I Am The Game's Villain

"That is the key to ruling a harem of dangerous women. You have to be crazier than us—without ever showing it. More active, more in need, more in control. More possessive of us than we are of you."

She then kissed my cheeks softly.

"And, most importantly… show it to us."

"I think I show my love for you plenty," I chuckled, though I understood what she was getting at.

Layla wasn't as naive as I was when it came to women—she saw things with a clarity I sometimes lacked, especially when it came to my situation and what could unfold in the future. She had a perspective that I was only just beginning to grasp because she was seeing it from an outsider's perspective.

"But I get what you mean," I added, acknowledging her point.

I was fully aware of the kind of women I was dealing with. If I wasn't careful, things could spiral into chaos. Managing their emotions and ensuring no unnecessary conflicts—like the one that happened earlier—was going to be crucial if I wanted to keep everyone on my side.

"Then it's fine," Layla said with a soft smile before wrapping her arm around mine once more, pulling me forward as we resumed our walk.

The afternoon slowly drifted away, and instead of any major activities, we spent the time wandering through the city. It was my first real chance to explore Central Vedelia, and I found myself discovering all sorts of new places—grand monuments dedicated to past Heroes of Sancta Vedelia, statues of famous leaders, and towering buildings that stood as testaments to the city's long history.

"It really is a unique place," Layla said as we made our way toward a small, tranquil lake.

The sky was beginning to shift, the golden light of the sun melting into deep hues of violet and orange. Dusk painted everything in a soft glow, and with it, the streets became quieter. Fewer people were around now, their voices fading into the distance, leaving only the sound of our footsteps echoing against the cobblestone paths. It was peaceful—almost serene.

I took in the still waters of the lake, the gentle ripples reflecting the dying light. The calmness of it all was something I appreciated. In contrast to the constant buzz of the city, this moment of solitude felt like a much-needed breath of fresh air.

"Well, it's not called the capital of Sancta Vedelia for nothing," I replied.

A place this grand had a reputation to uphold, though I had to admit—it was a bit too lively for my tastes.

"Perhaps," Layla agreed, her gaze sweeping over the cityscape. "But I still find it too artificial. So many different races gathered in one place, yet there's an undeniable sense of superiority and resentment between them. Even if they coexist, there's always an underlying tension."

"You noticed it too, huh?" I asked though it was to be expected.

I wasn't surprised. It wasn't something openly displayed, but if you paid attention, you could feel it. Humans harbored insecurities around the more powerful races, while Elves carried themselves with an air of superiority. Vampires were no different, exuding the same sense of entitlement. And the Werewolves? They didn't even try to hide their disdain for the others.

It was an unspoken reality, a quiet yet ever-present divide beneath the surface of the city's so-called unity.

"It's hard not to notice," Layla sighed. "And honestly? I find it pitiful."

I could only smile at her reaction.

Layla and I shared the same mixed heritage—half High Human, half Human—but unlike me, she had little to no regard for other races. Her opinion of herself was sky-high, rivaling even Alvara's arrogance. In her eyes, she stood above all women, though she never went out of her way to prove it. Layla carried herself with an air of elegance, always maintaining her composed and graceful demeanor behind that sweet, knowing smile.

That is, unless it involved me.

Like earlier, when she subtly asserted her presence in front of Elizabeth—Layla had a habit of showing off when it came to me. It was amusing, even cute in its own way.

"This city isn't suitable for you, honey," she continued. "I can't wait for the day you finally return to where you truly belong—at my side."

I raised a brow. "You mean Celesta? I doubt King Charlie would be thrilled about that."

Layla scoffed lightly. "He's not King anymore. His father has taken over in his stead, at least until Alfred matures enough to claim the throne."

"Which means never. He's going to grow old and die on that throne before Alfred ever becomes 'responsible'," I sneered.

Layla chuckled, amused by my remark. "Honey, you're terrible."

"But am I wrong?" I quipped. Then, shifting the conversation, I asked, "Is he still obsessed with Milleia?"

At the mention of that name, I noticed a brief flicker in Layla's eyes. Her expression remained as poised as ever, her smile still in place, but there was something almost chilling about the way she held it.

"He is, I suppose," she said. "Not that I particularly care about either of them."

Oh, she definitely didn't.

Layla was many things, but indifferent wasn't one of them—especially when it came to certain people.

"Won't you ask about Jayden?" She then asked, her lips curling into a teasing smile.

I groaned. "What about him…?"

"Well, he's being celebrated as a hero in Celesta," she said. "Of course, the highest authorities know that you were the one who killed Brandon Delavoic, but Celesta launched a whole campaign to glorify Jayden. To the public, he's the valiant warrior who slew the leader of Ante-Eden."

I let out a scoff. "Not surprising. And honestly? I don't care. If anything, I'd be glad if those idiots focus all their attention on Jayden instead of bothering me."

"I'm quite bothered that they're disrespecting you, honey," Layla sighed, her eyes narrowing slightly. "But I suppose if that horny apostle can serve as a meat shield for you, then it's not entirely a loss."

I let out a laugh. "Exactly. I hope he makes a decent one."

In the Third Game, I could simply let him handle the irritating nuisances alongside Lucius and focus on what actually mattered.

"Then I suppose Celesta might not be the best place for our family after all." She glanced at me. "You don't have any intention of taking over the Falkrona House there, do you?"

"The Falkrona House, huh…"

The moment she mentioned it, only bitter memories surfaced.

Oryanna. Thomen. And, of course, Elona.

That was the last place I ever wanted to set foot in again.

"Simon will handle it," I said. "Thomen already made him the heir, and I have no interest in that house anymore."

Not when I was never even supposed to be a Falkrona in the first place.

But then, something struck me. I turned to Layla.

"I heard he got married. Lyra still hasn't woken up?"

She shook her head. "No. She's still in a coma." A pause. "And Simon married the second princess of the Arvatra Empire."

I stopped dead in my tracks. "Wait, what?" I stared at Layla, completely dumbfounded.

The second princess… Azeliah.

I remembered her from Aurora's and Alfred's birthday party. But never in my wildest thoughts did I expect her to end up engaged to Simon.

"He's the heir of the Falkrona House," Layla explained. "There was pressure for him to find a new wife. Many people didn't approve of his engagement with Lyra in the first place, and when the opportunity arose for an alliance between Celesta and Arvaatra through marriage, they pushed him into it."

I clicked my tongue. "Didn't expect them to be that desperate for an alliance with Arvatra."

"They're worried about Redhorah," Layla said simply. "He's been reinforcing his army, and they don't like what that could mean."

"Redhorah…"

I sighed slowly, my expression turning complicated at the mention of that name.

"That mad Emperor really lives up to his name if he truly believes waging war to take over the continent is a good idea," Layla said, her pink eyes glinting with mild amusement.

"He's just trash," I replied flatly, not bothering to elaborate.

After all, a man who sold his own daughter to the Iris Project wasn't worth discussing.

I quickly shifted the topic before Layla could read too much into my mood. "Do you have any news about the Saint—the Church?" I corrected myself at the last moment, careful not to bring up the Saintesses and risk irritating her.

Unfortunately, Layla was sharp enough to catch my slip.

"I haven't heard much," she admitted, crossing her arms. "The Church has withdrawn even further, shrouding itself in secrecy. Most likely, they're preparing for the imminent awakening of the new Saintess. Though from what I've gathered, they're delaying the ceremony a little longer than expected."

"I see…" I nodded, deep in thought.

Once the Saintess awakened, she would be able to heal Lyra. Maybe that might change something.

I had my suspicions about who it would be—Maria seemed like the likeliest candidate. But even if it turned out to be Seraphina instead, it wouldn't make much difference. Both of them were exceptional talents; the only real distinction was that Maria was a late bloomer compared to Seraphina.

"You're worried about Simon, aren't you?" Layla asked, shooting me a knowing glance.

"Me?"

Layla giggled. "Of course. I know you feel guilty about your last words to him."

My last words…

Right. When he visited me once in prison, I blamed him for Elona's death—though not outright.

I had accused him of failing to take proper care of her, of being too blinded by his grudge against Thomen—the man who had killed his father. If only he had paid more attention to Elona, maybe things would have turned out differently.

But the truth was, I was only shifting blame.

Because the one truly responsible for her death… was me.

"You aren't, honey," Layla said as if reading my mind.

"I am, Layla," I said, shaking my head. "Since the moment I transmigrated into this world, I've made countless wrong decisions. And not killing Walter earlier, even though I knew exactly who he was… that's a regret I'll carry to my grave."

Layla sighed, her fingers tracing gently over my cheek. "Knowing the future isn't enough, honey. Not even in this world. You need strength, power, and influence to make use of that knowledge. Otherwise, the other rulers will devour you without hesitation."