Ansel was well aware that fate would reveal the truth of that meeting to some of the dukes.
As the Duke of Azuregold had suspected, Ansel used the image he had cultivated over sixteen years, perfectly controlling his demeanor to appear as if he held all the cards, exuding absolute confidence. Even without directly resorting to violence, he did not seem to be retreating.
He aimed to achieve this balance, fully understanding that fate wouldn't let him succeed easily.
With Seraphina and Ravenna falling towards him within a year, Ansel knew that even with limited knowledge of the next two heroines, they could not withstand the growing power of his forces, especially now that he no longer needed to hide.