I Am The Game's Villain

Chapter 513: [Event] [Elven Utopian War] [52] Zestella's Borders



Zestella's Borders

The battle at Zestella's borders had raged on for weeks, a violent battle started by the Teraquin armies. They were sent by Kendel, who, after dethroning his mother and conquering Vanadias, set his sights on Zestella. Three weeks ago, Kendel himself joined the fray, taking direct command of his forces.

With Kendel's arrival, the fighting escalated into a much brutal conflict. Zestella's army, already strained, found itself steadily losing ground under Kendel's onslaught.

Evan Indi Zestella, the sole heir to the Zestella legacy, was forced to remain in the capital of Zestel. His role as the next in line for leadership bound him to the city, unable to take command on the battlefield. The whereabouts of his father remained shrouded in uncertainty -rumors of his death lingered, but no confirmation had reached the capital. Evan's grandmother, Melfina, after her crushing defeat against Kleines Falkrona at Edenis Raphiel had still not recovered enough both mentally and physically.

Despite her insistence that she could manage the war effort, Evan refused to risk her fragile health. As heir, he understood the importance of preserving what little stability the family had left. He would join the battlefield himself only if absolutely necessary. It was alos his duty to remain alive as he might as well be the last Heir for the Zestella Kingdom.

On the other side, his sister, Celeste, had other plans. Ignoring his orders, she departed for the frontlines, determined to fight for their people.

Evan, after countless failed attempts to dissuade her, struck a compromise. She agreed to stay at the borders and avoid the most dangerous frontlines. Though the decision was met with disapproval during the council of the Heads, Evan's decision was made. Allowing Celeste to remain at the border provided a semblance of control over her movements while offering morale to the soldiers.

To ensure her safety, Evan placed her under the protection of their loyal commander, August.

August was no ordinary leader. A seasoned warrior at the peak of the 8th Ascension, he had overseen Evan and Celeste's training since their childhood. To them, he was more than a mentor-he was family, a grandfather in all but blood. His devotion to their wellbeing could never be doubted, and he vowed not to let Celeste out of his sight on the battlefield.

Since her arrival a bit before Kendel, the conflict had yet to see Kendel step onto the frontlines. At least for now his physical absence kept the direct threat to Celeste at bay.

Even in absence, Kendel Teraquin remained a dangerous threat. His reputation alone was enough to make seasoned soldiers tremble. During his academy days, he had competed with prodigies like Aerinwyn Elaryon and Connor Olphean, earning his place among the most talented of his generation.

Now, on the battlefield, his influence was quite visible.

"It's her! The Prophetess! Capture her!"

"Yeah! Get her!"

"Come with us, Princess!"

Today, as the battle raged anew, Celeste once again became the main target of the Teraquin forces.

Kendel had promised the Prophetess to Durathiel. But his motives weren't entirely altruistic. Celeste was more than a bargaining chip-she was an insurance policy. If Durathiel ever dared to betray him, Kendel intended to use her as leverage.

"Do not sully the Princess's ears with your treacherous tongues!"

-BOOM!

Before the enemy soldiers could approach Celeste, a powerful sword swing reverberated through the battlefield. Twenty Teraquin knights were sent sprawling, their armored bodies clattering against the ground.

August stood at the forefront with a glare before his expression softened. "Stay back, Princess."

"Grandpa, I'm not a child," Celeste said with a sigh, though her lips curved into a faint smile. "What are you saying, Your Highness? It is my sworn duty to protect you!" August replied.

For August, this was more than duty. He had once served Sara Oceania, Celeste's mother-the kindest woman he had ever known. He had vowed to protect her children with his life, and that vow remained unbroken.

Celeste shook her head and adjusted her grip on her blade. Even though she was not at the frontlines, the targeting made her position no less dangerous.

From behind, another group of elven warriors emerged, their intent as clear as their drawn weapons. August had already tensed, preparing to intercept, but this time Celeste moved first.

With a graceful flourish, she raised her long blade. Then, in a blur, she disappeared.

"What-?!"

The elves barely had time to register her absence before Celeste reappeared behind them. Her blade had already struck, leaving them frozen in place as if time itself had faltered.

Raising her free hand, Celeste summoned a three-layered mana circle that glowed in the air. Flames erupted from the circle in a deafening crackle, consuming the oup in a wave of searing heat.

-BOOM!

The elves were hurled backward by the force, their bodies collapsing soon enough, defeated.

Celeste lowered her blade, exhaling softly.

"Surrender, human princess!"

Another elf charged at Celeste, at that time.

Celeste tightened her grip, ready to parry the attack. But before her blade could meet theirs, a wave of blistering heat mixed with blood surged past her, engulfing the elf in a searing

tempest.

"ARGHH!" The elf's scream of agony echoed as their body was flung backward, dead.

Celeste turned toward the source of the sudden intervention.

Standing amidst the battlefield was Alicia, her rapier raised and glistening with blood. Her armor dress was battered and smeared, but her stance was quite calm.

Celeste smiled softly at Alicia before glancing around the battlefield.

The battle had ended. The last of Kendel's troops had been subdued or retreated. The horizon was clear with the hues of a setting sun, signaling the close of another day of fight. Kendel must have called back his forces for the night.

--

...

Nightfall descended swiftly, draping the land in its cool breeze..

The Zestella soldiers rested within a sprawling encampment, strategically positioned behind the battlefield. No ground could be left undefended, even under the cover of darkness.

Celeste's tent was set further back from the main camp, a larger, more secure structure befitting her status. Nearby, August had stationed his own quarters, to protect his Princess. Recently, Alicia's royal tent had been added to the small enclave to Celeste's suggestion or insistence even.

Celeste sat on a makeshift wooden bench in front of a crackling campfire. The occasional wisp of smoke curled upward, blending with the cool night breeze.

"Here, Princess."

Lera, Celeste's personal maid, approached with a steaming cup of tea in hand.

Despite wearing armor, Lera was no fighter. She had insisted on accompanying Celeste to the battlefield. She had cared for the Princess since childhood, a bond that neither war nor royal orders could sever.

"Thank you, Lera." Celeste smiled as she accepted the tea.

Lera curtsied lightly and moved toward Alicia, who was seated across from Celeste on another makeshift bench. Alicia was reaching out timidly toward the fire, her hands outstretched to

chase away the evening chill.

"Your Highness," Lera said softly, offering her the second cup.

"Thanks." Alicia accepted with a nod, taking a small sip. The warmth of the tea spread

through her, chasing away the lingering cold.

"Are you all right, Alicia?" Celeste asked, her voice breaking the quiet.

"Yes." Alicia nodded shortly.

Celeste sighed after a moment. She had kept quiet until now but she had to say it. "You didn't

have to come this far, Alicia."

"I wanted," Alicia replied simply, her eyes meeting Celeste's.

It hadn't taken long for Celeste to learn that Alicia had defied her family's strict orders to join

the war. Despite her noble upbringing, Alicia had shown no hesitation in abandoning her comfort to stand on the battlefield.

Celeste's sigh deepened. She couldn't reprimand Alicia for disobeying family orders-not when she had done the same by being here.

"Well, if your brother bothers you, just call me. I'll put him in his place!" Celes said with a

confident grin.

"Thank you, Senior," Alicia replied with a faint nod, though deep down, she doubted anyone could shield her from her family's anger.

Her grandfather was likely furious, and her eldest brother would undoubtedly be upset. As for her father... he must be worried-assuming he even knew what had transpired.

The thought of her father made Alicia's expression darken.

To say she wasn't concerned about him would be a lie.

Since the attack at Vanadias, he had vanished without a trace. No one knew where he was. He hadn't returned to Ravenia, and Utopia hadn't claimed responsibility. If they had him, they would have already sent a message, just as they did when they captured Harvey Indi Zestella.

Alicia's grip on her cup tightened.

Why did she care about the man who had betrayed her mother so thoroughly? He had indulged in a secret life, fathering Victor at the same time Sirius was born. The sheer audacity of it all infuriated her. Their family had fractured because of his actions, and yet... she still worried

about his safety.

Why?

She couldn't understand herself. Why did his well-being matter?

What frustrated her even more was how he behaved as if nothing had happened. He accepted

insults without protest, offered no explanations, no justifications. When confronted, he would only smile-a sad smile that pierced her defenses and left her feeling even more

confused.

It was maddening.

"Don't worry, Alicia. I'm sure both our fathers will return," Celeste interrupted her thoughts, offering a warm, reassuring smile reading her thoughts.

Alicia averted her gaze, unwilling to meet Celeste's eyes. "I... I'm not worried," she muttered,

her voice barely audible. Admitting otherwise would feel like she had forgiven her father.

Eager to change the subject, Alicia grasped at another thread of conversation.

"Has Senior been found yet?" she asked.

"Senior?" Celeste blinked in confusion, the vague title leaving her momentarily puzzled.

"Senior Amael," Alicia clarified.

"Ah..." Celeste's expression clouded at the mention of Amael.

Alicia quickly read the shift in her demeanor. No good news had come about Amael.

Alicia couldn't say she was particularly close to Amael, but she owed him, nonetheless. He had stepped in for her on two significant occasions-once in the corridor of the academy with Adrian and another time during the Exam at Dolphis to help break her engagement. Those moments stood out vividly in her memory.

Occasionally, he'd barge into the library while she was there, seemingly more interested in poring over ancient tomes about the Blood Moon War or Deborah Dolphis's rebellion than engaging with the world around him. His passion for such obscure and specific topics had

always struck her as curious, even endearing in its own way.

So, yes, perhaps she was a little concerned for him.

"That idiot..." Celeste muttered, finally breaking the silence. "He's probably off doing

something reckless on his own."

There was a note of exasperation in her voice, but Alicia noticed the undercurrent of

something deeper.

Celeste prided herself on knowing Amael—or at least she used to. Lately, though, it felt as if

he was keeping more and more secrets from her. And she hated it. What annoyed Celeste even more was the mystery surrounding Amael's rehabilitation in Sancta Vedelia. The rumor mill claimed he'd killed the Celesta King's brother-a scandalous revelation that had shocked her to her core when she first heard it.

The only reason Amael hadn't been executed was because of his bloodline. As an Olphean and a Falkrona, his lineage offered him protections that others wouldn't enjoy. But why had he done it? Celeste had learned the truth from John months ago, yet it still didn't sit right with

her.

Not that it mattered.

What mattered was that he was hiding something from her, and she was determined to uncover it.

The next time she saw him, she vowed silently, she would get her answers-one way or

another.

""

Alicia observed Celeste's expression, noticing the subtle irritation clouding her Senior's features. Then, without warning, she asked, "Do you love Senior?"

Celeste's eyes widened in shock. For a moment, it seemed like her brain had stopped working

entirely.

"W-Whaaaa?!" She finally spluttered, her cheeks flaring a vivid shade of crimson.

Alicia took a sip in her cup.

That reaction was all the confirmation she needed.

Nearby, Lera watched the exchange with a warm smile, pleased to see her Princess experiencing the joys and blushes of a teenage love life. As far as she was concerned, Celeste couldn't have chosen better. Amael was a royal and a High Human, which meant any future between them would be free of the complications that often plagued forbidden romances.