I Am The Game's Villain

Having beaten over the poisonous frog, I found myself promptly transported into a spacious room within the palace.

"Congratulations for passing," greeted a nurse from the academy with a warm smile. "Please, have a seat."

I nodded in acknowledgment and settled into the chair conveniently positioned behind me. Glancing around, I observed other classmates receiving treatments. Some wore triumphant grins, while others appeared disheartened.

"Toxic poison, I see," the nurse remarked, acknowledging the nature of the mana beast I had faced. She proceeded to apply a vial's contents onto a compress before tending to the burns on my cheeks and arms. A subtle burning sensation ensued, but it wasn't enough to elicit any pained reactions, unlike some of my peers.

After carefully placing plasters and bandages on my arms, the nurse rose. "You should rest for now."

"Thank you," I expressed my gratitude, then scanned the room in search of familiar faces. Finding none, I decided to leave and make my way back to my room. Flopping onto the bed, I closed my eyes, allowing a well-deserved nap to claim me.

***

I awoke and promptly raised myself.

[Get your ass in the restaurant.]

I quickly sent a message to John dashed out of the castle. The afternoon sun bathed the surroundings in a bright glow.

"Mr. Falkrona."

My brisk exit didn't go unnoticed as Professor Harvey appeared seemingly out of thin air.

"Where are you going? The exam is over for you," Harvey inquired, a quizzical expression on his face.

"Sightseeing, Professor," I replied with a smile. I chose not to disclose the potential danger to his daughter. Maintaining control was paramount. "Just like your daughter is doing right now." I added before leaving, disregarding Harvey's bewildered countenance. It seemed even he wasn't privy to Celeste's whereabouts.

What was the name of that restaurant again?

Recalling that it was Celeste's favorite, a place where she used to dine with her mother, I surmised she might be there with her friends celebrating their success in the exam, having defeated their respective Mana Beasts.

Racking my brain to remember at least the name of the restaurant, I somehow recalled it. Though not entirely sure, it was my only lead. I rushed towards one of Zestel's most renowned spots, the Ice Fountain.

Around the ice fountain, a multitude of shops and restaurants formed a circle. Scanning the surroundings, the sheer volume of people made it challenging to identify any leads.

"E-Excuse me!"

"What?" I responded without diverting my gaze from the bustling crowd as a group of girls approached.

"U-Um, are you perhaps single?" one of the girls asked with a quivering tone.

"Do I look accompanied?" I inquired with a smile, frustration mounting in the crowded place.

"Then-"

"Hey."

My attention shifted to the three blushing girls next to me.

"Y-Yes?!"

"Where is the most famous restaurant here? They specialize in something like pineapple chicken? Something like that?" I asked, finally recalling Celeste's favorite dish.

"Oh?! This restaurant you mean?" The girl pointed at a distinctive restaurant, painted in a vibrant red.

I briefly squinted at the place and smiled. "Indeed. Come." Without waiting for their response, I grabbed her arm and pulled her along.

"As you wish~"

Ignoring the peculiar sound she made, I continued walking. However, her two friends chimed in.

"W-What about us?"

"Huh? Come with us?" I replied casually. Having just one girl along might be awkward, and besides, it would be less suspicious.

[<I think it will be even more awkward and misleading with three girls at your table, Amael...>]

'Come on, I just don't want Celeste to think I'm stalking them.' I sighed inwardly.

As soon as I stepped into the restaurant, my eyes scanned the room.

Where?

A smile crept onto my face as I finally spotted them.

Celeste, Selene, Cylien, Amelia, Elizabeth, and Victor sat at a table for six, engrossed in discussion and enjoying their meals. It was evident from a distance that Victor, the lone male at the table, wore an embarrassed expression. Not helping matters, the other men in the restaurant shot him jealous glares.

I mean, five of the most beautiful girls in all of Sancta Vedelia were gathered at one table, and Victor appeared to be monopolizing their attention.

Then I frowned as I noticed someone at a table behind Victor's. A white-haired man sat alone, seemingly engrossed in a newspaper.

This distant and aloof presence...

No doubt, it was John.

Snorting, I headed toward another table but was halted by one of the waitresses.

"Excuse me, Sir, you have to wait in line..."

I took her hand and looked into her eyes. "Can you free one of the tables there?"

"S-Sir… I—" The waitress averted her gaze as my face got closer, but I insisted and showed her my pendant with the Olphean emblem.

"Please."

"R-Right away." Clearing her throat, she led us with a blush on her face.

[<What a seducer you've become, Amael.>] Cleenah teased.

'Just taking advantage of my perks.'

After the waitress gave each of us a menu card, she left, and I could finally sneak a peek at Celeste's table, which was on my left and hidden by a wooden wall.

"W-We didn't know you were a great noble. Sorry if we have been impolite…" One of the girls apologized.

I glanced at her before pointing at her menu card. "Take whatever you want. I will pay."

"""T-Thank you!"""

I nodded and resumed looking at them and also keeping an eye around the restaurant. That guy should be around there. I felt a mix of emotions—trepidation, wariness, and a racing heart—as I scanned the room, keeping an eye out for that guy.

"Hey, you punk!"

Suddenly, a plate whizzed past me, narrowly missing my head. The voices around me surged back, and I looked up to see a group of men standing behind three girls. One of them had a menacing grip on a girl's arm.

"Move if you don't want me to make you move," the man at the front growled, his glare fixed on me.

"Another third-rate villain," I muttered, getting up with annoyance. I couldn't even be in peace even inside a restaurant.

What have I done to these guys, honestly.

I'm not to blame for being born with a handsome face and a godly charm, for god's sake.

[<Poor Amael.>]

"What did you say—"

Before he could finish, I swiftly retaliated by throwing a plate at him, sending him staggering back.

"B-Bastard!" His cronies lunged at me, but I maneuvered my arm around one of them, crashing his head into a nearby table, shattering it.

My attention turned to the man who had been gripping the girl's arm, but before I could make my move, a middle-aged man appeared behind them, observing the situation with an almost disinterested expression. My eyes widened—I recognized him.

Taking my freeze as a chance, the cronies ran away freeing the girl but my gaze was on that middle-aged man with a hat.

The guy who ran away in the clothing store.

"W-What happened?" Celeste and the others rushed over.

"Amael?" Victor's surprise was evident.

"Victor, be carefu—"

"I-I was so scared!"

"M-Me too!"

"Thank you!"

Before I could say anything, the three girls threw themselves at me, enveloping me in a hug.