Why Should I Stop Being a Villain

359 Alfred's Advice

"Is it about the match?" Asher asked.

He knew that acting oblivious would only make Alfred's doubts grow, so he began with the most obvious thing that might have prompted Alfred to seek him out.

"Might be," Alfred replied, his face remaining stoic.

Alfred had lived long enough to master the art of concealing his intentions.

But Asher was different. Unlike Alfred, who had emotions and showed them, Asher's seeming indifference was his way of hiding his true nature.

"I will not criticize you for your actions, as it is not intention to do so," Alfred said, his demeanor shifting.

He wanted to corner Asher, but he knew Sylvie wouldn't approve.

Moreover, Alfred didn't want Asher to perceive him as a strict individual who meddled in others' affairs, especially when it wasn't his place.

After all, Asher was the heir to the Greville family.

"But I have a question, and I want you to answer truthfully," Alfred said, looking intently at Asher.

"Are you going to participate in the Successor Candidate Tournament?" Alfred asked.

Although Asher had chosen the path of the sword, Alfred knew that Asher was also studying Mage Art.

No one discouraged Asher because he was only in his first year, and they trusted that if he was pursuing it, he had his reasons.

He wasn't someone who acted impulsively, and for Sylvie and Arthur, it was enough to know that Asher was actively seeking to become stronger.

Arthur had considered discussing the Space Element with Asher, but Nathan had advised against it, suggesting they let Asher be.

Only Nathan was aware that the Space Element Asher utilized came from the Rune of Eirdin. He knew it would be safe for Asher since he himself had experienced it.

He had been the one to counsel Arthur and Sylvie not to intervene in Asher's studies at the World Academy, regardless of the path Asher chose.

"And if you're considering it, I'd advise against participating," Alfred added.

"I am not going to participate in that," Asher responded immediately.

Even if he won, Asher knew it would be fruitless for him. Farnus wouldn't teach him anything, even if he became a Successor Candidate.

And the next year, Kevin was bound to become one, which would still play into Farnus's hands.

"I was only messing with him a bit," Asher said as Alfred raised his eyes.

"Then it's fine," Alfred replied.

Although Asher had gone a bit far, but it was duel and Kevin had the right to stop whenever he wanted.

"But don't push your luck," Alfred warned, leaning back into the couch.

"Greville have many enemies," Alfred remarked.

"And what do you think would happen if a child with unprecedented talent were in that family?"

"Most people would do anything to prevent such a future."

"Even Farnus Calmort, the strongest hunter couldn't go against the High Council for a reason," Alfred said.

Alfred raised his hand slightly, crafting a bird-like figure with fire magic.

"In a way, this Successor Candidate Tournament is beneficial for you," Alfred said.

"It will divert the attention currently focused on you."

"It's an good opportunity to lay low for a while," Alfred suggested, observing the fiery bird.

"I'm not saying you should halt your progress or become overly cautious, but shine too brightly and you'll find arrows aimed your way," Alfred advised as the flame transformed into small embers.

Asher's innate talent alone made people wary of him, but Alfred was confident Nathan would ensure Asher's safety.

Still, it would be wise for Asher to reflect on his actions.

"Okay," Asher responded.

It was a concise reply, but it satisfied Alfred.

"Haha, I'm relieved you're not like your mother," Alfred chuckled.

Asher looked up, unsure if Alfred was jesting.

In his past life, no one celebrated his existence.

"It might be hard to believe, but Sylvie was even better than you at offending others," Alfred shared, recalling a memory from years ago.

"It was so challenging to handle her temper back then,"

"Don't tell her I mentioned this, though," Alfred said.

"However, your situation is unique, and you should know that,"

"I don't know what that crazy old man taught you, but I advise you to follow my words," Alfred remarked, raising his eyebrows.

Alfred and Nathan had completely different personalities, and everytime that Alfred would meet Asher or Amelia, he would take his time to say a 'few words' about Nathan to them.

"Even your recent gesture with the donation caused quite a stir among some people in Somaria," Alfred informed Asher.

"And those deals that happened under the donation, it's useless to hide them," Alfred spoke looking at Asher.

While most of Asher's transactions were confidential, a few inevitably surfaced. And someone like Alfred was bound to catch wind of them.

"It improved our public image," Asher replied.

Though the actual reason differed, he felt no obligation to disclose the entire truth to Alfred.

"Indeed, but how do you think our associates would react upon hearing that you're investing outside of Somaria?" Alfred inquired.

"It may have been your money, but such actions can foster unnecessary tensions. Be more cautious next time," Alfred advised.

"Those deals weren't substantial. They were merely a means to venture into other markets," Asher responded.

Asher was confident that the major transactions would remain hidden, unless those involved sought their own ruin.

He had deliberately initiated a few extra deals to ensure his future actions wouldn't appear overly suspicious.

"It's commendable to be ambitious when young," Alfred said, rising and walking over to where Asher sat.

He placed a hand on Asher's head.

"But don't overextend yourself. Excessive power can be destructive," Alfred spoke ruffling Asher's hair.

"You must be bored by this old man's ramblings," Alfred removed his hand.

"Go have some rest," Alfred said as he approached the door and exited the room.

Zemil saw Alfred coming out as he clicked on the bracelet in his hand to deactivate the runes around the room.

Alfred returned to watch the rest of the tournament as Zemil followed him.

'He seems in deep thought,' Zemil said to himself as he walked behind Alfred.

'The conversation must have been serious,' Zemil concluded.

It was rare to see Alfred lost in his thoughts, as far as Zemil knew. Some rumors said that Alfred Raven was more scary to face than Helena Raven herself.

While those rumors had died down in the last few decades, most of them were not false.

There was a reason why Sylvie never had anyone openly oppose her while she expanded the Abyss Corporation because most were silenced before they could even attempt to do so.

'No wonder people said that Asher Greville carries the composure of Alfred Raven,' Zemil thought as he could see the resemblance between the two.

While Zemil had all these crazy views about Alfred in his head, the old man was thinking something else entirely.

'He wouldn't tell Sylvie, right?' Alfred thought.

'He is not that talkative, so chances are low,'

Alfred was entirely unaware that his fear of getting scolded by his daughter was being seen as him thinking some greater things.

Sylvie was highly protective about things related to Asher, so if she thought that Alfred had 'warned' Asher about his actions, she would definitely not like it.

Alfred's look often made people misjudge him as someone stern or strict. He remembered when even Amelia cried when he saw Alfred smile for the first time and called him scary.

Although it was when she was pretty young, Alfred still remembered it because of how much Nathan laughed at him for that one incident.

Asher was different from other children from a young age, so Alfred thought having a direct talk with him was better.

Inside that room,

Asher was silent as he stood up, and a small laugh left his face.

"Don't attract too much attention, he said," Asher recalled Alfred's words.

Although what Alfred said was true, Asher had already tried living like that and even saw what result it brought.

His mind drifted back to his last conversation with Alfred in his previous life.

"Go away,"

The voice was raspy, and only the man's back was visible.

"Make sure you go far away from this place,"

Although the face was not visible, many emotions could be heard in his voice.

Filled with anger, sadness, and hate.

BOOM!

The sound of an explosion was heard as the old man's mana started shaking.

"Never appear before me,"

"I don't wish to become someone who killed my own daughter's son," Alfred said as he looked back at the young man behind him.

His face looked aged, and his hair was disheveled.

He didn't look like the Alfred Raven, who always kept his appearance neat.

That was the last time Asher saw Alfred.

Because after that day, there was no Alfred Raven in the world.

Suddenly, Asher got struck by an intense headache, making his eyes twitch.

Recalling his memories would often trigger his suppressed madness.

"Well, that should be enough to keep him away from Aztech," Asher muttered as he looked at the door.

It would be hard for Asher to move properly if his activities were being monitored, so he gave Alfred the answer he wanted to hear.

Leaving the room, Asher went towards the room where Damian and Amelia were in.

The Tournament wasn't over and Asher wasn't the only one who was looking forward to see the winners of each year.