Struggling as a Villain

While studying with Rose, Richard observed that she became a little bit more open with him; at least she didn't stutter as much as before.

When she talks about things related to history or any book she has read in the past, she becomes a different person. The enthusiasm in her eyes made her seem like a small child who likes to tell their older sibling about the cartoons they like.

Although Richard was more into magic mechanisms, he was interested in learning about the history of the world as well. In the past, when he reincarnated he read the history books in the greed of widening his knowledge of this world where he has reborn. But now, after regaining his memories, his perspective has changed.

Now, all the knowledge he collects is to prepare for the upcoming war.

"The strongest of the seven." The topic came up and Richard perked his ears,

"The First Empire was named after the strongest warrior in existence and someone who came up with the idea of setting up kingdoms across Clion." Rose began,

"The Star child and the entity who, despite being the strongest, held no pride in his strength at all. The Grand Magus, and the leader of the seven—Eden Dracon."

"He was a man of very few words and someone who directed his fellow warriors on the right path. Leading a war against the God of Death in that era, when the evil god was at its peak strength. Not only did Sir Eden fight the Death God head-on, all alone, but it's said that Sir Eden even left a grave wound on his enemy before his ultimate demise."

"He became a symbol of strength and peace for others, and after his demise, his descendants held the mantle of preserving humanity."

Closing the book, Rose said, "He is the man who caused great envy from several beings and the Flame Warden was one of them."

Richard has heard about it from his mother. Originally, the Flame Warden was devastated after realizing that he was far weaker than Eden, which urged him to dwell deeper into the secrets of the elements.

However, after he attained the true elemental form, he was captured by the Sages and was caged in before the Warden could prove his worth.

Amelia casually asked, "Is there anything mentioned about Sir Eden's skills or abilities?"

"I am also curious.", Richard added. For someone to be hailed as the strongest means the Sorcerer Supreme must have a broken ability.

Rose looked uncertain as she spoke, "There are no books that contain Sir Eden's abilities; however, I have heard things from my grandfather that I can tell."

Amelia and Richard wirelessly urged her to speak.

The pink-haired girl became a little nervous being looked at with such interest. However, she didn't make them wait long and uttered,

"Spell Creation."

"---!!" Richard's eyes slowly widened upon hearing that, and Amelia had a similar reaction.

Rose added, "He had a vast amount of ether in store, and through his knowledge and creativity he manufactured spells."

Richard slowly said, "That's why he was the strongest mage. The ability to weave spells makes one practically impossible to predict."

Amelia agreed, "Indeed. No one can make a plan against someone who can build their attacks based on any situation."

After a brief moment of silence, Amelia asked in general, "Did any of the successors receive the same ability as Sir Eden?"

Richard shook his head, "I don't think so…at least not in the previous three generations since it would have been all over the news."

For someone who can produce their spell would be a great addition to the side of Light. So, if any of those successors has indeed awakened that power, then surely the Heaven residents must have already made them one of their apostles.

"I-I think I should go now." Suddenly, Rose got up from her seat, making Richard raise his brows.

"Okay, I will send someone with you," He proposed but,

"N-No I am fine on my own." Saying so, she hurriedly made her way out of the mansion.

For some reason, her behavior returned to how it always has been.

'Did I somehow make her uncomfortable?' Richard wondered before he heard Lilia's voice,

"Young master, shall I prepare the bath?"

Amelia's ears perked with interest. She was thinking to soak in warm water with Richard…however,

"No, not now." With his eyes turning upward, he added, "I have something to do first."

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Bella was silently sitting on the rooftop of the mansion where no stairs led. She just jumped up here from the outside and spends her time here mostly.

To say she enjoyed her time alone would be completely wrong. She wants to stay with her brother more. Each moment she spends with him becomes a major source of her happiness. And later, she thinks of those moments, contemplating what if she would have said this or that.

It was natural for her to yearn for him so much. She desperately searched for any route that could have led her to him. After arriving in this world, it was as painful as death to keep herself away from him.

However, it was necessary. She wanted to make things a little dramatic so that when her brother approached her, she could inflict a great impact through her words.

And finally, it's happening.

"Bella." He called her. The gentleness and concern in his voice made her heart flutter but she kept her face straight.

"You didn't come down for dinner." He asked. Each of his words, and the sadness blended in it made her heart wrench. But she held herself together and remained silent.

Richard sat down beside her and held her face.

Urging her to look at him, he asked, "Have I done something to upset my precious?"

Bella's eyes were moist as she looked into his warm ones.

She slowly shook her head before saying, "You won't understand."

Richard heaved a sigh as she turned away again. It was very rare for her to throw a tantrum and right now, she was genuinely worried and scared about something.

"Unless you don't tell me, we won't know if I can understand you or not." He urged.

Richard sensed the change in her attitude after they arrived here. However, he didn't have a clue why she was upset.

Bella remained silent for a moment before she finally turned to look at him and asked, "Did you know our mother takes a pill to control her emotions? A medicine to suppress her anger and this uncontrollable blood lust she often feels?"

Richard frowned, "I….never heard about it."

Bella added, "Whenever she feels she can't stop herself from harming someone related to you, she takes that specific medicine. Otherwise, how could she have tolerated you having so many wives?"

Richard was rendered speechless. Such a thing existed? And his mother had to take it regularly?

Bella added, "And you know what, brother? She gave it to me as well." Bella showed a small pill in her hand which Bellarine gave her before she came here.

Richard…now realized what was the case. And Bella's following words proved his hunch to be true,

"Because she knew, I won't be able to hold myself when I see someone else in your arms. She knows me because I am a part of her. And just like Bellarine, Bella loves Richard as a man, as well!"

She confessed it. Her eyes blurred with tears but behind the curtains, there were flames of determination.

She could never be double-minded about this. Her love for Richard transcends every realm and is something akin to insanity. Without him, Bella feels lost. Years ago, she decided that if she could let anyone have her heart, mind, and body, then it was Richard.

Richard remained silent. Should he say he was completely unaware? No, that would be a lie.

He has noticed things on earth that could easily make someone realize that Bella doesn't see him just as a brother. But after so many things happened that he nearly forgot that this side of hers still exists.

Bella pressed, "I am not asking you to reciprocate my feelings immediately. I just wanted you to be conscious of my feelings." She said while pressing his hand against her cheek.

Richard heaved a sigh and remained silent for a few minutes. Each minute was like an hour for the raven-haired woman but she didn't urge him to answer.

After what seemed like an eternity to Bella but only seven minute had passed, Richard parted his lips and told her,

"Okay…I will keep it in mind and will try to change my perspective on things…between us."

Belle beamed, the gloomy clouds over her head vanishing instantly.

Richard was about to get up and ask her to come down with him when suddenly Richard recalled something and took the pill from her hand.

"Sorry to tell you Bella…" Crushing the small pill between his fingers, he added, "Mom tricked you. There is nothing like an anger-suppressing pill; this was just a candy she likes to have after dinner."

Bella's eyes widened and face turned red. She was tricked by that woman and using that pill she confessed everything.

'You damn woman!!!'

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A/N:- Thanks for reading.