I Am The Game's Villain

The atmosphere at our table remained quite awkward, especially for me and John. My original intention had been to embarrass John a little, but now I was starting to regret it.

"He should be expelled!" Amelia voiced her frustration with Lykhor, expressing a desire for him to be expelled. "How dare he," she groaned.

Elizabeth, however, shook her head with a sigh. "Unfortunately, it will not happen, Amelia. Otherwise, he would have been expelled last year..."

She had a point, and I couldn't help but agree. Sancta Vedelia was built on a foundation of mutual trust, and expelling a student, especially one with such influential ties, was a delicate matter. Lykhor was not only the son of the Queen's older brother but also the child of Edea Elaryon, the homeroom teacher of the First Year Gold Class. Furthermore, they had never been caught red-handed, and their victim likely wouldn't dare to report them to the teachers.

After all, who would willingly antagonize a Great Noble?

Amelia continued, mentioning Sephira's recent hardships, and Elizabeth nodded in agreement. "Yes, it's because of Professor Gamir and her cousins..."

Amelia, with a teasing smile, changed the subject to something seemingly more positive. "It seems to be going well between her and Sirius, don't you think so?"

Elizabeth smiled and nodded. "Indeed. Those two were together even last year."

Amelia's eyes sparkled as she spoke romantically about how Sirius had saved Sephira. "How I wish I could meet a man who would be this loyal to me one day."

Conversations between girls could be rather puzzling to guys like John and me. We exchanged grimaces while continuing to eat.

Elizabeth, seemingly enjoying the moment, decided to tease her a bit. "What about those two people who tried to hit on you at the mall that time?" she asked with a giggle.

"I wasn't trying to hit on her."

"..."

John, however, couldn't let that slide without a snort.

This idiot!

"Eh?" Amelia shifted her gaze toward John.

Oh shit.

John opened his eyes in realization before looking at me quickly, doing his best to ignore Amelia's suspicious gaze. "Hey, I'm talking to y-you, I-I wasn't trying to hit on you…"

Don't drag me into your mess!

This bastard quickly recovered from his blunder but why did he sacrifice me?!

Both Amelia and Elizabeth exchanged glances before looking at both of us questioningly and a hint of shock.

"What the hell are you talking about?" I glared at John.

"You know what I'm talking about," John glared back at me meaningfully.

No, I don't.

Close this damn cringe discussion already!

I ain't into men.

"I'm into girls," I needed to say it.

"I-I'm also into girls, bastard!" John angrily slapped the table.

"Then what the hell are you hitting on me?!" I snapped back.

"I don't know!"

"U-Um guys…are you okay?" Amelia spoke up a little awkwardly.

"I'm into girls, it's a misunderstanding," John said looking at Amelia.

"Okay…?" Amelia asked, confused that John was justifying to her.

"I'm also into girls," I quickly added right after John, glancing at Elizabeth.

Elizabeth just offered me a strained smile.

[<You are both hopeless.>]

After that, I recovered after saving John's *ss and sacrificing myself in the process, I finally had time to think about my embarrassing words.

I quickly finished my meal and left the table, the awkward silence still lingering. John followed suit, but I had no intention of speaking to him after that embarrassing exchange.

Why do I have to endure such embarrassment because of him?

Regardless, I had other matters to attend to. After leaving the cafeteria, I made my way to the Academy's library. There were some specific things I needed to research, particularly regarding the history of Sancta Vedelia and information about past wars. I hoped the library would provide the answers I sought.

The library itself was an impressive structure, encompassing several floors and housing thousands upon thousands of books. It was a popular spot for students to read, study, or simply find some peace and quiet. As I entered, I couldn't help but appreciate the tranquil atmosphere that enveloped the place.

I approached the reception desk and spoke to the librarian there. "I'm looking for specific books about the history of Sancta Vedelia, especially any archives related to past wars."

The librarian nodded in understanding. "I see. You'll find those on the third floor."

"I'm interested in the archives," I clarified.

However, the librarian hesitated, explaining, "I apologize, sir, but the archives section is off-limits for..."

"Even for me?" I displayed the Olphean emblem.

Her eyes widened at the sight of the emblem, and she quickly relented. "On the top floor..."

"Thank you," I acknowledged and ascended the long staircase until I reached the library's uppermost level. Here, I was met by two formidable-looking guards. I presented my Olphean emblem once again, and they immediately allowed me to pass.

This was the library's final floor, noticeably smaller than the levels below, with fewer books and no other visitors in sight. It was no surprise, considering that this section housed the archives, which were reserved for limited access, typically granted only to Great Nobles like myself. I was grateful for the advantages my status brought in this place. While in Celesta, my noble status often felt useless, here it had its merits.

There was an unusual yet strangely inviting ambiance in this place, and I found myself appreciating it. The lighting was subdued but sufficient to read by. Comfortable armchairs were scattered around, inviting readers to delve into the treasures within the glass-encased bookshelves.

As I inhaled the pleasant, rosy scent that permeated the air, it struck me as oddly familiar, reminiscent of the beautiful roses I'd encountered on Earth. This fragrance was a stark contrast to the musty smell of ancient archives, a pleasant surprise in this place of knowledge and history.

Regardless, I was here for a purpose, and I began my search for the information I needed.

I strolled around searching for interesting books. I ignored the books about the Blood Moon War since Harvey was already annoying me with that class for two weeks. 

[<What are you looking for?>]

As I perused the shelves, my purpose was clear: to find something that could help me understand this enigmatic land better. I still felt lost here, and the Holy Tree seemed to conceal secrets that could be pivotal for the Game. Given that the Holy Tree was at the center of everything, I was convinced that the wars that had ravaged Sancta Vedelia were somehow connected to it.

My eyes roved over the countless titles and spines, searching for a thread of information that might lead me closer to my goals. I needed an edge, something to give me an advantage in the challenges to come.

A particular shelf caught my attention. It was filled with archives detailing a specific period in Sancta Vedelia's history, roughly three hundred years ago. This era fell into a significant timeframe, approximately two centuries after the Blood Moon War. As I reached for one of the books, I encountered an unexpected resistance. It was as though an unseen force was tugging it from the other side.

Confused, I released my grip, and the book remained still for a brief moment before it was forcefully pulled away from me. My eyes widened as I was confronted by a breathtaking sight.

Before me stood Alicia, her flawless, pale face framed by her luxurious golden-blond hair. Her indifferent crimson eyes locked onto mine for a moment before she calmly walked away. It seemed she had retrieved the book I had been trying to reach.

I couldn't move as I watched her. The rosy scent, now much more pronounced, enveloped me. It was her scent, no doubt about it.

Alicia had clearly noticed my gaze, but she appeared unfazed. She continued to skim through the book with a tranquil expression. Our paths eventually crossed as we navigated the library's aisles. She held the book close to her chest, and as she passed me, her soft hair brushed gently against my neck.

Inexplicably, a random thought popped into my head: 

What kind of shampoo did she use?

[<That's quite a disturbing question, Amael…>]

'No, I mean, I've rarely smelled a perfume that's this good,' I replied mentally.

[<Rarely?>] 

'Yeah, only with Ephera and you and someone else?' I confirmed, unable to hide a hint of amusement.

[<I'm quite honored to hear that.>] Cleenah's tone hinted at a touch of pride.

My focus shifted back to the present moment as I settled into an armchair with another book in hand. I tried to immerse myself in its contents, but it was a futile endeavor. My eyes kept wandering to Alicia, who sat elegantly in another armchair a little away, her delicate fingers gracefully flipping through the pages of her own book.

I really can't concentrate.

I sighed inwardly, my inability to concentrate clear evidence of the distracting presence she posed.