I Am The Game's Villain

Chapter 479: Alvara Freydis Teraquin SS [2] ”You worry too much, Kleines,” Rhys sighed, as he lowered himself onto the plush sofa in the grand discussion room of the Teraquin Royal Palace. ”And youʼre far too lax, Rhys,” Kleines replied, shaking his head as he settled onto the sofa across from his friend.

Rhys chuckled softly. A maid approached, carrying a silver tray with delicate porcelain cups. Rhys accepted his tea with a gracious nod, his long, tapered fingers brushing briefly against the cupʼs ornate handle. The maid then turned to Kleines, who took his cup with a polite smile. ”I must say, Kleines,” Rhys began, reclining slightly and crossing one leg over the other. His emerald-green eyes sparkled with amusement. ”You surprise me. Youʼre Human, not even a High Human. I thought youʼd be the first to defend my aspirations for Vanadiasʼ future. Isnʼt that what Humans are known for? Supporting grand ideals?” ”You really shouldnʼt underestimate Humans so much,” Kleines countered with a hearty laugh. ”Our lack of natural advantages makes us more... adaptable. Unpredictable, even.” Rhys tilted his head, interested. ”So is that why youʼre uneasy about my plan to open our borders to Humans and other races in need?” ”Itʼs not the plan itself,” Kleines admitted, setting his teacup down on the carved table between them. ”I know your heart is in the right place. Honestly, itʼs not even surprising. Youʼve always been absurdly altruistic for a damn Elf.” He smirked, his tone half-teasing. ”And yet, youʼre still worried.” Rhys mirrored the smirk.

Kleines exhaled. ”Not all Humans are good people, Rhys-just as not all Halves or Elves are. Itʼs true that Humans have faced discrimination and deserve better, but thatʼs exactly why you should tread carefully. Opening the gates too wide invites trouble. Iʼm not saying reject them, but you need a plan thatʼs stricter. Stronger. Screen them thoroughly. Use as many resources as you need, but donʼt let just anyone walk into your kingdom.”

Rhys raised a brow, impressed despite himself. ”Youʼve put some thought into this. I assume youʼre applying the same principles in Pallas?”

Kleines chuckled, leaning back slightly. ”Of course. Alea and I arenʼt as naive as you, Rhys. Weʼve got our own safeguards in place.” ”Did you hear that, Rhys?”

A sharp, feminine voice interrupted, dripping with amusement.

Both men turned to see Tanya entering the room. ”Tanya,” Kleines greeted warmly, rising briefly in respect. ”Itʼs been too long. I swear, Iʼm envious of you Elves. Always youthful, even as the mother of three.” His words were accompanied by a teasing grin.

Tanyaʼs green eyes narrowed, her expression shifting to one of icy annoyance. ”Do you want to die, Kleines? And flattery wonʼt get you anywhere. Iʼm sure your wife would love to hear about your fondness for another woman-especially me.”

Kleines paled visibly, his bravado dissolving in an instant. ”I-I apologize! Please, donʼt say anything to Alea. I beg you!” He leaned forward, hands clasped together in desperation.

Rhys couldnʼt suppress his laughter, though his gaze hardened slightly. ”Yes, Kleines. Iʼd suggest you refrain from flirting with my wife.”

Kleines, regaining some of his composure, leaned back with a sly smile. ”Which one, Rhys?” He asked meaningfully, his words carrying the weight of a subtle jab.

The air froze instantly. ”Rhys?” Tanyaʼs voice was filled with kindness, but her smile didnʼt quite reach her eyes. ”N-No! Of course not! I havenʼt been with anyone else I swear!” Rhys stuttered, a sheen of sweat beading on his brow. His words tumbled out in a rush. ”Kleines, say youʼre joking!” He shot a glare at Kleines, who seemed far too amused for his liking. ”Who knows?” Kleines replied, his tone nonchalant as he leaned back with a smirk. ”Not my concern-Iʼm faithful to Alea, after all.” ”Faithful?” Rhys scoffed. ”Youʼre just scared sheʼll kill you if you so much as glance at another woman.”

Kleines grimaced but didnʼt retort. The truth in Rhysʼs words stung. Aleaʼs possessive streak was legendary, and her fiery temper even more so. The thought of her wrath was enough to silence him. Though truthfully Alea wouldnʼt be angry if he asked her knowing Kleinesʼ status but Kleines didnʼt.

Or rather he wouldnʼt.

They had just ʼlostʼ Amael and he would never make further lonely his wife by taking another in this situation where his wife needed him the most. ”Hmph. How is she, anyway?” Tanya asked casually, though her indifferent tone didnʼt fool anyone.

Kleines nearly chuckled, amused by Tanyaʼs transparent attempt at nonchalance.

Alea and Tanya had once been inseparable. Despite their differences-one an Elf, the other a High Human-theyʼd always found common ground. But their relationship had frayed over the years, strained by time and circumstances.

The real rift, however, had come a few years ago. Alea had withdrawn into herself after the devastating ʼlossʼ of her youngest son. ”Sheʼs... managing,” Kleines said at last, his voice softer. ”Though I think she misses you.” Tanya scoffed, crossing her arms. ”As if.”

Rhys couldnʼt suppress a chuckle at his wifeʼs reaction.

Before the conversation could continue, a small voice called out. ”Father!”

A blur of movement rushed through the doorway, and Rhysʼs face lit up as a young girl dashed into the room. Without hesitation, he stood and swept her into his arms, twirling her around as her laughter filled the air. ”Howʼs my little Freydis?” He asked grinning widely. ”Iʼm fine, Father! Look-I brought you something!” The girl held out a small bouquet of lilies, her tiny hands trembling with excitement.

Rhysʼs heart melted. ”Alvara, youʼre the sweetest,” he said, hugging her tightly prompting a giggle from her. ”I have a gift for you as well. Look,” Rhys added with a smile, his hand reaching into the void. With a subtle flick of his wrist, he pulled out an exquisitely adorned golden umbrella.

Alvaraʼs eyes widened in delight, her face lighting up. ”Oh! Itʼs beautiful! Thank you, Father!” She exclaimed as she reached for the umbrella.

Rhys chuckled warmly as he handed it to her. ”Of course, I wouldnʼt let anyone or anything -harm you, not even the sun itself!”

As this tender scene unfolded, the door opened again, revealing two newcomers. ”Lord Falkrona,” Kendel said, bowing respectfully as he stepped inside. ”Itʼs an honor to meet you, Lord Falkrona,” Leena added with a polite smile. ”Oh, Kendel, itʼs been quite a while. Youʼve grown a lot since I last saw you.” His eyes shifted to the girl at Kendelʼs side. ”And who might this be? She looks about my daughterʼs age. Donʼt tell me youʼve already found a girlfriend? Like father, like son, I suppose.”

The jab earned him a sharp glare from Tanya, but Kendel only scratched his head, his cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

Leena chuckled softly, but it was the little girl who caught Kleinesʼs attention. Her green eyes, wide with curiosity, peeked from behind Leena. ”You must be Bryelle,” Kleines said gently, crouching to her eye level. ”Your father has told me a lot about you. Arenʼt you a little cutie as well?” He reached out, ruffling her hair affectionately.

Bryelle smiled, though she still clung to Leenaʼs leg for security.

For a moment, Kleinesʼ expression turned gloomy.

Her face and shyness overlapped with Amaelʼs.

On the other hand, Tanya, watching from the side, gave the girl a long, complicated look. She said nothing, but her expression betrayed an internal conflict. ”Freydis, we have an important guest,” Rhys said, raised a brow and gesturing toward

Kleines. ”Shouldnʼt you greet him properly first?” ”Oh, yes!” Alvara nodded quickly as her father set her down.

Straightening her dress with a small, graceful motion, Alvara stepped toward Kleines. She pinched the hem of her skirt and dipped into a curtsey, her movements meticulous and practiced. ”Itʼs an honor to meet the esteemed Lord Falkrona,” she said, her voice carrying the perfect blend of politeness and confidence. A radiant noble smile graced her lips, the picture of high nobility.

Kleinesʼs lips twitched into a smile as he crouched to her level, his eyes studying her. ”Oh, youʼre the same child I saw back then, arenʼt you? Youʼve grown quite a lot since then. My, arenʼt you sharp for your age.” ”Thank you!” Alvara beamed, unable to hide her delight at being complimented by one of the most revered figures in Sancta Vedelia.

As Kleines continued observing her, his gaze sharpened for a moment, catching a faint trace of unusual unique mana radiating from the girl. ”Well, itʼs clear youʼre going to grow into an extraordinary woman. Say, how about becoming my daughter-in-law?” ”Kleines!” Tanyaʼs voice cut through the room as she erupted in shock. Rhys, standing beside her, grimaced, his expression caught somewhere between amusement and exasperation. ”Daughter-in-law?” Alvara echoed, her young mind working to piece together the meaning though she suspected the implications. ”Thatʼs right.” Kleines grinned, ignoring Tanyaʼs glare. ”My wife would absolutely adore you. Youʼre intelligent, strong, and exactly the kind of young lady my house needs. What do you think?”

Alvara hesitated, her expression thoughtful before replying with all the honesty of a child. ”Um, I think Father and Mother will decide my future.”

Kleines chuckled, nodding. ”Fair enough. But what if you meet your little prince someday?” ”My prince?” Alvara tilted her head, confused by his words. ”Yes,” Kleines continued, his tone softening. ”Someone who will protect you, care for you, and love you more than anyone else even more than your father and mother.” Alvaraʼs eyes widened, the very thought a revelation to her. ”More than Father and Mother?” ”Thatʼs enough!” Tanya interrupted, stepping between Kleines and her daughter as she placed a protective hand on Alvaraʼs shoulder. ”Sheʼs ten! Donʼt go filling her head with strange ideas! Besides, your son is already engaged to Reis Aquila, I wonʼt let Alvara be a second wife!”

Kleines leaned back, raising his hands in surrender, though his grin only widened. ”What? Iʼm just preparing her for the future. And I wasnʼt thinking about this one...” ”What?” ”Relax, Tanya. When it comes to my Christina, Iʼll give her all the freedom in the world to choose her path.” ”What if she chooses the wrong one?” Rhys asked.

Kleines leaned back slightly, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. ”Well, as a parent, your role would be to guide her,” he replied. ”If she stumbles, you help her find her footing. Or, you could always take the traditional route-choose someone yourself and consult your daughter afterward.” He ended with a smirk, knowing how Tanya would react. ”Nonsense,” Tanya retorted, her arms crossing as her gaze hardened. ”Alvara is destined for greatness. I donʼt think anyone from Sancta Vedelia would even come close to being suitable. Weʼll likely have to look toward Edenis Raphiel to find someone worthy of her.” ”Now, now,” Rhys intervened gently, placing a soothing hand on Tanyaʼs arm. ”Thereʼs plenty of time to think about this later.” He looked down at Alvara, who was watching the exchange with wide eyes, and gave her a warm smile. ”But I, for one, will trust Freydisʼs opinion. I know sheʼll find her Love when the time comes.”

Alvara blinked, processing her fatherʼs words. After a moment, a shy smile crept across her lips.