Struggling as a Villain

Richard gave them four hours of rest since he knew it would take a long while for them to infiltrate the main base and discover Rena's location.

Lilia and Emily went to arrange something to eat before Richard departs.

Since there was nothing to eat on the ship, naturally, Lilia said she would hunt some aquatic beasts down. And since Carl had several mana stones in possession, cooking the meat wouldn't pose a problem.

Emily was accompanying her since there could be no one better than her to keep Lilia hidden from the surveillance.

Laila was resting in another room while the other two were guarding the premises. Richard gifted them a few artifacts which far surpassed the regular ones they had.

Since Richard was planning to stay long at the Emberclad, he had already brought every kind of reinforcement he could.

Now, inside the room, Bella was sitting with her brother on the bed, and across from them were Carl and Ben.

"But brother, if it was about detection then you were already sufficient. Why take Ben with you? I mean…I can come with you instead…."

Hearing that Ben side-glanced his friend, as they heard Richard providing the reason,

"I need someone who is closely aware of the Crimson Claw's situation and can inform me about the latest technology. After facing those soldiers and witnessing their tools and weapons, I felt I was quite outdated for this advanced world."

Bella rubbed her brother's back as if to console him.

Taking a pause, he added, "And I want someone to be here who can take charge if the enemy forces find out about this hideout. And I am trusting you, Carl, to guide others when I will be away."

Bella might be strong, but there was no one who knew these areas better than Carl. Not to forget, Carl has been leading his own group for the past few years.

Carl heaved a sigh but one could sense the disappointment from his demeanor.

It was apparent that he wanted to ensure his sister's safety with his own eyes. However, Richard couldn't overcrowd this group given they were going there just to scout.

Ben rested his hand on his friend's soldier before assuring him, "Trust me, Carl, I will bring back good news."

Carl softly nodded, " And I wish you luck for that."

Comfortable silence descended in the room when suddenly Bella asked, "Why do you keep hiding your face, Ben? Any reason behind that?"

Carl and Ben shared a glance before the latter removed his mask and told them, " Just insecurity…" Seeing the dark mark of what seemed like a claw scar going down his left eye, Richard said,

"It's not that bad. I have seen people in far more severe states yet they don't feel the necessity to cover their face." Just like a certain instructor back in the academy who has a cross mark on his face which he received from an enemy who claimed himself as an artist.

Carl told them, "There was a girl…who fell for him and Ben also started to like her…until she saw his face and fell unconscious after screaming."

Richard was surprised. The first thought came to his mind, 'Do such girls exist?'

Bella heaved a sigh and told him, "You are saved, Ben. If you had gotten yourself entangled with such a girl it would have hurt worse in the future."

Ben chuckled, "Indeed…but it cannot be denied that her screams made me insecure about my face; that's why I keep it hidden behind a mask." With his shoulders slumped the young man sighed.

Richard leaned forward and rested his hand on the younger one's shoulder before telling him, "Only settle for a girl when she accepts everything about you. You are a good man, Ben, so sooner or later you will find yourself someone."

Ben's lips extended in a soft smile, as he said, "I will remember that."

…..

*Hiss*

As the marinated fish hit the heated pan, the hissing sound of flesh burning in oil was heard.

In the broken kitchen of the ship only two people could be seen currently—the older one on cooking duty.

Emily was standing at one side, fidgeting slightly which showed that she was uncertain about something and wanted to say something.

Even though Lilia noticed her apprehension she remained silent, allowing the girl to collect herself.

After a few minutes, she finally muttered, "Umm…Lilia, can you help me train?"

"Physically and magically you are capable already."

"No, not that! It's…I want to learn how I can take care of Richard."

With her eyes drifting to nothing in particular she added, "I want to be aware of everything related to him…and want to know what I should do so I don't end up repeating the same mistake as today."

"Are you asking me out of guilt?" Lilia asked which caused Emily to grumble,

"Are you testing me or teasing me?"

Lilia remained indifferent and silent for a few moments before she flipped the fish and said,

"Initially I wanted to train you as every other maid I have trained so you can manage things on your own in the future."

Emily's eyes sparkled in excitement, but then, the brunette revealed something unexpected,

"However, master prohibited me, saying that it was not necessary for you to become his server."

Emily's shoulders slumped, "Why would he say something like that?"

Seeing her dejected self Lilia knew what she must be thinking. The blond one must be assuming that Richard didn't want Emily to get closer to him. However,

"All in my life I have never seen Richard being so confused about something as he seemed when it came to you."

Emily looked at the older one with slight perplexion in her eyes as she heard Lilia adding,

"You and Richard have gone through several phases. He used to love you, then you broke up with him…and then you returned to him. Naturally, anyone would feel confused about how they should behave."

Emily's eyes were drawn to the ground, as she asked in a barely audible tone,

"Then….what should I do?"

Lilia asked her in return, "Tell me what you want."

Emily didn't take time to respond this time, "I want to be close to him and be useful to Richard."

Lilia continued to cook the fish and didn't speak for a few minutes.

Flipping the fourth piece of fish into a plate, she decorated it with the sauce she prepared before handing two of them to Emily.

The blond girl obediently held the plates and followed the elder one.

While walking toward her master, Lilia gave her the answer, "Once we return, I will properly educate you."

A blooming smile extended her lips, as she hastened her pace to walk beside her and said, "Really?"

Seeing that smile Lilia narrowed her eyes, " Don't be too happy. I don't think you can handle it."

"Test me! I am sure I will stand beyond your expectations. I will be his number one!"

Lilia heaved a sigh, "There is only a single person who has outdone me when it comes to serving the master, and that is Duchess Bellarine."

Emily couldn't say that she would be better than the Duchess but she swore to be his number two. At least.

With the conversation coming to a pause, they finally came to a pause before the room where the four were discussing things.

Lilia entered the room after knocking once and the smell of the food instantly attracted everyone's attention.

Richard's eyes sparkled, "Please tell me all of them are for me."

"Brother?"

"No way…." Ben and Carl instantly retaliated and took the two plates from Emily right away.

Bella offered her plate to her brother but Richard shook his head and told her that he was just joking.

Once sat down all of them began to eat—Ben and Carl couldn't stop praising Lilia while they ate.

Richard glanced at Emily, and seeing her beaming smile, she wordlessly asked what was the matter.

The girl innocently shook her head but the happiness on her face evidently told that there was something that mattered.

However, he decided to wait for her to tell him by herself.

Lilia cooked and fed the other members as well before the resting hours finally came to an end.

Standing inside the waiting area, Richard and the others checked for the necessary supplies that Richard asked them to carry.

Seeing Lilia busily wrapping the strap of his armor while stealing her gaze, Richard held her hand and made her look at him.

For those who don't know Lilia closely, might not be able to tell the difference, but Richard could tell that the girl was quite anxious at the moment.

"You know there is nothing that can hurt me, right? And you know it's not my overconfidence."

Lilia fondly smiled at her beloved; caressing his face, she whispered, "Worrying about you is my duty and right."

Richard smiled in agreement, "That…is true." Kissing her lips tenderly he hugged the girl before whispering, "Take care of yourself…and them. Once again, I will be relying on you."

Lilia sweetly smiled at her master before saying, "Come back soon."

—------**-------

A/N:- Little did she know that it would be the last time….