I Am The Game's Villain

Then there was Samara.

I was definitely drawn to her despite lying to myself.

Unlike Annabelle, I couldnʼt see her just as a little sister. There was something else which was definitely growing dangerously into love but I was holding them back.

Then there was Nevia.

I couldnʼt be sure if what I felt for her was outright love, but there was definitely something there an undeniable attraction. After the deaths of Kleines and Elona, she had been my moral anchor, supporting me during my training sessions.

But Nevia... she might not even be alive anymore.

My gaze shifted back to Celeste. She was waiting for an answer.

I quickly looked away.

There was also Elizabeth, but I couldnʼt jump to conclusions. Not before sitting down with her and actually talking things through.

That should be it... right?

For a moment, an image of a certain mint-green-haired girl flashed through my mind. | ||

No.

This was madness.

I must be seeking death just for thinking about it!

I shook my head, willing the thought away along with the memories of our past interactions in her room.

In the end, I decided to give Celeste an answer that made sense for now. Something clean and simple, given my current situation. ”Three,” I said.

Ephera, Persephone and Layla. ”Three?” She repeated, blinking in surprise. Her voice held even a trace of relief. ”I thought it was nine...” ”Why are you even believing Annabelle in the first place?” I grumbled. ”And nine was only because she counted you in it.” ”T-Thatʼs...” Celeste flinched, her cheeks turning a soft shade of pink as she averted her gaze.

Seeing her reaction left me at a loss for words.

It was clear now-she had feelings for me.

And... I couldnʼt deny that I felt something for her, too.

But there was a knot of uneasiness in my chest.

Her terrified expression the day she saved me still haunted me.

And then there was Amael.

I was Amael, but who had Celeste fallen for?

Certainly not the man who had just a few days ago killed hundreds of knights from her

Kingdom-including Zestella knights in the allied army.

I sighed and summoned my status screen, my eyes drawn to the Synchronizations displayed there. [Amael Idea Olphean Synchronization: 68%] [Nyrel Loyster Synchronization: 38%]

What did those numbers even mean?

At first, Iʼd assumed they represented my memories, both of Amael and Nyrel. But now, I wasnʼt so sure. It felt like something deeper-like a program embedded in my brain, influencing my emotions in ways I didnʼt fully understand.

It was Nihilʼs doing obviously.

And, as always, he hadnʼt bothered to explain a damn thing. ”A-Anyway, youʼre staying, right?” Celeste asked, a bit anxious.

I could see it in her eyes-the fear that I might leave. And honestly, given the dire situation here at the borders, I couldnʼt blame her.

The atmosphere was oppressive. The knights stationed here carried quite air of defeat, their spirits visibly battered. Even August, who was supposed to be their source of strength, was still in recovery.

My thoughts began to spiral.

Wait... arenʼt we screwed?

My expression stiffened. Could the three of us-Celeste, Alicia, and I really hold our own against Navas and Kendel? Annabelle was there too but it wouldnʼt be enough. ”Amael?” Celeste called me uneasy. ”Yeah, Iʼm staying,” I said with a nod.

Her shoulders visibly relaxed, and she let out a sigh of relief.

For now, I had to stay. At least until I could ensure Celesteʼs safety. But that would only be possible with Navas dead. He was the greatest threat-a monster that needed to be eliminated. Until he was gone, Celeste would remain in constant danger.

I came here to fight, but honestly, Iʼd expected more reinforcements.

It wasnʼt like Zestella lacked strong warriors. The kingdom was vast, though, with multiple borders to defend. The forces had been spread thin, and this particular front had never been a priority—at least not until Kendel Teraquin himself decided to show up.

For years, the Teraquins had largely ignored this border. And with August stationed here, the higher-ups had grown complacent. But now, the situation was desperate. ”Did you call your brother?” I asked.

If there was ever a time for Evan to leave Zestel and join the fight, it was now. With him here, our chances of taking down both Navas and Kendel would improve significantly. ”Yes,” Celeste replied. ”But he needs a couple of days before he can leave Zestel and get here.”

Figures.