Struggling as a Villain

In the past, Duke Hawkbridge didn't have so much stress, despite being the ruler of a Dukedom. However, ever since the portals began to appear all around the world, followed by the rise of the Apostles, the man was completely overcrowded by work.

Currently, he was heading back to his house with his knight beside him.

"Ralph, did you visit your home this week?" He asked, as they stepped inside the mansion and headed toward the reception area.

The security chief, who was a young man with pale grey hair, responded, "No, sir. Never found the opportunity."

Gideon chuckled, "That's the life of a warrior. We always think that once we finish this job, we will go back to our family and spend some days with them. However, in this field of work, no one actually received a holiday."

The other one slightly lowered his head, and responded, "Understood sir, I will go and see them as soon as I get some time."

Gideon hummed in response as they finally stepped inside the reception area—and at once, both individuals paused.

"Hello, Father-in-woah." Richard raised his hands in surrender as suddenly, the knight in the silver armor jumped forward with his spear pointing towards Richard.

"Trespassing into the mansion of the Duke?! Kneel on the ground with your hands behind your head!" The soldiers barked, ready to launch an attack any moment now.

Gideon laughed seeing the scene. The fact Richard never looked flustered nor showed any sign of being ready to counter showed how much he had grown strong in the brief duration when he was away.

"It's okay, Ralph. He is a friend."

Hearing the words, the soldier blinked in confusion before lowering his spear and apologizing, "I am sorry for my rude behavior."

Richard shrugged, "You were doing your job, so you shouldn't feel apologetic because of that."

The soldier raised his brows, 'Was the rumors about Scarlette Richard being a snorty brat false?'

Naturally, he didn't utter another word and stepped back to stand behind Gideon.

"Quite brave you are to suddenly appear here in my house, even though you know that I am still on the side of Light." Gideon held no animosity against the kid; however, what he said was not untrue as well.

He has been informed of everything that Commander Bennet faced in the other world. And adding them up with the words he heard from the Apostles, Gideon was aware of where Richard stood and where he should be standing.

'Kill him on sight'—those were the orders… but can I really? Gideon wondered as he stared at the boy before him. The sheer presence he radiated was overwhelming, suffocating even.

Perhaps Ralph, being less sensitive to magic, could act so decisively earlier—raising his spear without hesitation against this anomaly, the one called Richard.

Richard smiled at the man, no mockery just a simple smile, as he said,

"I know you won't act as you were ordered to because I know for a fact that Hawkbridge Gideon doesn't blindly follow commands. And the second reason I was so confident you wouldn't attack me is..."

"Richard?!"

Gideon kept staring at the smug kid who was suddenly embraced by the treasure of his life.

Gideon rubbed the bridge of his nose as he said, "You know, Amelia, that I am right here, right?"

The raven-haired girl didn't detach herself from Richard, as she said, "Take the hint, Father."

"Pfft-"

Gideon glared at his knight, who was pretending to be unchanged, even though he clearly laughed just now.

Richard settled the girl on his lap, before asking her, "Did you miss me?"

Amelia looked at him with a frown, "Something so obvious you are asking. And...did you grow your hair? Why do you have a different perfume on you?"

Richard helplessly laughed as he ruffled her soft hair and told her, "First sit down here before your father explodes in rage."

Amelia heaved a sigh before she hopped off his lap and sat down beside Richard. However, just to be on the safe side so that he doesn't disappear again, she remained clinging to his arm.

Gideon was rubbing his eyes, feeling frustrated about how his little peanut had changed. Once, she only held his hand so fondly, and now...

'Haah...you need to let go, Gideon. She isn't a child anymore...' Repeating the mantra in his head, Gideon turned towards Richard before warning him,

"Keep her smiling always or I will hunt you down myself."

Richard smiled warmly at the man, "I won't give you that opportunity, don't worry."
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Once that conversation died down, Gideon finally asked, "So? Why are you here?"

"For Amelia." Richard's instant answer made Amelia's heart race as she found her hand being held by his, with their fingers interlaced.

Without hesitation, Richard added, "I know this will sound absurd but I cannot leave Amelia here. She isn't safe."

Gideon narrowed his eyes, "So you mean to say, that I cannot protect my daughter?"

Richard shook his head, "What is about to happen really soon on Clion, you might hand Amelia to the Apostles, yourself, to be used."

Gideon clenched his fist, his aura making the chandelier tremble, as he said, "You know what you are saying, right?"

Richard remained unfazed as he found Amelia's hold around his hand turning stiff in apprehension.

Continuing to look at the man in his eyes, he uttered, "I am on the side of Darkness, Duke Hawkbridge, so to weaken me or force me to withdraw the Apostle can use someone whom I cannot sacrifice."

Gideon huffed, "I will never let Amelia get trapped by them."

Richard shook his head, "You don't understand, Your Grace...the being in question has the power to make you powerless. The King you serve will snatch all your authority if you deny the orders of the apostles. And when that happens, nothing could save Amelia from being taken away by them."

Gideon clenched his fist, however, he wasn't frustrated by what he said. He was frustrated because Richard was right.

"So...what are you suggesting?"

Richard plainly relayed, "I am taking Amelia with me to the other world...where she will remain safe."

Gideon could see the determination in his eyes. He could sense that Richard was ready to even fight for her, right now, right here.

'Such fierce determination...I don't know whether I should be happy or sad right now...' After thinking for a bit, Gideon uttered,

"Since Amelia really wants to be with you-"

"Wait, dear." Suddenly, Lady Hawkbridge appeared in the reception area. Her golden eyes narrowed towards Richard, as she said, "You can only take Amelia away as your bride. If you can't marry her, I won't let you have my daughter."

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A/N:- Thanks for reading.