Struggling as a Villain

"Are the preparations done?" Harold asked as he entered the meeting room and found the blond Commander standing there.

Bennet removed his eyes from the formation plan, and looked at the man, "Yes, sir. All the preparations regarding the war strategy and the formation of the battalions have been done."

The number of teleportation portals appearing across Clion has reduced these days; as such, they have preponed their plan of invasion, and tomorrow, all the soldiers, along with Bellarine and Bennet, will leave for the other side.

"The Duchess has been too silent these days. Anything you know?" Hearing the man's question, Bennet was slightly troubled. However, considering there was nothing hidden from Harold, he didn't hesitate to share,

"The Pope has questioned her loyalty, and to make matters worse, she cannot contact the only person who can soothe her anger."

Harold raised his brows, "Is Richard missing?" The very fact that Bennet didn't have to spell the name of the person, yet Harold guessed that it was Richard, exposes how well-known is Bellarine's connection with her only family member.

"I am not sure but it seems Sir Richard went on some excursion a few days ago and hasn't been responding to any of her letters. She recently sent a search team for him."

Harold raised his brows, "Richard is both young and lower in ranking than you...for you to address him so respectfully..."

Bennet smiled, "After hearing about his achievement during the invasion of the Academy was enough for him to make a better person than me."

Harold patted the man on his shoulder, "You also have achieved quite many deeds, Bennet. Give yourself some credit."

The young man just smiled and didn't say anything.

Harold turned towards the battle formation sheet before asking, "So it's true that you would be leading a different battalion, other than the main attack force?"

The demeanor of the Commander shifted as he responded, "Indeed, sir. My goal is to eradicate the root of this problem, so I would take advantage of the main force to infiltrate into the enemy's main base."

Harold hummed, "Let's just hope you can maintain your victory streak."

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

"So you want our full protection during the war against the Asian Alliance and a total of five hundred soldiers in your attack force?" Lena asked, to confirm the terms and conditions he had written on the contract.

It was a soul contract and something that could not be broken, so Lena didn't just accept it without reading it carefully.

Jin affirmed, "Indeed; after signing this you would be sending troops to provide extra security to our main base, and also, a few of your elites to help us during the war. Naturally, I would ask that in exchange for something more precious than my own life."

Lena narrowed her eyes; this was perfect. This way, she can send Richard and others to Jin's main base easily.

She then redirected her eyes toward the service he would be providing from his end and found her eyes narrowing.

"You would be demonstrating the technology in Crimson Claw's territory? What's with this term?"

This time, Andrew spoke, "You see, the batteries required to power up the portals cannot be carried around, so-" Suddenly, the man felt an ominous presence from behind urging him to turn. However, then, like it was nothing but his imagination, everything returned to normal.

Ben, who was among the soldiers hiding inside the conference room, nearly gave away his presence because of his agitation upon hearing how they were regarding Rena.

But fortunately, his cover wasn't blown.

Lena was about to negotiate further when suddenly she received a message over her watch.

She frowned upon seeing the name of the sender,

[Richard: Tell him that we will first see a demonstration before signing the contract. In addition, offer him something if he agrees.]

Lena was confused but she didn't let her confusion appear on her face before relaying, "I am willing to accept these conditions, only if I witness a working portal firsthand."

Jin frowned, "You want to see a portal before signing the contract? But why?"

"Truth be told, I have only heard that you possess a unique technology that allows a person to visit a different world. And I cannot sign a contract, a soul bond no less, without witnessing the credibility of what you are providing."

Jin leaned back in his seat, seemingly contemplative of whether to agree to her demand or not.

However, much to his surprise, Lena added something that erased all his hesitation,

"If I feel satisfied with the product, then I am willing you to provide those five hundred soldiers...all well armed with nanotechnology and the advanced weapon we manufacture."

Andrew's eyes lit up upon hearing that. Originally, the contract demanded five hundred soldiers, to whom the Crimson Claws would have provided weapons and other necessary things. But now, the Crimson Clan is willing to send forces, all battle-ready.

Andrew glanced at his leader, and fortunately, Jin made the right decision, "When can I expect you at my base?"

Lena's watch lit up again before she voiced, "We shouldn't delay forming new connections, so how about the same day next week?"

"Okay then, I will be waiting for you and your people." Jin gave a firm nod before getting up from his seat.

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

Back in the conference room, once everyone gathered, the first thing Lena asked was, "Why did you ask me to change the terms so suddenly? I could have easily convinced him to bring Rena here."

Jin was easy to deal with in comparison to those assholes Lena had met in the past. As such, she knew a few biscuits she would throw, and Jin would be wagging his tail for her.

However, Richard's sudden demand made her all messed up and she ended up playing according to his rules.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Every eye was now turned toward Richard as the redhead voiced, "If you had agreed to protect his base, then all your forces would been massacred in a week. After all, that base is about to be attacked soon."

A round of gasps resonated in the room before Laila asked,

"Who is going to attack Jin's base?"

Richard casually responded, "The person who has yet to face her first defeat; Scarlette Bellarine."

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

A/N:- Thanks for reading.