I Am The Game's Villain

Chapter 352  Celestaʼs Side [2]

”Yes. Just one word from you, and I will ensure that Layla Adriana Tarmias becomes your Queen once again.”

Alfred was dumbfounded at his grandfatherʼs words. ”Grandfather... Layla is already engaged to Edward...” Aurora intervened, unable to contain her concern.

”True, my dear, but in matters concerning the future of the kingdom, such engagements are trivial,” Lucius countered. ”Alfred is the crown prince, deserving of the best. If he wishes it, he has every right to pursue Layla.”

”I beg your pardon, Grandfather, but Layla is the daughter of a Duke. Even with our authority, we cannot force her hand. The consent of Duke Tarmias would be necessary, and I doubt Lord Tarmias would agree to dissolve the engagement he has acknowledged between Layla and Edward,” Aurora persisted.

She knew her emotions were influencing her words. Initially, she had opposed the idea of Layla reuniting with Alfred, recalling the pain Layla had endured when Alfred broke her heart and insulted her during their birthday celebration. Aurora cared deeply for Laylaʼs happiness, and she believed that Laylaʼs happiness lay with Edward. She couldnʼt bear to witness Laylaʼs heartache again and would not participate in arranging another engagement between her and Alfred.

Luciusʼs smile widened slightly, sensing Auroraʼs biased perspective.

”Furthermore, Edward hails from the Falkrona and Olphean lineage. It would be unwise to disregard their familiesʼ standing,” Aurora continued, hoping to dissuade her grandfather.

”I concur with Princess Aurora, Lord Lucius,” surprisingly, Donald Trueheart also spoke, aligning himself with Auroraʼs argument.

”Donald?” Lucius raised an eyebrow in surprise.

”Yes, Milord. Setting aside their familial backgrounds, Kleinesʼs son poses a significant threat. He showed no hesitation in confronting your son, if I may speak frankly. His actions have stirred trouble in Sancta Vedelia. It could prove perilous to provoke someone with such limited self-control,” Donald explained earnestly.

”We should refrain from involving either Layla or Miranda in our affairs. That is my humble advice,” Donald added, inclining his head respectfully.

”Miranda Edenis Gabriel, you say?” Luciusʼs eyes widened slightly. Having spent considerable time in Edenis Raphiel, he was familiar with Aslanʼs niece.

”Yes, precisely. While no formal engagement has been arranged, it is evident that Edward and Miranda share mutual feelings. Furthermore, Draven Stormdila intends to dissolve the engagement upon Edwardʼs return,” Donald elaborated.

”If he returns...” Lucius muttered with a smile.

Though Donald overheard the whispered remark, he chose to feign ignorance. While he held no particular fondness for Edward, he recognized the threat the young man posed. For now, Edward was a threat he deemed manageable, but one he intended to eliminate in due time. However, Edward Falkrona was the son of Kleines Falkrona and Lydia Alea Olphean—from very influential Houses. Any plans involving Edward would require meticulous consideration, as the consequences of failure could result in the complete annihilation of Celesta. Donald, keenly observant, noted the subtle yet unmistakable resentment harbored by Lucius toward Edward, stemming from the loss of his son at Edwardʼs hands. Despite Walterʼs betrayal, as a father, Lucius could not fully reconcile with his sonʼs death. He believed that Walter should have faced a lifetime of imprisonment rather than the death penalty as the latter was a royal. Lucius turned his gaze toward Alfred, who remained silent on the matter, his expression inscrutable. With a resigned sigh, Lucius relented. ”Very well, but we shall commence the search for a suitable Queen—or rather, Empress—for you, Alfred. Your sister, Aurora, has already established a strong alliance with the Arvatra Empire. I trust you will surpass her efforts.”

”In that case, I have a proposition, Milord,” Donald said, catching Luciusʼs attention.

”As anticipated, you may proceed, Donald,” Lucius replied, showing no surprise at Donaldʼs initiative.

Donaldʼs smile widened. ”Euphemia Reis Aquila.”

***

”Can anyone identify this creature?” A woman with lustrous black hair and piercing green eyes asked, her gaze sweeping across the classroom.

”Professor Almona.” A hand shot up immediately, drawing the attention of all, especially the admiring glances of the female students, towards a handsome young man with blue hair.

”Yes, Jayden?” Professor Almona acknowledged.

”I believe itʼs an Enigma Beast,” Jayden replied confidently, his knowledge gleaned from diligent study.

”Correct, Jayden,” Professor Almona affirmed, gesturing to the image of a bear displayed before them.

”I didnʼt realize you were such a diligent student, Jayden,” a soft giggle sounded beside him.

Turning to his right, Jayden beheld a breathtakingly beautiful girl with rosy-hued hair cascading to her shoulders and captivating blue eyes. ”Of course I am, Milleia.”

”Youʼve adopted some good habits,” Milleia said with a smile, though a hint of resignation colored her expression as she noticed the attention their interaction garnered.

”Whatʼs wrong?” Jayden asked, sensing her unease.

”Nothing... itʼs just that, without Lyra and…Edward, we seem to be the center of attention now,” Milleia said hesitantly.

”...” At the mention of Edwardʼs name, Jaydenʼs countenance darkened slightly, a shadow passing over his features.

…

…

As Almona dismissed the class, the students rose from their seats and began to file out. However, their departure was interrupted by a throng of classmates blocking their path.

”Kyaa! Itʼs Senior Jayden!”

”Milleia, youʼre absolutely stunning!”

”Iʼm your biggest fan!”

The familiar adulation was nothing new to Jayden and Milleia. Ever since Milleiaʼs true identity as the daughter of Raphiel and Jayden, the Apostle of Lumen, had been revealed, they had become the academyʼs most celebrated figures.

”Hey, Senior Milleia! Can you tell us more about Senior Edward?!”

”Kyaa! Iʼm dying to meet him!”

”I love him!!”

”Heʼs incredible!!!”

The girlsʼ voices rose in excitement as they chattered animatedly about Edward Falkrona. Despite his absence from the academy, Edwardʼs exploits both within and outside its walls had captured the attention of all. Much of his popularity was undoubtedly owed to Layla, who had shattered any negative perceptions of Edward and painted him as a paragon of virtue, a veritable demigod who brought joy and hope to all in his presence. She had pictured Edward as the epitome of male perfection—handsome, powerful, and endlessly charming. Armed with a collection of photographs, she proudly showcased her beloved husband on numerous occasions, basking in the adoration of the crowd as she asserted her claim over him. Knowing every single detail about Edwardʼs life thanks to Nihil, she had a lot of arguments…

Of course all of that only pissed off Jayden who could only walk away. Milleia was about to join but-

As the rumors swirled around her, Milleia felt a surge of frustration and uneasiness. Jaydenʼs obvious irritation only added to her discomfort, prompting her to hastily retreat from the crowd trying to leave.

”I-Is it true that Senior Edward and Senior Milleia are secretly engaged?!”

”N-No... thatʼs not true...” Milleia denied, her mind flashing back to her last conversation with Edward in the garden—a conversation that had ended in discord.

”What about Prince Alfred and Senior Jayden?!”

”Thatʼs... excuse me...” Milleia hurriedly made her escape, her thoughts a tumultuous whirlwind of emotions.

In the wake of the transformative events that had unfolded in Celesta over the past months, Milleia found herself grappling with a myriad of conflicting feelings. While she had played a pivotal role in the kingdomʼs evolution into an empire alongside Aurora and Alfred, she couldnʼt shake the sense that it wasnʼt enough.

In the wake of the transformative events that had unfolded in Celesta over the past months, Milleia found herself grappling with a myriad of conflicting feelings. While she had played a pivotal role in the kingdomʼs evolution into an empire alongside Aurora and Alfred, she couldnʼt shake the sense that it wasnʼt enough.

The looming threat of Ante-Eden cast a shadow over her thoughts, a constant reminder of the dangers that lay ahead. Though she had successfully rallied Jayden and secured the support of the future king, Alfred, she remained acutely aware of the absence of the future Saintess and, more importantly, Edward Falkronaʼs refusal to align himself with her cause.

That time when she revealed her early awakening, she thought being honest with Edward will help to take their relationship a few steps higher but it backfired and before she could explain herself Layla appeared…

Ever since Raphiel had revealed Edwardʼs significance and the necessity of his allegiance, Milleia had made numerous attempts to win him over. However, her efforts had faltered in the face of Edwardʼs aloofness, compounded by her own distractions—chief among them, her encounters with Nyrel, whom she now knew to be Edward himself.

It was a revelation that felt almost fated, a twist of destiny that had drawn them inexorably closer. And while Raphiel may have hidden Nyrelʼs true identity with deliberate intent, Milleia found herself embracing the notion of fate, particularly in light of Edwardʼs dual identity.

Her ultimate goal remained unchanged: to secure the allegiance of Edward Falkrona, the man ʼlovedʼ by the Goddess of Fate herself.

Looking outside the window, at bright sky, Milleia tucked strands of her pink hair behind her ears.

”Edward...”