The Villain's Retirement-Chapter 49: Explanation (2)
Ard chuckled. Then his voice cut through the tension in the room, low and measured.
"A tool for world conquest? What a foolish thing to say."
He continued to chuckle, the sound slowly deepening. But for Zayn who was watching from the sidelines, for the briefest moment, Ard sounded almost... evil, causing him to flinch.
He remembered the first time he had met Ard. The moment the ring slid onto Ard’s finger, he had laughed in the same manner. Yet after that day, Ard had never laughed like that again.
Seeing it now sent a chill down Zayn’s spine. After all, only he knew Ard’s true identity and what he was capable of. When the chuckling finally ceased, the Duke met Ard’s eyes squarely and continued his explanation.
"It must have been quite a shock. But this is what is currently happening. Under normal circumstances, I would have explained everything to you before dragging you into this mess," Reynard said, his voice lowering. "But I could not. I chose not to. I sincerely apologize. Because of my selfishness, not only this kingdom—but other nations as well—have taken notice of you. If any of them managed to escape during the earlier attack, you will undoubtedly be marked as an enemy."
Ard said nothing.
’An enemy, huh?’ A faint glint passed through his eyes.
Reynard continued, "This is my fault to begin with. Therefore, I will ensure that you are protected—and properly rewarded."
The Duke paused.
He still did not know what kind of person Ard truly was. Most young men, when granted such power, were drawn to the same things: fame, authority, indulgence. While there were signs that Ard might not be that sort of man, the possibility remained—especially now, when entire nations would offer mountains of gold and countless women simply to gain his favor.
And after hearing that laughter just now, he became even more unsure what to feel.
’Traveler Ard,’ Reynard thought, ’do not be one of them. Otherwise, I will have no choice.’
It was not personal. But Reynard, no matter what he looked, was a man who cared deeply for the country and served the throne. And to him, a man capable of overturning nations could not be allowed to roam freely if his desires aligned with chaos.
For some reason, Reynard kept thinking of Ard’s expression as he stood above corpses earlier. He was clearly no stranger to blood and killing.
Outwardly, the Duke remained composed.
Inwardly, he had already accepted the weight of that decision. That if Ard had far bigger ambitions than he hoped him to be, he would have to dispose of him or incapacitate him, before he even goes somewhere else and starts to become a threat to the kingdom.
"Under my authority, I will do anything within my power to help you. For the sake of the kingdom’s peace, I ask that you help us."
Ard didn’t react yet.
But while it did not show much, Reynard was afraid.
By using Ard to salvage his reputation, by revealing his existence without consent, Reynard had turned him into a symbol—a weapon exposed to the gaze of the world. Now that gaze could not be undone.
Nations would covet him and would scheme. Uncertain powers would extend their hands, masked with courtesy and gold.
And Reynard feared the most natural outcome of all—that Ard might accept one of those hands instead.
’How very human.’ His crimson eyes shone under the lantern.
Ard had served the demon king which was the most feared ruler in the world, not just continents. As his subordinate, he watched cities burn. He had seen their rulers cling to morality only when it was convenient, and sacrifice it the moment survival demanded otherwise.
Ard was no stranger to this.
And he could say he had never truly cared about that part. In his eyes, demons, elves, dwarves, and humans were all the same in that regard. While he understood people’s greed for power, he also didn’t understand why. And he was not interested in the very slightest.
When Ard finally spoke, his voice was low and even.
"I understand, Your Grace," he said smiling, "This is... a dangerous position you have put me in. And you are afraid I might turn towards this country. But I have no interest in wars or politics nor in fame, gold like others. Right now, I just want peace."
Ard did not hesitate. He met the Duke’s gaze calmly.
"I want no part in any of it. I would rather step out of sight and leave this spotlight behind."
For a moment, Reynard studied him.
"...Step away?" the Duke asked carefully. "What precisely do you mean by that?"
"It means exactly that," Ard replied as he rose to his feet. "I will leave."
The room froze.
"What do you mean—leave?" Reynard asked, disbelief creeping into his voice.
"This will be the last time we meet."
Gary, Faller, and the Duke himself stiffened in shock. Reynard’s eyes flicked briefly toward Faller before returning to Ard.
Reynard then stood, and allowed himself a thin, controlled smile.
"Do not act precipitously," he said. "I am not issuing a command."
His voice was firm now, carrying the weight of authority.
"You are already recognized as a noble of this kingdom. That alone is sufficient. You have also been entrusted with a territory. To withdraw now would invite instability, not only for the crown, but for the people who depend upon that land."
He paused, letting the implication settle.
"If peace is what you seek," Reynard continued, "then you may find it there—within your own domain, beyond the reach of court politics. Stand apart if you wish. You’ll have my word that you can act as you wish and would only be summoned in emergency situations."
The Duke met Ard’s eyes steadily.
"For the sake of the kingdom, that is all I ask."
Ard stared at the Duke for a moment.
Then, slowly, Ard exhaled.
"...Very well."
He said.
"I accept because it serves my peace. Nothing more. My domain will remain quiet." He inclined his head slightly. "If this is acceptable, then we are in agreement."
The Duke smiled lightly.
