I Am The Game's Villain

Their gestures were reflexive, a mix of fear and reverence, as no one dared to meet Alvaraʼs piercing gaze. Upon reaching the grand dining hall, Alvaraʼs expression transformed. Any trace of tenderness she had shown to Bryelle vanished the moment they crossed the threshold. The hall was vast, dominated by a long rectangular table centered in the room, its polished surface reflecting the flickering glow of the chandelier overhead. Every seat was filled, except for theirs. At the head of the table sat their mother, Tanya Teraquin, her regal presence commanding attention.

As they entered, all eyes turned toward Alvara and Bryelle. The weight of the stares made Bryelle shift uncomfortably in her chair, her earlier cheer draining under the scrutinizing gazes of their family.

”Youʼre late, elder sister,” Neia said with a smile.

Alvara ignored her cousinʼs comment entirely, her expression void of any reaction. She quietly positioned Bryelle beside her, adjusting the wheelchair with care before taking her seat next to her. ”Fortunately, my dear family has waited for us,” Alvara said coolly, her tone dripping with thinly veiled sarcasm.

Tanyaʼs eyes narrowed slightly as they settled on Alvara. ”Alvara.”

Despite her sharp tone, there was indulgence between Tanya and Alvara. The queen had always spoiled Alvara, forgiving her for any misstep or transgression. But even Tanya had begun to feel the strain of Alvaraʼs increasing severity. There was a shift in her daughterʼs behavior—a coldness that had started affecting her House, even going so far as to hurt her younger brother, Gamir. Alvaraʼs cruelty had become harder to overlook.

Attacking others was one thing, but now Alvara had begun turning her hostility toward her own family. This was a troubling development, one that Tanya could not afford to ignore. She knew her daughterʼs mental state better than anyone, which was precisely why she had to keep her in check. The queenʼs eyes lingered on her daughter for a moment longer, but Alvara didnʼt react, her expression as inscrutable as ever. She offered no rebuttal to Tanyaʼs reprimand, maintaining her silence.

”Tomorrow, Alvaraʼs classmates will be coming here for a review session in preparation for the Exam,” Tanya continued. ”I donʼt want any problems. Do you hear me?”

Her gaze swept across the room, landing on each of her children and nephews. ”Yes, Mother,” came the murmured responses, heads nodding in unison.

”Bryelle,” Tanyaʼs gaze shifted toward the youngest.

”Y–Yes?” Bryelle stammered, her voice trembling with nervousness. Her small hands fidgeted in her lap.

”You will stay inside during that time, do you understand?” Tanyaʼs gaze was stern. She wasnʼt fully aware of the incident that had occurred earlier involving her youngest daughter, but she trusted that Alvara had already handled it. Still, Bryelleʼs behavior concerned her. She was coddled far too much, and it showed in her childish antics. If something were to happen to her, the consequences would ripple throughout the family—especially affecting Alvara. That was a risk Tanya could not afford.

”Yes…” Bryelle replied meekly, lowering her head.

Satisfied with Bryelleʼs compliance, Tanya turned her attention to her eldest son, Kendel.

”Iʼve heard that spies from Utopia have been captured within the kingdomʼs borders.”

Kendel met her gaze with a calm nod. ”Yes, Mother. I have already interrogated them thoroughly. It seems they were attempting to gather information about our teleportation circles, likely to facilitate an invasion.”

Tanyaʼs lips curled into a cold scoff. ”Foolish,” she muttered, her voice dripping with contempt. ”And where are these spies now?”

”They were of no further use after the interrogation,” Kendel replied, his expression unreadable. ”So I dealt with them.”

Tanyaʼs brows furrowed at his words. ”You should have consulted me before making such a decision, Kendel.” Her voice was tinged with displeasure.

Kendel lowered his head slightly, acknowledging his mistake. ”I apologize, Mother. I will consult you in the future.”

”See that you do,” Tanya said, her voice softening just a fraction. She took a breath, steadying herself before issuing her next command. ”Reinforce the capitalʼs security, especially around the students. Anything can happen at this point, and I refuse to let this kingdom fall to complacency. Dolphis was destroyed because they were careless. I will not tolerate such failure here.”