I Am The Game's Villain

Chapter 349  Great Nobles Meeting In Edenis Raphiel [3]

With all the Great Nobles' intense gazes fixed upon him, Aslan felt the weight of their scrutiny bearing down on him, compelling him to relent.

"I did indeed meet with the Leaders of Utopia a week ago, here in this very place, to discuss the possibility of peace," he admitted.

"I hope for your sake, you didn't make any promises regarding Sancta Vedelia, boy," Alector said, his voice cold and stern. Though he had remained silent until now, as the Guardian of the Tree, he could not stand idly by when its safety was potentially at risk.

Aslan let out a weary sigh. "Lord Alector, Utopia are also from Sancta Vedelia, much like yourselves brethren—"

"Brethren do not abandon their people. They fled centuries ago, retreating to other islands out of fear of the ongoing conflicts. They are cowards," Lazarus Raven cut off, his crimson eyes flashing with an intensity that sent a shiver down Aslan's spine. Rising from his seat, he declared, "We, the Great Nobles, and our people are the rightful owners of Sancta Vedelia. We are the ones who fight for it."

"Where do you think you're going, Lazarus? We're not finished here," Alector frowned.

"I've had my fill of this futile discussion, where the outcome has already been decided. Since I'm here, I'll pay a visit to the Great Monolith of Eden," Lazarus announced before exiting the room.

"Kornel, accompany him," Aslan ordered, to which Kornel nodded obediently.

A heavy silence settled over the room once more, each Head lost in their own thoughts and deliberations. Aslan could sense the dwindling hope for any potential agreement between Sancta Vedelia and Utopia.

"I made no promises to Utopia. Edenis Raphiel maintains a neutral stance in this impending conflict," Aslan reiterated, attempting to quell the rising tension.

"And are you speaking on behalf of the others as well, Lord Aslan?" Jefer Moonfang asked.

"Indeed. What are the other Kings of Edenis Raphiel's perspectives on this matter?" Claudia asked.

"The other Kings have deferred the decision to me," Aslan replied calmly.

"Hmph. So they don't truly care about the affairs below, do they?" Brutus said, a mocking laugh escaping his lips.

Ignoring Brutus's jest, Claudia pressed on with her questioning. "And what of the High Priestess? What are her thoughts on the situation?" she asked, fixing Aslan with a serious gaze.

A silence descended upon the room at the mention of the High Priestess of the Monolith of Eden. As a resident of Edenis Raphiel, she should hold a unique perspective on the matters at hand.

"I believe the High Priestess is not yet mature enough to participate in such weighty decisions," Aslan replied curtly.

"Is that so? Or have you perhaps already influenced her thoughts? Does she even possess her own freedom?" Tanya asked with a snort.

With a weary sigh, Aslan snapped his fingers, conjuring a projection above the table. The image depicted a serene garden, abundant with colorful flowers and bathed in warm sunlight. Amidst this tranquil scene stood a young girl in a flowing white dress, her lavender-purple hair tied back in a neat braid as she knelt to examine the flowers.

"The Priestess of Eden is well-cared for and protected. Access to her is strictly regulated, and she is shielded from the outside world. There is no cause for concern regarding her well-being," Aslan reassured, his gaze lingering on the projection with a protective air.

"And I have no intention of involving her in matters of war. She is innocent, untouched by the savagery of conflict and violence," he added leaving no room for arguments. "Then I assume Edenis Raphiel will offer no assistance to Sancta Vedelia?" Alea sought confirmation.

Before Aslan could respond, Alector spoke up with a gruff scoff. "We have no need for assistance from Edenis Raphiel. Sancta Vedelia is more than capable of handling such a feeble alliance on its own. But remember this, Aslan: any alliance comes with expectations of reciprocity. Do not rely on us should Edenis Raphiel face a similar threat in the future."

Though Alector's words carried a tone of defiance, he knew well that Namys Elaryon, Jefer Moonfang, and Duncan Tepes would feel compelled to come to Edenis Raphiel's aid as part of the Monarch Alliance. However, he made it clear that Sancta Vedelia would not necessarily extend the same courtesy—it would be solely their decision.

"I would not presume to do so. However, I do expect harmony from Sancta Vedelia. Have there been any prophecies regarding future events, Prophetess?" Aslan redirected the conversation, turning towards Claudia.

"No, I'm on the verge of losing my powers, which suggests that the new Prophetess is awakening. However, we have yet to ascertain—" Claudia began, but her words were cut off by Alector.

"Celeste Indi Zestella is the next Prophetess," he said, his tone matter-of-fact, causing a ripple of surprise among the gathered assembly. Melfina sighed softly, wishing to keep the revelation under wraps a while longer.

"Is this true?" Claudia asked, her expression furrowed in concern.

"Yes, it is," Alector affirmed.

"It's a pity, Claudia," Alea grinned, a smirk playing on her lips as she observed Claudia's reaction. She knew all too well that Claudia had hoped for Elizabeth or Selene to be chosen as the next Prophetess, maintaining the Tepes House's hold on prophecy and influence.

"You..." Claudia gritted her teeth.

"Celeste... Sarah's daughter... it seems destiny has chosen her to succeed where her mother faltered," Aslan murmured, his expression reflecting a mix of conflicted emotions. He had encountered Celeste's mother, Sarah, once before, and he had been convinced of her potential to become a great prophetess. However, her tragic death had cut short that possibility.

Aslan closed his eyes briefly, a pained expression crossing his features. "Ante Eden. We had hoped that with Brandon Delavoic's demise, the organization would cease to exist, but they persist." n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

"At least the death of that twisted scientist is a small victory. That useless King of Celesta managed to accomplish something worthwhile," Alector said dismissively.

Alea scoffed in response. "It wasn't the King who killed Brandon Delavoic, but rather my so... nephew," she corrected herself quickly.

"Your nephew? The one who slew the King's brother? Isn't he currently undergoing rehabilitation at the academy?" Alector asked, turning his attention to Melfina for confirmation.

"Yes, it is indeed him. And I can confirm that he was responsible for Brandon Delavoic's death," Melfina affirmed with a smile.

"Speaking of that boy, I demand reparations for the harm he inflicted upon my son, Allen," Tanya intervened coldly.

"I have already offered you valuable compensation, Tanya," Alea retorted, rolling her eyes in exasperation.

"That is of no consequence to me. My son was grievously injured! He may not be a Great Noble, but he is a criminal from a foreign land," Tanya insisted angrily.

"Your son provoked the altercation, and while we're on the subject of your son, perhaps we should discuss his reprehensible behavior towards other students," Alea countered scornfully.

"I highly doubt that, Alea. Your 'nephew,' as you call him, has proven himself to be quite cunning. He deceived my daughter Elizabeth and now holds her under his influence! He probably started provoking Allen too." Claudia came in defense of Tanya, unable to forgive the events that had transpired between Amael and Elizabeth.

"Amael Falkrona, huh..." Karl muttered, shooting a pointed glance at Silas before turning his attention back to Alea. "By the way, he also injured Adrian, the Prince of Dolphis. You still haven't accounted for that, Queen Alea," he pressed, aligning himself with Tanya and Claudia in their complaints.

The room erupted once more while Alector and Aslan exchanged grimaces, each accusation against Amael seemed quite absurd. Anyone else would have been banished with heavy punishment, worse sentenced to death.

In response, Alea found herself blushing furiously as she launched into a defensive tirade, akin to an overprotective mother vehemently defending her child. "H-He didn't hurt your son! He defended himself and your son was caught in it!"

"He didn't trick Elizabeth! She just fell for my cute, adorable and handsome nephew!"

"Adrian shouldn't have blocked his path! He tripped and injured himself. That's all."

With each absurd justification she offered, the frustration in the room only seemed to intensify.

Meanwhile, Melfina, who had been observing the proceedings, briefly contemplated joining the chorus of complaints against Amael. After all, he had caused considerable damage to Zestel and had even unlawfully entered her granddaughter's room.

"Haha! Your nephew certainly knows how to stir up trouble, doesn't he, Silas?" Brutus said, his laughter ringing out loudly.

Silas, however, remained silent, his expression unreadable. It was difficult to discern what thoughts were swirling behind his calm demeanor.

"Amael, huh? It seems he's even more troublesome than you, Alea," Namys remarked with a giggle, genuinely amused by the situation. For her, seeing Alea's happier demeanor following Connor's death brought a sense of joy as she had for a moment worn a broken and cold expression.

Caught off guard, Alea cleared her throat awkwardly, attempting to regain her composure. "Y-Yes, indeed! That's... that's right."

"I didn't expect a gathering of High Ranking Nobles to be so..."

A new voice cut through the tension in the room, drawing all eyes towards a swirling light that coalesced into a peculiar seat at the Monarch's table.

"How shall I put it?" The voice, belonging to a girl, pondered aloud as the light dissipated, revealing crossed legs, a black and white dress, a white mask concealing her face, and two white horns protruding from her head.

"Childish? That might be the right word," Myrcella said, tilting her head as her white hair cascaded over her shoulders. Seated not in her designated spot but directly on the table with her legs crossed, she was positioned a little apart from Brutus.

"You're rather late, Myrcella."