Struggling as a Villain

"So that's your final decision, eh?" Richard sighed, a defeated smile extending his lips. It wasn't like he didn't expect it but still, it was a little unfortunate.

Bennet refused to stay away from the war, nor would he force any of his soldiers. He lives for the safety of the citizens, and for them, he would be participating in the war.

Naturally, there was a possibility that if the citizens had shifted to Earth, Bennet wouldn't have to force his way into a war that was not meant to be fought by mere mortal beings.

However, "I know they won't abandon their land, regardless of what is to come." Bennet added, and Bellarine agreed to it.

The citizens of Clion are quite stubborn and devoted to their land. They would rather accept death than abandon their birth land. In such a case, it was futile to even try convincing them.

After a brief pause, Bennet asked, a bit of hope in his voice, "Is there not a way to take the war away from Clion?" He wasn't suggesting making Earth a battlefield, but anywhere other than Clinton would be a better option for Bennet.

However, "Thirteen realms there are...and Clion is the thirteenth. Not only is it the only orb where both Ether and Aembr reside, but that planet is also the only world that could survive the war." Richard informed the bitter truth.

Bennet grimaced but didn't say anything. It's not like Richard or he could decide anything here. Everything was already decided so no point in pondering over it.

"So...when are we leaving?" Bennet asked as he dismissed unnecessary thoughts.

The redhead woman responded this time, "In an hour. Gather your forces in the third training ground."

Bennet nodded before he paused and asked, "Is this our last meeting, Commander?"

Bellarine smiled, "On friendly terms, yes."

Bennet heaved a sigh, before he spoke, "Since it's the last time I can talk to you freely, I want to confess something."

Richard raised his brows, before he asked, "Is it okay if I stay?"

Bennet nodded, "Yes because I already know her answer." Turning towards Bellarine, he first took several deep breaths to prepare himself.

Finally, the man lowered his head and confessed,

"For a long time, I have liked you, Miss Bellarine. However, I never found myself worthy of you, so I kept my feelings hidden....and sorry, for making our farewell so awkward."

Bellarine crossed her arms and looked at the young man. She would be lying to say that she didn't sense his feelings in the past. However, she always thought it was just his admiration for her that was reflected in his eyes.

She glanced at her Baby and found him looking back at her with an unreadable expression.

She didn't make Bennet wait any longer and responded, "I respect your feelings and you, as a warrior. But Bennet, as you already know, my everything already belongs to someone."

Bennet nodded, "I understand, and thank you for listening to my confession, Commander." Looking back up, he said, "Then, I will get going."

He walked past and then made his way to where the other soldiers were staying.

Bellarine turned towards her baby and found him looking at her with his gaze narrowed, "I never thought even an upright and serious soldier like Bennet would also..."

Bellarine chuckled, "Well, your Mom is just too beautiful." Wrapping her arm around his, she slowly whispered, "Aren't you lucky to have this woman?"

Richard held her more firmly as he also whispered, "It's not luck; it's our fate to always be together." He pecked on her supple lips, and the way he bit her lower lip, explained that her baby might be just a little bit jealous.

Bellarine giggled as she hugged his neck and deepened the kiss.

Her baby is so adorable~

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"I am kind of upset, y'know. Leaving me just after we reunited." Rena complained as she and the others gathered at the third training hall where the technicians were initiating the teleportation portal.

Thanks to Brad, they were able to locate several portals, spread across the world, which Jin hid before Lena and her team arrived there.

Now that they have the machine in possession, it won't take time for the Crimson clan to start manufacturing their new version of portals. Better and more efficient.

Richard grinned as he collected the girl in his arms and told her, "It would be like a few minutes for you before I return. Maybe an hour at most."

"Brother, you haven't forgotten our promise, right?" Bella asked as she tugged his sleeve. Discover hidden stories at empire

Richard shook his head, "I remember."

Bellarine tilted her head, "What promise?"

Richard was about to tell her when suddenly, "Uhh...no. It's between us."

Bellarine chuckled, "Let's see if I can make Baby spill the beans while we are away."

While the mother and daughter engaged in the playful banter, Emily slowly approached Richard before saying, "Please remain safe there..."

Rena side glanced at the girl and thought, 'So she is his first love, eh...' She would love to talk to the girl sometime.

Richard nodded and assured her, "It won't take long. I will just take Amelia and return."

"But will her parents allow it?" Emily asked, which made Richard pause for a moment.

He didn't know if they would, but surely, he could try, "Let's see about that," It was an inevitable fact that he would bring her here, but whether with her parent's permission or not, is uncertain.

Once they were done saying their good-byes Richard said, "I will contact you through Rena, Bella, if something happens. If I don't contact her even after two hours, you are free to open the portal and enter Clion with your forces."

Bella gave him a firm nod, "Understood."

Richard turned towards Lena, before he heard, "It's ready to begin."

Richard nodded, before he held his mother's hand and whispered, "Let's return to our home...for the last time."

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A/N:- I hope you all enjoyed reading the chapter. Drop a comment.