I Am The Game's Villain Chapter 6 I'm Leaving This Shitty House

"Hey, Jarvis."

[...]

"Jarvis!"

I delivered a punch to the screen positioned before me.

[Who is Jarvis?]

"Take a guess?"

I let out a snort at his transparent inquiry.

[Is that the name you have given me?]

Jarvis questioned. Even though his tone remained genderless and devoid of emotion, I could detect a faint trace of astonishment in his voice.

"Yeah, so show some gratitude. I spent the entire night racking my brain to find a name that fit. It’s pretty unique, isn’t it?"

[You have my thanks, Edward.]

"Don't fret over it."

I offered a smile, suppressing a chuckle.

I mean, when one imagines an artificial intelligence designed to assist them, isn't Jarvis the very first name that springs to mind?

"Anyway, does my system have a shop?"

[System? This is not a 'system']

"What the heck? Isn't that the standard trope? Reincarnating into a game as the Villain?"

[You are treating this far too lightly, Edward. The individual who transported you here certainly has a specific objective in mind.]

"I'm aware of that. Every human possesses a streak of selfishness, and that guy has a massive helping of it."

I remarked with a heavy sigh.

"So there’s no shop, then. That’s a pity. I assumed I could purchase cheat items and dominate the world."

[As I mentioned, you're being too casual, Edward. According to my data, this world is exceptionally perilous.]

"Are you actually a robot…?"

[This is precisely the sixth time you have posed that question to me.]

"Well, it's only because you speak so much like a human."

[I was the creation of a brilliant scientist.]

"A scientist, huh."

My curiosity was truly beginning to pique. He possessed knowledge of Ephera and held a connection to the game [Princess and Dragon]—the very title Ephera had purchased…

"!"

I bolted upright from the bed as if a current of electricity had surged through me.

It was Ephera who had bought that game…

She mentioned that someone had recommended it to her.

But what exactly is the link between Ephera, that game, and that man…?

-Knock! -Knock!

"Young Master."

The butler's voice coming from outside the door snapped me back to reality.

"I'm too busy."

I shook my head and climbed out of bed.

[By busy, do you mean sleeping?]

"Yeah."

I donned a suit—an oversized one, naturally—and stepped out, maintaining the dignified air of a Duke’s son. Descending the stairs, a familiar face came into view.

It was a youth of my own age. With his brown hair and crimson eyes, he was Simon Falkrona, Edward’s foster brother. His father had been an intimate friend of Thomen Falkrona, leading Thomen to adopt him upon his father's passing. I knew these details because Simon was a secondary character and a close friend of the [Main Protagonist].

Given that Edward was a [Major Antagonist], Simon, his foster brother, was destined to become a powerful ally of the Protagonist in order to 'save' Edward. By saving, I obviously mean killing him. Following his foster brother's demise, Simon would shamelessly ascend as the Heir of the Falkrona Dukedom. Meanwhile, Edward’s biological sister would be integrated into the Protagonist’s endless harem because, indeed, Elona Falkrona is a sub-Heroine of the first game!

Recalling those facts filled me with genuine disgust. I couldn't help but feel bitter as I watched Simon and Elona chatting cheerfully, completely ignoring my presence. Both had conspired to murder Edward in the game, and they would likely do so again. I truly lacked any allies in this world; even my own family stood against me.

"Brother."

Simon addressed me, his expression full of conflict.

"I am not your brother, and you don't even view me as one. Stop the act; it's nauseating."

"..."

Simon was left speechless by my cold, arrogant tone. In the past, Edward had always behaved like a petulant child, consumed by jealousy toward him.

Elona was glaring at me once more. Just look at her, being coddled by her foster brother.

[It is because of your own behavior.]

'It’s not me!'

I managed to relay my thoughts telepathically. Just as expected from a system.

[True, but your siblings believe it is still you right now. You cannot fault them. Furthermore, I am not a system.]

"Then they aren't my siblings. I couldn't care less about strangers."

I ended the mental chat with Jarvis and turned my gaze toward Simon.

"What?"

Simon let out a sigh and moved to the side. My attention shifted to a tall man approaching with an elegant stride. He possessed the same grey hair as I did and the same grey eyes as Elona. This was Edward’s father, Thomen Falkrona.

'Here comes the headache.'

Thomen halted in front of me, scrutinizing me from head to toe.

"The Royal Princess has terminated the engagement."

"Yeah."

I gave a simple shrug of my shoulders.

This time, even my father appeared startled by my demeanor. Edward usually acted like a terrified kitten in his presence, but then again, I wasn't Edward.

"Do you realize the magnitude of what has been lost? What you have lost?"

"No."

I watched as Thomen’s features slowly twisted with growing rage.

"I cannot find the words to express my disappointment. I had faith in you. I believed you would change. You ought to have followed the example set by your brother and sister."

"They are not my brother and sister."

I stated, emphasizing every single word.

"And you are not my fathe—"

-Slap!

Before I could even finish my sentence, Thomen’s hand struck my cheek. The blow was so powerful and unexpected that I lost my footing. Well, considering that massive frame of his, it wasn't surprising!

Elona and Simon stood there, frozen in shock at Thomen’s slap.

-Thud

I hit the floor, landing hard on my backside.

My head was bowed as I stared at the ground. I had to keep my eyes down. If I looked at that man, I might lose my restraint and strike back. But then, would I even be able to leave a scratch on him?

I let out a faint, bitter laugh at my own impotence.

That strange, weak laughter echoed through the silent entrance hall.

I pushed myself up and brushed off my clothes. Then, I turned toward the wooden doors leading out of the manor.

"Where do you think you're go—"

"I'm leaving this pathetic house."

"Edward."

Thomen called my name in a voice that was bone-chillingly cold.

"You have no authority to stop me."

I replied without turning back. Fragments of game memories flashed through my mind. I don't know why they surfaced now, but they did. Edward Falkrona was the most wretched soul in the game. His life had spiraled downward following the death of his mother, the person he cherished most. At that very moment, Thomen had chosen to adopt Simon. When Edward was most in need of a father, Thomen opted to dote on his friend's child instead.

One might ask why Elona, his sister of the same age, didn't turn out as twisted as Edward. It was because Edward lacked her innate kindness even when his mother was still alive.

I’m not making excuses for Edward, but strangely, my own emotions were starting to merge with his right now.

"Since you adore that guy so much, appoint him as your new heir. I am renouncing my status as the Heir of House Falkrona."

"""!"""

Thomen, Simon, and Elona were completely dumbfounded by my declaration.

"Yeah, I have no use for a family or some bothersome title."

"Broth—"

I walked out of the mansion, and not a soul attempted to bar my path. The staff all watched me in total disbelief.

"See that, Jarvis? Not one person is trying to stop me or even seeing me off. I'm certain they're more relieved than they've ever been."

I chuckled.

[Is that not obvious?]

"Shut it."

[What is your plan, Edward? You have discarded your status, you possess no funds, and the academy term begins in a month. Fortunately, your registration is already complete, so you can attend without issue, but you must survive the coming month.]

"Don't worry, Jarvis. I've got a plan."

I flashed a confident grin, though I was sweating profusely on the inside.

'Nothing ventured, nothing gained...'