Struggling as a Villain

Teleportation portal—a device created to travel long distances in an instant. The mechanism works based on the memories of the person desiring to teleport and to activate the system, providing a little ether would suffice.

What technology was used to build the small pedestal-like device which doesn't seem much unique from its outer covering was unknown. Only the magic technician and the mages who helped in building the device could ever understand its structure.

Since the artifact was unique and useful, its price was naturally sky-high. However, for someone like the Duchess, it was quite natural to have a portal in her possession.

For those who cannot afford to have the artifact for their personal use, utilize the public teleportation portal in exchange for fees.

"Have a safe journey, baby." Standing across him was his mother, accompanied by several maids who came to bid him farewell.

Since not many people could teleport at once and it takes a day's worth of cooldown before the device could be used again, Richard was only going to Cravenford with his personal maid.

However, Bellarine was not worried since she had already sent someone to Cravenford who would protect Richard if something happened.

Richard nodded before he touched the orb situated at the head of the pedestal and without much trouble, pushed ether inside the orb.

The image in his mind was the mansion's front where Emily lives. He has a vivid image of that place since Richard was quite fond of that place.

A blinding light engulfed the teleportation stage and once the light faded, the two figures disappeared.

********

[Emily's POV:]

I never thought that I would be feeling this nervous to meet Richard.

After Eleanor visited me yesterday and made me aware of some of the things, which I failed to notice, I was forced to change my opinion of Richard.

It wasn't like I had forgiven him or had any thought of continuing my relationship with him. My body, soul, mind and everything belongs to Ethan and that place cannot be taken by anyone else.

I was worried about the situation I was going to face now.

If what Eleanor said was true then the reason why Richard became so cruel and antagonised Ethan was because he liked me and was jealous of Ethan.

I couldn't remember what I did that Richard began to like me. We weren't some sort of childhood friend and had met in some formal gatherings before our parents decided to tie us up in a bond of marriage.

I never felt anything from this relationship. I was just following my father's orders so there was no love in this relationship. And after realising Richard's personality I knew I could never fall for him.

Then...why did he start to develop feelings for me?

'Wait...I can't be hasty...all Eleanor said was assumed not evident...' I heaved a long breath and calmed myself. Eleanor might be right or may have misunderstood something. That's why I need to confirm things when I meet Richard—

"My lady, Master Richard has come to meet you."

For some reason, I was feeling anxious once again, but I didn't let it show on my face and got up.

Truth be told, I was hoping that Eleanor's hypothesis would turn out to be untrue. I wouldn't know what to do if I got to know that Richard became like that and died because of me.

I am going to find all my answers today.

********

The moment Emily entered the reception area, the old soul that used to reside in Richard's body, began to act up.

His body started to turn hot and his heart was beating probably faster than how it was when he was surrounded by flames. However, regardless of the changes he felt, Richard retained a composed front as he watched the blond princess walking towards him.

Her features were quite beautiful and her eyes were worth getting lost in. In his previous life, Richard couldn't even think if there was someone as beautiful as her even amongst many of the actresses.

However, living in the wild where he got tempted by many refugee women in the past, Richard has built quite a good tolerance against charming people.

As she entered he got up from his seat.

Her eyes seemed to be trembling, although she tried to maintain a calm facade.

Richard didn't say anything about that and took her hand before with a light bow, he kissed the back of her hand.

"I hope you are doing great, Emily." This politeness was something the previous Richard showed to her so he didn't go out of his way to insult her right off the bat.

For a moment she froze up hearing his voice—much to his confusion—before she followed somehow, "I-I hope you are in good health as well, Sir Richard."

The awkward greeting concluded as the lady didn't linger at the spot and after retracting her hand she sat on the cushioned-settles across him.

Richard didn't show any reaction to her abrupt and somewhat rude behaviour before he sat back down.

An uncomfortable silence descended upon the room as the two teenagers sat silently. Emily looked quite out of place, with all her fidgeting and nervousness on display while Richard wore an immovable mask of indifference.

Finally, to lift the mood, Emily suggested, "Would Sir Richard like to have some tea?" As she said she glanced at the maid.

However, before the maid could have moved, Richard's cold voice reached them, "No, I am quite okay. Rather, I would like to hear about the matter for which I was invited here, Emily."

His authoritative tone and his strict personality were the same as ever—that's why Emily never doubted this person wasn't Richard.

And the doubts relating to another matter, which had been clouding her heart had slightly cleared as well. This person...could never be in love with her. After all, which person would talk so stiffly and domineeringly with the girl he loves?

'El...you were wrong. He is nothing but an arrogant prick and would remain the same regardless of what I do.' She inwardly muttered with her fist clenched. Her previous nervous visage now adopted a more fierce look as she glared at Richard.

Without turning to look back, she commanded, "Leave."

The maids bowed and without a single word, they walked out of the room.

Richard glanced at the brunette maid he brought along and following the suit she also bowed and walked out.

Now left alone, Emily had a much more confident demeanour and she looked certain of what she had to say.

She knew that this would bring her and her family some problems but being regarded as the fiancée of this man was the worst.

With her gaze turning icy cold, she plainly stated, "Sir Scarlette Richard, I want to annul the engagement."

"Okay."

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A/N:- If I had been in his place I would just raise my thumb 👍 and get done with it.

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