Struggling as a Villain

Awsperg. Awsperg. There was no doubt about it. This was the same cursed town from where the Protagonist arose.

Ethan belonged to a very rural and backward town where he used to work as an adventurer from a very early age because of his mother's health. But he used to get bullied because of his short stature and frail physique, creating an emotional sentiment in people's heads for the Protagonist. And they desire to see him get stronger.

There was a master of Ethan who initially trained him and taught him how to not dwell in despair and look forward to a better future. And little did he think that the master of the Protagonist would be so closely connected to Richard.

Richard initially didn't pay attention to these pre-canon events much since he knew interfering with them would cause this world severely.

But now, there was no chance for Richard to stay away from it.

'What a small world this is...' Sitting inside the carriage, Richard looked outside the window and sighed.

The master of Ethan was none other than Lilia's mother who was also a renowned adventurer. When Lilia told him about her, I thought she could be anyone...but not the same person who would become the reason for Ethan's inspiration.

Lilia, canonically, wasn't mentioned much except for some cut scenes of Richard's past. Her character was never developed and never showed where she disappeared. Now Richard thinks about it, she must have returned to her hometown around this time canonically as well—just before the invasion.

The arc helps Ethan to awaken his Divine Blessings and help him enrol in the renowned Academy. From a perspective, this invasion was necessary, and the death of Ethan's master was a necessary sacrifice.

However, looking at Lilia and the fondness she carries for her parents, Richard already has decided what he has to do.

"Richard...are you fine? We can just return as well." This was the third time Lilia asked him that. The way he reacted back then was quite concerning for her, making Lilia believe that he has some kind of aversion towards Awsperg.

Richard fondly held her hand between his and told her honestly, "It isn't that I don't want to go there. Rather, I have heard about the tale of a strong lady defending the whole town all on her own through newspapers and journals. And suddenly I got to know that the person is none other than your mother...is a little surprising for me."

Her master really doesn't know how to lie—Lilia inwardly uttered. However, she didn't pester him to say the real reason behind his apprehension.

Looking down at their connected hands, she only hoped that this first trip together as a couple wouldn't become a disaster to feel regretful about.

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Cristina felt troubled. After all the boy she was thinking of making her son-in-law suddenly brought an unbelievably beautiful girl with him. Saying, that she was getting harassed on the streets and didn't have anywhere to go.

The look her husband gave her when Ethan appeared with the girl said that he wouldn't agree to let Ethan have Lilia easily.

They currently sat in the reception area, a very awkward atmosphere surrounding the four.

Cristina assessed the girl closely and there was something that told her to be a little wary of the girl. However, looking at that innocent face and pure eyes, how could she have brought herself to suspect her?

"So...you are here from another kingdom, aiming to become an adventurer?" That was what Cristina summarised.

The girl, who introduced herself as Eli, nodded in response.

Elizabeth couldn't tell them that she was from the Capital and none other than the Princess of the Empire or they would instantly report her presence and send her back.

That's why she fabricated the truth and made this almost believable story. And if they still refuse to believe her, she had her ways to make them accept her.

"But why Awsperg? This place isn't that big, and as a newbie, you won't be getting any job other than removing weeds, finding lost live stocks and similar tasks." Henry suggested and Ethan agreed.

Elizabeth rolled her eyes behind the big hat she was wearing before she looked at the man with a soft smile and said, "I never dreamt of having big jobs from the get-go, sir. I want to experience how it feels to be at the bottom and climb the ladder slowly."

Ethan blinked in surprise and found himself looking at the girl in a new light. Who could have thought that such a gentle and sheltered-looking girl could have such ideals and determination? Even Henry was taken aback.

Cristina was about to suggest for Eli to stay here for the time being when suddenly, someone barged inside the house, "Lady Cristina!"

It was one of the guards working for the mansion.

Cristina frowned, but before she could ask, the guard himself reported the reason for his intrusion, "Several soldiers on horses are heading in our direction, and it seems they are escorting a royal carriage!"

Elizabeth's eyes widened hearing that as she turned towards the guard instantly.

'This soon? How is that possible?' She couldn't believe that within just one day, her father was able to locate her whereabouts even though Elizabeth had kept all her traces hidden.

"Miss Eli..." Suddenly the soothing voice of Ethan attracted her attention before she turned towards him and found his face adopting a very gentle smile.

It was like all her concern never existed and her heart found the peace which Elizabeth was devoid of.

With that smile, Ethan assured her, "Don't worry, nothing will happen to you." He was about to hold her hand to comfort her but stopped himself just in time.

However, much to his shock, suddenly Eli grabbed his hand and while hugging it to her bosom, she asked, "W-Will you protect me?"

His heartbeat began to escalate seeing those moist eyes and pleasing gaze. His heart throbbed at the thought of letting anything happen to this innocent girl.

Henry elbowed his wife seeing the interaction, but Cristina ignored him and decided to head out first and see which noble family had graced them with their presence.

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Maybe it was because the market of Awsperg always remains crowded at this time; the time gap since the news arrived, and the appearance of rows of soldiers was quite long.

Cristina remained standing in front of the mansion wordlessly all the time. Beside her was Henry and on their flank were Ethan and Eli.

There weren't many guards assigned for mansion security since Awsperg already lacked manpower and Cristina was an ex-hero, not a current one. So only two soldiers were present in the name of defence.

However, Cristina knew that if things came to solving things through a battle, there was a high chance for her to fall.

Don't be so pessimistic, Cris—Scolding herself, the short-haired lady saw the procession finally coming to a halt.

The soldiers who escorted the esteemed guest were giving off a strong aura and Cristina knew that gathering so many units means the noble entity must be of a high rank.

The carriage door was opened by a soldier before a person finally got out.

"Huh?" It was Eli who gasped but no one paid mind to her since they all were entranced by the young man who elegantly stepped out of the carriage and remained standing there with his hand offered for the person who followed.

"Red hair...Scarlette clan?!" It sounded absurd to herself that someone from the Scarlette clan had come to Awsperg. However, the moment the other person exited the carriage, Cristina's mind was no longer concerned about the boy at all.

"L-Lilia?!" Cristina called out in a voice that reached the carriage and Lilia, who just landed her feet on the ground, looked straight at her mother as well.

"Ma..." A silent sob escaped her throat as Lilia's gaze landed on her mother after years of separation.

Richard smiled and let go of her hand as Lilia stepped toward the lady and the initiative was seen from the other one as well.

"Oh, Lilia...my baby." Tears of elation began to well up in her eyes as Cristina embraced her little girl fondly.

Lilia returned the hug and rested her head on her shoulder. Tears were in her eyes as well, after feeling the motherly warmth after almost a decade.

The scene of a mother and daughter's reunion warmed everyone around. Ethan almost cried seeing such an emotional sight..and because of his distraction, he never noticed the current expression on Eli's face as she glared at Richard.

In response to her reaction, Richard locked his hands behind his back and flashed a knowing smile in Elizabeth's direction.

What a golden opportunity~

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A/N:- Haha...how good it would be if he revealed things about her and make Ethan hate her. But well, she won't just take his assault without retaliating. Don't forget she has memories alteration skills.

Anyway, I hope you all enjoyed the chapter. See ya~