Struggling as a Villain

Amelia Hawkbridge is a named character. She played the supporting role in the novel and was someone who shared a close bond with Ethan...but just as a friend.

Amelia possesses some rare skills and very blunt behaviour. She performs well as a scout and someone who would be beneficial for Ethan in his journey.

At some point, Amelia realises her feelings for Ethan, but the person who always remained direct with her feelings and never hesitated from sharing her thoughts, never found the courage to tell him about her feelings.

A losing heroine, to be precise.

And currently that losing heroine was sharing the carriage with Richard. Canonically, Richard's engagement was annulled while he was in the academy and after the annulment, Richard died not so long after. So it is understandable why this sudden plot shift occurred.

Now that Richard was single, who could be a better fiancé for Amelia other than the heir of Scarlette's house?

"Have you bought books for the academy?" It was getting a little awkward being stared at, so Richard initiated a conversation.

Amelia has a pair of big, warm yellow eyes that seem to be piercing through his bones and staring at his soul.

Her expression didn't change nor did she bother to remove her eyes before responding, "I have done all the preparation. Thanks for asking, Sir Richard."

'So stiff...' Richard muttered under his breath.

Looking back at her, he asked, "So....did you not show any resistance to this engagement?"

"Everyone has to get married one day. I do not possess any romantic feelings for anyone so marrying you doesn't make me displeased."

"But it can make me." Richard's response was met by a brief silence before Amelia again spoke up,

"I can cook good food. I know sewing and household work. I know childcare and will take care of your mother. And don't worry, I am still a virgi-"

"Wait, wait! Why are you telling me all this?" Richard stopped her before she could get into more inner details.

Amelia blinked, and for the first time after she entered the carriage, she showed some emotion. She was confused.

"I mean, doesn't a lord always desire these things from their wife? My nanny told me to share these qualities to get approved."

Richard heaved a sigh. How can he forget that he was in a world where a woman's duty was only limited within the household unless they were talented and strong enough to fight for their right? And that could only happen if they are awakened.

Even after that, many women were forced by their families to get married after a certain age and take care of their lord.

Richard leaned forward and rested his arms on his knees. Looking at her with an upturned gaze he said, "I don't quite follow the customs, Miss Amelia. I don't desire a wife who can manage my house and take care of my child. If I really wanted those things from a woman, then I can hire more maids."

"Then...what do you desire, Sir Richard?"

Richard raised his brows, slightly surprised that she was curious. Was this really curiosity or her desperation to grant her mother, her last wih? Richard leaned on the second one.

Bending back, he shrugged, "Maybe someone who can understand me and walk side by side with me. I don't want a slave, Miss Amelia, rather, I desire a life partner."

Amelia didn't say anything after that for a long time.

Although Richard didn't perceive it, her eyes shifted slightly.

Her initial impression of Richard suggested that he was nothing but an arrogant young master who liked to boast his status and misuse his authority. Someone with a short temper.

But Amelia was proven wrong. Those rumours were nothing to believe. She was met by a person...with strange thoughts and a mature aura. She could barely believe that the person in front, with such different ideals, was the same age as her.

The carriage continued to run until they finally reached the entrance of the market.

"Young master, we have arrived." The driver informed them before Richard, out of nowhere, pulled a hood and draped it over his head. He expertly tied around his neck to cover his hair perfectly.

"Let's go." He said, without bothering to explain to her before he stepped out and offered his hand to Amelia.

She felt a human possessing such warm skin for the first time when she touched his hand.

"Young master, these two will be guarding you in civil uniform." The captain of the battalion, who was responsible for protecting Richard, spoke while gesturing to two middle-aged soldiers who wore casual clothes and remained kneeling on the ground.

Since they were on the backside of the market, there weren't many people to witness them.

Richard nodded before he asked, "Shall we go?"

Amelia nodded before following him.

-------------***-----------

This was the first time for Richard to enter the market like this. He knew his hair would draw attention and the people would immediately begin to chant his name like some fanatic god-believer.

The people here respect his mother a little too much.

This market was situated a little far away from the mansion that's why coming here takes two hours. However, considering this place was one of the biggest hubs of every possible thing, makes this shopping district famous.

It doesn't have any official name, but for easier identification, people call it Silverleaf Market. Reason? There is an ancient tree situated somewhere in the market that grows silver leaves during the winter season.

Richard was treading through the crowd while looking around. There were lanes provided for each major selling product. Like the one he was walking through was filled with weapons. Weapon material, ready-to-use weapons, blacksmith stores and many more.

Richard was tempted to test some weapons...when suddenly he realised that his shopping partner was no longer beside him.

He turned to look around but she was nowhere to be found.

"How can a grown-up girl get lost so easily?" He muttered in slight exasperation as he looked around.

Suddenly, he felt a tug on his sleeve, only to find Amelia standing there with her breathing slightly unsteady.

"I...got pushed away with the crowd." Amelia apologized for her immature behavior. She really wasn't good with crowded places given she wasn't allowed to roam freely out of her house.

Richard didn't say anything to her but rather held her hand before leading her to the bookstore.

Amelia felt his action to be quite fatherly and found herself getting treated like a child. However, it wasn't as unpleasant as she thought it would be.

Strangely, this rumoured arrogant young master can be caring for those whom he has just met. Indeed a strange being.

----------***---------

Finding the bookstore wasn't that tough of work for Richard. He just followed the lanes and ended up in the one which was more focused on the scholar's preference.

The biggest bookstore in the lane belonged to the one from whom Richard had to buy books. The Wisdom Cave.

*Tring*

Entering inside, he released her hand, only to hear from the inside,

"Go away! Can't you see the signboard?! It's lunchtime."

Richard blinked in surprise hearing that squeaky voice which belonged to a male. He still stepped inside and said, "Excuse me but I need to return early so-"

Suddenly, he had to duck as a book came flying in his direction. Amelia also barely dodged since Richard was standing in front of her.

He turned to look at her before asking, "Are you all right?"

Getting Amelia's nod, Richard turned towards the counter with a frown. For a moment, he felt like burning down the whole store. But he stopped, considering that the store owner might be his mother's friend.

"Let's go, Amelia." He held her hand and led her out of the store. Amelia soundlessly nodded, finding this whole situation a little absurd and feeling bad for Richard.

Just outside the store, they met a man who was about to open the store door, "Ah....Master Richard?"

Strangely the middle-aged man with a sunny smile recognised Richard even though his head was covered.

"Yes? And you?"

The man removed his short hat before greeting, "Pleased to meet you, Master Richard. I am Gerald, the owner of this small shop behind you."

Richard raised his brows before asking, "If....you are the owner then who just threw me out of the store like they own the place?"

Gerald's eyes widened then it narrowed in a glare. He rolled his sleeve before excusing himself,

"Give me a moment, Master. I think I need to first remove some garbage from the store."

Richard nodded before stepping aside and letting the man enter.

Seeing that smirk on his face, Amelia couldn't help but utter under her breath,

'Maybe not all the rumours were untrue.' Yet she couldn't bring herself to dislike him.

-----------***---------

A/N:- Too tame. Richard is used to possessiveness.

Drop some PS. Do it!