Struggling as a Villain

[Day 01- Outside world]

"What should we do?" Inside the infirmary, late evening, sat three individuals.

Nora's question was met by silence from Elizabeth. She hasn't spoken since earlier making the elven princess concerned.

Emily was currently treating her injured eye with an ice pack with her head tilted.

After a pause, the blond finally spoke, "Eleanor was sure that the Duchess is going through some kind of punishment, and Richard has gone to find the cure."

"Well, maybe she is bluffing it all so we can go there and harm the Duchess?"

Emily scoffed, "Do you think Eleanor can ever dare attack the Duchess unless she is wounded or vulnerable due to some circumstances?"

Nora parted her lips but nothing came out. She also knows the limit of Eleanor's strength, so it is undeniable that under normal circumstances, she won't attack the Duchess.

"I have decided," Elizabeth spoke up for the first time in hours, drawing the other two's attention.

With her gaze drawn to the ground, Elizabeth slowly muttered, "Once Richard returns and heals the Duchess, I will disclose things to Ethan related to his mother."

Nora gasped and Emily instantly rebuked, "Don't do anything hastily. You forgot the divine punishment would make you lose your blessings and you might end up losing your memories."

"I don't fucking care, Emily," Elizabeth spat, "The way things are moving right now, it won't be surprising if Eleanor makes Ethan hate us all by making some false statement. She is crazy enough to drug him so he doesn't listen to anyone else. And if that happens....if Ethan becomes solely dependent on her, this world would once again, fall into ruins."

There was nothing the other two said in rebuttal. More than anyone else they know how much the four of them needed to be with Ethan during the final battle.

To help Ethan build his strength and provide him with the necessary support so this world doesn't meet with the same fate as it did in the previous timeline.

"That's why let's get rid of Eleanor when we have the time," Elizabeth added, her tone laced with determination and anger.

Emily was stunned to see Elizabeth willing to let go of those memories which she adored so much. Not only she but Emily, Nora and even Eleanor treasure those memories they shared with Ethan very much. However, for the sake of this world and Ethan's safety, she was prepared to let go of these feelings.

Seeing her sacrificing like this, a resolve was formed in her mind. Looking at the sky out of the window, Emily released a soft breath and a smile extended her lips.

Yes, this might be for the best.

----------**----------

"Serve me? Why?" Richard was baffled to hear such an intention from the woman whom he saw in the Endless Hold for the first time, and for some reason, she wanted to serve him.

This was so weird.

Jasmine nodded, firmly. With her eyes drawn on the table, she added, "Neither I can tell you the reason, nor I will ask you to trust me. However, there are some ways through which I can help you; not only on this floor but on the other ones as well."

Richard scooped some jelly into his spoon, and just before he dropped it into his mouth, he asked her, "For you to say those words...means you are aware of my motive for coming here?"

Jasmine nodded, "Indeed...to please Vornyx. You want to summon that being to save your mother, no?"

Richard was taken aback, "How do you know about my mother?"

Despite his question hanging in the air for more than a minute, no answer arrived. Richard heaved a sigh and leaned back in his seat.

While continuing with the meal, he said, "See, unless you don't tell me who you are and what is the source of your information I cannot let you interfere with my work. I have ways to lure them into a battle and have enough time to accomplish my task, so stay away from me."

Richard's name was already out, and everyone knew that he had entered with some kind of motive in mind. His legendary staff is now within everyone's knowledge. He can't let them know more about him or this would turn dangerous.

The headmaster clearly told him not to let anyone know about the fact that he was there only for a limited period, or it would become messy. Not just the prisoners but maybe the authorities might interrupt Richard's departure from the Endless Hold in that case.

Silence didn't insist for long as Jasmine suddenly clasped her hand and slowly separated them, only to reveal a parchment glowing with an ominous purplish glow.

Richard stopped eating and looked at the parchment with a frown.

"A vow?" Richard has heard about a binding vow from books and people. Binding vows are something that only those who worship evil can conjure on will—that further explains that this woman was indeed an Aembr user.

With her eyes closed, she ran her finger on the parchment before she extended it towards Richard.

"This is a life-long contract, I want to bind myself in,"

Richard kept his gaze on her before redirecting his eyes to the contract,

[1. With my willingness, I offer my loyalty and complete servitude toward Scarlette Richard.

2. Despite the circumstances I will never go against Scarlette Richard.

3. Whatever secret I know about Scarlette Richard, shall never be disclosed to anyone else unless Scarlette Richard allows me to.

4. Any action of mine shall never intend to harm Scarlette Richard. ]

There was a droplet of blood near the end of the contract, which stated that she had already signed it.

The glow of the contract signifies that it was of the highest grade and that breaching the terms would cause instant death.

Richard heaved a sigh, and asked her wearily, "Why are you doing all this to be on my good side? This is making me even more suspicious of you."

Jasmine's shoulders lost their strength and the girl oozed with a pitiful charm.

Numerous gazes were now glancing in their direction and Richard was looking like he was bullying her.

Richard rolled his eyes when he found a bun flying in his direction. Ducking, he took the contract and told her,

"Based on your actions, I will think if I am gonna sign this or not."

Saying so, he got up from the seat and was about to leave when he heard her asking,

"Umm...can we have shared lunch tomorrow?"

Richard shrugged, "You are free to do whatever you want," And with that he made his way back to his cell.

----------**---------

Another day passed and Richard was still doing nothing to make himself stand out. He has been working in forgery for most of his time since it helped his mind to remain calm.

He didn't have any idea what was going on in the outside world. If some trouble occurred in the capital or if Allen had any problem that caused his spell to go awry...these thoughts always kept him on edge. Numerous factors could endanger his mother and sister's life and because of them, he often wakes up at night.

That's why he spends most of his time working in the chamber to keep his mind diverted.

It was only a week, and he had enough time to achieve what he desired. He hasn't gone to have a spar with the Monkey King recently; as such, he was planning on doing that today.

His other stats were not moving at all, except for his heat resistance but that's good for now. Until he was on this floor, he only needed to rely on earning stats points and based on what he has to face, he might have to use them accordingly on the next floor.

*Bzz*

Seeing that it was nearing the hour for inspection, Richard collected his six hundred tokens which he earned in the whole day, before exiting the chamber.

He grabbed three trays of food with the tokens, two for himself and one for Brad. In these few days, he has formed a good bond with that guy.

Somewhat mysterious and a whole lot weird.

Reaching the cell, he handed the tray to Brad who was sitting on his bed.

"You planning on punching the officer?" Hearing such an out-of-the-blue question didn't surprise Richard as he just shook his head and sat down on his bed.

Just as he started to eat every cell door of the prison buzzed, signifying that they were locked by the authority.

"He's coming," Brad informed something that Richard already guessed.

The faint footsteps of an individual echoed through the silent gallery as the inspection officer walked without a pause.

Brad frowned; this was something new.

The brown-haired man had a very strange feeling that the officer was heading straight toward their cell—but surely he could be wrong...right?

Seconds passed and what Brad feared, turned out to be true.

*Ting*

The baton of the officer struck the metal bar, as he came to a pause just outside of their cell.

Brad rested the tray and gestured for Richard to stay behind as he stepped toward and asked, "Officer Ray~wh-"

"Zip it and step back. I need the other one," Saying so, the officer in the familiar uniform looked at Richard before adding, "You, come out. Now."

Richard had a very bad feeling about this, but resistance was futile. The officers working here were easily at the highest rank which a mortal could attain. He could sense the faint blood-lust from the guy as well, which was enough to put him on guard.

Richard got up and slowly made his way towards the cell gate, as he heard the officer mumbling,

"You are being promoted to the third floor."

----------**---------

A/N:- Thanks for reading.