I'm a Villain in My Own Game?

[Duke Alvaro POV]

The underground waterway of the Tsardom of Slavia...

This was where the people of this country obtained their clean water.

Because of the extremely cold climate, water was constantly freezing, making it incredibly difficult to obtain water throughout almost every region of the Tsardom of Slavia.

For that reason, the government of the Tsardom of Slavia had constructed a waterway connected to natural springs, then built an underground water system to keep the water warm and prevent it from freezing.

There were always workers assigned to monitor the underground waterways and check the temperature of the water.

Whenever it became too cold, they would ignite large heating furnaces to stabilize the temperature throughout the system.

—Tap... Tap... Tap...

The sound of footsteps approached from ahead.

A man wearing the uniform normally worn by the waterway workers came into view.

However, his face suddenly began to change, slowly transforming into the figure of a Demon I knew all too well.

I stood up to welcome her arrival.

”How did the surveillance go, Your Highness?”

She then sat down on a chair and casually brushed her hair aside.

Previously, Princess Lilith had attacked another Boyar in this country to further increase their suspicions toward the man who had entered my son’s body.

To be honest, my reason for isolating him was because he had always interfered with my plans, whether directly or indirectly.

”Your son has been detained by the Princess of this country,” Princess Lilith replied.

”Your Highness, do you think he has realized that we are the ones behind the detention of the person who entered my son’s body?”

I asked for her opinion because she had been around Raul when he first arrived in this country.

”From his behavior, he appears to be an ordinary young man of his age,” Princess Lilith answered, her eyes glimmering slightly. ”But... For some reason, his attitude is like that of someone who always has control over the situation and possesses tremendous confidence.”

”I see.”

I recalled the several occasions when the two of us had spoken.

She was right.

He had indeed displayed confidence in front of me despite knowing that my strength had far surpassed his own at the time.

That was why I had not immediately disposed of him.

Only someone who knew everything could possess that kind of composure.

I was the same.

As long as my preparations were truly complete, I had never feared failing to execute a plan.

This time, however, I had a feeling that my plan would not proceed smoothly because of his presence, even though he had now been captured and detained by the Ice Princess.

”Your Highness, do you remember when I asked you to attack him while he was vulnerable?” I asked.

”What do you mean? Haven’t we already prevented him from interfering with our plans by having that Ice Princess detain him under accusations of murdering the Boyars?”

”He will certainly be capable of escaping while we are carrying out our plan.”

Upon hearing my words, Princess Lilith’s expression became serious once again.

She stood up and looked directly into my eyes.

”Even if he manages to escape, how could he possibly know about our plan and stop it? I’m beginning to think that you’re simply being paranoid, Alvaro,” the Demon Princess taunted.

I gave a bitter smile.

”As I told you before, Your Highness, I will never be at ease until every uncertain variable has been removed from the scope of my plan.”

That was true...

This was simply how I was.

And I had never failed before.

My instincts told me that he could still interfere with my plans, even after being cornered like this.

That was why...

I had to layer my main plan with a contingency plan to further guarantee the success of our objective.

---

[Alisha POV]

After Raul de Garcia was captured, the palace guards brought him to the underground room of the palace for interrogation.

Next, I summoned a Mana specialist to compare the Mana embedded within Boyar Vidir’s body from the attack against him with the Mana belonging to Raul de Garcia.

Although there were legendary artifacts recorded throughout history that could change a person’s appearance, they could never alter their original Mana.

That was why we conducted this test—to determine whether Raul de Garcia was truly guilty of the attack.

And the result was...

His Mana matched the Mana of the person who had attacked Boyar Vidir.

In other words, Raul de Garcia truly was the culprit behind the attack.

So I had been wrong to trust him all this time...

He really was the mastermind behind all the chaos that had recently plagued my country.

Once we were certain of this, we sent a messenger to the Aragon Empire to explain the circumstances surrounding Raul de Garcia’s arrest.

Although his position had not yet been officially established, he was still the future Duke of the strongest nation on the continent, destined to succeed his father.

Furthermore, we needed to conduct a deeper investigation to determine whether Raul had acted alone or whether he had been acting under the orders of the Emperor himself.

This process would not be completed quickly.

—BAM! CRACK! THUD!

”Answer the question, coward! Did you plan these murders yourself, or did you carry them out under orders from your country?!”

Leon was currently inside the interrogation room, attempting to extract information from Raul de Garcia.

Several people had already tried to interrogate him, but none had managed to make the man speak.

He always gave us the same answer whenever we questioned him.

I didn’t do it...

What complete nonsense.

The Mana detection had clearly confirmed that he was the one who attacked Boyar Vidir the previous night.

Although the Knights assigned to watch him testified that they had never seen Raul de Garcia leave, a person’s Mana could never lie.

”We know you didn’t carry out these murders alone! Answer us! Who are your accomplices, and where are the people you brought into this country?!”

Leon shouted while gripping Raul’s collar.

The black-haired man then looked into Leon’s eyes with his one remaining open eye.

Blood was flowing from the man’s mouth as a result of the torture we had continuously inflicted upon him to make him speak.

”I... Didn’t... Do it...” he answered weakly.

Leon then struck him again.

The blow was so powerful that I could hear the sound of bones cracking within Raul’s body.

Leon struck his stomach, chest, solar plexus, and finally his face, sending Raul flying backward until he crashed into the glass wall of the interrogation room.

”Your Highness, interrogating a man like him is pointless,” Boyar Lenin told me. ”His body must have been equipped with a seal or Blood Pact to prevent him from revealing his secrets.”

Unfortunately, we possessed neither magic capable of seeing into a person’s mind nor an artifact that could accomplish such a thing.

But that wasn’t entirely true.

I could extract information from him using my Profound Codex.

However, I did not want to use it now.

The criminal had already been captured.

Leon walked out of the interrogation room, removing his gloves, which were covered in the man’s blood.

”I’m sorry, Your Highness. That worm is quite resilient when it comes to keeping his mouth shut,” Leon said regretfully.

”It’s all right, Leon.”

The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

I walked past him and entered the interrogation room.

Raul was sitting against the glass wall, which was stained with his own blood.

His gaze was unfocused, his breathing ragged, and his face covered in bruises from the interrogation.

Upon realizing that I had entered the room, his gaze met mine.

I walked closer.

Raul’s body was then lifted by my ice magic, forcing him to stand level with me.

Our faces were only inches apart.

He did not avert his gaze from me at all, as though he had been waiting for me to come here and confront him face-to-face.

The temperature in the room began to drop, forming a layer of icy mist throughout the chamber.

Raul’s body gradually began to turn blue, and he shivered from the cold produced by my magic.

”Why did you do this?” I asked him.

He did not answer my question.

Perhaps I had lowered the temperature of the room too much, so I tried lowering it a little further.

Our gazes remained locked.

”Answer my question. Why did you dare to come here and cause chaos in my country, Raul de Garcia?” I asked again.

This time, I saw him slowly move his lips.

”Evacuate... the citizens... of the capital...”

Huh?

What was he saying?

Evacuate the citizens of the capital?

Why would we do that when the Rebirth Festival was about to take place?

”And... Inspect the place where... the Fire Demon... who attacked long ago... is sealed...”

After saying those words, Raul lost consciousness.

His eyes closed tightly, and his head rested against the block of ice supporting his body.

I then dispelled the ice, causing his body to collapse.

After leaving the interrogation room, I approached Boyar Lenin and Leon, who had remained standing there, silently watching what I had done.

”Have a Priest heal his wounds,” I ordered Leon. ”We cannot allow him to die just yet.”

”Yes, Your Highness.”

After giving Leon the order, I turned my attention toward Boyar Lenin.

”Order your son—Knitaz Rurik—to inspect the place where the Fire Demon Devorus is sealed in the northern region.”

”Your command shall be carried out, Your Highness,” Boyar Lenin replied, bowing his head.

After the interrogation session ended, I left the palace’s underground Dungeon.

The man’s words continued to echo in my ears.

He had told me to evacuate the citizens of the capital.

But I did not know whether what he had said was a trap or not.

Even if he was telling the truth, evacuating the citizens would be nearly impossible with the Festival taking place tomorrow.

As a precaution, I ordered the city’s guards to investigate every corner of the city and report immediately if they noticed anything suspicious.

Some time later, I reached my bedroom and immediately collapsed onto the warm bed.

Today had been exhausting...

I hoped tomorrow’s Festival would proceed smoothly and without incident.

Unable to resist my drowsiness any longer, I closed my eyes and fell asleep.

.

.

.

The following day, I left for the city by carriage to attend the Rebirth Festival.

Fifty palace guards accompanied me throughout the event.

Fortunately, the snowfall from the previous night had not been particularly heavy, allowing the city’s roads to remain easily accessible to pedestrians and carriages.

When we reached the city center, cheerful music could be heard from the Performers.

Children ran around playing in the parks, while many families spent their time enjoying the holiday during the Rebirth Festival.

Many citizens were walking through the streets.

However, they moved aside when my carriage approached.

”Ohhh... It’s Princess Alisha!”

”Good afternoon, Your Highness!”

I opened the carriage window and waved back at the citizens, making them cheer even more enthusiastically.

The atmosphere grew livelier.

Everyone seemed to be smiling.

Perhaps festivals like this really were necessary to keep the citizens in good spirits, preventing them from becoming constantly weary of the weather that brought snow to our country for almost the entire year.

Not long afterward, my carriage arrived at the city square.

A large stage stood in the center of the largest open area in the city.

The stage had been prepared for the theatrical performance that would take place later that evening.

I stepped down from the carriage and entered City Hall.

Inside, I was greeted by government officials, all of whom appeared excited and delighted by my arrival.

I then headed toward the highest balcony to meet the Boyars.

All eight nobles of this country had already gathered there, and they stood when they saw me approaching.

”Welcome, Princess Alisha,” Boyar Marivka greeted me as he approached. ”Are you enjoying the atmosphere of our city today?”

”Of course, Boyar Marivka. After all the chaos that has been giving me headaches, I think having a Festival and seeing the people of this country happy is exactly what I need to relax,” I replied.

I then shifted my gaze toward a young man who appeared to be around fifteen years old.

He was the son of Boyar Makarov, who had been murdered by a mysterious figure several days ago.

”I’m sorry I couldn’t attend your father’s funeral, Boyar Nigel,” I said gently.

”I-it’s all right, Your Highness. I understand that you have many more important responsibilities to attend to,” he replied nervously.

”Your Highness, forgive me for interrupting.”

A bald, middle-aged man suddenly approached me.

It was Boyar Lenin.

”Ah, Boyar Lenin. Has Knitaz Rurik already gone north?” I asked.

”Of course, Your Highness. He departed this morning with several Knights,” he answered.

”Your Highness, you are no longer engaged to Raul de Garcia. Considering your age and the fact that you will soon be crowned Tsarina—the leader of this nation—who is the new fiancé you intend to choose?”

When Boyar Lenin asked that question, all the Boyars present turned their eyes toward me, waiting for my answer.

I knew this question would arise once I ended my engagement to that man.

”Your Highness, Knitaz Rurik is still quite young, and he is one of the Knights of this nation,” Boyar Lenin continued. ”With his integrity and accomplishments, I believe my son would be well suited to stand beside you and lead this country.”

Although the Boyars were loyal to our family, they would take every possible opportunity to gain greater influence over this country.

That was why they would do everything they could to make one of their families part of the Romanova family.

If that happened, greater nepotism could emerge within the government, causing our integrity in the eyes of the citizens to decline.

If another crisis occurred someday, the people’s dissatisfaction would only grow and make the situation even more complicated.

That was why I needed to unite Ana with Leon as soon as possible, so that after I was gone, the Boyars would have no opportunity to manipulate Ana for their own interests.

”I will choose my fiancé after the coronation ceremony, Boyar Lenin,” I replied.

After our conversation, I took my seat in the designated chair.

The performances then began.

All the Performers displayed their various talents.

Some also performed traditional dances of the Slavian people.

Everyone appeared happy, excited, and enthusiastic.

Before I realized it, night had fallen.

The night sky was adorned with countless stars and a beautiful full moon.

I stood and walked toward the balcony railing.

Below, the citizens enjoying the Festival turned their attention toward me, waiting to hear what I had to say.

”Good evening, people of the Tsardom of Slavia!” I greeted the citizens of the nation I led.

Everyone cheered upon hearing my voice.

The entire square was filled with a sea of people.

Some children had even climbed onto their fathers’ shoulders so they could see me—the Princess they had admired for so long.

”Tonight, we gather at this Festival to remember the struggles of our ancestors, who defended this country from the attack of the damned Fire Demon who burned our cities—Devorus!”

I spoke as loudly as I could.

”Their struggle serves as an example for all of us to remain patient, to continue striving forward, and to remain courageous in the face of disaster, because victory will always belong to the Slavian people!”

That’s right...

If anyone dared to attack and bring chaos to this country, I would destroy them.

I would show the world what would happen if they dared to threaten our people.

That was why, if Raul de Garcia was proven guilty of the murders, we would agree to carry out a public execution.

”My brothers and sisters—the people of my beloved country, let us look toward a new future!

”A future in which our country prospers even further.

”A future in which our children and grandchildren can live peacefully without fearing threats from those who wish to disturb our nation!

”For that reason, this Festival symbolizes the beginning of our rebirth after the crisis that has struck our country.

”I hope you can enjoy this night and carry the spirit of this Festival with you throughout the days to come!”

I then concluded my speech for the Festival night.

Cheers erupted from the citizens as I walked away from the balcony overlooking the square.

”Long live Princess Alisha!”

”Long live the Tsardom of Slavia!”

The citizens then began returning to their seats, as the theatrical performance depicting the struggle of our ancestors against the Fire Demon Devorus was about to begin.

The Performers who would take part in the play then climbed onto the stage.

Some wore the costumes of Knights and Mages, while a smaller number wore Priest robes.

”Eight hundred years ago, the Demon King’s army descended upon this world, destroying the various nations under the influence of the Authority of the Temple of Goddess Diana.

”They descended upon this world to exterminate humanity and seize this world from our hands.”

The Narrator’s voice echoed throughout the venue.

A city backdrop was lowered onto the stage, making the play feel more immersive for the audience.

Several actors dressed in Demon costumes then appeared and attacked the citizens who were going about their daily lives.

The Demons even walked to the edge of the stage and shouted to frighten the audience.

”Ugly Demon!”

”Go away, you damned Demon!”

The audience shouted their hatred toward the actors playing the Demons.

Some even threw snowballs at them.

”Attack them!”

”Protect the citizens!”

Not long afterward, several people wearing the traditional Knight costumes of our nation appeared.

The Knights began fighting the Demons who had previously frightened the citizens.

Their movements were accompanied by excellent choreography, so convincing that I almost believed they were actually fighting.

”Yeah! Beat those evil Demons!”

”Show them the strength of the Slavian Knights!”

The Knights gradually began pushing the Demons back.

However, a gigantic Demon suddenly appeared, standing three meters tall.

The Demon then spewed flames from its mouth, burning several Knights who were still fighting.

”Wuahahaha! I—Devorus! The mighty Fire Demon who will destroy you, you useless worms!”

The costumes worn by the actors were remarkably well made, causing the audience to look genuinely terrified as Devorus defeated the Slavian Knights.

”Don’t give up!”

”Be brave, Slavian Knights!”

The audience shouted anxiously as our Knights were forced backward.

”It’s useless! Worms like you will never be able to defeat me! Wahahaha!”

Devorus’s assault became increasingly fierce.

He even dramatically stabbed one of the Knights with his hand, lifting the Knight into the air.

”Look! Your destiny is to become ashes beneath my scorching flames! Despair! Cry! And remember this heartbreaking sight for the rest of your lives! Wahahaha!”

The Demon’s laughter echoed throughout the venue.

However, a man clad in golden armor and a Priestess suddenly climbed onto the stage and approached the Demon.

”Your reign of suffering and sorrow in this country ends here!” the man shouted as he drew a yellow-colored sword.

”We will defeat you, Devorus!” the Priestess declared.

They were Pendragon—the legendary Hero—and Yeriel—the first Saint, whose body and face had remained youthful.

”Hahaha! A Hero? A Saint? You humans will never be able to stand against us—Demons!”

The three of them began to fight.

The Performers used various lighting effects and low-level magic to make the performance even more dramatic.

Although Devorus possessed tremendous power, he was no match for the Hero and Saint standing against him.

The Hero then dramatically defeated the Demon.

With an elegant motion, he cut off the head of the Demon costume worn by the actor portraying Devorus.

The Demon’s body collapsed, spilling fake blood across the stage.

Hero Pendragon then stepped on the severed head and raised his sword high into the air.

”People of Slavia! The evil Demon Devorus has been defeated! Victory belongs to us and to the Slavian Knights who sacrificed their lives for the safety of our citizens!”

The citizens watching the performance erupted into cheers, beginning to chant the Hero’s name.

”Pendragon!”

”Pendragon!”

”Pendragon!”

However, while the city square was filled with the citizens chanting the Hero’s name, I suddenly felt a vibration coming from beneath us.

The Boyars began standing from their seats.

It seemed they had felt it too.

The citizens watching the performance also began looking around in confusion as the vibrations grew stronger, almost as though a small earthquake were occurring.

—BOOOMMMM!!!!

Suddenly, the theatrical stage exploded.

A gigantic creature emerged from beneath the ground where the stage had stood.

Screams of terror filled the entire square.

The place that had moments ago been filled with the peaceful atmosphere of happy citizens was now consumed by the despair of those who had lost loved ones in the explosion.

”T-that can’t be!”

One of the Boyars stared at the gigantic creature, which was engulfed in flames as it emerged from beneath the ground.

”Isn’t that the creature that destroyed this country hundreds of years ago?!”

The fifteen-meter-tall Demon then turned its gaze toward me.

Its blazing eyes revealed how delighted it was by the devastation it had just caused.

”I AM NOT A GOD!”

”I AM NOT A KING!”

”I AM... DEVORUS... UWAAAHHHHH!”

The creature roared as flames erupted from its body, spreading toward the citizens desperately attempting to flee the city square.

Witnessing the scene, I clenched both fists.

My gaze remained fixed on the Monster massacring the people of the nation I ruled.

”How dare you...”

My emotions slowly reached their breaking point.

Never in my life had I felt such hatred toward something.

”HOW DARE YOU ATTACK MY PEOPLE, YOU DAMNED DEMON!!!”