Struggling as a Villain

"So that soldier we caught...it was all a part of your plan?" Bellarine asked with a frown. She could tell after witnessing these many Apostles that this was a well prepared plan.

Although Bellarine asked Eleanor, it wasn't her who responded, "Yup, it was all my plan~"

Richard's eyes grew fierce as he watched the being he hates the most, peeking over Eleanor's shoulder.

The clone stepped forward and revealed, "I wanted to have you choose between your son and your own life, but sadly, it wasn't you took the oath. And even Commander Bennet survived. Failure on my part." He sighed in disappointment.

Richard growled, "You two are so alike...using underhanded methods to achieve your goal."

Eleanor raised her brows, "What about you? You also use cheap tricks to fool people. Just like how you used Ethan to manipulate Nora and Elizabeth, no?"

Richard's eyes narrowed, however, it wasn't him who responded, "He never manipulated or asked us to change our origin, Eleanor. It was us, who wanted to protect our memories and help Ethan that we turned our loyalty." Nora voiced as she, along with Elizabeth appeared from the crowd.

"Support Ethan? By taking the side of his nemesis?" Eleanor mocked.

Nora was about to say something when suddenly, Elizabeth stepped forward and confessed, "That is the secondary motive...my primary motive to become a Bate is to take your life by my own hand. Gauge your innards and wash my hair with your blood. Even in your death, I won't let you rest, remember that."

The mocking smile from her face, faded as Eleanor looked at Elizabeth.

"*Sniff*"

Elizabeth's vigor subdued as she heard her beloved sniffing.

Just as she advanced towards him a few apostles raised their spears, however, upon seeing Eleanor raising her hand, they stopped.

Elizabeth wiped his tears, and soothingly whispered, "It's okay, Ethan...everything will be fine..."

"But why...why do I always have to make sacrifices?" He knows that if he takes the oath, he will need to stay away from Elizabeth and have to fight against Richard—the man he respected with all his heart.

Nora also began to weep as she muttered, "You are given the responsibility since they know only you can handle them." She tried to cheer him on. Seeing his state was making her heart tremble.

Ethan looked at the elven princess and asked, "But I don't want to...I just wanted a simple life...wanted to enjoy my academy life...with my friends...is it too much to ask for?"

The two girls were sobbing uncontrollably. Even a few soldiers and Jennifer began to weep along him. Everyone could feel the deep sorrow from his voice...the Emissary of light, the strongest soldier of the Goddesses, was in his most vulnerable state.

Suddenly, Richard stepped forward and rested his hand on Ethan's shoulder, "Ethan."

The silver head turned to look at his idol, as he heard him saying, "You were destined to be the Emissary...the longer you fight it, the longer it will take for everything to settle down."

"B-But th-the war..."

Richard heaved a sigh, "Trust me, even though neither of us want it to happen, we cannot control anything here. We can just perform our roles, and hope that once the dust settles we can shake hands as friends."

Ethan's eyes stretched, very slowly, as he asked, with a faint tinge of hope in his voice, "I-Is there any chances?"

Richard shrugged, "Maybe? Who knows..."

Ethan took a strong gulp before wiping his tears.

That's right, he cannot cry and complain about the situation he was forced into. Everyone was suffering here and everyone has their role to play.

Turning toward Elizabeth, Ethan suddenly stepped forward and kissed her lips.

The Princess was taken by susprise as her eyes widened and her mind barely registered the warm sensation on her lips.n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

Ethan parted his lips from her before turning towards Nora.

The girl panicked, thinking that she would be kissed too, however, Ethan stepped toward and hugged the girl close to him, "Please take care of her for me."

Nora slowly wrapped her hands around his back, and after calming her nerves she muttered, "I-I will..."

Ethan separated from her, and with a smile, told them both, "Once we get over this war, let's make our home...and start our new family. Okay?"

They both glanced at each other, before warmly smiled at the man they adore, and said, "We will be waiting for you."

Richard glanced at Eleanor, and seeing her clenching her fist and biting her lips, he grinned, 'The perfect punishment for you...but this isn't enough. Far from it.'

Eleanor turned toward Ethan and said, "So what's your decision, Ethan?"

Ethan's eyes turned cold as he stated, "I am ready to take the Oath, so let them go."

Eleanor shook her head, "We will only leave once you take the Oath. I am not going to take any chances here."

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Ethan rolled his eyes, "Okay fine, tell me. What do I need to do?"

Eleanor gestured towards one of the soldiers before he stepped forward and knelt before Ethan.

"Take the weapon and prick your thumb. Once the blood drops to the ground, repeat after me."

Ethan did as he was told, and took the spear.

Letting the drop fall to the ground, Ethan repeated after Eleanor,

"I, Ethan Celestian, pledge my eternal loyalty to the Light."

"I vow to serve as its shield, guarding its purity against all that is vile."

"I will wield its strength, neither faltering in the face of darkness nor straying to shadows."

"I offer my life, my soul, and my will to the Light, until my last breath fades."

The ground beneath Ethan glowed faintly as the oath took hold, the light wrapping around him like a mantle. His thumb continued to bleed, but the droplet that touched the ground disappeared, consumed by the binding magic of the ritual.

That day, everyone saw the birth of the strongest soldier of the Light.

The Emissary has awakened.

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A/N:- Thanks for reading.