I Am The Game's Villain

Chapter 369: [Elizabethʼs Engagement Party] [4] Arrival of the Great Houses

The hall where the engagement party would be held was slowly filling up. Even though the event was scheduled to begin in half an hour, guests were already arriving in large numbers. This early attendance was a sign of respect, especially when the party involved a Great House. Being invited by the Tepes House was a significant honor, and any noble would want to make a good impression. Many hoped that by arriving early, they would have the opportunity to speak with the prominent figures of the Tepes House, attempting to forge connections. Nobles made sure to bring along their sons and daughters of appropriate age, hoping to secure favorable engagements or other opportunities. Although the chances of arranging a match with one of the princes or princesses of the Great Houses were slim, they still harbored hopes for other connections.

As the hall buzzed with anticipation, everyoneʼs attention shifted to the entrance as the first members of a great house made their entrance.

”Looks like we arrived early, Uncle,” Roda Moonfang remarked, her voice tinged with annoyance.

Roda, wearing a beautiful grey dress that elegantly covered her body, captivated all the boys of her age present. Her long dark brown hair and golden eyes seemed almost otherworldly in the dimly lit hall. Her current upset expression, however, was seen as cute from their perspective.

”Tch. She ainʼt here yet,” Rodolf Moonfang, the target of Rodaʼs glare, muttered, his gaze wandering around the hall.

He was searching for a particular royal elf beauty, but she wasnʼt there yet.

Understanding what her uncle was looking for, Roda sighed. ”Senior Cylien might arrive later. I told you, Uncle. Why the rush?”

”Too many rats are roaming around, thatʼs all,” Rodolf scoffed, clearly irritated.

The ”rats” Rodolf referred to were mainly the other Elf males, who were clearly aiming for the greatest prizes today: the royal elven princesses. Except for Alvara, who was too intimidating and extreme for their taste. Elves were a conservative race, typically marrying within their own kind and avoiding mingling with other races. This was why Rodolf had no intention of holding back when it came to Cylien. Even if Cylien refused any proposals, her family might think otherwise, and given how Elves respected their familyʼs decisions, he feared she might accept an unfavorable match.

”Restrain yourself today, Rodolf,” a calm voice said behind him.

It came from a handsome dark-haired man who bore a resemblance to Rodolf. It was none other than Jefer Moonfang, the youngest head of the family. Jefer knew his brother well, including his affection for Cylien, but he had no intention of helping him. He had low hopes that the Elven Royal family would accept handing over their princess to a werewolf, regardless of the latterʼs royal status.

”I know,” Rodolf replied to his older brother, annoyed.

”Welcome, welcome, you all!” Suddenly, a cheerful voice rang out as a beautiful white- haired woman approached them with a bright smile.

”Professor,” Roda greeted with a smile at Priscillia Tepes.

”What about you, young man?” Priscillia turned her gaze toward the grumpy Rodolf. ”What?”

”Donʼt hold this attitude with me, little brat!” Priscillia pulled Rudolfʼs ear strongly.

Rodolf just grumbled in annoyance.

Priscillia smiled before turning toward Jefer. ”Itʼs been a while, Jefer. I didnʼt think youʼd come today. Should I be relieved?”

Jefer shrugged lightly. ”I had to be here.”

Priscillia narrowed her gaze suspiciously. ”Itʼs my nieceʼs engagement. I hope you guys donʼt have any weird ideas.”

Jefer couldnʼt help but smile a little. ”You havenʼt changed a bit, Priscillia.”

Priscillia, seeing Jeferʼs smile, which she hadnʼt seen in a while, averted her gaze a bit embarrassed. ”Whatever.” Pulling Rodolfʼs ear further, she left.

”This damn witch...” Rodolf cursed, touching his ear.

”...” Jefer gazed at Priscillia wistfully before a hint of melancholy appeared on his face, which The concealed quickly.

***

About ten minutes later, another distinguished family made their grand entrance.

As soon as the attendees saw the blond hair and piercing crimson eyes, everyone instantly recognized who they were.

The Raven House.

Leading the group was James Raven, striding confidently in a sophisticated suit. Despite being a father, he exuded a captivating charm that drew the attention of all the women present. To them, James was a desirable target, especially since they knew he was separated from his wife.

Flanking James on either side were his children. On one side stood Sirius Raven, a strikingly handsome young man with blond hair and a disarming smile.

On the other side was Alicia Raven, one of the renowned Vampire Princesses celebrated for her beauty and intelligence. She wore a stunning dark red dress that revealed her back and a portion of her legs. Her blond hair was styled in an elaborate fashion, cascading elegantly down her back. Unlike her brother, Alicia wore her characteristic aloof expression instead of a smile. This indifferent demeanor only added to her unique allure. Everyone was captivated by her beauty, but Alicia seemed indifferent, merely present to fulfill her duties as the Princess of the Raven House.

Trailing behind them was another strikingly handsome man, who appeared somewhat indifferent as he surveyed the surroundings with an impressed look. He was well-known to the crowd, being the source of the dispute between James Raven and his wife.

Victor Raven.

As usual, Victor sported a cheerful smile as he took in the elaborate decorations, clearly appreciative of the effort put into the event. His eyes, however, were also searching for someone special-Selene Tepes. With school currently on break, opportunities to see each other had been scarce, making this event the perfect chance to reconnect. Victor had gone to great lengths to look his best, hoping to impress Selene.

”I suppose they arenʼt here yet either?” Victor murmured, also scanning the room for his friends, Amael and John. Despite maintaining close contact with them, the school break had made it difficult to meet up.

Eagerly, he anticipated the resumption of the academy, looking forward to reuniting with his friends and returning to their usual camaraderie.

”Wow, the professor is truly beautiful,” Victor muttered as he noticed Priscillia Tepes speaking with his father. She looked even more resplendent in her formal dress.

”Yo.”

”Oh!” Victor jumped when he heard a voice from behind, accompanied by a grip on his shoulder. Turning around, he saw Rodolf.

”Rodolf?” Victor was dumbfounded as he eyed Rodolf up and down. He also seemed to have

put in a lot of effort today.

”Do you know when Cylien is coming? She is coming, right?” Rodolf asked with his usual

intense gaze.

Used to Rodolfʼs straightforwardness, Victor rolled his eyes. ”Still obsessed with Cylien. Anyway, I donʼt think she has anything that might prevent her from coming today, so yes, she

should be here soon.”

”Cool,” Rodolf grinned. ”By the way, whereʼs Cyril?”

Victorʼs expression hardened at the mention of Cyrilʼs name. ”I donʼt know... Heʼs busy, I

suppose.”

”A shame, couldnʼt have any interesting interactions with him around,” Rodolf said. Cyril was always causing trouble, often targeting Celeste and provoking anger from both her and her brother Evan. He also had a knack for upsetting Selene, which brought about Elizabethʼs cold, chilling anger. Over the years, this dynamic had provided quite a spectacle for Rodolf. Recently, however, Cyril had stopped attending the academy and ceremonies. Despite his absence, he remained at the top of the third-year rankings and maintained excellent relations with other nobles.

As Victor bitterly thought about his elder brother, the doors swung open once more, and Victorʼs face lit up. ”Look, your beloved is here.”