Struggling as a Villain

Summoning a portal results in massive magic fluctuation that can be detected from several miles away. After all, a huge amount of magic is utilized in the process, and since Aembr is a much more violent form of magic, it becomes impossible to open a portal in secrecy.

Naturally, when Richard asked Lena to open a portal that reached Clion, he knew that he would alert the sensors. More so when all the nations across the globe have recently gone through the phase where enemies appeared at random locations.

However, he didn't expect to face none other than the Apostle Supreme with her army just after arriving at Clion.

"Why have you returned?" With her eyes cold and voice emotionless, the violette asked as she stood in front of the battalion

There were fifteen Apostles, all prepared to attack Richard at any moment of notice.

Bennet had a frown on his face when he realized that these Light Worshippers were actually taking him and his soldiers as hostile entities as well.

"This is my home, and I don't think I need permission to return to my home." Richard simply responded, not even a trace of anxiety on his face.

Bellarine remained wrapped around her baby's arm as her eyes scanned through the battalion before resting on a certain individual.

"I wasn't wrong…" she muttered under her breath as she found a pair of familiar crimson eyes looking at her.

Eleanor narrowed her eyes, as she voiced, "I thought we had an agreement to not enter each other's turf until the war. Are you planning to sneakily plant your spies here?"

Richard's lips stretched in a grin, as he said, "Did you hear, Commander Bennet? Years of devotion toward Clion granted you the label of a spy."

Bennet indifferently stared at the girl who had assumed the post of the leader.

Eleanor was unaffected by the mockery, before she insisted, "Just tell me-"

"Now hush." Raw energy exploded from Richard, cutting off Eleanor's voice and making her stagger on her feet.

The surface under his feet trembled as Richard released a fragment of his energy to warn the girl.

The spears were raised however, Eleanor raised her hand to stop them.

Gritting her teeth, she looked at Richard and heard him saying, "As I said, this is my home. And unlike you, I don't need an underhanded method to corner you. If I truly wanted, nothing could have saved you from me, Eleanor."

Eleanor sneered; yeah, like hell he could defeat a dozen of Apostles all by himself.

….right?

Richard smirked, "Look at you…I can tell your confidence is crumbling so drop the act and listen to me carefully." regaining a grip over his aura, he stated, "I won't be here for long, just came here to sort out some business. Once I am done, I will leave right away. Got that?"

Eleanor crossed her arms and heaved a sigh, "Then just go." She wasn't going to cause a battle here and now since she wasn't a hundred percent sure if the Apostles could defeat the being who went toe to toe with the strongest Demon General.

She looked towards the soldiers before uttering, "I have already informed someone from the church. They would come here to baptize you first."

Bennet exhaled a weary sigh, "So we need to first verify our loyalty."

"Rules, Commander Bennet. I think you must be aware of them."

Bellarine chuckled, "It was me who added that rule. Poor girl, following a Bate's rules~"

Eleanor clenched her fist and looked at the damn woman. She never liked her. Never.

Soon Richard and Bellarine bid their farewell to the group and disappeared from the portal site.

….

"Baby, I will need some time to convince them. Do you think you can stay there with me?" Bellarine was planning to invite all the servants working for House Scarlette to come with her.

She couldn't save everyone but naturally, she would try to take those who were close to her.

Richard shook his head, "We don't have much time. Eleanor is a freak, she can send forces to capture us, and before the war, I don't want Clion to suffer from some needless battle."

Bellarine raised her brows, "Then…"

"I will go to the mansion situated near the Academy….there is someone waiting for me there. And after that, I will go and take Amelia."

Bellarine grinned, "Despite all the chaos you haven't forgotten about your childhood friend, eh?"

Richard was slightly embarrassed so he just pushed her with both his hands, "Just go now."

Bellarine's melodious voice echoed in the teleportation room as she used the portal to travel to Scarlette Duchy.

Left alone, Richard turned into his Elemental Form and flew towards the Academy.

'How long it has been…' The last time Richard was here was around the time when there was a competition being held.

Then the apostles attacked, and then and then…everything went haywire.

There were so many arcs and events that Ethan needed to face before leaving the academy. However, because of his interference, the plot line was butchered.

Well, he doesn't regret many things except for a few like the death of the headmaster and all those students. And also the fact that he couldn't give his lovers enough time and attention which they deserved.

However, he decided that once the war concluded, he would make a peaceful home for everyone and spend all his time with them

There were several things he had to do…several promises he needed to fulfill. And Richard was determined to not let anything stop him from building that future.

*Crack*

As he landed on the ground, a crack formed, and instantly, upon his landing, a girl shot toward him, intending to attack.

Richard grinned as Violet realized his identity and tried to stop mid-track, only to trip.

"Ah!"

Richard appeared before the girl and held her in his arms securely.

"Hello there."

Violet's eyes widened as she uttered, "Y-Young Master…"

With a smile, he asked, "Did you miss me?"

Richard soon received the response as the girl began weeping in his arms.

—------**-------

A/N:- I hope you all enjoyed reading the chapter. Drop a comment.