Struggling as a Villain

Almost forty days have passed since Richard left the Academy without a single thought of going through so many things.

When he travelled to the Capital, the only thought he had in mind was to get rid of that clone and also contact his mother. However, upon reaching there, he met a completely unexpected person and also, got to know several groundbreaking facts about himself and his family.

Richard went through several experiences in these few 'days' that's why it could be seen why there was nostalgia in his eyes when he stood at the entrance of the academy early in the morning.

Passers-by were glancing in his direction, but unlike before when they admired him, now Richard was looked at with suspicion and nervousness.

The news of the Demon General's appearance, regardless of the reason, near the Duchess' mansion has spread like a forest fire. And also, the fact that Richard fought that demon as well. Naturally, someone of that calibre, who went against a deity class Demon, surely would cause a commotion among the students.

'Well, not like I care about their opinion…' All Richard needs is to have his people aware of the whole situation so they don't end up misunderstanding him.

"Good to see you, Richard." Just as he stepped in, Ethan greeted him.

The silver head stood there with his friends; Rose, Elizabeth and Nora.

Well, the way Elizabeth was clinging to him, it couldn't be said that they were just friends

"Good morning you all." He greeted them. Rose fidgeted at her place and with her head leaning down, she stuttered,

"H-H-Helloww…" She seemed to have bit her tongue while stuttering.

"Good morning to you, Richard." Nora greeted him with a soft smile. And about Elizabeth…well, Richard wasn't expecting anything from her in the first place.

With the group, Richard advanced toward the classroom.

Amelia wanted to walk to the school with Richard, however, since she had to report to the council office—given she is now a disciplinary officer—she came to the mansion early in the morning. After spending half an hour, she dashed away, saying she would meet him during lunch.

"I saw some preparation going on. What's all of this about?" Richard asked as he looked at the students moving around in groups most of them heading toward the library.

"Ah, it's the battle of the geniuses, happening next week with the neighbouring continent's central Academy." Taking a pause, Ethan added, "Rose has been selected from the first year."

Richard raised his brows before he glanced at the girl who was already blushing as he said, "Congrats, Rose. I expected no less from you."

His words seemed to have cast a spell on her as the girl hid her face behind her books, and everything above her bosom turned red.

Those cute red ears tempted Richard to pinch them but he held back his urge and continued to walk.

Wisdom face-off is the name of the contest that happens between two academies across the globe. Those who won in the first round would compete in the Inventor's Quest, which happens in the month near the end of the year.

Participating in the Wisdom Face-off allows a student to showcase their knowledge and get recognition from the Emperors of the two participating academies and a chance to enable their academy to participate in the competition which occurs globally.

Indeed, an opportunity to shine.

Soon, the five of them reached the classroom, and just like before, the students were sitting just at the place where they were initially assigned.

Rose and Richard, naturally, walked to sit on the same desk. And guess what, she was still sitting near the edge.

"Haah~you don't change, huh?" Richard asked as he took out his book and suggested, "Trust me I don't bite. So sit comfortably."

Saying so, Richard began to read the books to pass the time, when unexpectedly he heard Rose's hesitant voice,

"I-I feel like…I-I will a-accidentally offend Sir Richard…" Her voice was so small that even with his enhanced hearing, Richard had to use Perceptive Burst for a moment.

Rose's voice sounds adorable and childlike. That's why he wanted to hear it.

After she was done, Richard asked, "Did you find me arrogant and short-tempered?"

She shook her head.

"Did you see me shouting at someone for breathing in the same air as me?"

Another short shake.

"So why do you think you would be an exception?"

"B-But I often make silly mistakes…and people get angry…"

A pink head with a round face, short legs and also a clutz? Okay, that's some package of adorableness.

Heaving a sigh, he told her, "Listen, Rose, unless you deliberately try to pick a fight, I won't get offended by whatever you do."

Just as he finished saying those words, the doors of the classroom parted, and instantly, everyone quieted down.

The familiar violet-haired lady stood on the podium and looked around the classroom.

Once her eyes rested on Richard, she called, "Richard, stand up."

Richard stood and other students got excited for the drama which was about to unfold.

Lucy sternly spoke, "I read your apology letter and the reason why you were absent for this long. However, considering the necessity of a representative, I selected someone else for the job."

Suddenly, the scion of Aermore stood up as Lucy continued, "In your absence, I appointed Brendon as the new representative. If you want you can have a discussion with him and claim your position back."

There was a thin smirk on Duke Aeromore's son as his expression clearly told, 'Come on, challenge me'.

The boy looked battle hungry but not even once Richard had the intention to become the representative again, so he said,

"I have no problem with the current arrangement since I have indeed failed as a representative." Richard's statement made many of the students click their tongue and many of them just remained nonchalant.

Ethan was unsure how he should react, given he admires the role of a representative, and that position was snatched away from Richard without even telling him. The silver head was kind of upset with the decision.

Brendon frowned, "What's wrong with you?"

Lucy raised her brows, as she stopped herself from what she was about to say.

Richard turned towards the grey-haired, "What do you mean?"

"You know what I mean. You can't just shrug things like this. Don't you have pride left in you?"

Richard scoffed, "I mean Professor took the right decision-."

Brendon gritted his teeth, "Stop shaping the reality as you deem right. You are replaced, just accept it "

Richard grinned, "Yep, I accept it. And you, Aermore Brendon, are my replacement."

"Pfft-" Ellion chuckled aloud while some of the others stifled their laughter hearing those words.

Brendon's eyes turned red in rage as he clenched his fist hard enough to make his palm bleed.

Lucy heaved a sigh, "Both of you, sit down now. The class-"

"I challenge you to a duel!"

Lucy frowned; not liking the fact that she was interrupted.

Richard looked genuinely amused as he gripped his book and soon it was enshrouded in blackish crimson flames.

"I will accept your challenge if you hold this book just for ten seconds."

Aermore scoffed and raised his hands to catch the book which Richard threw at him.

However, the moment Brendon held the book, his eyes widened and he instantly threw away the book towards his left.

Nora panicked as she saw the book advancing toward her.

However, just as she thought she might have to catch the burning book, the flames evaporated and a still intact book landed in her hands.

Brendon's hand was still burning as he continuously blew over his burnt hands.

Richard looked at his class teacher before apologizing, "I apologize for the unsightly display, ma'am. And I am prepared to receive any punishment you deem right."

The class turned silent for a few moments before Lucy voiced, "Brendon, get yourself treated."

Once Brendon dashed out, the violet-haired asked Richard, "Have you added your name to the participant's list of the upcoming contest?"

Richard was perplexed, "I thought the team was already decided?"

Lucy nodded, "The main team, indeed, has been selected, but there still is a vacant seat for the backup team. From the first year, only three people have submitted their names."

Richard was surprised but his reaction was taken as a sign of uncertainty, urging Lucy to ask, "What happened? Do you have no desire to be an ideal student anymore?"

"No, ma'am…I mean, of course, I will participate if I can."

Lucy nodded before she told him to sit down.

Richard glanced at Rose and found her looking back at him.

Hesitantly he asked, "How did you submit your name?"

The pinkette tilted her head, "I never gave my name…I was chosen by the Headmaster."

"Expected much." Richard heaved a sigh.

But then Rose spoke up, "Umm…if you want to submit your name you have to meet the student council president first."

Richard nodded, "Thanks for the help."

—-----**-------

A/N:- Thanks for reading.