I Am The Game's Villain

Chapter 367: [Elizabethʼs Engagement Party] [2] Foster Brother

”Earth?” Elizabeth muttered.

Both Elizabeth and Selene recognized their foster brother immediately.

Earth had been adopted a few years ago as a young boy by Duncan Tepes, who had seen considerable talent in him. This decision had proved wise. Earth had shown enormous progression over the years, shocking everyone. The people of Valachia, initially hesitant about having a human adopted into a vampire royal family, could only remain silent in awe of Earthʼs frightening progress.

He was one of the key figures who had supported Elizabeth in elevating the Tepes House within the hierarchy of the Academy last year. However, he hadnʼt been able to complete the year and had left for Edenis Raphiel on Duncanʼs orders.

Even though it had been a year, the twin sisters couldnʼt mistake their foster brother for anyone else. His striking golden hair and golden eyes were unmistakable. Wearing a simple black coat, he leaned against the door with his arms crossed, smiling at his adopted sisters.

”Iʼm glad I made it back in time for your engagement,” Earth said with a sigh.

”Are you really glad?” Selene asked with a pointed look.

”Selene...” Elizabeth frowned, trying to admonish her sister.

Selene just shrugged. ”We all know you were looking forward to getting engaged to my sister, Earth. I donʼt think you are that happy to take part in an engagement between my sister and someone else.”

Earth chuckled. ”You really donʼt hold back your words, as always, Selene. But yes, it would be a lie to say I wasnʼt a bit sad about how things ended up.ʼ

”It just happened, Earth...” Elizabeth said, struggling to explain how things had turned out this way.

”You donʼt have to justify yourself, Elizabeth. Grandfather already sent me a letter as soon as he made his decision. I was quite shocked and distraught when I read it, but since then, letʼs say I have moved past it,” Earth said.

A brief silence filled the room until Earth approached Elizabeth. He gently stroked her tied hair, his hand moving down to caress her cheek. ”I wish you all the best for your new life. I hope brother-in-law will take very good care of you. He certainly did a lot of good things to deserve you.”

”You donʼt know when to stop, huh?” Selene said, slightly annoyed.

Earth chuckled and stepped back. ”My apologies. By the way, how are things progressing with Victor? Is that dimwit still oblivious to your advances?”

Selene remained silent, but a faint blush appeared on her pale cheeks. ”Better,” she replied curtly, not willing to elaborate.

Since the day they fought together against Kara and nearly died, Selene and Victor had grown closer. Selene was certain Victor had started to see her as a woman, evidenced by his flustered reactions to her bold approaches, which delighted her.

She had even considered taking a more aggressive approach to get Victorʼs attention. She sought advice from Amael, now her brother-in-law, who was close to Victor and experienced in such matters. Amael, however, had responded with a cold stare.

Selene had shamelessly asked if it was acceptable for her to assault Victor, seeking advice from Amael as if he were an expert on the subject. Amael had indeed been assaulted twice- once nearly by Layla and once by Elizabeth, who had taken the lead to his great embarrassment.

Despite his irritation, Amael gave Selene advice, urging her to be patient and restrain her eccentric ideas if she didnʼt want to ruin things with Victor. Although Amael still held a grudge against Selene for being indirectly responsible for that night, she was Elizabethʼs sister. He couldnʼt abandon her, knowing she had the potential to become a villainess. If left to her own devices, she might mess things up and take a darker path.

So, Selene had followed Amaelʼs advice, and indeed, things were progressing nicely between her and Victor! Though it was a bit slow for her taste, she reminded herself that patience was key for greater enjoyment in the end.

Selene sighed, remembering Amaelʼs advice. ʼI guess I need to be more patient.ʼ

Amael knew very well what Selene had in mind, but he didnʼt want to probe further. He could only pray for Victorʼs soul when the time finally came.

||

Seeing Seleneʼs face, Earthʼs expression turned rigid for a moment. He couldnʼt believe it. Was it really going well between her and Victor? Even though she was the villainess? Selene taking the villainess route had seemed nearly guaranteed, but things had taken a different turn, it seemed.

ʼNyr...ʼ

***

”What a pain in the neck,” I groaned, frustrated, as I struggled to tie my necktie.

Suddenly, my hands were pulled away, and my tie was grasped by someone else. ”The Heir of the Olphean House doesnʼt know how to fix his tie. What a sensational news story that would make,” Christina said with an exasperated smile.

It wasnʼt my fault. No matter how many times I watched others do it or had it explained to me, I could never replicate it on myself. Fortunately, I had a wonderful big sister.

”Done,” Christina said, taking a step back before scanning my suit.

I was wearing a classy white suit, tailored exclusively for me by the best in Sancta Vedelia. My mother had arranged for it right after the engagement was decided. She was always ahead of schedule.

Thinking about my mother, I felt a bit sad that she couldnʼt be there, but there was nothing I could do about it right now.

Christina had suggested delaying the engagement party since our mother wasnʼt there, but I told her it was fine. In fact, because my mother wasnʼt there, it was even more important to show that the Olphean House hadnʼt weakened. We were stronger than ever. This engagement had to happen to demonstrate our strength, and the fact that it was with the powerful Tepes House was truly fortunate.

As unfortunate as the incident with Elizabeth had been, this engagement came at a good time, lifting the gloom that had fallen over our kingdom after my motherʼs disappearance.

”Hurry up, your friends are waiting downstairs,” Christina said with a grin.

I furrowed my brows. ”Friends?”

”Yes, now hurry up. I still have to take care of Anna and Samara!” Christina pushed me away as she said that.

Right, even though I wanted to keep Annabelleʼs and Samaraʼs presences a secret for their safety and mine as well, I wanted them to enjoy as well so I invited them in my engagement

party.

But what friends?

With a curious expression, I made my way downstairs wondering what friends she was talking

about.

”John...” I grimaced as soon as I saw the friends in questions.