Struggling as a Villain

Chapter 254- I was scared

"So you are here alone?" Richard was surprised to hear that as he rested on the couch with Violet beside him.

The girl nodded, "The Academy doesn't allow external security. It could have been dangerous."

Richard hummed in understanding.

With the authority to rule over the Apostles and with the support of the church, Eleanor was an invincible force. There was not a single place she couldn't go.

And if she had decided to take revenge on Richard by launching an attack on his house here near the Academy, no one would have defended them.

That's why Violet sent all the servants to Scarlette Duchy, utilizing her authority as the chief servant(she was promoted by Richard), and told them to go.

Richard looked at the girl, before asking, "Then…why didn't you also go?"

The girl lowered her head, a tinge of blush appearing on her cheeks, before she whispered, "You told me…to wait here…"

Richard silently stared at the girl for a few moments, before hanging his head low, "Seriously…what fortune did I score to gain such a good friend?"

Regardless of how he used to behave with her. All the abuse and pressure she went through while serving him or during that period when she was training to become a maid. Despite all that, she is still loyal and honors their friendship.

Violet kept her head leaning down as she remained silent.

Richard softly caressed her head and asked, "Was it difficult? Without me?"

Slowly her head moved up and down, signifying that she indeed was troubled.

"I was…scared. Every day I felt that I might receive some news…that…that…"

"That I am no more? Well, you don't need to fear that, since your master is pretty much immortal."

Violet chuckled and instantly covered her mouth in shame.

However, when Richard also began laughing, she didn't hold back and also laughed along with him.

Their laughs echoed in the empty house…however, when her laughter turned into silent sobs, Richard didn't realize.

When he turned towards her, he exhaled a soft sigh and embraced the girl.

He could tell that she was extremely stressed out. Being on the constant radar of the enemy, unknown about her master's whereabouts…she must have been through constant hell.

Violet was not a Bate yet because she served Richard; the Apostles could have surely targeted her. Or worse, they might have used her to blackmail him.

He kept hugging the girl until she calmed down. It has been a while since he has seen her crying like this. Seeing her stoic personality crumbling like this, made his heart tremble.

"Are you okay, now?" Richard asked as he poured some water for the girl.

Violet nodded, as she felt embarrassed for hugging him like this…and dirtying his clothes.

"Don't worry about that. Here, have some water." He handed her the water, which Violet took and gulped it slowly.

Richard heaved a sigh and looked around the house, "I will surely miss the place."

Violet hurriedly detached the glass from her lips before asking, "Are we leaving?"

Richard nodded, "Yeah…we cannot stay here anymore. There is a war approaching Violet, and possibly this place and the academy might get destroyed."

Violet's shoulders lost their strength as she looked at the house where she had been living for some time now. She has been cleaning and roaming around the house every single day so she, somehow, likes the place.

Richard held her shoulder and assured her, "I will build a new home…just like this one and we will live all together."

Violet nodded, "I understand. I will go and pack my clothes."

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Richard nodded before he got up and told her, "I will go and visit the Academy."

"Be safe, young master."

…

Richard advanced toward the Academy slowly, looking around and feeling nostalgic, a little.

Several things have changed compared to before. All the stores and motels that once were on either side of the street were nowhere to be seen. Well, considering the incident that occurred last time, it was obvious that anyone would remove their business.

He soon switched into his Elemental form and flew inside the academy, to save himself from needless interrogation.

Near the Headmaster's office, he found a familiar face so he approached her, "Hello, Professor Lucy."

"Eiik!" The older one was startled as she jumped on her feet and nearly summoned her weapon to attack the sneaky bastard

However, as soon as her eyes landed on the familiar redhead, her eyes stretched wide in disbelief, "Ri…chard?"

Hearing the commotion, the man from inside the Headmaster's office rushed out, "Lucy? Are you-huh?" His eyes also widened in shock upon finding a familiar teenager standing there.

Richard was surprised to find none other than Max coming out of the office as he asked, "So…should I call you the Headmaster rather than Professor?"

The man collected himself before asking, "Are you here to tease me, brat?"

Richard chuckled, "Trust me, I wouldn't have crossed a world to tease you."

Hearing those words, both Lucy and Max frowned before the latter suggested, "Should we go in and chat?"

Richard nodded before the three of them entered the office room of the Headmaster.

Richard exhaled a long sigh looking at the big painting of the late Headmaster hanging opposite the entrance. The smiling face of the old opened a few old wounds for Richard.

Max patted his back and said, "It wasn't your fault so don't blame yourself for it."

Lucy also said, "You did what you could have. And Headmaster Marcus would have never wanted himself to be saved over his students."

Richard nodded in understanding before he walked inside the took the seat.

Lucy sat beside him, while Max took the seat across from them.

"So, tell me, Richard. What in the seven hell is happening on Clion?"

Richard rested his back against the chair, before revealing, "We are on the verge of a war, and as my ex-professors, I am here to give you all an opportunity."

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A/N:- Thanks for reading.