Struggling as a Villain

"Do you understand the consequences of your words?" Inside a certain grandeur hall, sat several men wearing noble uniforms and their faces containing a similar frown.

That expression and those words were aroused by a certain teenager sitting inside the room who suggested something unnerving.

The said person didn't show any reaction to the growing aura of the others and smilingly said, "You want his head and so do I. Joining forces to help the apostles of light is the only method I deem right."

The person had drastic similarity to a certain silver head from the Obsidian Citadel.

The person who had the most superior command in the room voiced, "We didn't let Your Majesty know about this whole situation, or your head would have been rolling on the ground by now." The man had a long moustache and flowing, long red hair braided in a rough tail.

The proposer shrugged, "I mean, if we succeed, which we surely will, then you can offer the greatest present to the Emperor, no? After all, Scarlette Richard is the biggest threat to all of you and your Majesty, or am I perceiving things wrong?"

That name made many of them shift in their seats uncomfortably. The news of Scarlette Richard unlocking the Elemental form has reached the ears of the people in the Emberclad Empire.

An entity enshrouded in fiery flames was the identity of the Flame Warden and the founder of the Emberclad Empire. And after him, none of the descendents have been able to ascend to that realm...except for Richard who is also indirectly connected to the lineage.

If Richard proposes his right over the throne, the people of this continent would surely support him and many of those loyal to the Flame Warden would also rebel against the current monarch.

Those who are loyal to the current Emperor deem Richard as the biggest nightmare currently. As such, when someone proposed the idea of getting rid of this nightmare, they weren't able to prevent themselves from showing interest.

The proposer pressed forward, "Think about it, there could be no better opportunity than this. You can officially visit the Obsidian Citadel given the academy is participating in some competition. And when the third party attacks, you can launch your own as well."

Someone from the group asked, "How do you know that the Apostles...or whatever they call themselves, are, going to attack Scarlette Richard during the competition?"

The person in question grinned, "I would like to keep the source of information out of this discussion."

The one who asked, snarled, "And you think we would believe you when you can't even disclose such a crucial factor to us?"

The atmosphere grew heavy as the clone's smile slowly faded, and indifferently, he asked, "I never forced you to do anything; it's just a suggestion. And in the first place, even if you don't intend on attacking the Scarlette scion, you will be going to Eldoria in two weeks, no?

Just keep the preparation and after reaching there, decide how many of you still possess the courage of a warrior and how many of you have become a pussy."

"You....!!" The man got up, enraged and flames began to swirl around him.

However, the superior one gestured for him to sit down.

The clone smirked at that before voicing, "Based on what choice you make, the future of your Empire will be decided. So think carefully before making any decision."

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For the next few days, Richard's schedule remained limited within the school. He spent most of his time in the class, and if not, then in the library with Rose.

The role of the backup team is to replace the main ones if, under any circumstances, they fail to participate. As such, the backup team has to be fully prepared to replace the participating ones.

The teachers also gave them the freedom to skip some classes and spend more time in the library for the sake of the contest which was about to happen.

Now, it was the last day before the contest, and today, Richard and Rose decided to keep the studying hour brief so they could give their mind and body some much-needed rest.

Although Rose is a bookworm and loves to discuss things which are within the range of her interest, before the main event, even she was dead nervous.

"I think this should be enough for today." It was only five on the clock, but Richard decided that pushing any further would cause a backlash.

Rose also nodded in assent as she began to close the books and arrange her notes.

Richard stretched his body and looked around a bit. There weren't many students since most of them were busy preparing for the event tomorrow.

Once Richard saw that Rose had done packing, he raised his hand for a shake, "Let's do our best tomorrow."

Rose flinched for a moment before she slowly brought her hand to meet his.

Richard, with a smile, was about to say something again, but suddenly, he felt a droplet of warm liquid dropping on his thumb.

Not only one but several droplets of tears began pouring down on his hand, urging Richard to ask, "Hey, hey....are you crying?" He held Rose's face and urged her to look up.

Her eyes were filled with tears as she bit her lips to prevent herself from letting out any strange sound.

Richard knelt before her and, taking her hand in his, he asked, "Are you nervous?"

The girl slowly nodded, too worked up to utter a single word.

Richard asked, "Aren't you prepared to win this? I have seen how hard you have worked for the quiz and now you are getting nervous?"

Rose sobbed as she used her other hand to rub her eyes—only to be stopped by Richard as he held her hand and put it back on her thigh. Taking out his handkerchief, he gently wiped her tears as he told her,

"The ones who should be scared right now are the students of the other school. After all, the prodigy genius of the Obsidian Citadel would be the one they have to face."

His words held confidence and warmth, almost like Richard trusted her more than Rose could ever trust herself.

In recent times, when he spent hours with Rose, he got to know things about her and the range of knowledge she carries in her head. Not even once did she show impatience when Richard had a hard time remembering something. And also, she intently learned new things which Richard was aware of.

In Richard's eyes, if someone can compare to his mother in terms of brains, then it was this silly girl.

Rose eventually calmed down, feeling his gentle gaze never leaving her. That heart which was beating rapidly a moment ago, was now much more peaceful.

"I know you will do fine, Rose. Just don't focus on the audience, other contestants or any of the judges. You have to keep your mind converged on the question and express every single detail you know about it in your response. And if you do, no one will snatch the first position from us."

His smile made her heart flutter, but despite how much she tried she couldn't feel good about tomorrow.

In a barely audible voice, she asked, "Why do you trust me so much?"

Richard shrugged, "Maybe because of your brilliance or maybe it's your cute cheeks? Or maybe both?"

That response made her blush but she couldn't stop herself from smiling at his words.

Richard also grinned before asking, "Do you feel better now?"

Rose nodded before Richard got up and helped her to leave her seat as well.

The duo soon made their way out of the library in silence.

Rose seemed contemplative about something, and since Richard believed that she was still thinking about tomorrow, he didn't disturb her.

Just as they were about to reach the dormitory, Rose turned on her heels and extended something towards Richard, "Here, have this. This is a good luck charm!"

There was a small pendant in her hand with a silver chain attached to it.

Richard was perplexed, "Thanks...but don't you need this charm more? I mean you would be participating, no?"

Rose didn't say anything and after handing the charm, she turned away and dashed into the building.

In those tears she shed, there wasn't any nervousness for the quiz but something else which Richard failed to discern. However, this sudden lucky charm indeed made him wonder if there was something wrong.

Her behaviour has been fluctuating a lot these days. Sometimes, she appeared excited, and then suddenly, all the vigour disappeared. It was almost like she was sad about something that was about to happen.

Richard was unsure of what was going on within her mind as he watched her walk away.

Suddenly, Richard had a thought...something he recalled which was mentioned a long time ago.

'System, you said I can read the thoughts of any heroine right? Does Rose also come in that category?'

[Ding!]

[Indeed host!]

[Does the host want to read the current thoughts of the target?]

[Y/N]

Although he doesn't like prying into someone's head, at that moment, Richard doesn't hesitate to choose the 'Y'.

And when he did...

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A/N:- Thanks for reading.