Struggling as a Villain

Sitting with her legs folded and head leaning down was the same woman who once used to rule over the largest hunters group in Vegas.

Richard, the brother who only shows love and care for his sister usually, was currently looking down at her with clear agitation in his eyes.

Lilia was silently standing nearby, now fully clothed, as she didn't dare to speak between the duo. Continue your adventure with empire

"Bella, what did I teach you about privacy and your limits?" A tone which he seldom adopts against his loved ones, resounded as Richard asked the kneeling woman.

Bella didn't look up at him, as she responded, "I was worried about you..."

Richard frowned, "Worried about what? And didn't I relay it through Lailia that I am busy?"

He told the pinkhead not to let anyone disturb him for the time being unless it was some emergency, yet Bella not only knocked on their door, but she ripped the door off the hinges while knocking.

If not for Richard's response in time, then he could have never overcome the shame of being seen naked by his sister.

"You are no longer a child, Bella don't you understand what your brother might be doing inside a closed room with his fiancée? And yet, you nearly barged inside even though there was no reason to."

His tone turned frostier with each syllable, making even Lilia shiver a little as she tried to mediate the situation, "Richard, she was concerned about you...after all, Lady Bella also saw how shaken up you were-"

"No, Lilia. She didn't come here to ask for my situation." He interjected and revealed the truth, "If she had been concerned, then she would not have tried to break in like that." Looking back at the raven-haired, he stated,

"What were you even trying to achieve?"

Bella clenched her fist, and muttered in a barely audible tone, "If you still don't understand why I did that..."

"I understand." Richard interrupted her, his voice sounding a little less sharp, "I understand your feelings, Bella. I know that your feelings for me aren't just limited to familial fondness. You have told me."

He didn't forget that day when Bella revealed her feelings for him on the roof of the mansion. When she mustered up all her strength to confess how she felt about him.

He hasn't forgotten a single word of that day.

Bella finally looked up at him, her eyes blurred by tears as she asked, "Then why are you doing this to me? Even though you know how much it pains me to see you with someone else."

If Lilia had any doubt until now, then seeing Bella cry proved that she, indeed, was the daughter of Duchess Bellarine. They both can't tolerate seeing him with someone else; the difference is that Bellarine can mask her displeasure, but Bella can't.

Richard heaved a sigh, as he got up from his seat and held her shoulders, "Come stand up now."

Bella refused to look up and continued to weep.

Richard knelt before her, and gently wiped her tears, urging her to look up, "I understand, now get up."

Once he settled her on the bed, Richard knelt before the baby girl.

He glanced at Lilia, and the brunette gave him a nod before excusing herself, "I will be waiting at the dining hall."

Once said, she walked out of the room and closed the door behind her.

Heaving a sigh, she used Recovery magic on her legs, which still were slightly numb, and began walking towards the deck where the others were present.

'I hope this doesn't affect what we have to face in the near future.' Lilia inwardly muttered; having a personal feud could gravely hamper one's goal. And Bella had a vital role in what they planned to rescue Rena.

"Ah, Miss Lilia." Carl spotted the woman and instantly got up before offering her a seat.

Lilia gave him a thankful nod before she joined the table with others and realized that they hadn't begun eating.

Turning her eyes toward Lailia, she asked, "What happened? Have you not cooked the dinner yet?"

The pinkhead looked embarrassed as she muttered, "I did...but..."

Seeing her hesitate, Ben informed her, "Richard's aura was enough to make us understand that something has happened. So we decided to wait for you guys."

Lilia was momentarily speechless before she looked at Boris and said, "Come with me. Let's bring the food and have dinner." She didn't want them to remain hungry because of her master or he would feel guilty later.

The bald man instantly nodded and followed the maid, who walked towards the kitchen and found all the dishes were served but covered with foil.

Boris silently took the dishes she gave him and returned to the table, followed by Lilia.

Once she returned, Carl hesitantly asked,."Is...everything alright?"

He seemed nervous and hesitant since this matter seemed rather personal and something in which no one should be interfering.

Lilia assured them, "Just a small sibling argument. Nothing to worry." She placed the food before everyone and said, "You guys eat first, I will wait for them."

Carl and Ben shared a glance before they mutually decided to not pry into this anymore.

Seeing the dining table being so awkward and silent, Lilia initiated a conversation, "By the way, Lena, are there any other species than humans on this planet? Like dwarves or elves?"

The silver head remained indifferent while responding, "None. Although there have been several attempts of reproducing through monster and human mating, none of it has yielded any results."

The healer of the group ducked and blushed profoundly hearing the word 'mating' while Laila also seemed to be fidgeting in her seat.

"I have heard that they are trying genetic mutation by adding genes of monsters into newborn babies to see the changes they can adapt," Ben added, his tone carrying subtle loath for those beings who can go to any length in the name of scientific research.

"That is pretty sick." Lilia muttered, "Glad to see that it isn't just our world that is filled with sick people."

Carl couldn't help but ask, "Are there mad scientists in your world as well?"

Lilia nodded, "Yes, there are those who call themselves the peace-lovers who -" Lilia suddenly paused as she heard footsteps approaching.

She turned her head and found a smiling Bella walking towards them with her arm hooked with her brother's.

"Sorry Lilia, for talking rudely earlier." The first thing she did was to apologize, and honestly, that took Lilia by surprise.

Lena was also taken aback seeing her Queen smiling ear to ear and even saying sorry to someone.

"You look quite happy, sis." Carl smilingly asked.

Bella nodded, "Yup~I am. It's all thanks to Brother that now I can think straight."

Bella looked at the man beside her with fond gaze.

Seeing those cute dimples on her cheeks, Richard couldn't stop himself from smiling as well, as he urged the girl, "Now sit down and eat."

Bella obediently followed his words and sat down beside Lilia.

Soon the sweet atmosphere around the table returned as Bella began actively conversing with others. It was like she was never weeping and complaining a few minutes ago, her whole demeanor was now different.

Lilia was surprised and curious to know what they talked about in these few minutes that the lady's temperament shifted so dramatically.

She glanced at her master and found him looking back at her with a gaze as if he was saying, 'Don't worry, I will tell you.'

As the dinner came to an end, suddenly Rena muttered, "It's a call from the base," She raised the short terminal in her hand to show it to Bella.

Bella raised her brows and looked at her Brother.

Richard gave the silver head a nod before Lena picked up the call,

"Edward?" She asked.

[Good evening, Leader. Sorry for calling you so late but the matter is urgent.]

Lena frowned, "What is it?"

Everyone drew closer and listened intently to the person on the other side,

[Yes. We received a formal letter from the Leader of the Crimson Claw clan. They are requesting a meeting with you, the day after tomorrow.]

Carl took a strong breath as he looked at Ben, and the latter gave him a firm nod.

Lena turned her eyes toward Richard and upon receiving a nod of agreement, she said,

"Tell him I will be there."

Once the call got disconnected, everyone remained silent, and their eyes were on Richard.

The redhead remained silent for a few moments, before he muttered, "Pack your bags, all of you. We are moving."

Time to initiate the second phase of the plan.

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A/N:- I didn't realize that the pace seemed slow; that's why I will try to get the arc moving a little more hastily.

Thank you for all the support you all have showed to this story until now. Drop a comment/review/ Power stones.