I Am The Game's Villain

Chapter 204 [Final Event] [Closing Ceremony] [4] Milleiaʼs Confession

”Again, this place...” I thought to myself as I strolled toward a secluded spot behind the Third Years Building. It was the same spot where I had once abandoned my Wings Krona, handing them over to Jayden – a decision I now realized was quite foolish.

The thought of Zeus being my enemy nagged at me. If it came to that, I might have to killJayden three times, which was undeniably bothersome. But I knew I had to own up to my actions and face the consequences when the time came.

As I walked, I couldnʼt help but notice numerous couples strolling together – some shy, others laughing merrily. This place was evidently a popular confession spot, especially during the closing ceremony and the days leading up to the holidays. Most of the students here were Third Years, preparing to leave the Academy.

Feeling a bit awkward amidst the lovey-dovey atmosphere, I finally reached my destination – a serene, shimmering blue lake. Some students noticed my presence and glanced at me curiously, but my attention was on Layla. She stood alone, leaning against a tree, gazing at the lake with a lost look in her eyes.

”Huh?” I squinted my eyes as I approached her. It was indeed Layla, but something seemed different about her.

”Edward,” she greeted me.

Layla stood there, with a tired complexion and even though she seemed better than a month ago, her usual lively red eyes were dangerously dark now;

”Are you awaiting a confession?” I asked, taking in the romantic scenery around us.

Layla shook her head, a hint of sadness in her reply. ”I just like this place.” She replied and continued curiously. ”Are you, Edward?”

”Yeah,” I nodded.

”Who? Myra, I suppose?” Layla chuckled softly.

”No. Milleia.”

Laylaʼs laughter died down, and a smile replaced it. ”Lucky you. You managed to win over the ʼDaughterʼ of Raphiel, the chosen one and the most popular girl at the Academy.”

”Iʼm going to reject her though,” I confessed.

Layla gave me a side glance, as if trying to detect any falsehood in my words. ”Really? Then let me witness this euphoric scene from the front row.”

”If that makes you feel better,” I shrugged nonchalantly before turning to walk away.

”Oh, by the way,” Layla called out as I glanced back at her. ”Alfred and your friend, Apostle, are here.”

I raised an eyebrow, puzzled by her statement.

”They are probably here to watch the exhilarating confession of the blue-haired pest,” she explained with a low tone..

”I see,” I nodded, giving Layla a small smile. However, something nagged at my mind, so I decided to ask one last question. ”What do you think about Milleia?”

Layla appeared surprised by the question before answering, ”Do you know why Iʼve always called her the ʼBlue Pestʼ?”

”Because you hate her?” I ventured.

”Yes, I do hate her, but in this case, itʼs the literal meaning of pest. Everywhere she goes, she willingly annoys people,” Layla explained.

I couldnʼt help but wonder why Layla never confronted Milleia about it. ”Yet, you never said anything.”

Layla chuckled at my observation. ”Alfred wouldnʼt have believed me.”

She seemed to have dropped the title of ʼHis Highness,ʼ which was noteworthy.

”And people would have judged my words as mere jealousy towards her which would be rather extremely humiliating. But I must say, Edward, Iʼm impressed by you. You are not blinded by affection or some scripted narrative anymore.”

”Scripted?” I raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

”Yes,” Layla put her finger to her chin, appearing thoughtful. ”Otherwise, you wouldnʼt have approached and believed in her and the Apostle of Lumen right from the start of the Academy. Itʼs unlike you to believe in a stranger this easily. Like you might know that she had Raphielʼs Bloodline but what about Jayden?”

I remained silent, absorbing her words.

”I have a question that has been bothering me for a while, Edward. Can I expect an answer?” Layla asked, stepping closer to me and locking her gaze with mine. ”Are you perhaps... coming from the future?”

Her question caught me off guard, and I couldnʼt help but stare back at her, contemplating how to respond.

This girl…

How long has she been thinking about this possibility…?

….

….

I turned around and saw Milleia finally standing there, looking nervous. She wore the blazer uniform of the academy, and somehow, she seemed even more beautiful than before. Her blue hair, with a few strands of pink reaching her neck, was neatly tied behind her. Her pink eyes stared at me with a mix of tension and expectation, making her look as innocent as a flower.

Is she really acting right now? Itʼs hard to believe, but if Laima said it, then I have to consider the possibility.

”You called me, Milleia?” I asked, getting straight to the point.

”Um... Edward... how are you? I didnʼt have the chance to ask you directly, but Iʼm sorry for being unable to help you back then,” Milleia said with a hint of sadness.

”Did Jayden tell you something about what happened when you were unconscious?” I questioned, curious about how much she knew.

Milleia shook her head and tilted her head in confusion. ”Both of you escaped safely. Thatʼs the most important thing!”

I nodded, slightly impressed by her words.

Is she acting?

Itʼs honestly starting to get scary.

”So, youʼre the ʼDaughterʼ of Raphiel, huh? You always had something special about you,” I complimented her, watching her laugh with a touch of embarrassment.

”Milleia,” I called her name again, trying to understand her feelings.

She looked up with teary eyes, clearly overwhelmed with emotions.

”Did you fall for me because I saved the children back then or because I saved your mother?” I asked, genuinely curious about her feelings.

”E-Everything!” Milleia blurted out with a red face, but for a moment, I noticed something unusual in her eyes. There was a brief glimpse of emptiness, a lack of genuine emotion.

”I-I wish to be always with you... The moment I met you and saw you saving the children, I felt my heart exploding...” she continued, but her words felt off.

It was hard to put a finger on it, but something didnʼt feel right about her confession. It wasnʼt the typical affection or love at first sight, but something else entirely.

I couldnʼt understand her intentions, and that worried me.

The only thing I was certain of was that…

”Jayden and Alfred love you, though? Alfred even proposed to you. What are you going to answer them?” I asked, hoping to get some clarity.

Milleia remained silent, just smiling at me, which only added to the confusion. There was something hidden beneath her smile, something that made me wary.

…she didnʼt love me.

-DING!

Huh?

I looked around warily, and to my surprise, we were suddenly alone. All the couples that were present had vanished, leaving us in an eerie silence.

”Edward!” Jaydenʼs voice echoed through the silence, and my attention was drawn to a group of people in black robes who appeared out of nowhere.

Before I could react, I was forcefully knocked back, but I quickly regained my stance and assessed the situation. Milleia was struggling in the arms of one of the robed figures, and Alfred was shouting in alarm.

Ante-Eden.

As I tried to process the situation, it appeared…

[Milleia Sophren or Layla Adriana Tarmias?]

I turned around and saw Layla who was also getting tied by shimmering anti-man cuffs but contrary to Milleia, Layla didnʼt struggle. She was just curiously looking around.

What the...? This made no sense.

My mind was in turmoil as I tried to make a decision. 

Who should I choose? 

What was the significance of this choice?

Such a dilemma never appeared before.

I have never had to choose between two people before.

”Milleia... or Layla?”