I Am The Game's Villain

Now, for the first time, I was confronted with the weight of responsibility and the emotional toll my actions exacted on those who loved me.

Christina turned her attention to John without sparing me another glance, indicating her concern for his well-being.

”Christin-”

”Milord, Iʼve prepared your bath,” Albertʼs voice cut through the atmosphere, offering an escape from the intensity of the room.

Weariness settled in, both physically and emotionally, as I offered a curt nod in acknowledgment before retreating to my room.

***

The atmosphere remained awkward as Christina tended to Johnʼs injuries, her skilled hands moving with gentle precision. In the midst of the hushed room, her voice broke through the silence like a soothing balm.

”...Was Amael like that in your own Kingdom?” Her question hung in the air, a thread of curiosity woven with an underlying layer of concern.

John met her gaze, his mind sifting through memories of his time in Celesta. He pondered how best to articulate his response. ”He was worse, truth be told. If it werenʼt for sheer luck and the protection of the Goddesses, he would have met his end on multiple occasions.”

A quiet weight lingered after his words, as Christinaʼs attention shifted to Johnʼs wounded arm. After she completed the bandaging, she stood, brushing off her skirt in a characteristic manner. There was a contemplative sadness in her eyes as she spoke again.

”Thank you for being there for him,” Christinaʼs words carried a note of both gratitude and self-reflection as her amber eyes glistened with tears. ”I should have followed him to Celesta back then. Iʼve been a terrible sister…”

John felt a mixture of surprise and empathy at her admission. He knew firsthand the pain of sibling separation, and he understood how the years could be tainted with regret. ”Itʼs never too late to mend old wounds. More importantly, Edward clearly feels better here than in Celesta.”

A transformation occurred in Christinaʼs expression, her initial shock giving way to a heartfelt smile. ”Thank you for saying that.”

Averting his eyes, John began to move toward the exit. ”Iʼll be on my way then.”

Albertʼs voice interjected kindly, ”Sir, Lady Alea has requested that you stay here for the night.”

The words were met with Johnʼs resistance. ”No, I—”

Christinaʼs interruption was firm, laced with a touch of hidden anger. ”Youʼre not leaving until we hear the full explanation.”

John groaned audibly, recognizing that there was little chance of escape from her determination. ”Fine…”