The Villain's Retirement-Chapter 37: Banquet (2)

A ripple of laughter followed as the trio moved away.

"Oh my," a lady chuckled behind her fan. "That was... awkward."

Another noble shook his head, grinning. "To be brushed aside so cleanly—by a baron, no less."

A few eyes lingered on Viscount Ratsworth. Smiles were quickly hidden behind raised glasses, though the mockery was unmistakable.

"Well," a young noble said lightly, "at least someone remembered their place."

That someone, of course, was Gary.

"Tsk," another murmured. "Still playing escort after being cast out? How very... fitting. Why is the duke even allowing that guy in the knights? I heard he’s not even doing anything property. He is so full of himself."

A soft laugh followed. "One would think a disowned son would avoid drawing attention to himself."

Yet even as they whispered, their gazes drifted past Gary—to the man walking ahead.

"...Still," a lady said thoughtfully, watching Ard’s composed back, "did you notice how Lord Salience didn’t even spare the Viscount a glance?"

"I wasn’t expecting that. It was funny. I have to say seeing the Viscount like that was gold."

Thanks to a servant, Ard and Zayn were led to their assigned table near the front of the hall—close enough to the raised dais to be unmistakably seen.

In the same table, Gary took the seat beside Ard, resting one arm casually on the table as servants moved in with practiced efficiency, pouring wine and setting plates.

Then one of the female servants hesitated.

She had been pouring wine for Ard when her hand stilled. Realizing her mistake, she flushed faintly, quickly lowering her gaze.

"M-My apologies, my lord," she murmured, voice soft, almost breathless, as she straightened his glass a little too carefully.

Ard inclined his head slightly. "It’s fine."

The servant’s blush deepened. She offered a hurried bow and retreated with the others, her steps just a touch quicker than necessary.

Gary let out a low smirk and glanced at Ard, a grin tugging at the corner of his mouth. "First impressions are a big deal here," he then said lightly. "And you nailed it, my friend."

"...Is that what you think?" Ard replied evenly, voice calm but measured. In truth, he didn’t fully understand why Gary seemed so unusually friendly.

Gary chuckled softly. "Call it experience."

Ard’s gaze didn’t waver, though a faint crease appeared between his brows. Then he asked, "Why are you talking to me?"

Gary was stunned for a moment. "So cold."

A pause. Ard’s expression didn’t change.

Then he continued.

"Let’s just say you are my current inspiration." He said and laughed.

’...?’

Ard raised his eyebrows, but Gary didn’t elaborate. .

"Anyways, you shouldn’t mind me too much. If anything, I suggest you be wary about everyone here and even that old man. That old man, no, Duke Reynard, didn’t just made this gathering of nobles for you as a celebration. As a senior in this type of stuff...I know it." Gary continued talking.

Ard didn’t need to listen to him.

He also could tell what was this event truly for. And what does most people in the hall want from him. He could think of the good intentions, petty intentions and even their ulterior motives.

Still, he had agreed to go here in the end because the Duke told him. The Duke’s importance could not be ignored. If he wished to maintain a peaceful life within the Human Realm, he needed the protection and backing of a powerful patron, and a ducal house offered precisely that. Attending this gathering was, therefore, a necessity rather than a choice. Most importantly, no matter what happens, he does not have any plans of creating more connections than what he already have.

He believes that the Duke was more than enough. With that alliance secured, Ard saw no reason to pursue additional ties—for now, at least. Fewer entanglements meant fewer complications.

After this, his plan was simply to return to his estate as soon as the arrangements for the slaves, workers, and the migration of the new residents were finalized.

For now, he simply endured as a lot of eyes was staring in their direction—at him.

The nobles didn’t stop talking to each other. It was like it was all they were doing.

At the same time, even now, they kept looking at him with great interest. Most were eager to speak with him, while others found themselves drawn simply to his appearance. Many were also curious about his skills as a knight.

This is because even among the male nobility, becoming a knight had once been—or still was—a common dream. During the war, most of them had been trained from a young age to wield the sword, both to protect themselves and to defend their territories against demonic incursions. They had grown up hearing tales of Heroes and inheriting Sword Techniques exclusive to their families, and some even followed reports from the front lines with keen interest. Because of this, skill—whether in magic, swordsmanship, or both—was widely known and deeply respected.

To learn that someone so young had defeated a demon lord naturally stirred fascination. Ard was practically a celebrity in their world!

Just how strong could he be?

Others, of course harbored doubts, eager to discover how much of the story was truth themselves and how much was embellishment. And then there were those who simply enjoyed a good tale.

Viscount Ratsworth returned to his table now, and his fingers tightened around the stem of his glass.

"A fraud," he muttered. "That boy is nothing but a convenient lie."

"A fraud?" A noble beside him raised a brow.

Ratsworth glanced toward Ard, who sat calmly, speaking to the curly blonde knight. "A nameless traveler elevated overnight got to slay a demon lord and it was all offstage?"

"You think the rumors are inflated?"

"Inflated?" Ratsworth scoffed. "It’s fabricated."

The nobles in the table looked at each other.

When Ratsworth notice, he shook his head, seemingly disappointed, "If that guy is so strong, why have we not know who he is during the war? No one even knows or remembers his face."

The nobles exchanged glances again, several of them nodding as if convinced. But then one spoke up, "Well, he’s been traveling, hasn’t he? Surely he’s done more than what little we’ve heard."

"Come on. That’s too convenient. You all are being fooled."

Across the hall, a different group who was spreading all kinds of thing earlier watched the Viscount with careful interest.

"...The Viscount," one murmured. "is furious."

"Of course he is," another replied quietly. "Ratsworth despises being dismissed. Especially by someone younger."

A third added. "He’s one of the finest swordsmen among the viscounts."

At another table, the father and son watched Ard’s group in silence, irritation evident on their faces.

"Tch. Because of that damn fool, we couldn’t even get near them now."

Baron Lith clicked his tongue. "Then are we going to talk to the guy or not? This place is too annoying. I want to swing my sword." 𝘧𝑟𝑒𝑒𝘸𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝓁.𝘤𝘰𝓂

His father glared at his son, shutting him up.

Elsewhere, a group of noblewomen huddled together, fans half-raised, eyes bright with interest.

"He’s even more handsome up close. That female servant earlier couldn’t take her eyes off him."

"And he looks so composed and mature despite his age."

One of them glanced toward the blonde boy with Ard and smiled. "The child with him is adorable. Is he his younger brother?"

Another tilted her head thoughtfully. "Are we sure?"

"Oh, don’t be ridiculous," someone laughed softly. "You think that’s his son?"

A ripple of quiet laughter followed.

"...Do you think he’s unmarried?" Someone then asked.

After exchanging a look, another replied.

"He must be, right? Also, now that he holds a title, it would only be proper for him to court a noblewoman."

"Exactly. A man of his standing should not be mingling outside his rank."

"Regardless, it would be improper for us to approach him now."

"Yes," another agreed. "Let the dance begin first. That’s when we make our move."

Their eyes drifted back to Ard—measured, expectant, and full of intent.

Then, after just a couple of minutes, a sudden stir ran through the hall. Heavy, measured footsteps echoed as knights lined up in formation. Then the servant’s loud announcement was heard as the doors at the far end opened.

"—The Duke and Duchess has arrived!"