I Became a Dark Fantasy Villain

Utrid blurted it out before he could stop himself. His mind went utterly blank, too stunned to realize how foolish he must have sounded.

"Hold the archduke’s funeral and begin preparations for your coronation," Ian Hope added the words as if they were of no great importance.

As Utrid’s mouth fell open in disbelief, Ian turned his head slightly. "General Harald."

"Yes, Your Excellency!" Harald’s respectful reply rang out at once. Clad in his fur cloak, he stood at the very rear of Ian’s retinue alongside Gelud and Torvien.

Ian continued, "I leave the rest to you, General. The Saintess and Her Highness will lend their assistance as well."

"I shall obey!" Harald answered immediately.

Of the two hooded women standing just behind Ian, two inclined their knees in silent acknowledgment.

"Take that as your understanding and make the necessary preparations. I will withdraw now." Ian swept his gaze once over Utrid and the family before turning on his heel.

Unlike when he had entered, only a knight in full plate armor and the smallest of the hooded women, likely the elder fairy, followed behind him as he departed.