It took a long moment for Ganelon to grasp Renaud's intent. Not a soul in the courtyard uttered a word; they merely stood still, stunned, and shuffled awkwardly whilst glancing amongst each other. The most baffled of them all however was Sir Roland. A myriad of emotions swept through his face: confusion, worry, and perhaps a bit hopeful. For the man he witnessed now carried not a hint of his prior envious self.

"Say that again, my boy?" Ganelon slowly forced out. There was a twitch in his eye that only grew more fierce with time, and even his friendly smile had cracked in disbelief. The High Tribunal remained eerily in place. He towered over Renaud, casting him entirely in his shadow, yet the former Peer refused to back down.

"I am a Peer no longer, uncle," Renaud confidently declared. "You parade me as a hero, but the truth is I have done nothing but hold my people back. I gave orders in the comfort of my safe little circle of influence, yet such meagre actions mattered little in the face of true adversity, and it is because of so that many like Maugris died when they could have lived with a more capable leader. I realized then the folly of my stubbornness. I do not deserve the title of Peer, thus I now choose to relinquish it for another more deserving."

Ganelon opened his mouth to reply, only to then close it silently. Renaud had completely and utterly caught him by surprise. This was the first time Lucius had ever seen him so shocked, to the point that his true emotions threatened to bubble forth and break free before all in the audience. He was hurt. He was angry.

But most apparent of them all was a visceral feeling of betrayal.

"It would seem that a sudden bout of madness has overcome my nephew," Ganelon said, turning to face the others with an awkward laugh. "Please do not mind him. The journey must've exhausted his—"

Renaud shook his head and stepped ahead of Ganelon. "My mind is perfectly clear. Let everyone here be witness to my resolution. I care not whether the castle or my uncle disagrees; the choice is mine. Spread this news however you wish. Spread it until every last soul in this nation knows of Renaud Dordognes and his final day as Peer."

Ganelon suddenly reached out and violently seized Renaud by the shoulder. The frail man winced in pain, but nonetheless his eyes remained clear as his uncle breathed down his neck.

"What is the matter with you?" he demanded. "What brought this nonsense out? Renaud, oh my foolish, reckless little Renaud—"

"That is where you are mistaken." Renaud grunted and broke free from his hold. "I am not the little boy who saw naught save for revenge anymore, nor am I yours to command. For once in my life I am certain in what I must do. It is time to end this, Uncle Ganelon. I am tired, as you are no doubt as well. I wish to be free from this grudge."

Renaud's plea was the only one that managed to upset him. He was not like his other pawns, not like the corrupt priests or greedy officials that infested the castle. When Ganelon looked at Renaud, Lucius saw in him a fondness that truly regarded him as family. Yet that very person now looked at him with pity.

"Ah, you may have this back as well." Renaud reached into his clothes and pulled out the homeward jewel given to him, as well as the Fires of Sinai and the medal symbolizing his status. Everything that could be linked to House Dordognes or his former Peership, he gave to Ganelon now without any hesitation. The man silently accepted it, half dazed.

"So, that's it then?" Ganelon said with a dark laugh. "No, you're not getting out of this that easily, my boy."

He extended his arm and gestured to all of his lackeys nearby. "Go inside, now." They quickly obeyed and soon pushed themselves into the castle, until only the players and those of Sir Roland's faction were left. The tension in the air was razor sharp.

Ganelon straightened up and prepared to leave as well, but not before leaning into Renaud's ear and whispering a warning. "This discussion is not over. I will meet you inside."

With that, he turned around and fled. Renaud's gaze followed him all the way until his disappearance, and so he was left alone. Only those he once called enemies were there to lend him comfort.

Sir Roland waited a few paces away. He clenched his fist and considered for a moment whether it was right to approach him; but eventually, he gathered the courage and then softly patted his shoulder.

"Renaud, you…" he began, unsure of what to say. "May I know your thoughts?"

Renaud briefly glanced at him, and then sighed. It was clear he felt uncomfortable before him. Unlike before, however, he knew full well the nature of those complicated feelings inside him. He couldn't run away forever. Better to face them now than cower in regret later.

"There is much I still dislike about you, Roland," he whispered. "But I have come to realize that part of our long feud was derived from my own faults. We have quarreled for many years, and for that I apologize."

An apology. It was really quite a simple thing, yet to Roland it was all he could ever ask for. The man opened his arms wide and then brought Renaud into a sincere hug—much to the latter's annoyance.

"I never thought I would see the day," Roland laughed to himself. "You do not know how long, how so very long, I've waited for us to reconcile, Renaud. I thought it was perhaps my fault that you were drawn to Ganelon's side. Olivier, Maugris, and I… the three of us were never the same after you left."

"I know," Renaud said solemnly. "It is not any of your faults that I became this way. Still, a certain man gave me the courage to change my ways, and so I would like to start over no matter how difficult the road ahead may be."

"A certain man, you say?"

"Yes. I believe you know him."

Renaud smiled and waved his arm, beckoning for Lucius to come. The gentleman saw no reason to refuse and quickly hurried over.

"A pleasure to see you again, Sir Roland," he said with a tip of his hat. "Sir Renaud and I had a lovely chance to acquaint ourselves over the course of the expedition."

Renaud nodded. "It was also Sir Lucius who avenged Maugris and took down the Ears of Evil. If there is any deserving of honor, then it is he for keeping the Order safe. I had little hand in his triumph."

Roland brightened in mood and bid Lucius a respectful gesture. "I suppose this is twice now you've aided my fellows, Sir Lucius. How can I ever thank you?"

"Think nothing of it, my good man. I merely did as I pleased."

The three of them shared a gentle moment, before a more serious air enveloped them.

"I am thankful to see you so determined," Roland began. "But was it truly necessary to revoke your Peership? Without it, Ganelon and the other magnates will have no difficulty in excluding you from the nation's affairs. I dare say even your lineage as a Dordognes will matter little when your uncle still serves as Family Head."

Despite his concerns, Renaud merely shook his head. "I made this decision knowing full well what Ganelon is capable of. It would not be surprising if he stripped my name and banished me from the house, but I care not for his ire. The title of Peer was unfairly passed down to me due to my father's service. If I am to set on a new path, then I must let go of the privilege this status grants."

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"What will you do after, then?"

Renaud chuckled. "Perhaps I shall take the judicial exam and start from scratch. Becoming a magistrate of the castle was once a duty I thought below me; however, I merely disliked it because I felt that it would mean surrendering to my illness. I wanted to lead from the front, to command a legion of paladins as my father once did. It was only when I was faced with reality that I came to realize it a naive wish."

"Renaud…"

"But just because I cannot lead physically does not mean I am helpless. In the end, the method matters little compared to the goal. It is no shame that my skills serve me better in office than on the battlefield. If I can contribute in greater length as a judge, then that is what I will strive toward."

"A judge?" Roland nodded in approval. "I have no doubt that you shall become an excellent one."

"Yes, and in doing so I hope to also weaken Ganelon's influence over the court. Even he cannot stop the appointment of a new parliament member, should those of your faction sponsor my ascent."

"As it will be done. It has been difficult to find those with legal knowledge capable of passing the examination, so your aid will be of great boon, my friend."

Renaud gave him a sly smile. "I am counting on it, Roland. But first, you shall need accompany me during the resignation ceremony."

Roland's expression turned dark. "Must you allow it to be a public affair? I may not hold sway over the others like Ganelon does, but I am at least capable of processing your severance in private. Otherwise the entire castle will ogle you like a beast in a cage."

"It is no use. Ganelon will surely motion for it as a way to pressure me. Even if it has been many years since a voluntary dismissal, the ceremony is tradition. Besides, it is not all too bad. There is one benefit availed to me as a former Peer."

"What do you—wait, could it be?"

Roland suddenly turned around to behold Lucius for a moment. He examined the gentleman from head to toe and pondered for a spell, murmuring to himself, before letting out an amused chuckle.

"I see. Yes, that will certainly strike a powerful blow against him."

"Do you agree with my intent?"

"I can think of no other more suitable than Sir Lucius."

"We shall proceed as planned, then."

The two of them were having a jolly ol' time talking about the gentleman without actually including him in the conversation, but before Lucius could ask just what they meant, Renaud and Roland shared a resolute shake of the hand before departing in different directions.

Sir Roland took the players into the castle, where they might return to their prior dorms for a well deserved night of relaxation, while Renaud took off into a more obscured corner of the castle. Lucius was very interested to see where the man's destination was, so he bid his companions a momentary farewell and resumed his pastime of skulking by clinging tight to the ceiling.

The players vanished, and so all there was left to do was follow Renaud whilst staying in the shadows. The former Peer didn't seem to have a set destination in mind; rather, it looked as if he were waiting for someone.

It didn't take long before a familiar face emerged from the hall's corner.

"The time for jokes is over, my dear nephew," Ganelon uttered with a menacing drawl. "I've ensured that no one shall interrupt us. Now, explain yourself. You know I don't like having my patience tested."

Renaud sucked in his breath. His brow began to sweat, and unlike before he had not a gathering to help him should his uncle devolve to violence. Ganelon's visage implied not a hint of amusement.

"I have said all that I wished," Renaud said. "You cannot change my mind."

Ganelon sighed and rubbed his face roughly. "Come now, no need for theatrics. We're alone here. Out with it already—have I wronged you in some manner? I cannot think of anything recent that would beget this extreme reaction. Ah, wait, now I understand! Yes, it is succession you're after. If you wanted to be Family Head so much, Renaud, you should have told me. I've been meaning to pass it down to you after this whole 'otherworlder' business was taken care of, but I can expedite the process if you'd like. No need to throw this tantrum about, haha, renouncing your Peership! Really, what a funny bluff. I know just how much you value the title."

"Perhaps I was like such before, but now I see it as the shackles of a foolish man, one worn willingly. My heart is clear, Ganelon. You know as well as I that I never should have assumed this role."

"... You're serious, aren't you? Oh for Stars' sake, you're really going to do this now!?" Ganelon said, barely containing a shout. "Listen to me, Renaud: It is far, far too late to grow a conscience. We are both vile men. Nothing will change that. No matter how much you try to buddy up with ol' Roland and his infantile retinue, you will always be a sinful, wretched soul. We both committed to this path knowing full well that atonement would not await us, so what are you doing now? Just what made you so weak?"

At first Renaud was plainly intimidated, but now he held a different expression, an odd one. There before him was the very man he once followed, respected even, yet what came out of his mouth was naught but excuses and petty insults. It was childlike in a way. All Ganelon could do was raise his voice, and just like that the image Renaud had once constructed of him began to crumble away.

"Nothing made me weak," Renaud said. "I only realized that there is no need to persist with this… hate. I've let it go, uncle. I do not want to be controlled by it anymore. I wish to be free, to pursue my own happiness unburdened by the past. What reason is there to keep these greedy priests, or sabotage the paladins, or keep this nation in perpetual fright? There is none. None, Ganelon. Pepin is already dead."

Ganelon opened his mouth to reply, but in the end he merely closed it, silently, and swept back his hair.

"It is necessary, Renaud. Really, haha, do you think I like doing this? Being the mean ol' villain? Oh how I wish to be like Roland and pretend to be some paragon of virtue—but the world doesn't work that way. If I didn't take this role, Pepin would still be here. You of all people should know what it's like to suffer because of his atrocities. What, do you need me to remind you of what he did to your mother? How he brutalized her? Or how he… slaughtered Gisela…"

Ganelon took a shaky breath and rubbed at his eyes. "I am doing what is best for this nation. I always have, even if no one else appreciates it. I thought you, at least, could understand me."

"I do," Renaud whispered. "Yet still you have not answered my question."

"Did you not hear a word I said—"

"Why continue like this, when Pepin is dead?"

Ganelon hesitated.

"You are right," Renaud continued. "It is thanks to you that Pepin is no more. You took on a filthy role when no one else had the courage to act, but there is nothing left to keep you shackled here. So why? Why do you still choose to act with such fear?"

Again, Ganelon did not answer; and so Renaud was forced to reveal it for him.

"It's because you are afraid."

"Stop."

"Afraid of what this nation will become."

"I warn you, Renaud."

"Afraid of what he will become."

Ganelon smashed his hand against the wall. "How many times must I say it, you infuriating…"

Renaud mournfully closed his eyes. When he opened them again, there was nothing inside but a deep, deep sadness.

"He is still a child, Ganelon. He is not like his father. You know this, and yet you keep him caged here in this castle as if somehow it will stop our time from passing. Yet one day he, too, will step beyond this place."

The two stood motionless for what seemed like eternity. Renaud spoke not another word, for he knew that nothing else would get through.

"... Get out," Ganelon muttered eventually. "Leave me, now. I do not wish for you to see me in this state, Renaud."

Renaud lowered his head and, with a final heartfelt gesture, left Ganelon to deal with his own demons. "By your word, then."

Ganelon crouched down and buried his face into his hands. He whispered something incoherent, but without seeing his lips there was nothing for Lucius to interpret. Eventually, Ganelon stood back up with a haggard expression and then left toward a new direction. Lucius considered tailing him for a moment; however, the man soon walked into a room and slammed it shut. A hefty lock prevented entry, and although such a thing wouldn't be too difficult to pick, Lucius decided not to test his luck and instead returned back to where his companions now waited.

No doubt there was much excitement that awaited them. For now, however, the gentleman's priorities were to freshen himself up and partake in a lovely evening dinner.

Renaud's resignation ceremony would have to wait until the morrow.

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