Struggling as a Villain

Chapter 175: Chapter 174- Burn

Late at night, Richard decided to visit the academy to check on how things were proceeding.

Along with him, Bellarine and Amelia were present. Although the others also demanded to come, Richard told them to rest for now since they kept moving for the whole day.

Bella only agreed to stay back once Richard promised to share the bed with her tonight.

"There were about two thousand Ambrobates still fighting with the forces when I arrived." As they strolled towards the academy, Bellarine informed them.

"There never had been any preparation for such a large-scale attack in the first place. That's why they failed to contain the danger. Then there was that dragon as well."

Hearing Bellarine's words, Richard was reminded of that creature, urging the redhead to ask, "Mom...is there any place on Clion where we could find Dragons?"

Bellarine frowned, "No, I don't think so. And even if there was, it wouldn't have remained hidden for this long."

"A contracted familiar?" Amelia added, to which Bellarine nodded, "Possible....but considering how the strength of the contractor plays a major factor in deciding the familiar, it is highly likely that there is someone incredibly strong on their side."

Richard slowly nodded. Even his mother, who was the strongest witch, had only a phoenix as her familiar. So one could expect the scale of strength of the person who summoned that dragon.

Soon the trio reached the academy and found the situation inside was much more dire.

The soldiers from the capital have arrived and are actively taking away the dead bodies of the monsters. And the medical teams were still checking on the fallen students and taking them away.

Richard spotted Max standing nearby, urging him to ask, "When did they arrive?"

Max was startled to hear his voice, not paying attention to his surroundings resulted in his surprise before he responded,

"Ah...in the evening. No one informed them but it seems Duchess Bellarine's presence here was enough evidence to show that something massive happened."

Amelia excused herself since she spotted one of her friends crying while holding her elder sister's dead body.

Richard's heart trembled at the sight, as he asked, "How many?"

Max's expression turned grim as he whispered, "More than two hundred."

Richard clenched his fist in agitation. He felt he failed them since despite being aware that something was about to happen, he underestimated his enemy and that resulted in the death of so many.

Max rested his hand on the young man's shoulder before telling him, "It's not your fault...rather, people are thankful that it's because of you, the danger was subdued. The scale of attack those Ambrobates planned could have easily erased the existence of Obsidian Citadel."

Bellarine also held his hand, and encouraged, "Look at the brighter side, baby. You saved those many people even though you weren't obliged."

Richard heaved a long sigh before he held his mother's hand fondly and asked the man, "Those who betrayed...was there anything common between them."

Max looked awfully sad, as he lowered his gaze and uttered, "Their status....most of them were from poor families."

"So they were bribed?" Bellarine asked the obvious.

Inside the room, only two people could be seen currently.

After contacting Richard Rose asked if it was alright with Ruby to stay there for a bit longer. In the strange place, she was feeling extremely anxious and having no one else to talk to, she felt she might lose her mind.

Ruby agreed to her request; however, she would need to go back as soon as possible. There are people here who observe every member.

Rose is still undecided, and in that situation, if Ruby remains by her side for long, it would become apparent that the red-eyed girl is, as well, not on either side. Worse, they might assume that she is on the side of Darkness.

"Revealing the location of the hideouts to Richard...will it be helpful?" Rose asked in an uncertain tone.

Ruby, who was applying ointment to the pink head's wounds, slowly said, "We have no other choice but to trust in Richard. We saw clearly who was trying to protect the students and who sent the forces to cause chaos."

That's the same reason why Rose was still unsure which side she should be standing on. However, what bothered her was,

"Why did you come with them, then? You weren't brainwashed, right?"

Ruby smiled, "As a warrior, I won't have been helpful to Richard...but as a spy, I might be."

Rose was surprised, "You...risked your life so you can help Richard? President, do you like him?"

The older one chuckled, "That brat? To me, he's still just an arrogant kid, always boasting about his position and strutting around with his chest puffed out." With her eyes turning a little dazed, she added, "But now...he has matured and seems like a reliable man. So yes, I trust him and want to help him."

Rose didn't say anything about that, rather she asked,

"Are we trying to get Ethan on our side?"

Ruby frowned, "That would be foolish and impossible. They treat Ethan as their Lord...they are devoted to him. And the deities have chosen him as their champion. We shouldn't take the risk."

Rose instantly nodded; not wanting to take any step where she had to use violence.

After Ruby was done, she got up and said, "Now rest and wait."

Rose held her hand and asked pleadingly, "We will make it alive, right?"

Ruby smiled warmly before nodding, "You will be safe, I promise."

Planting a soft kiss on the little one's head, Ruby made her way out of the room.

Although she said that Rose would be safe, Ruby couldn't say the same for herself.

After all, she has betrayed her destined one...and her clan members would possibly burn her alive if she returns.

'Well, not like I didn't know the consequences of what I was doing...'

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