He returned in complete secrecy. His foe, he had been informed, slept an eternal slumber. The hero had become bitter in his time away from his realm, and only one knew of his disguised form. All the others were disgusted at their former leader. Nay, they did not even recognize him.

So he wandered.

And later, he observed, gleaning information from his former companions.

The realm's new government had few of his elected associates still in command. Things seemed dismal, but he hadn't resigned.

And he saw things were good.