I Am The Game's Villain

Chapter 506: [Event] [Elven Utopian War] [45] Commander Loki ”Lady Loki! Itʼs an honor!” ”Lady Loki! Are you married?!” ”Lady Loki!”

The cheers erupted as I stepped forward, my name on their lips.

Their voices overlapped, ringing with an almost fanatical admiration. The knights of the Ruvelion Royal Army surrounded me, their eyes shining with enthusiasm. Some even looked starstruck, their awe visible in the way they straightened their stances and puffed out their chests.

The atmosphere felt... exaggerated.

Apparently, word had spread about my history: my time as a former guard of the esteemed Raonpherys House, my service to Freya Ruvelion, and my involvement in the fierce battles at Valachia. But the tales they whispered werenʼt just recountings-they were fictions, painted with vibrant, exaggerated strokes.

Was this Freyaʼs doing?

It had to be. Such embellishments could only serve to ensure these knights would follow me without question. I silently thanked her for the foresight, though I couldnʼt help but wonder just how much she had exaggerated.

Looking at them now-their flushed faces, the glimmers of admiration that bordered on reverence-it was weirding me out. Nearly the entire Ruvelion army seemed bewitched by the idea of me, and it was starting to creep me out yeah.

Unlike them, the contingent of Teraquin Army soldiers present were far less enthusiastic. Their expressions were neutral, their gazes assessing rather than adoring. Understandable, considering they were here more out of obligation than loyalty.

This group of soldiers had come as a gesture of goodwill from Kendelt Teraquin himself, likely pressured by Utopiaʼs insistence to protect Elyen Kiora during the absence of the other kings. After all, with Kendel positioned as Freyaʼs betrothed, maintaining such appearances was essential to proving his worthiness. But it was no secret that the Teraquin soldiers werenʼt thrilled about serving in Utopiaʼs ranks.

And now I was supposed to lead those damn traitors... []

Damn, she is right.

But I have to do it. ”Lady Loki.”

A new voice pulled me from my thoughts. I turned to see a tall, striking figure striding toward me.

This man was no ordinary soldier.

He stopped before me, his every movement exuding grace, and knelt on one knee. Bowing his head, he spoke. ”I am Vesryn Kenelth, Commander of the Royal Ruvelion Army. It is an honor to meet you.” Ah, so this was him-the famed Vesryn I heard in several lips. His presence alone was impressive, but what caught me off guard was the revelation of his strength.

Eighth Ascension.

I couldnʼt suppress the flicker of surprise that crossed my face. ”Vesryn, is it? Princess Freya mentioned you. Are you the one leading this army?” I asked

His entire frame seemed to stiffen, his eyes snapping up to meet mine with an intensity that nearly made me step back. ”The Princess spoke of me?” He asked almost in disbelief.

Is he a simp as well?! ”She said I could count on you,” I replied, testing his reaction.

His response was immediate. Vesryn bowed his head so deeply it nearly grazed the ground. ”You can. I assure you, Lady Loki. Iʼve already received a letter from Her Royal Highness, detailing your command over the army to protect Elyen Kiora from the impending invasion.”

So Freya had orchestrated this perfectly, as always. Still, Vesrynʼs fervor was, well, quite high. At least he seemed competent-if a little too eager to please. ”Tell me the situation,” I asked. ”Yes, Milady. Please follow me,” Vesryn nodded as he gestured for me to follow. He led me toward a barricaded building at the edge of the encampment.

Inside, several High Elf commanders were gathered. Like Vesryn, they regarded me with respect, bowing slightly as I entered. Their admiration was overwhelming, but before it could manifest into another wave of formalities, I raised a hand, silently halting their gestures. ”Enough,” I said.

I had enough embarrassment for today already.

Vesryn quickly guided me to the central table, where a sleek screen embedded into its surface glowed faintly. He pressed his fingers to the screen, activating a projection that flickered to life above the table.

The image took form, revealing the Western shores and the port-a strategic position of Elyen Kiora now crawling with activity. My eyes narrowed as I studied the projection. ”Theyʼve already entrenched themselves along the northern shores?” I asked dumbfounded. ”Yes, Milady,” Vesryn nodded..

The projection detailed the port overrun by Sancta Vedeliaʼs forces. Ships lined the coast, their numbers quite high, and makeshift barricades were already being erected to solidify their foothold. ”How did they gain entry so easily?” I was more curious than anything else. The seas around Utopia were supposed to be heavily patrolled. Such a breach should have been impossible.

I had myself hard time reaching Elyen Kiora and I did it only thanks to Levina. ”I bear full responsibility, Milady.”

A new voice answered. I turned, already recognizing the figure stepping into the tent.

Toran.

I had met him before, back in Vanadias. His presence here now, standing amidst this gathering of leaders, only confirmed what I already suspected: he was a traitor too.

The High Elf commanders shifted uneasily, their gazes narrowing as they focused on Toran. The unspoken accusation in their eyes was indeed there, and it was clear they blamed him for the disastrous situation.

Toran didnʼt flinch, though. ”After Sancta Vedeliaʼs forces arrived, we were overwhelmed. In desperation, we called for the Ruvelion Armyʼs aid.”

Vesryn added, ”Our forces had been securing the southern shores until we were forced to redirect support here to aid the Teraquin army.”

I folded my arms, scrutinizing Toran. How utterly incompetent could one be to not only fail to repel enemy ships but to allow them to establish a base along the shores? ”I suppose their numbers grew steadily as more ships arrived?” I asked, turning my attention back to Vesryn. ”Yes,” Vesryn confirmed, his fists clenched tightly at his sides. ”At this point, we estimate over five thousand knights on their side. While we still outnumber them, it has forced us to consider recalling other armies from key strategic points. Worse, we cannot afford to launch a full-scale assault against them.”

Figures.

The city beyond these shores-Elyen Kiora-was a living capital. Beyond the encampment lay countless civilians, their lives entwined with the bustling heart of Utopia. A reckless assault could risk everything. ”Who is leading them?” I asked, my gaze still fixed on the projection. ”Theyʼre a coalition army composed of all races, led by a certain Karl Dolphis,” Vesryn replied. ”Karl Dolphis, you say...”

The name struck a nerve, pulling a bitter memory to the surface. Karl Dolphis-one of those despicable bastards who had refused to save my mother. ”Do you know him, Milady?” Vesryn asked. ”Oh, I know that trash,” I said curtly. At least with him as my opponent, I wouldnʼt have to wrestle with any moral dilemmas about going all out. ”He may be trash, but heʼs still a Dolphis. That means he might have something of a brain,” I added with a sigh, leaning closer to study the map.

The projection displayed detailed information about their movements, positions, and fortifications. But as I stared at it, a cold truth dawned on me: I was no strategist.

This was my first war, and I didnʼt have a degree in warfare. Hell, I barely had experience commanding anything beyond a small squad. Yet the eyes of the commanders around me gleamed with anticipation, as if they expected me to conjure some brilliant strategy on the spot.

What did Freyja say about me to make them look at me like this?!

I pushed the thought aside and focused on the map, forcing myself to think clearly. The main goal wasnʼt total annihilation-it was minimizing losses on both sides while ensuring the Ruvelion Armyʼs victory. The fewer lives lost, the better.

My eyes locked onto the fleet. There had to be at least a hundred ships docked along the northern shores, their supply lines a lifeline we couldnʼt ignore. ”Letʼs draw them in,” I said finally. ”Yes?” Vesryn and the others exchanged uncertain glances. ”Weʼll feign retreat, making it seem like weʼre overwhelmed. As they pursue, weʼll lure them deeper inland-away from their ships, away from their supply lines,” I explained. ”Draw them in?”

A sharp, grating voice rang to my ears. ”Thatʼs exactly what weʼre supposed to prevent, isnʼt it?”

I turned toward the speaker, instantly recognizing him as one of the Teraquin knights. ”Thatʼs why women shouldnʼt be given command of an army...” he added smugly.

My eyes narrowed.

I recognized him.

The same vile bastard who had attempted to harass two of my classmates back in Vanadias. ”You...” Vesrynʼs hand moved instinctively toward his sword, and the other Ruvelion commanders bristled with fury. But before anyone could act, I raised my arm, halting them. ”Please, I apologize on his behalf,” Toran said but not a single trace of sincerity marred his tone.

Frankly, the perverted elf wasnʼt worth my time or energy, so I dismissed him and Toran with a single glance. ”As I said, we will lure them in,” I repeated. ”Although their total numbers reach five thousand, not all of them are on the battlefield. Most remain stationed on their boats, prepared to flee at the first sign of reinforcements. They wonʼt commit their entire force on the ground-it would be an act of reckless stupidity. If they were ambushed in mass, theyʼd be annihilated. What I propose is simple: draw out a smaller detachment, perhaps a thousand soldiers at most, by ceding the field to them. Let them think weʼre retreating.” ”And you truly believe they are so naive?” Toran asked with a chuckle shaking his head.

His mockery echoed as several of the other elves joined in.

Beside me, Vesryn sat rigid, his fists clenched tightly against his sides. I could see his seething eyes but he held himself back. ”They arenʼt naive,” I replied, my gaze resting on Toran, ”but thanks to your extraordinary failure alongside the Teraquin army, theyʼre overconfident. They believe victory is within their grasp. To them, weʼre nothing but weaklings, a rabble that can be trampled with ease. If they see the same pathetic cowards retreating yet again, do you think theyʼll hesitate? Do you think theyʼll suspect a trap? Some might indeed but most of them would simply think they again won the battle and would quickly try to securize the ground to widen their grasp on the Western shores.”

My words clearly aimed to mock them silenced the chuckles. A few High Elves behind me snickered quietly, their amusement tinged with disdain, while the Teraquin Elves shot me murderous glares.

Toranʼs fists tightened as he met my gaze. ”Youʼre suggesting, that we-” ”As expected, you grasp my meaning quickly, Commander Toran,” I interrupted with a smile so warm it bordered on patronizing. ”Yes, Iʼm suggesting that you and your army take the front lines. After all, you excel at one thing: retreating. Simply do what you do best-lose and run. Itʼll appear perfectly natural to the enemy. No need to strain yourselves with theatrics.” ”You-! Enough! This insult-”

One of Toranʼs subordinates, again the leering elf with a sour expression, surged forward. ”Silence,” Toran lifted a hand to halt his mid-tirade. His gaze locked onto mine. ”After drawing them in, what are you going to do?” ”We will set this line of ships ablaze,” I said, gesturing toward the long row of vessels docked at the shore. ”This will prevent the forces on board from quickly descending to rescue the army that you and your men will draw out.” ”Vesryn, with two thousand of his best men, will circle around to position themselves behind the baited army, cutting off their retreat. At the same time, theyʼll advance toward the burning ships. Your main task, Vesryn, will be to destroy those ships swiftly before they can even suspect something. Be prepared-those vessels are likely fortified with powerful mana barriers.” I locked eyes with Vesryn as I spoke.

Vesryn smiled confidently and placed a hand over his chest. ”You can count on me, Commander,” he replied.

I nodded. If only those Teraquin fools could learn from the discipline and competence of the

High Elves. ”What happens after we draw them in?” A disgruntled Teraquin soldier interrupted.. ”Do you expect us to run away the whole time?” ”Not at all,” I said calmly. ”Once Vesrynʼs forces flank the baited army, you will strike from the front. Together, youʼll trap them in a pincer, cutting off their escape routes. Meanwhile, another thousand of Vesrynʼs men will hold the shores to deal with any reinforcements that might slip past the burning ships. The flames wonʼt hold them off forever, but theyʼll buy us precious time to annihilate the trapped forces.”

I continued after a moment. ”When the baited army realizes they are being flanked, theyʼll inevitably try to escape to the sides. To prevent this, Iʼll need units capable of unleashing long-range spells to pin them in place.” ”I can handle that, Commander.”

The voice, clear and confident, drew my attention. A beautiful blond haired High Elf woman stepped forward. In an instant, I could sense her power-at least 7th Ascension, perhaps higher. Her confidence was well-earned. ”Rania,” Vesryn said before I could inquire further. ”Sheʼs a master of both fire and wind attributes, and sheʼs highly proficient in long-range spells. Rania has commanded numerous successful battles defending Elyen Kiora as well.”

I nodded, my eyes meeting hers. ”You can handle this?”

Rania bowed her head politely. ”Please count on me, Commander.” ”Excellent,” I said, turning to face Toran and his disgruntled army. ”I expect a significant contribution from you, Teraquins this time. Please endeavor to rectify your previous mistakes.”

A chilling silence followed my words as I turned and strode away.