I Am The Game's Villain

Chapter 464: [Event] [Elven Utopian War] [6] Aliciaʼs Choice

The moon hung high over Asteros, the heart of the Kingdom of Ravenia, casting its silvery glow upon the grand capital. Above it all, the royal castle loomed. Constructed of pristine white and shimmering gold marble, the castleʼs square structure was meticulously designed, blending beauty with an aura worthy of vampires.

In the royal quarters, nestled deep within the sprawling stronghold, was a suite that belonged to none other than Alicia Angelica Raven, the sole princess of the Raven bloodline. While most in the kingdom had long surrendered to the embrace of sleep, Alicia remained awake.

The faint warmth of a recent shower still lingered on her pale skin, droplets trailing down her skin. The heat from the water had brought a momentary calm, but the moment she stepped out, the cool air of the room made her shiver. Wrapping herself in a soft towel, she dried her cascading hair before tending to the rest of her body with meticulous care.

It was pitch black outside yet the attire she chose wasnʼt the one for sleeping. Instead of slipping into a silken nightgown or comfortable loungewear, she reached for a meticulously crafted outfit—a light leather battle dress. Its simple brown tones were deliberate, designed for both mobility and subtlety. She fastened the buckles pulled on sturdy boots.

Alicia strode to the full-length mirror near the corner of her room, its polished surface reflecting her image in stark detail. Crimson eyes stared back at her, their depths swirling with hesitation—a fleeting moment of vulnerability. But just as quickly, her expression hardened. The world outside was already aflame.

War had erupted, spreading its chaos like an uncontrollable wildfire. Neighboring kingdoms reeled under the onslaught of Utopiaʼs forces, a coalition of power and cruelty that left devastation in its wake. Yet Ravenia, her own kingdom, stood idle. Her homeland, known for its strength, was conspicuously absent from the alliance against Utopia. The halls of the royal court remained calm, as though it wasnʼt their concern...

It was her grandfatherʼs decree-a command that Alicia could neither understand nor accept. He, the Head of the Raven family, was a figure of immense authority and wisdom, looked up for his longevity and status as a Demigod. Surely, he must have his reasons, reasons rooted in strategy or some long-sighted vision. Yet no matter how she tried to rationalize his decision, Alicia found herself grappling with frustration.

How could she stand idly by in this gilded cage while others gave their lives?

Her thoughts turned to her half-brother, Victor, who had already defied their grandfatherʼs orders. He had chosen to fight alongside his friends, casting aside the consequences in favor of action. If he could muster such courage, why couldnʼt she?

A flicker of doubt resurfaced. The consequences of disobedience...and fear gripped at the edges of her resolve. Yet Alicia clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms as she banished the hesitation.

Gathering her blond hair, Alicia tied it back into a neat ponytail, securing it with a red ribbon. ”I cannot grow if I allow fear to rule me.”

Reaching for her golden rapier, she opened the windows of her room. The cool night air caressed her skin as she glanced down. With a final glance back, she vaulted out, landing silently on the dew-damp grass below. ”I knew you would leave.” ”...!”

The voice startled her.

She spun around, instinctively raising her rapier in a defensive stance. Her wide eyes met the familiar figure leaning casually against a pillar, arms crossed. Relief and tension mingled in her chest-it wasnʼt her eldest brother. It was Sirius.

He was looking at her with a complicated expression. ”Why are you so willing to plunge into war, Alicia?” He asked.

Aliciaʼs grip on her rapier tightened. She averted her gaze briefly before speaking. ”Beth,

Roda, and the others are fighting. I canʼt just stand here, doing nothing.” ”Youʼre worried about Elizabeth, arenʼt you?” Sirius saw right through her.

Her silence confirmed it. ”War and Elizabeth are quite a pair, for better or worse. We both know that,” he said quietly. ”But running to her now will do more harm than good.” ”Itʼs not just about her.” Alicia shook her head. ”I canʼt sit idly by while everyone else is fighting. I have to do something.”

Sirius took a step closer, and for a moment, Alicia braced herself, expecting him to stop her. Instead, he reached out and gently patted her head.

Startled, she looked up. Siriusʼs usual awkwardness with affection was absent, replaced by a rare, genuine warmth in his smile. ”No, Valachia,” he said softly. ”If you truly want to help, go to Zestella. Help them keep the borders secure. Youʼll still be close to us, and youʼll be doing something meaningful.”

Alicia blinked, his unexpected tenderness catching her off guard. His concern wasnʼt just as her brother but as someone who wanted her to find her place without recklessness. ”Yes...” Her response came shyly, her usual composure slipping for a moment.

Sirius chuckled at that.

Embarrassed, Alicia turned and started walking past him. ”Oh, and Alicia?”

She paused, glancing over her shoulder. ”Yes?” ”Do you still have Motherʼs gift?”

Her hand instinctively reached beneath her dress, fingers brushing against the familiar pendant. She pulled it out, revealing a white, droplet-shaped stone that shimmered faintly in the night. ”I do,” she replied softly. ”Good.” Sirius nodded, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

Without another word, Alicia turned and disappeared into the night.

Sirius stood motionless after she left. For a moment, he simply stared at the dark expanse above. ”Will wars ever stop...”

The words slipped from his lips as though he were speaking to the void itself-or perhaps to something unseen. His gaze lingered, searching for an answer in the vast emptiness. ”...say, Connor.” ***

In the grandeur of the Royal Olphean palace, within the gilded meeting room, a chorus of hurried voices filled the room as nobles debated fiercely.

The subject dominating their discourse was the Utopia war obviously. ”Iʼve received dire news. The enemyʼs forces will soon reach the Dolphian Capital. Their invasion of Tepes territories has begun. If Valachia falls, weʼll be next in their path of destruction.”

A murmur of agreement rippled through the room. ”We must brace ourselves. Our first priority should be the safety of civilians. Who knows what atrocities these monsters might inflict if they capture anyone?”

At this point they all knew what fate was reserved for the Humans... ”I concur. Immediate evacuation of the border towns is essential.” ”What does Her Highness think?”

All eyes turned toward the throne-like seat at the head of the table, where Christina sat in silence.

Her appearance spoke volumes before she uttered a word. Shadows darkened her under-eyes, and her weary gaze seemed fixed on something distant. ”Your Highness?” ”Yes?” Christina spoke up finally as she lifted her face toward the room.

Before she could say more, the heavy doors creaked open, silencing the chamber. All heads turned to see Myrcella standing in the doorway.

She swept her golden eyes across the room, before settling on Christina. Without a word of greeting, she spoke up. ”Leave. All of you.”

The nobles exchanged glances but did not protest. Many among them recognized her-not just as the adopted daughter of Kleines and Alea, but as someone practically a sister to Christina. Reluctantly, they filed out of the room, their whispers trailing behind them. Once the doors closed, Myrcella approached Christina. ”Myrcella, what is it?” Christina asked, forcing a smile that barely masked her exhaustion. ”You need rest,” Myrcella said sternly. ”I canʼt... Utopia-” Christina began. ”The war does not concern you directly. Not yet, am I wrong?” Myrcella interrupted sharply. ”...” Christina fell silent, her hands tightening into fists atop the table. Sighing softly, Myrcella moved closer, her voice softening. ”Worrying yourself to the brink of collapse will help no one. Do you want Edward to return and find you like this? You know heʼd blame himself. Isnʼt that right, Samara?”

A sudden flash of light illuminated the polished table, and moments later, a figure materialized. ”Edward would be heartbroken to see you like this,” Samara nodded her head. ”Samara...” Christinaʼs weary gaze brightened slightly. ”Have you heard anything? Any news about Amael?” Her voice quivered with hope, desperate for even the faintest whisper of his whereabouts.

Perhaps it was the bond she shared with Amael through the contract, but Samaraʼs chest tightened painfully as she gazed at Christina. Seeing her in such a fragile state struck a chord deep within her.

But she couldnʼt lie. ”No...” Samara shook her head softly.

She was as worried about Amael as Christina was, perhaps even more so. Yet, despite her fears, she clung to one certainty: he was alive. He had to be. If Amael had died, she and Annabelle-who remained with Celeste-would have vanished alongside him, their contracts severed by his death.

Normally, she would have been able to pinpoint Amaelʼs exact location. That was her role as a contracted Banshee. But now, that connection was shrouded, blurred beyond her reach. Either something—or someone-was deliberately interfering with their bond, or Amael himself had cut her off.

The latter possibility gave her pause. He shouldnʼt have been capable of such a feat-at least, not before. It could only mean one thing: Amael had reached a new level of mastery over Cleenahʼs Legacy but why did he cut off their connection in that case? ”He will return,” Samara said. She nodded, as though trying to reassure herself as much as

Christina.

Her thoughts drifted to the memories she had shared with Amael. Nearly two years had passed since Nyr and Amael became one, and in that time, she had witnessed his growth firsthand. No matter how dire the situation, Amael always found a way to rise again.

Yes, he could be defeated-she had seen it happen before. But defeat was never the end for him. Each time, he stood back up and ultimately triumphed.

It was that indomitable spirit that Samara loved the most about him. Feeling the quiet confidence radiating from Samara, Christinaʼs own despair began to lift. The warmth of hope stirred in her chest, rekindling the faith she had always placed in Amael.

After all, Samara had been by his side a lot of time.

Myrcella was right, she couldnʼt stay depressed.

Amael will certainly return. ”Amael... please, be safe.”