Struggling as a Villain

"I am coming with you." Not many times Richard has seen Lilia not asking but rather relaying her decision with conviction.

However, as of now, he could tell that no one can stop her from partaking in what Richard is about to do.

Her demeanor oozed with determination and that was something everyone could sense.

She knew she could not stop him, not after she heard the whole story about the other world and the reason for which Richard was going to the other side. However, surely she can accompany him, given Lilia would surely not become a burden to him.

If not anything then  Lilia was good at  hiding. If she discerns that her presence might become a hindrance for her master then she will simply disappear.

She wasn't able to accompany her Lord when he went to that hell called Endless Hold, however, this time, she surely can.

Everyone looked at Richard, Emily being silent but her gaze expressing her inner thoughts. Her whole reason to be alive was to serve Richard and assist him any way possible. Surely, she wasn't going to miss this chance!

Cristina said nothing against what her daughter desired. Even though the lady knew that this mission was dangerous and could separate them forever, she couldn't take her daughter's life decision for her.

Richard heaved a sigh and leaned back in his seat. He expected Bella to be persistent on coming so he already said he would be taking her. But Lilia...

"Is there no way-"

"No, Richard. If you don't take me then I will follow you. The only way to get rid of me is to kill me right here and right now."

Her words made Emily gasp, and Richard let out another weary sigh, "Okay, I understand, so stop being so serious." He pulled her in his arms, making her sit on his lap.

"I understand, I will take you with me. And Emily,"

"I will also come!" She strongly expressed her desire. For someone who mostly remains passive nowadays, Emily was showing sudden changes when it came to Richard's safety.

Richard nodded, "You are my shadow, so I can bring you wherever I go. And so I can do it with Jasmine and Erwin(the large dude that fought with Lilia when the church members attacked)."

Turning his eyes toward Bella he said, "You aren't going to regret coming with me, right? Mom would be awfully displeased."

"We have already done various things in the past which Mom didn't like. And I know, if I am with you, we can easily get her forgiveness."

Richard smiled at that before his eyes went toward Ethan and Ruby, "I can ask you both only one thing; do not tell the others about it."

His eyes remained directed at Ruby, who slowly nodded, "I am not helping the evil, so naturally, I am not obliged to tell them."

Richard nodded, but he didn't trust her. However, even if she tells Eleanor and others before they can do anything, Richard will be back. After all the time zones of the two worlds were severely mismatched.

Alex then turned toward Carl and the bear-masked one, "You two can help us get to that gang and provide us with all the information, right?"

"Yes." Carl instantly affirmed, "We have been planning to attack those people for months, so yes, we know about them better than anyone."

Richard nodded before he asked, "And how do we reach there?"

"We can jump through any portal and we will reach Earth instantly." The masked one replied.

Richard thought for a moment but then decided to ask about it later.

"Okay then, everyone has two hours; prepare in the meantime and meet near the port."

...

After leaving Cristina's home, Carl and his subordinates were returning to their base to pack all the remaining equipment and weapons. After all, they were returning home. And this time, they won't be getting back here.

The masked one asked, "Can we trust them? You know about Jin, right? That guy can go to extreme lengths to keep everything under control."

Carl's eyes turned cold hearing that name, as he recalled that bastard who became his and his sister's friend initially and betrayed them once the gang from the East arrived.

It was Jin who told them about Rena and they took her away.

Now, Jin was the leader of the gang given his skill that works best when he has a whole bunch supporting him.

Carl looked at his friend before asking, "Did you see what Brother Richard did to our men? He is a Sage-ranked warrior. And sister Bella is already infamous for being the strongest mage on Earth."

The masked one sighed, "I know that they are strong but Jin has numbers. Truthfully, when I heard that the son of the Duchess was on our side, I was expecting a whole army to follow us for support."

Carl halted and turned toward the man before speaking in an annoyed tone, "Look Ben, I don't care if there are enough men or not. Brother Richard alone has given me the hope that I did not possess when I first came here. So rather than complaining we should focus on how we can assist him."

Ben's shoulders slumped as he removed his mask and revealed a guy in his early twenties.

With a black mark going down his left brow and ending near his chin, the guy looked hideous. However, Carl was used to seeing this face so he didn't react and heard him saying,

"So much misfortune we have seen until now...that slight hope now scares me, Carl. Sorry if I hurt your feelings."

Carl exhaled a sigh before shaking his head, "It's okay...sorry for speaking like this. Now let's go."

...

Lilia and Cristina were in the former's room, sorting out the clothes Lilia would be taking with her. And the equipment along with other supplies.

Lilia had many battle vests she made for herself and she bought her birthday presents in the past. Although they were a little tight now, given she bought them a few years ago, it would work.

Cristina was standing nearby, with her back pressed against the wall, looking at her daughter silently.

She doesn't know the whole story but Richard told her the gist of what they are aiming for. And the dangers involved in it.

"Your Dad used to say that you won't have a peaceful life with that boy."

Lilia smiled, "Peace bores me, Mom."

"I used to think the same thing, honey, until I met your father." Stepping closer to her daughter, Cristina held her shoulders and made her look toward her,

"Richard has so many people else loving him, so many people to protect him. His mother, the strongest witch in existence is there for him. Can't you just forget about him?"

Cristina might regret saying it in the future, but after her husband died, her only hope and reason to be alive was Lilia. And seeing her often getting involved in such danger, scares the lady.

As such, Cristina always thought that what if Lilia married a normal man rather than a future Duke who would be surrounded by danger? How her life would be much more stable and peaceful.

Lilia didn't push away her mother's or dismissed her words. Rather she calmly asked,

"Tell me, Mom, if I suggest you marry a man who is awakened and can keep you happy for the rest of your life...what will be your answer?"

Cristina lowered her eyes and didn't say anything since Lilia already knew the answer.

"Exactly, Mom. When you love someone, you don't see the drawbacks and advantages. No one can plan to love someone....it just happens."

Cupping the older one's cheeks, Lilia added, "And you have taught me how I should stick to the person I adore until the end. And now you are suggesting that I leave him?"

Lilia's voice began to crack a little, tears welling up in her eyes, as she said, "You know Mom, when I close my eyes and think about a life where Richard isn't a part of it ...what I see?"

In a whisper, she added, "Nothing....just nothing. There is no life for me without him. He is my life, Mom and I can no longer live without him."

Seeing Lilia cry, Cristina wasn't able to hold herself back either.

Resting her head against Lilia's, and while sobbing, she said, "Please be safe, baby. I have no one but you....so please return to me safely."

The duo remained like that for a long time. It was the first time they cried after Henry's demise.

The grief of their loss, the fear Cristina carried, the apprehension Lilia was feeling...everything they released through those tears.

Meanwhile, they completely missed to notice the person standing outside their room who heard their conversation for the most part. Read the latest on m_v-l'e|-NovelBin.net

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