Struggling as a Villain

For the next ten or so minutes, the whole vicinity heard the cries for help from Albert and the laugh of menace from Richard.

Richard was restless. From Lilia's perception, it seemed he was angered and was venting out everything on the man who dared hurt the young master. However, from Bellarine's perspective, it seemed her son was having fun. Just pure fun.

Inflicting pain, listening to prey's cries, bathing in their blood and never stopping—these were something she had never taught him but he had learned everything that Bellarine deemed necessary to survive in this world and reign supremacy.

The wails of pain and agony from the butler had long faded and now her son was just enjoying tormenting a dead body.

Bellarine finally moved after commanding Lilia to step out.

Inside the lobby, there was only Bellarine, her Richie and a dead insect. That's why she didn't mind lunging at her baby and embracing him with all her might.

His body was no longer burning but it was hot enough to scald a normal person. Bellarine accepted her son's heat and the turmoil of emotions he was experiencing.

"My baby...Mama missed you....please come home with me..." She couldn't help but sob while holding him in her arms. His body went still as the heart and intestine he was holding in his hands, fell down.

Although she remained cold and unmoving at that time when she discovered Richard's abduction, inwardly she was beyond terrified. He is the only reason why she feels alive. She couldn't bear to lose him.

Richie remained silent; his mind reeling back to reality. For a moment he thought he was being held by his Bella...the sweet girl who always clung to her older brother. However, once the clouds of rage and amusement drifted away from his eyes, he was able to gaze at the crimson shade of her hair and realise that he was being held by his mother.

"Mother...." A single word left his lips and Bellarine's heart felt at peace. She couldn't tell anyone nor express how much relief she felt whenever he called her that.

Tears rolled down her eyes—a scene that no one had seen before—as she separated her face from his chest and looked at him fondly.

"Baby...mama is here. Mama is here..." She cupped his burning cheeks and soothingly uttered.

His arms raised and he hugged her back slowly. The gesture was enough to make her shoulders loosen up as she inched closer and wailed in the silent and dark lobby.

***************

[The next day]

It took a day for Richard to get healed from his burns. It didn't make him lose his senses or render him motionless. Surprisingly he was able to move around as usual...however his body looked anything but normal.

His whole body was burnt and was painted in a charcoal shade blackness which showed that he indeed was burned by the flames but it didn't affect him at all. His hair was gone and whenever he stretched his body the people around him felt nauseous by that muscles tearing sound.

Sometimes he did it to make people around him uncomfortable. Just for fun.

His mother never looked bothered and remained by his side most of the time while he was recovering.

The familiar priests from the church wearing white robes were responsible for treating his burnt skin. He was being fed nutritious food which could help him recover fast and a recovery potion of the highest grade, once a day.

Twenty-four hours it has been, and Richard already looks half human with his limbs only remaining to be healed. His hair has regrown as well without much trouble—thanks to the wide range of potions his mother possesses.

Currently, his hair was being washed by the Duchess as Richard sat on a chair inside his bedroom.

His upper half was left bare while he wore shorts on his lower half. With his eyes closed he allowed his mother to softly rub his hair with a baby shampoo (she insisted since his skin was sensitive).

While he didn't want to disturb his mother when she was humming in such a very pleasant tone, he had some questions,

"Mom...can you tell me about the Ether-suppressing artefact which Albert used?" Thanks to her persuasion he has begun to call her Mom, instead of Mother which she deemed to be quite distant.

She happily smiled to feel closer to her child and responded delightfully, "Ether Inhibitor was it. A tool which was invented through some rare ether particles which only a One-horned Antaler releases during her last few months of pregnancy."

Richard's eyes widened, "One-horned?! Aren't they endangered and under the Empire's supervision?"

Just as in his previous world, where some animals were kept in national parks due to their near-extinction, the Empire in this world also provides habitats and protection for beasts that are on the brink of extinction. Those that have reached the critical "red stage" of existence are especially safeguarded.

And One-horned Antaler was one of them.

"Indeed. However, the person who was researching it was also a part of the council so he was allowed to run some tests..."

Taking a pause she added, "...about the reason why the female Antalers become almost invisible to other beasts during their pregnancy." Pouring some water to wash away the shampoo she added, "It turned out, they release a certain type of scent from the gemstone in the middle of their head which suppresses their natural ether. They do it to keep themselves safe in their most vulnerable state."

"That makes sense." Richard inwardly muttered since his face was currently being washed.

Once she was done pampering her child, Richard asked again, "But how did that shit stain get such a precious artefact mum?"

Bellarine didn't take much time to respond, "Albert was an ex-researcher and was a quite brilliant one in his time. He suddenly decided to retire when I offered him to work for me and instead of working as a researcher for the Scarlette house, he volunteered to be a butler."

"And you didn't suspect him?"

Hearing his words, a sad expression marred her face. She failed in recognising people and her son had to pay the price for it.

With her gaze falling to the ground she solemnly replied, "At that time, I regarded Albert as an asset since along with his reliable performance as a servant he helped in providing some crucial material to the research facility under our control. And his talent was one of a kind."

Richard raised his brows before asking, "So...do you regret his death?"

Her response didn't take a point one second of delay to arrive, "No."

With her eyes turning cold she added, "I couldn't tolerate anyone who dares to hurt my child, regardless of their usefulness." Her gaze softened as she looked at her son and said, "After all, for me, everyone else is just a changeable tool but you Richie...your place in my heart can never be replaced."

Richard could see the sincerity in her eyes and the regret she still carries.

He gently embraced the lady in his arms and whispered, "You are also irreplaceable for me, Mom."

Although he was confused and anxious about his future, with this lady beside him, Richard had a feeling that he would be able to overcome any obstacle this world had in store.

*********

A/N:- The pace is okay, right? Am I going too slow? Let me know in the comments.