Both of you committed too much to what was just a thoughtless comment. And yet you're a better Shield than Vandeae ever was, if you're truly going to believe that. [His voice was steady, yellow eyes focused without yet being cold or spiteful. For now, Ardyn looked like someone who was neither the Chosen King nor the hateful Accursed--he just seemed human, uncertain and tired.]

...he's still there. I wish it weren't the case, but something yet remains even now. The savior who was so loved, who thought himself the Chosen King that his people exalted and sang of the prophecy ending the eternal night...something of him still exists even now.