I Am The Game's Villain Chapter 729: [Final Event] [Blood Moon Festival] [11] Talk With Jefer Moonfang

"It’s hard to believe. Rather than executing that piece of trash—" Alea’s words sliced through the quiet as she exited the tower, her heels clicking against the marble stairs with suppressed fury. The remaining heads followed her in silence, catching her frustrated whispers. "That bastard Lazarus Raven is still drawing breath."

"Alea..." Namys gazed at her with concern. She reached out to place a hand on Alea’s shoulder but pulled back before making contact. "You understand it isn’t that simple."

Alea halted abruptly and whirled around. "Not that simple?" she echoed. "He went after my sister, Namys. He ought to be rotting in the ground by now—no, he deserves to die a hundred times over for his crimes." Her voice trembled slightly, though she tried to hide it with rage. "If Aerinwyn had been the one targeted, wouldn’t your feelings be the same?" She directed her gaze at Aerinwyn, who was walking alongside Namys.

"T–That’s..." Namys hesitated, sharing a brief, tense look with Aerinwyn before giving a reluctant nod. "Yes. I would."

"Precisely," Alea sneered. "Showing this much mercy to criminals like him only validates the rumors outside Sancta Vedelia—that we have become weak."

A soft scoff resonated through the group. "You mean as merciful as we were toward your own son?" Reiner’s voice boomed across the courtyard.

Alea went rigid. She turned, her eyes narrowing with a dangerous glint. "Are you actually comparing my son to that monster?"

"What your son did was no better," he countered sharply. "We lost something invaluable because of his actions."

Her voice rose in pitch. "And he has already been banished for it! Wasn't that punishment sufficient?!"

Reiner’s face turned grim. "No. Under ordinary circumstances, Alea, your son would have faced execution."

"Reiner..." James looked as though he wanted to facepalm upon hearing that.

"What... did you just say?" Alea whispered, her fingers twitching with mana.

"Now, now," Karl Dolphis stepped in, positioning himself between the two with a thin smile that failed to reach his eyes. "Please, Queen Alea, this is no time for us to turn against one another."

"Yes, Alea, please," Namys pleaded. She looked around, silently begging the others to help calm the tension.

Tanya, however, was staring blankly at the horizon, clearly bored, while Jefer stood with his arms crossed, watching the drama unfold.

Finally, Melfina sighed and moved forward. "Alea," she said softly. "Regarding your son... James himself confirmed that Alicia has returned safely. If she has made it back, then your son should be here as well, shouldn't he?" Her expression softened. "Perhaps you should go look for him."

Alea bit her lip so fiercely that blood appeared. Without a word, she spun on her heel and vanished from sight.

Namys watched her depart with a heavy heart. "Is Alea truly alright?" she asked, her face lined with worry. Having known Alea for decades, she had never seen her so fragile and tense. It felt as if she were harboring something deep within that remained hidden from everyone else.

"It must be the stress of Amael’s banishment," Melfina answered, crossing her arms with a sigh. For the others, that explanation sufficed.

But the real truth was buried inside Alea—something the others couldn't even begin to conceive.

Reiner let out a grunt. "That son of hers got what he deserved. For Eden’s sake, he is nothing like Connor or Christina. He might be strong, sure, but in every other aspect? He’s a total failure."

James, who had remained quiet, suddenly turned a sharp gaze toward Reiner. "If my memory serves, your son has been pestering my daughter for months. Did he pick up that behavior from you, perhaps?"

Reiner’s eyes flared with rage. "What was that, James?!"

James didn't bother to reply. He simply turned and walked away.

Namys sighed heavily, massaging her temples. "Everyone is constantly at each other's throats..."

Melfina let out a soft laugh. "Don't fret," she said with a half-smile. "They’ll come around eventually."

"I don’t think King Reiner said anything wrong, however... Mother."

Aerinwyn’s voice shattered the uneasy quiet following Alea’s exit. All eyes turned to her; she had been silent until now, standing behind Namys as the youngest person present among the Heads. However, she couldn't keep her opinion to herself once Alea was gone.

Namys blinked in surprise. "A—Aerin?"

The others followed her lead. Aerinwyn looked perfectly composed.

"He betrayed us," she stated. "That is an undeniable fact. And it wasn't just any betrayal... it was the worst kind imaginable."

"Are you done whining yet?"

The gathered leaders froze in place.

Their eyes shifted toward a stone bench resting in the shadow of an ancient oak tree.

Standing atop it, with his hands shoved in his pockets, was Amael.

***

"Have you finished whining yet?" I asked.

I had been concealed there for some time—long enough to hear every self-righteous word they uttered. I waited for Alea to leave before making my presence known.

"Just drop it," I said, struggling to mask my irritation.

Reiner’s glare snapped to me, his expression twisting in shock. "Y–You..."

Namys’s eyes went wide. "You’re... Amael."

I had seen her a couple of times before, but we had never spoken. Not that I had any interest in pleasantries.

I looked away from her and focused on Jefer Moonfang, who was standing quietly at the back. "Jefer Moonfang," I called out.

"..."

He met my gaze silently.

The man remained as stoic as ever.

"I have something to discuss with you," I stated. "Privately. It would be better for you specifically if we spoke alone."

"What are you doing here? Who gave you permission to enter this hall?" Reiner barked, moving toward me.

I ignored him entirely.

You have a very loud father-in-law, John.

It must be draining.

I kept my attention on Jefer.

"Very well," Jefer said after a brief silence, giving a single nod before walking toward me.

I hopped down from the bench and caught James’s eye for a moment. "How is Alicia?"

"She is in recovery," he answered quietly.

I nodded slightly. "Good."

My gaze then shifted to Tanya. "Queen Tanya."

She tilted her head slightly, acknowledging me without speaking. Even her rigid composure wavered for a split second—a spark of curiosity visible in her eyes.

Turning around, I began to walk away with Jefer, but Melfina’s voice halted me.

"Wait, Amael. Your mother has been searching for you," she said.

"Yes, that’s right—" Namys started.

"Not interested," I cut her off without looking back.

I took a few more steps, then stopped and glanced over my shoulder at Melfina. "Tell me something," I said. "Did you approve of the marriage between Celes and Cyril?"

Melfina’s face softened with a hint of regret. "Amael... you know that is impossible."

I understood what she was referring to, but that wasn't what I had asked.

I let out a soft laugh and shook my head. "Out of everyone, you truly believed Cyril was the best option? Don’t take it personally, Professor." I glanced at James as I spoke.

Then I turned and walked away with Jefer.

...

...

"What was it you wanted to talk about?" Jefer asked in a low voice.

We walked side by side through the courtyard.

Because we were still near the tower, people were watching us.

My face was far too recognizable now—perhaps even infamous. I could feel their gazes on my back—full of curiosity, judgment, and fear.

Is this what celebrities on Earth dealt with daily? Constant observation, endless rumors, and strangers acting like they know you. It must have been miserable.

Regardless.

"You were the one who partnered with Connor," I began, "during his investigation into Sara Oceania’s murder. And the disappearance of Thelma. Along with the alleged death of Kleines Falkrona."

Connor had been reckless—delving into matters reeking of danger and corruption. He knew powerful figures were involved and that opposing them would likely cost him his life. Yet, he proceeded. The fact that he chose Jefer Moonfang as his partner meant he trusted him implicitly.

"I was," Jefer finally admitted with a nod.

I went on. "Dereck Zestella’s body was discovered next to Connor’s," I said quietly. "As far as I can tell, Connor tried to force Dereck to talk—to reveal the truth about Sara Oceania’s death. Dereck wouldn't cooperate, and things escalated. You helped Connor kill him... but then, for some reason, you betrayed Connor."

I turned to look at him.

Jefer was silent for several seconds. Then, "You are correct."

I stopped walking.

"I don’t believe you are a bad person," I said after a pause. "You don’t seem ambitious or corrupt like Lazarus. I don’t think you were part of those events. So... why? Why did you kill Connor?"

A faint, tired smile appeared on his lips. "I expected you to be angry," he said. "Perhaps even violent. But you are... composed. You’re asking questions instead."

"I have very few memories of Connor," I replied, looking down. "Just fragments, really."

Those memories didn't fully belong to me. They belonged to the original Amael.

And I was Connor’s brother. Perhaps that was why I could remain calm. Or maybe... I had already accepted what I needed to do regarding Alea and Christina.

Jefer nodded slowly, as if understanding something I hadn't voiced.

"When I was your age," he murmured, looking at the sky, "I held your father in high regard."

"I feel sorry for you," I said dryly.

He gave a small smile.

"As you get older," he continued after a long silence, "your perspective on the world shifts. The truths you once held dear begin to fall apart. You start seeing the flaws in everything—the people you trusted, the principles you lived by." His tone became softer and more reflective. "You start wishing you could go back to a time when things were simpler and the world made sense."

The wind ruffled his hair as he sighed.

"Some people never move past that regret," he said. "They live their lives trapped by it. But others... they accept it. They let the pain mold them and recreate themselves with a different kind of truth. One that doesn’t have to be pure to be real."

I remained silent, allowing him to continue.

"Dereck Zestella was an ambitious man," Jefer stated. "He had been in contact with Lazarus Raven long before the incident. I believe he was aware of Thelma’s abduction and might have even sanctioned it. But he didn't care. Lazarus must have promised him something... a future where they could both lead Sancta Vedelia and change it as they wished."

His expression clouded as he spoke, his gaze fixed on something distant. "Despite my reservations, I agreed to Connor’s request. Sara and Thelma were good people. They didn't deserve their fate."

He took a breath. "I needed evidence, and I got it through Dereck Zestella."

I raised an eyebrow. "Everything seemed to be going well for the two of you. So why did you kill Connor? Or am I wrong, and you really are just a scumbag?"

Jefer didn't answer immediately.

"The Seed of A-Nox."

My eyes widened slightly. "A-Nox?"

He nodded. "The companion of one of Eden’s three Holy Guardians—the one who betrayed Eden to join Lucifer."

I frowned. "Wait. What does A-Nox have to do with Connor?"

"Connor was special," he explained. "From the moment he was born, he was... extraordinary. A talent seen once in a millennium. As a child, he exceeded every expectation. He was already being considered as the next Apostle of Nihil and the future protector of the Holy Tree of Eden."

I stayed quiet, listening intently.

"His Olphean Bloodline was unlike anything recorded in his family history," Jefer continued. "Even Eden’s blessing was a sign that he might one day transcend mortality. A Demigod... perhaps even someone capable of reaching Godhood." He offered a faint, weary smile. "But that kind of brilliance doesn't go unnoticed. It attracts attention from both sides."

"A-Nox," I whispered.

He nodded. "Exactly. Evil Gods often plant something in mortals they find promising—something we call a Seed. It is similar to a Legacy, but much darker. Once the Seed takes root, it begins to corrupt the host. Slowly and quietly... it rewrites their identity until the original person is gone."

That... sounded familiar.

It reminded me of what happened to Annabelle. Was her possession actually the work of a Seed?

Had Baphomet used that same method on her?

And Joshua...

He had always been sickly, but the story I remembered from the game mentioned Brandon Delavoic manipulating him to use against Jayden. If a Seed had been planted in Joshua through Belphegor, then his declining health made perfect sense.

Jefer’s voice snapped me back to reality.

"Connor was already infected," he said softly. "By the time I realized it, the corruption was deep. A Seed from a being like A-Nox cannot be removed once it has fully anchored. Unless it’s caught early, the person is lost."

He looked down, his hand clenching. "Maybe Connor felt it, maybe some part of him knew what was happening. But despite all his talent and Eden’s blessing... he couldn't fight it. The darkness was already in control."

Jefer’s voice dropped to a whisper. "I saw it happen with my own eyes. I watched him change—bit by bit. What started as righteous fury became obsession and vengeance... something else was wearing his face. That is how a Seed works. It doesn't just take the body; it consumes the soul."

"I see," I said quietly. "So you killed him before it was too late."

Jefer nodded. "He was too gifted to be left alive with the Seed of A-Nox inside him."

"That makes sense," I replied. "But how were you aware of it? From what I know, not even Alea realized her son was being corrupted."

I narrowed my eyes. This man... don't tell me—

"I was informed," Jefer said, confirming my suspicion. "By someone. Killing Connor wasn't easy, so I hesitated. I tried to work with him to see if he could be saved, but in the end, I saw the truth—the Seed had already taken too much of him. It had been growing for years, and by the time the signs were visible, it was already too late."

I tilted my head. "You still haven't answered my question. Who told you? Was it... Nihil?"

Jefer’s mouth curved into a small smile. "You are full of surprises. I expected curiosity, not such accuracy." He shook his head. "But I cannot answer that."

I crossed my arms. "Then tell me one thing at least—whose side are you on?"

That elicited a low chuckle from him. "My own side," he said simply. "The side of what I believe is right. You and I are not so different. You fought in the Utopian War knowing the consequences. You made your choice and accepted the price. I... can respect that."

I gave a dry laugh. "I’m not sure if I should take that as a compliment, given that you also admired Kleines Falkrona."

"Kleines did what he thought was best for his family. I might understand him one day if I have children of my own. But I still condemn his methods. What about you?"

I shrugged. "Maybe I can see why he did it. But that doesn’t mean I agree with it."

He nodded. "That is exactly my point. Understanding someone doesn't mean you excuse them. To pretend otherwise would be hypocrisy."

A small smile touched my lips. "Methods, huh... I can relate. Sometimes you convince yourself you’re doing what’s necessary—that your path is justified. But in the end, it’s still selfish."

"It depends," Jefer said thoughtfully. "But... yes. Often it is."

Then his tone became firm. "I understand your hatred toward the Heads and their decisions. And I will admit it openly: I voted for your banishment for the sake of Sancta Vedelia."

I raised an eyebrow.

He continued without blinking. "Your presence here would have only made the division worse. You know that as well as I do. On the other hand... you have become an influential figure in Utopia. Whether that is a blessing or a disaster, only time will tell."

Only time, huh.

If I’m even still alive by then.

"Are you going to tell Alea about this?" he asked, sounding indifferent.

"No." I shook my head. "She doesn't need to know. She wouldn't react the way I did—you know that. To her, he was her son. Logic wouldn't reach her. She’d probably kill you before you could explain yourself and then regret it immediately after."

When I first returned to Sancta Vedelia, I wanted revenge. I wanted to uncover every secret, tear off every mask, and make those responsible for what happened to Connor, Kleines, and Thelma pay.

But now...

Thelma was alive.

Connor was dead—for a valid reason.

And Kleines... whatever happened to him didn't matter anymore.

I had come this far mostly to see Jefer, perhaps out of curiosity, or because I wanted to silence the ghosts in my mind before my banishment began in two days.

"Well," I said finally, turning to go, "if you still intend to tell her, that’s your choice. But it would be a pity for one of the few intelligent men in Sancta Vedelia to die for nothing."

I walked a few steps away, glancing back once. I could see why Jefer Moonfang had surpassed his older brother to become a Head and a Monarch at such a young age.

Anyway...

I looked toward the horizon, where the Holy Tree of Eden stood in radiant peace.

For a moment, I just stood there, watching.

Then, the images from the conclusion of the Second Game began to flash through my mind again, one after another.

The end of the Second Game was drawing near.