles exchanged horrified, venomous glances, already realizing the chaos this sudden allegiance would unleash across the kingdom’s succession.

Behind Reid, Lucian couldn’t help himself; he laughed so hard he nearly teared up at the sudden, theatrical shift.

"You finally show your true self, huh, Reid?" Lucian chuckled, wiping a tear from his eye.

Reid turned his head briefly toward him, offering only a sly smirk.

"We all have our secrets, of course," he said smoothly, before turning his attention back to the stunned crowd.