I Am The Game's Villain

Chapter 485: [Event] [Elven Utopian War] [24] Freyja's Demand



"It's so boring here..." Ron muttered beside me.

The open air felt liberating after the oppressive atmosphere of the castle. Freyja had asked me to find her once I was ready-though for what, she hadn't said. It was obvious her request wasn't about guarding her, so I assumed it was something more demanding, likely far from the castle grounds. With no idea how long I'd be gone, I couldn't leave Ron behind. The thought of him alone in that place, surrounded by Freyja's zealous cultists, was dangerous. For a six-year-old, it would either be terrifying or worse-he might come back brainwashed like some of the castle staff.

"When the war is over, I'll send you back to Sancta Vedelia," I said, breaking the silence. "You're from Zestella, right?"

Ron nodded, but his expression clouded. "But... where would I go? I don't have a family anymore..."

His words stung with the kind of sorrow no child should carry. "Do you think your parents would be happy seeing you like this? Focus on making them proud. First, you'll get an education, go back to school, and start building your future."

"I want to become strong like you!" Ron exclaimed, his eyes sparkling

A smile tugged at my lips. "That's a tall order. I'm the strongest in Sancta Vedelia, after all. But I can arrange for you to train with the finest knights of Zestella."

"Really?!" His face brightened with excitement.

"Of course," I said, grinning. "I know the princess there quite well."

"Wow! Do you think I could meet her too?" He asked, practically bouncing with enthusiasm. "Well, I'm sure she wouldn't mind if I asked." Celeste wasn't the type to refuse, especially if she heard his story. She had a soft spot for victims of Utopia and would likely go above and beyond for him.

"Thank you, Loki!" Ron beamed, throwing his arms around me in a hug.

Caught off guard, I awkwardly patted his head. "Uh... yeah, sure."n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

But his excitement dimmed as quickly as it had flared. "How long will you be gone?" He asked quietly, staring down at the ground.

"No idea," I admitted.

I hoped it would be just a day. Was this some sort of trial from Freyja to earn her trust?

"But don't worry, I'll leave you in safe hands," I reassured Ron, my eyes scanning the bustling marketplace until I found the person I was looking for.

A figure cloaked in a dark hood stood near a stand selling apples, her face obscured but I quickly noticed her.

I approached her, grabbing an apple from the stand without hesitation and taking a bite. The crisp sweetness filled my mouth. "Not bad."

"Hey! Pay first!" The vendor barked, glaring at me.

Without a word, I pulled out a golden badge emblazoned with the Ruvelion Royal Emblem. The vendor's expression crumbled instantly, his mouth snapping shut. That badge Freyja had given me was proving to be more useful than I'd expected.

Turning to the cloaked figure, I extended another apple toward her. "Here. You should eat if you're hungry, Vina."

Vina turned her head slightly, her delicate features peeking out from under the hood as she grimaced. "I'm not hungry. I was just waiting-hm!"

Before she could finish, I gently but firmly pushed the apple into her mouth. "You're still a kid. Eat fruits if you want to grow up strong," I said with a smile.

Her eyes narrowed at me for a moment, but then she relented, biting into the apple and chewing quietly. A small smile tugged at my lips as I watched her.

Though she spent most of her time secluded in that cave, Vina occasionally wander into Elyen Kiora or nearby islands to gather news or scavenge for food. However, this wasn't the reason she was here today.

In the month I'd spent recovering and strengthening my body, I'd come to understand her better. She was a lone orphan, surviving in isolation for who knew how many years. Vina had once confessed that no nation would accept her, her existence deemed too peculiar for the world's norms.

So, I'd made her a promise. If she helped me during my stay in Elyen Kiora-passing along information, delivering messages, or simply keeping an eye on things-I would provide her with shelter in Sancta Vedelia. It was a fair exchange, and she'd agreed without much resistance.

Since then, we've kept in regular contact. So when Freyja gave me her task, I called for Vina, and as always, she'd arrived swiftly.

"I need you to take care of him in my absence," I said bringing out Ron who was hiding behind me.

"..." Vina stared down at Ron and imemdiatemy hid back behind me.

"It might take a day but more, I am not can you do that for me?" I asked her.

"He can't stay at my place, and for now, Elyen Kiora is the best option for him," Vina said softly. She wasn't wrong.

The cave she lived in was far from suitable for anyone, let alone a young boy like Ron. In truth, I hated the idea of her living in such conditions herself. Something about it bothered me deeply, though I couldn't put it into words.

The cave was inhospitable, cold, and utterly devoid of comfort. While I'd managed to endure it for a month during my recovery out of necessity, Ron wouldn't stand a chance there. Sancta Vedelia, wasn't an option either. The whole Island was in the throes of war, and Vina had no desire to head there under the current circumstances.

So, yes, Elyen Kiora seemed like the best choice for now-but still...

"You really want to stay here? Isn't it dangerous for someone like you? The High Elves aren't exactly known for their hospitality, especially toward outsiders."

"It won't be a problem," Vina replied simply, lowering her hood.

I froze, momentarily taken aback as her long, pointed ears came into view.

"You can disguise yourself?" I asked, surprised.

The transformation was seamless. Her ears now mirrored those of the High Elves, and the slight shimmer around her suggested the work of a powerful artifact. Somehow, the illusion suited her perfectly, blending her into the very society that would otherwise shun her.

Vina gave a small nod, lightly patting her chest where I assumed the artifact was hidden. Despite her confidence, I couldn't help but worry.

She looked barely twelve, her delicate features and youthful beauty far too eye-catching. The thought of some wandering creep or degenerate crossing her path made me quite concerned.

"I'm strong," Vina said, as though reading my mind.

I studied her for a moment and sighed. Yeah, she must be. After all, she'd survived alone in

this world for years.

"Alright," I relented. "Just keep me updated if you can."

I gently pushed Ron forward, urging him to stand beside Vina.

Ron gazed at her with wide eyes, his expression a mix of awe and curiosity. She probably seemed otherworldly to him-someone so different from anyone he'd ever known.

"Stay with her," I told him. "Once I'm done here and the war is over, I promise to keep my

word."

Ron turned to look at me, his eyes glistening with gratitude. "Thank you, Big Brother," he said, his voice soft but filled with emotion.

The last time someone called me that, it was Elona.

I forced a smile, ruffling Ron's hair affectionately. "Take care of yourself, alright?"

With one last look at the two of them, I turned and walked away,

--

After settling things with Ron, I finally felt prepared. I informed Freyja of my readiness

through one of her maids.

The following morning, the day had arrived.

I woke early, using the time to train briefly before taking a refreshing shower. By the time the

sun crept over the horizon, I was standing fully prepared before the gates.

Before long, Freyja appeared.

My gaze instinctively flicked toward Brisingamen, her necklace, but I quickly forced myself to

look away. "Do you know what I want from you?" Freyja asked as she stood before me.

"I can only assume it's a personal task, Your Highness," I replied with a hint of wariness.

"Indeed, it is, Loki," Freyja said with a slight nod. "I want you to head to Sancta Vedelia."

I blinked, caught off guard by her request.

"I had someone there-a spy-who had been feeding me information. Or rather, she was. It's been weeks since I've heard anything from her, but I know she's alive."

"Which means..."

"Which means she's betrayed me," Freyja said, her eyes glowing coldly. "Above all else, I

despise liars and traitors. Such vermin deserve the harshest punishment. Don't you agree,

Loki?" She asked, a sweet smile curling her lips.

"Of course..." I nodded, though inwardly, I was sweating bullets. My entire backstory-the identity I'd crafted-was a web of lies, a means to get close to her.

"Good. Here is my demand: kill her."

"Kill...?" I blurted out.

"Yes," she confirmed, tilting her head slightly. "Why does that surprise you? I imagine the Raonpherys would reserve far crueler fates for traitors, wouldn't they?"

"Yes, but I thought I was only supposed to guard you," I said, trying to mask my reluctance.

"And you have done well," Freyja replied. "But this task is different. I can entrust it to no one

else. My brother's men are out of the question, and I need someone both strong and trustworthy. You fit the bill, Loki."

"How long will I be gone?" I asked, hesitating.

I needed to stay near her-to find a way to take that necklace from her. Yet now, she was

sending me away on what felt like a fool's errand.

"At most a week. One of Utopia's kings, Elashor Sarkian, is preparing to march on Sancta

Vedelia," Freyja explained. "He intends to bring down one of the countries there. I've already

informed him that you will accompany his army to Sancta Vedelia. You'll have your chance."

"A week huh..."

"It all depends on how quickly you act," Freyja said. "We're currently heading toward the City

of Utopia. Once there, I will leave you in King Elashor's care. He is one of Utopia's strongest

figures, and I don't expect it will take him long to bring down Valachia."

"Valachia?" I repeated.

"Yes," Freyja confirmed with a nod. "Elashor's mission is to bring down Valachia. It's almost too convenient-your target, the traitor, is also there. You don't need to concern yourself

with the war; all I require is her head."

What a scary goddess she was. "How will I find her?" I asked.

Freyja raised her delicate hand, her fingers glowing faintly as golden particles began to swirl.

They coalesced into the shape of a radiant bird that shimmered with life. The creature let out

a cheerful chirp before flying to my shoulder.

"When you arrive in Valachia, call me through the bird," Freyja said. "I will guide you to her

exact location."

I stared at the golden creature perched on me, feeling a knot tighten in my gut. Did I truly

have to kill someone? The task felt both unnecessary and far removed from the plans I had

imagined. Freyja must have noticed my hesitation. She stepped closer, her hand reaching out to cup my cheek. Her touch was soft and the smile she wore radiated a dangerous allure.

"Don't look so disheartened at the thought of being apart from me," she murmured. "Just

complete this task, and I will grant you any wish you desire."

I blinked in surprise, her words catching me off guard. "Anything?" I asked.

Could she really mean it?

Could I ask for my mother's freedom? The idea seemed impossible, yet if anyone had the

power to help, it was her. Even if I couldn't trust her completely, perhaps I could ask for something smaller-like getting a look at Brisingamen, or something else that could bring me closer to my goal.

"Anything," Freyja said with a nod, her smile deepening into a sly smirk.

In that moment, my hesitation evaporated. If the traitor had turned against Freyja, then

surely she wasn't a virtuous person. It felt easier to justify the task with that reasoning, even

if the truth was murky.

"I will do it," I said.

"Wonderful." Freyja withdrew her hand, as she turned and walked toward her carriage.

I mounted my horse as the knights formed a protective formation around Freyja's carriage.

With the signal given, our party began to move.

As we rode, I had to ask. "Who is she?"

From her seat within the carriage, Freyja crossed her legs elegantly and smiled.

"Her name is Viessa."