Ascension Of The Villain

Chapter 110: Becoming His Past Self

"What do you mean you lost Ronan? He is fifteen years old. You know he can handle himself," Easton let out, his tone unbothered.

"Yes, he is fifteen and not an adult," Vyan gritted out, annoyed at Easton's attitude. "Don't you realize the area we are in right now?"

Easton looked around for a moment before the realization sank in. "Oh."

This was the part of the forest consisting of mostly B-grade monsters—the most dangerous monsters in this hunt—and as good of an archer Ronan was, this would be too much for him to handle all alone.

Maybe Vyan could manage to find Ronan by using some spells, but…

He glanced at Easton and said, "Anyway, you don't need to concern yourself with Ronan. He was my responsibility; I will find him on my own."

He couldn't use magic in Easton's presence. So, the best option was to get rid of him and go solo.

Surely, Easton wouldn't bother to accompany him, especially not after their confrontation just now—

"No, I will help," Easton's firm voice cut in. "Setting aside the fact I don't trust you, Ronan is my brother. I cannot go on with the hunt with the weight of him missing in my mind."

So much for going solo, Vyan thought with an internal eye roll.

"Alright," Vyan agreed. "You go this way, I will go this way."

"No, we will be going together." As Vyan gave Easton a confused look, he further explained, "I mean, how will we communicate with each other in this giant forest if one of us does happen to find Ronan?"

"Instead of letting one another know, isn't it more important to find Ronan quicker? He could be in danger," Vyan questioned, giving him an irritated look.

"But—"

"You know what I suggest?" Vyan interjected. "How about you go inform the guards and ask them to dispatch a

"I knew it! I told Ronan to accompany me, but no, he was stubborn and wanted to be with you. I warned him that you were incompetent, but he didn't trust me. And now look at the situation! As expected, you got him lost," Eryndor accused, his voice only getting louder. "Did you do this intentionally, huh?

Were you jealous of Ronan?"

As Eryndor swore off, Vyan didn't utter a single word, as if he had reverted back to those days—when his superiors yelled at him and he stayed quiet. As if he back to being just Vyan.

"Why aren't you talking, huh? Have you gone mute now?" Eryndor was about to raise another hand at Vyan when a voice cut through.

"Grandfather! What are you doing?" Ronan screamed, standing at a distance, then he ran straight towards them. He jumped in between the two of them. "Why are you talking to Vyan like this?"

The light in Vyan's eyes were back as soon as he saw Ronan, relieved that he was okay, and saw how Ronan was standing up for Ronan—just like how Iyana used to.

Was that how people who care for you stand up for your sake? He wondered about that. And suddenly, he was out of the traumatic zone he was swimming in.

"And where the hell did you go?" Eryndor demanded, his anger still not calmed down. "And what is that in your hand?"

Ronan, who had a fluffy white rabbit in his hand, clutched it closer to his chest. "It's a rabbit. I only went chasing it; I didn't get lost," Ronan replied strongly.

"What?" Eryndor let out, baffled.

"And also, wherever I went, it wasn't Vyan's fault. I was the one who ran after this rabbit without telling him. Why would you be blaming him for my carelessness?" Ronan's voice was firm and his eyes were unwavering.

Despite being the sweet, soft-spoken child that he was, he was not afraid to speak up against his grandfather.

It made Vyan feel ashamed that why he wasn't able to speak up. Why did he become the Vyan from the past?

Vyan placed a hand on Ronan's shoulder and gave him a small smile. "I will handle this now. And I am glad you are safe."

He stood in front of Eryndor, putting Ronan behind him, and said, "Your Grace, as you can see that Ronan is safe and I admit it was my mistake for letting him out of sight. But I don't think you had any right to hit me like that."

Eryndor gritted his teeth and crossed his arms over his chest, saying, "So what? You are my grandchild."

"Grandchild? Really?" Vyan let out a bitter, mocking laugh. "You haven't even acknowledged me yet, and suddenly I am your grandchild?"

"That's—"

"Please be mindful of your actions from now on, Your Grace. Such lowly acts don't suit you. You may be the Duke of Preaton, but I am also the Grand Duke of Ashstone. I am not merely your grandchild whom you can berate and hit as you please."

Eryndor narrowed his gaze, observing the unyielding look in Vyan's eyes, and scoffed. "Those are some big words coming from a boy who comes from such a disgraceful family."

Vyan's eyes flickered with anger as he took a step closer and warned, "Don't you dare utter a word against my family."

Eryndor didn't back down and challenged, "What if I do? What are you going to do about it?"