I Am The Game's Villain

"..."

"Damn... I can't believe how good this is!" I exclaimed between mouthfuls, relishing the succulent steak before me.

The chefs behind these dishes must be culinary prodigies, born to work their magic in the kitchen. This meal was easily the most delectable thing I'd ever tasted, and that's saying something considering my experiences in Celesta.

"..."

"Even the fries... These could keep me happily munching away for a lifetime," I muttered with a grin, popping more of the crispy fries into my mouth. "I swear, these are the best fries I've ever had."

"..."

"Celeste wasn't exaggerating about the caliber of chefs at this academy. I mean, it's the most prestigious one in all of Sancta Vedelia, so it's only fitting that they deliver on the culinary front," I mused to myself.

"..."

My attention shifted to John, who was glaring at his mostly untouched plate. "Not feeling hungry?"

John clenched his jaw, clearly irritated. "You're really making the most of your time here at the academy, aren't you, Edward?"

I shrugged, nonchalant. "Back in Celeste, the atmosphere was perpetually tense around me. Here, things are quieter, and I plan on thoroughly enjoying my time in the academy."

"Aren't there more pressing matters to focus on? Like finding the Prophetess?" John's tone held a hint of derision.

I took a leisurely sip from my water glass before responding. "It's just the first day, John, and the Game is still in its infancy. Relax a bit. As for the Prophetess, I distinctly recall assigning you the task of approaching Roda Moonfang and Elizabeth Tepes. Judging by your expression, though, I'm guessing you haven't taken that step."

John scoffed. "Easier said than done. That Allen Teraquin jerk is perpetually glued to Roda, and for Elizabeth, there's that creep Cain tailing her."

His words weren't baseless.

"How about taking your own advice?" I asked with a playful grin. "Seduce them. You've got their personalities down pat, don't you?"

"What?"

I let out an exaggerated sigh. "It'd be quite a tragedy if the eldest son and heir of the Tarmias Duchy ended up without a partner. As your brother-in-law, I'm genuinely concerned."

"I swear, your smug manner of speaking and that infuriatingly condescending look on your face are pushing me to my limits, Edward."

"Listen, John," I said, my expression turning serious as I locked eyes with him. "I won't mask my frustration, and I know full well how infuriated I was when you carelessly handled the Game last year. My approach with Jayden and Milleia might have been foolish, but at least I tried to do something, unlike you."

"You're utterly clueless, Edward," John retorted, a smile that held a trace of bitterness tugging at the corners of his lips. "You have no idea what I've been through in both damn lives. And even if I were to turn back time, I wouldn't alter a single damn thing about my actions except perhaps killing Alfred at the start of the academy."

"Your lack of surprise doesn't shock me," I replied, nonchalantly twirling my fork between my fingers.

"Look at you, the embodiment of an absolute jackass," John scoffed, his laughter laced with a hint of mockery. "Eric was no better last year. I've known him long enough to figure out he was a reincarnator from the get-go, but he spent most of his time trying to save that insufferable Rubina character and dealing with her illness."

"Eric's situation is different," I interjected. "I acknowledge he didn't do much, but he has a sister who was also ill, and you likely understood that pain. Moreover," I pointed my fork in John's direction. "Eric's capabilities are distinct from yours. You're undoubtedly stronger than him, stronger even than Alfred, so don't try to cast yourself as some sort of victim here."

"Victim?" John slapped away my pointing fork with irritation. "I've died once already, and I'm not twisted like you, attempting to gamble on the different endings of the Games. I won't be anyone's sacrificial lamb. As long as those dear to me survive, I don't give a damn."

"Think I'm any different?" I shot him an irritated glare. "I lost my sister, my foster father, foster mother and Louisa as well. Lyra's lying in a coma. All due to unfortunate circumstances I didn't foresee. Eric and I were clearly inadequate in preventing those tragedies. Besides, I don't want to involve Eric any further."

"What?" John's expression shifted to a mixture of disbelief and anger. "He's a reincarnator too. He'll take the same actions we are for the sake of his sister."

"I'm not debating that," I waved my hand dismissively. "Eric can still contribute in minor ways to our Game strategies, but I won't burden him with the more perilous tasks."

I learned it by speaking with Eric several months but Eric was barely fitting in such a world. I don't think he could go through what I and John had gone through in either of our lives. And I didn't blame him for that. If anything, I and John were the weird ones.

"Perilous tasks?" John's brows furrowed in confusion.

"Indeed," I leaned back in my chair, twirling my fork on the table with a faint smile. "I'm not delving into your past, John, nor do I wish to. However, I know that our goals align in a similar direction. Your way of thinking is similar to mine when it comes to reaching a purpose."

What I meant by 'Perilous tasks' was obviously killing and fighting with your life in the line more than frequently.

"..."

I flashed him a knowing smile and shrugged. "And yes, you are my brother-in-law. I won't let you die, primarily because you're Layla's brother. While she might not have voiced it directly, I'm certain she cares deeply for you. Though she might love me a bit more than you, she holds a significant place for you in her heart as well. You are her sis-con brother after all."

"W-What?" John stuttered.

Looks like he's caught off guard emotionally.

He probably thought that Layla didn't care at all about him. He was so obsessed with Alfred that he didn't look properly at his cherished sister.

[<He must have had a tough life in his past one…>]

I'm certain of that.

"Though she sent you to keep an eye on me, she probably thought that it was safer for you to be with me as well," I remarked.

I had a pretty good understanding of Layla's character. She likely didn't trust Charles entirely and might have feared that he would endure torture on account of my reckless accusation against the King's brother. Charles Celesta, driven by a mix of loyalty to his brother and self-conviction, was willing to go to great lengths.

Layla, in my estimation, was one of the most intelligent individuals I knew after Aunt Belle. When she put her mind to something, nobody could match her in that endeavor. She had been groomed to be the future Queen of Celesta and had worked diligently to achieve that goal.

John's expression softened slightly at my words before he snorted and began eating his meal.

"Only two Games," I declared with gravity. "They'll be long and grueling, harder than the First Game. But if we handle them astutely, we can secure peace for the world Layla will inherit." I emphasized her name, knowing how much it meant to him.

"I know," John replied.

"Are you aware that today's event isn't yet over?" I continued. "Amelia Dolphis is going to meet that girl."

John furrowed his brows, then his eyes widened in understanding. "The girl from [Behemoth]."

"Exactly," I said, nodding with a smile. "It's been some time since they first met, and they can be considered friends now, but—"

"She's a bastard," John interrupted, his gaze fixed on me. "Are you planning to intervene?"

"Yes," I confirmed with a grin.

John grimaced at my words. "I thought we agreed not to meddle with the Heroines needlessly?"

"Not with Amelia! We won't even need to lay a finger on her," I explained, folding my arms on the table. "Look, if we eliminate Nora now—"

"Oh? Found yourself a friend, Half?"

A vein bulged on my forehead as I noticed someone approaching behind John.

Oh no, it's not about me.

They were addressing John, whose expression turned increasingly sour.

John gripped his fork tightly while looking at me. 

'Don't even think about it,' I replied with my eyes.

We're supposed to be model students, and we need to conduct ourselves appropriately-

"Your 'lesser' parents didn't teach you any manners," the bastard unfortunately sneered.

-Bam!

"AGH!"

John slammed his elbow squarely into the man's stomach, sending him tumbling to the ground. "To hell with you, you motherf*cker."

Well, that escalated quickly.