I Am The Game's Villain

Chapter 412  A Brother's Worry

"Are you ready, Amael?" Christina asked, entering my room.

Today marked the beginning of our trip to Vanadias for the highly anticipated or not Exam. Though the Exam itself wouldn't commence immediately, we were instructed to wear formal attire, as we were expected to present ourselves before Queen Tanya Teraquin, who, as they put it, had the 'immense generosity to invite all of us'. Though in truth, I had my doubts about that.

Sure, she might have welcomed the Elves, but I found it hard to believe she would have extended the same invitation to the other races, especially Humans. Yet, I suppose the prestige of hosting such a crucial event for Sancta Vedelia's most elite academy was an opportunity too tempting for her to pass up.

For the occasion, I chose a smart pair of trousers and a crisp shirt. The weather was expected to be sunny, and with Vanadias being a forest kingdom, surrounded by trees and lush greenery, my attire seemed fitting.

"I am, sister," I replied, nodding to her.

Christina looked weary, with dark circles under her eyes, a sign of her obvious sleepless nights. I had told her countless times to take it easy, to rest more, but she stubbornly refused, determined to overwork herself in an attempt to fill the void left by our mother and carry out her responsibilities accordingly.

"Myrcella is staying with you," I informed her.

"Why? She could have taken the Exam. Did she run into some problem?" Christina asked, surprise flickering in her tired eyes.

"No, I asked her to stay," I explained calmly. "I'll be away for a few days, and I wanted someone trustworthy to stay by your side."

Of course, Samara would also remain with Christina, but I felt the need for additional security. Myrcella was the perfect choice—strong, reliable, and fiercely protective of Christina. She would do whatever was necessary to keep her safe, and that knowledge brought me some peace.

Christina pouted slightly, her lips curving into a reluctant frown. "You didn't have to do that. You don't have to worry so much, Amael."

I simply shrugged. "I don't trust anyone outside of those in the mansion."

The nobles serving the kingdom were an unknown quantity to me, so this was a precaution, nothing more.

Besides…

"Sister, the war might start sooner than the others anticipated," I said to her with a serious face. "Just be careful, alright?"

The Utopian War was supposed to break out right after the Exam, according to what I knew, but I couldn't afford to rely solely on the game's timeline. Reality often had a way of deviating from expectations.

Christina looked surprised at my words, but after a moment, she nodded thoughtfully. "I will be... And anyway, I still haven't decided to take part in the war."

"You don't have to feel guilty at all, sister," I said with a reassuring grin. "If anyone should feel guilty, it's those Heads. They're the ones who abandoned our Queen, not us. Why should we shed blood for those who turned their backs on her, right?"

A soft chuckle escaped Christina as she reached over to ruffle my hair. "Listen to you, talking like a seasoned noble."

I returned her smile. "You know I'll support whatever decision you make, but please, Christina, stay safe."

My voice, carrying a note of vulnerability and concern, made her expression soften. She gently wrapped her arms around my head, pulling me close in a comforting embrace.

"Don't worry so much, Amael," she whispered gently.

But how could I not worry?

This war... it was an unknown, terrifying prospect. I'd never been involved in any war before, and the uncertainty of what was to come weighed heavily on me. In the game, the Olphean never even existed—or rather, they had been killed off by the game's version of Edward.

The fear gnawed at me, not just of the unknown forces that might seek to undo everything I had worked to change, but more importantly, fear for Christina. The thought of her stepping onto the battlefield filled me with dread.

I wanted so badly to tell her not to go, to beg her to let the other kingdoms fight while she stayed safe. The words were right there, on the tip of my tongue, but I couldn't bring myself to say them. I knew Christina too well. She was different from me, always thinking of others before herself, always driven by a deep sense of duty and compassion.

I had seen it clearly in those first days when she showed me around the kingdom. The people adored her, and she loved them in return. But I wasn't like that. My family came first, above all else. I had lost Elona because I couldn't see beyond my own small world. I feel like Connor also died because he meddled too much as well.

Too many of my family had been taken from me—both on Earth and here in this world. The thought of losing Christina too...

I clenched my fists, refusing to let the fear take over. I couldn't even bear to imagine it. I was already constantly worrying about mother.

"I can't lose you, Christina," I said, my voice muffled against her chest as I held on to her tightly. "Just stay safe and be wary of everyone."

She held me a little closer. She really did give off the same reassuring presence as our mother, and for a moment, I felt a semblance of peace.

"Okay, okay," she murmured, trying to ease my worries. "But you need to focus on your exam, alright?"

"Yeah, don't worry," I replied, shrugging as if it were a simple task.

Christina hesitated, her tone turning serious as she looked at me with a trace of hesitation in her eyes. "Amael... I trust you, but about Mother..."

Of course, she would ask. Despite my assurances that I would take care of Mom, Christina had been conducting her own research, trying to find answers, but she had come up empty-handed.

"I know where she is," I said quietly.

"Really?! Where?!" Christina's eyes lit up with hope.

I shook my head. "It's better if only I know, sister. But I promise you, I will bring her back."

Bringing Mom back would be no easy task. She was in a place where reaching her would require more than just strength—it would require cunning and absolute discretion. I had some plans, but they were risky, and I would have to execute them in complete anonymity.

Christina's expression faltered for a moment, disappointment flashing across her features. But she quickly composed herself, nodding in reluctant acceptance. "R-Right, okay..."

After Christina left, giving me a warm hug for good luck, I called Samara.

"I will protect Christina," she said, her voice as emotionless as ever, but her eyes shone with a deep-seated devotion.

I couldn't help but smile as I gently stroked her cheek, watching a faint blush spread across her otherwise stoic face.

"Of course, protect her," I said softly, my fingers lingering on her cold skin. "But protect yourself too, Samara. Christina is my family, but so are you."

She gave a small nod, her lips pressed into a firm line. "Um."

I gazed at her, my expression turning serious. "Christina can be a bit too trusting with those she knows. That's where you come in, Samara." My tone sharpened as I continued, "Don't trust anyone completely, and always stay alert around the nobles or if you notice anything unusual."

"I will," she replied.

"Thank you," I said, pulling her into a close embrace. Samara seemed momentarily surprised, but after a brief pause, she returned the hug, her arms wrapping around me.

A strange feeling crept over me, a sense of unease, as if I might not see her or Christina again after the Exam. Maybe that was why I was clinging to this moment, savoring the warmth of their presence before I had to leave.

As I held her, I realized that she was only half a head shorter than me now. She was growing up so quickly, just like Annabelle...

The soft sensation of her well, 'curves' against my chest made it even more apparent. But I couldn't dwell on that.

I turned my gaze toward the window, my eyes focusing on the world outside. Everything would turn out fine. I will make sure of it.

Regardless of the consequences.

As long as they don't touch 'My World'.