I Am The Game's Villain

Samara added with a hint of menace, "I'll do it again if necessary," before coiling her arms around my neck.

"Protective, right?" I gave a warm smile to Melfina. "Anyway, since Claudia is a granny and you are one as well, I thought that it's very likely that you're close friends with her, so I hoped that maybe you could talk to her in my favor."

"G-Grandmother, what is happening exactly? Why are you even listening to him? He's just a student under rehabilitation, and his relation to Professor Lydia shouldn't be enough reason to treat him like you are doing," Evan seemed to have caught onto the peculiar situation and questioned Melfina's actions.

"I will tell you later, Evan," Melfina said before focusing her attention back on me. "The only reason I'm showing this leniency toward you, Amael, is because of what I've heard about you from Geoffrey and what I had witnessed."

"I know."

Melfina remained silent for a moment, presumably contemplating her words. "Only Claudia's approval might not be enough. The other Heads might inquire about your intentions. If you want me to convince them to trust you and gain their acceptance, you must prove your capabilities."

"Oh? And do you have a plan in mind?" I inquired with a knowing smile.

"The Trimester's Final Exam is in a few weeks. It will be broadcast throughout Sancta Vedelia and, of course, attended by the Heads in person," Melfina explained.

"I see," I mused for a moment. "So, it would be sufficient to show my superiority by beating up one of their so-called Great Noble Prodigies, correct?"

Melfina winced at my audacious words. "You don't necessarily need to defeat a Great Noble to prove your potential. Achieving the top rank should suffice."

"I will consider it," I replied before rising from my seat. "Let's go, Samara."

Samara nodded and faded into her own dimension.

The school year was divided into three trimesters, each culminating in a final exam to assess us. These examinations weren't limited to written tests; they encompassed practical demonstrations as well. Although I couldn't remember much about the first trimester's final exam, I was confident that I could handle it.

"Amael, even if you obtain permission, it's not guaranteed that the Holy Tree will 'accept' you, it might be dangerous. You might die," Melfina's caution stopped me in my tracks as I grasped the doorknob.

"Don't worry about it," I cast a glance back at her. "I intend to become the Apostle of Nihil, after all."

"..." Melfina fell into a shocked silence.

I pushed open the door and stepped out.

"Huh?" To my left, leaning against the wall, stood Celeste. She seemed to have been waiting there.

She regarded me with a slightly awkward expression, her arms crossed.

"Celes? You're here? Come," Evan, who had noticed Celeste's presence, rushed out and greeted his sister with a smile.

"No, it's okay," Celeste waved dismissively. "I just wanted to talk with grandmother, but I'll be late."

"Don't worry; I'll write an excuse letter for you," Evan chuckled. "Come. It's been a while since we chatted, my cute sister."

"We saw each other just this morning!" Celesta retorted before hastily walking away.

I see, he's a sis-con as well.

Too much sis-cons in this world.

[<I agree. With Eric, John, him and you, it's four now.>]

Shut up.

"W-Wait, Celeste!" Evan's demeanor underwent a complete shift as soon as his sister appeared in his line of sight.

"Leave me alone!" Celeste grimaced at her brother.

I paid their sibling quarrel no mind and continued walking.

It was getting late.

"Wait for me, Amael!" Celeste called out and soon caught up with me.

"Hm?"

"If I'm going to be late, I'd rather not be scolded alone," Celeste explained with a sheepish grin.

"Is the teacher harsh on latecomers?" I inquired.

"Professor Gamir? Quite a bit," Celeste replied.

Professor Gamir Teraquin was currently our Interclass instructor.

Damn it.

"You don't seem too eager for class either, huh?" Celeste giggled, noticing my expression.

I really didn't want to start my morning by seeing that guy's face.

"Well, you could say that…" I conceded.

"By the way," Celeste drew closer and whispered, "I overheard a bit of what you were saying to my grandmother…"

"You overheard us?"

"No! I just happened to hear it as I was about to enter!" Celeste quickly clarified, her face slightly flushed.

"You have a question for me?" I asked, sensing her hesitation.

"Yes…" Celeste scratched her cheek. "You mentioned that you want to become the Apostle of Lord Nihil?"

"I don't want to become one. I will become the Apostle of Nihil," I corrected her.

"That's quite the confidence, huh?" Celeste said, impressed, but there was a hint of disappointment in her expression.

Disappointed in me?

"Why do all men always aspire to be an Apostle?" Celeste sighed.

"Because it grants you status and power over the Holy Tree," I explained. That was one of the key reasons why I aimed to become the Apostle of Nihil.

"I figured as much," Celeste once again appeared let down. "You're just like all the other men, craving to become an Apostle of Nihil, huh?"

"What about Victor?" I inquired curiously.

"Victor?" Celeste's grin widened. "Victor never talks about becoming an Apostle of Nihil. A man like him is exceptionally rare."

Ah, that must be one of the reasons why she's attracted to him.

"People are so focused on being an Apostle here and an Apostle there. It's not all that important, you know?" Celeste glanced at me. "If you want power, then train for it. If you desire status, then climb the ladder without seeking shortcuts. You won't attract any girlfriends with such a lazy mindset, you know?" She teased me with a playful smile.

I'm engaged though…

"I don't need girlfriends," I shrugged, narrowing my eyes slightly. "I just want to become the Apostle of Nihil for myself."

Celeste didn't say anything, but I could tell that her impression of me had worsened.

We didn't converse much further as we arrived at the grand stadium where our next class would be held. This class was unique, as it brought together students from all years.

It was an interclass.

The stadium was filled to the brim with first years, second years, and third years, creating a cacophony of noise.

"Goodbye, Amael," Celeste waved at me with a smile and then walked off, probably to join Victor and Cylien.

[<She just classmate-zoned you, Amael.>]

I winced.

What was that term?

John joined me and inquired, "What were you talking about with Celeste?"

"Nothing. She just doesn't like the Apostles," I replied.

"Is that surprising?" John scoffed. "Her mother went through hell because-"

"I know, but I don't care about that, John," I cut him off. "Rather, I hope I won't get grouped with third-rate nobles."

"You'll undoubtedly get grouped with at least a Pretender."

"Show at least some care as Layla's brother. I'm her fiancé."

"You don't get tired of repeating that, huh?"

"I know it has a bad effect on you and forces you to respect me, after all."

"You've got to be kidding me," John scoffed.

"I'm not joking about it. But you'll give up on that tsundere attitude of yours soon enough," I said.

"Hell would freeze over before that."

"Even after Layla and I have your niece?"

"Y-You bastard!"

And here we have the angry face of the future pampering uncle.

[<Your and Layla's child would be quite the sight to behold.>]

I couldn't help but grin at Cleenah's observation. 'You bet,' I replied with enthusiasm. 'We're talking about my and Layla's daughter. She's going to be absolutely amazing.'

[<I fear the personality, but how are you so sure that it would be a daughter?>]

I grinned, letting out a small laugh. 'Nevia told me.'

[<N-Nevia? How and why is she speaking about the future of Layla to you? You asked her?>]

Cleenah seemed utterly baffled.

"She shared it with me when I asked why she was so protective of Layla," I explained. Nevia's intense protectiveness of Layla had been evident, and she seemed quite angered by Zeus's interest in Layla.

When I inquired further, Nevia confided in me, stating that Layla was crucial for the future and so would be our daughter.

"C-Could it be that you…" John suddenly looked at me in shock. "Could it be that you and her already…"

"Like hell!" I exclaimed defensively.

The truth was, I was still a virgin.

[<It was narrowly avoided during your engagement, though.>]

Well…

How to put it...

After our engagement, Layla had shown quite an eagerness. Our wedding night nearly took place within the confines of a prison cell.

[<You could also say that you narrowly avoided being r*ped by her.>]

'Shut up!'

I had barely held myself back during that time since it simply wasn't the right time or place. I couldn't blame her as she knew, she wouldn't see me for quite awhile. It was already amazing that she agreed in not following me to Sancta Vedelia.