I Am The Game's Villain

After parting ways with Melfina, I aimed for the room assigned to my group, but John messaged me, letting me know they were all in the dinner hall. A worker directed me there, and upon finding John, I couldn't help but appreciate having him as my brother-in-law, the one who had accompanied me in Sancta Vedelia.

There he was, savoring his meal with Victor, Sirius, and Selene. A table for four meant there was no space for me. John, considerate as always, hadn't reserved me a spot. Selene, predictably, had taken advantage, securing my place without a second thought.

Alone again.

I glanced around awkwardly, my brow creasing slightly. There was a free seat at Jiren's table, my newfound friend from the shopping mall yesterday. I put on a smile and approached the table.

"Hiii!" One of Jiren's friends flinched immediately upon noticing me. Jiren and the other friend followed suit, their hands shivering like they'd seen a monster.

Ignoring their reactions, I took the seat next to Jiren. Tension hung in the air, and their faces showed no joy. I wasn't exactly welcome, but no one voiced their thoughts. The fact that the two cronies managed to keep their reactions subdued was good. I didn't want anyone finding out about what happened back then.

"Are you guys having a fun day?" I asked, tapping my fingers on the table.

Silence.

"I asked a question."

"We... we are," Jiren stuttered.

"Say it with a smile if you want to be a little credible. The same goes for you," I added, glancing at his friends.

The three of them forced smiles, though it came off as more creepy than genuine.

"You're supposed to have forced me to sit at your table. Show some spirit, guys," I sighed in exasperation.

Finally, after my remark, the three of them awkwardly started chatting among themselves. Boring. They were discussing the girls in the promotion, especially the princesses of the Great Houses, but it was really dull.

At times like this, I wished Layla was here. She would either tease me or make fun of these three idiots, and it would certainly be more entertaining.

I scrolled on my phone and clicked my tongue. From here, I couldn't contact Layla, who was very far away. It was also a safety measure from Sancta Vedelia. Even if I could, King Charles would never let me enjoy my life anyway.

[<You should enjoy the peaceful time, Amael. You're not guaranteed to always live this peacefully, after all.>]

'I should indeed, but not with three idiots.'

I had the urge to erase their existence from the world, but I held back.

I at least wanted to call Samara to keep me company, but right now wasn't the right timing. I was supposed to be bullied by them, after all.

"Finally!"

Someone exclaimed as maids arrived with trays to serve dinner. A delightful aroma of chicken wafted through the hall, prompting weird moans of hunger from around. I had to admit that I was somewhat hungry too.

"Thanks," I said to the maid as she placed a plate full of dishes and a large piece of chicken in front of me. It seemed seasoned with some foreign spices. Without waiting, I cut a piece of it with my fork and knife and took a bite.

Delicious.

My mood suddenly improved as I leisurely ate with my 'friends.'

"Is your chicken different, Jiren?"

"What?"

"Look, the color is different."

"The heck?"

I looked at them, and indeed, our chicken plates were slightly different, even the side dishes. I glanced around, and despite most students eating quietly, some were not. Cylien, Elizabeth, and others were inspecting their dishes meticulously, while Alvara's group wasn't even eating; they were just discussing.

Right.

I remembered it, even though the game didn't bother to explain, and I skipped that part as well. I wasn't skipping everything like John; I avoided the annoying bits.

In reality, we were all devouring the meat of the mana beast we were supposed to hunt.

I glanced down at mine. It had a slightly greener hue. I initially thought it was chicken, but they deceived us by presenting it that way. I inspected the meat, but truthfully, I had no idea what it was. However, this was normal. The location and the type of mana beast were unknown, and it was our responsibility to discover them.

Gradually, students began to notice the peculiar behavior of the more astute among us and realized that this dinner wasn't ordinary. They aimed to lull us into a sense of security with their pseudo-visit to the capital, but we needed to remain vigilant.

After somewhat memorizing the peculiar meat, I consumed it without leaving any remainder, unlike the others who kept some for later. I was hungry, and it wasn't challenging to memorize the colors and the probable shape.

Some time later, Professor James Raven strolled around the tables, scrutinizing each of us. He was clearly observing who finished their meal and who didn't. For instance, the frown he wore after checking my utterly empty plate was not an expression of pride. Rather, he seemed impressed but not in a positive way.

Jiren and his two followers looked at me strangely as I consumed everything, but I promptly ignored them. Why were they so stressed about this exam? If only they knew what was going to happen...

"I hope the meal prepared by the royal chefs suits your tastes, students," Celeste's father, Professor Harvey, attempted a joke. "You have less than three days before the end of the exam. Don't lose sight of your objective just because you're invited to a royal palace. Stay vigilant."

Several people groaned at his words. They were likely annoyed that they couldn't even enjoy a meal. Literal spoiled nobles calling others third-rate nobles.

"Now, you may leave and head to your room if you have nothing else to do. That's all," Harvey added and departed with Professor Raven, who gave each of us a last smile.

Only the clueless rushed to their rooms, or perhaps the few who knew what mana beast they were assigned to. Even then, we didn't have the location of our designated beast.

After contemplating for a while, I looked at Jiren and spoke. "Do it."

Jiren hesitated briefly before splashing his glasses with grape juice on my clothes. Then he left immediately, departing with his comrades.

All for the greater good.

I was only keeping up this charade to deceive Alvara and Lykhor. I didn't have the time to deal with them and Allen for now. Jiren was a Teraquin despite not being from the main branch but he was still a Teraquin. If something happens to him, Allen, Alvara or worse, Kendel would have to intervene to protect the reputation of their House even though they didn't care at all about Jiren.

Jiren was for now useful for me but the moment, I got rid of him, one of those three siblings would attack me without doubts.

I have to maintain this facade until I found the Prophetess and some leads about the ones who killed my brother, father, and aunt.

This was more crucial, even though the Teraquin House was exceptionally problematic.

It shouldn't take long.