Crushing flags and claiming the Villainess

Often they have visited such gatherings where they used to be in the center of attraction.

After all, one was a country’s Prince and the other one was Erynndor’s only S-rank.

That’s why all the attention didn’t bother them as Austin and Valerie stood side by side and enjoyed the snacks.

Austin mostly finished the sweet ones while Valerie enjoyed the savory and salty ones.

Seeing her avoiding sugar, Austin couldn’t help but mutter, "You stopped eating sweet things because of me, right?

" Austin remembered that there was a time when Valerie used to eat and bake sweet things.

However, since Austin didn’t like sweet things much, she also changed her preference.

And....

that was the same reason Austin started liking sweets.

Austin forced himself to like sweet things because Rhea liked them.

"Now…I don’t feel like trying it.

" Valerie said as she twirled the cup of black coffee in her hand—don’t ask where she got that even though the servers never had black coffee on the trays.

Austin raised his brows before asking, "Maybe try sometime?

Your tastebud might get revived?

" Valerie hummed at the suggestion before her eyes went to the few sugary items on the plate…before her eyes landed on a specific muffin Austin was holding.

"Then…excuse me," Tucking her hair strands behind her ear, she closed her eyes and took a small bite from the muffin.

The whole thing happened before Austin’s surprised gaze as he held his breath upon seeing Valerie biting from the same side that was already bitten.

She intentionally looked him in the eye while slowly chewing the muffin.

Seeing the faint blush on her Lord’s face, a teasing smile appeared on her face as she muttered, "I bet other muffins won’t taste as sweet as this one did.

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Côm CRITICAL HIT X100 Austin’s face grew redder as he lowered his head and heard his heart beating rapidly.

Guh, it is so hot and unfair.

Why does she have to tease him in front of everyone?

If not, he might have shared the muffin in a different way… "God damn…you two just don’t catch a break.

" To break the sweet atmosphere someone approached the duo.

It was Elion—a student from Apex Circle and someone who has a good relationship with Austin.

He was also participating in the tournament as an Elite.

Seeing the long blue-haired boy, Austin raised his brows, "So you do fear getting disqualified.

" Considering Elion’s unruly and untamed nature, it was surprising for him to be seen in this kind of gathering.

"Well, if I don’t participate my father most probably would throw me out.

Valerie must know what kind of man he is.

" The violette gave a brief nod that ushered Austin to ask, "You are acquainted with Count Everhart?

" Valerie informed him, "He was my teacher.

" Austin was taken aback.

He actually had no idea that she was taught by a Count.

"Seriously, dude, you remain lovey-dovey with her all the time, and you know nothing about your girl?

" With a teasing grin, he asked, "If you ever regret choosing him, Valerie, I am always open-" That sentence never finished as the tip of a spear pressed against Elion’s chest, and the guy instantly raised his hands, "Joking.

Don’t take it seriously.

" Although the boy said that, looking at those frosty eyes, he knew he had offended the girl so Elion made a quick retreat.

Silence descended between the two—making Valerie nervous that that idiot had offended her Lord The only reason she even responded to him was that Elion was the son of her teacher.

If anyone else, she would have driven them away instantly.

She was thinking of resuming their chat somehow, when suddenly, "May I have your attention, please?

The Headmaster wants to relay a few words.

" The Vice-headmaster appeared on the stage, all well-dressed now, and gathered everyone’s attention Valerie and Austin also turned towards the man who soon appeared on the stage—wearing a crisp black suit and matching tie.

Silence ensued in the ceremonial hall, as everyone heard the man, "Tomorrow, we all will leave for the venue where the Tournament will be taking place.

You all must have received the schedule, but for those who were not able to check it, I must inform you that every student must gather at the front gate by five o’clock.

" With his hands still crossed behind his back, the supreme authority added, "Lastly, I don’t need to remind you of the importance this tournament holds—not just for your personal records, but for the honor of this Academy.

You all know the legendary names that have risen through this very stage.

The glory earned here is once in a lifetime—a golden opportunity that may never come again.

With his gaze sweeping across the students, he continued, "There are no second chances.

When you step into that arena and stand before your opponent, that moment is all you have.

Make it count.

Fight as if your name depends on it—because it does.

" A sudden rush of motivation and excitement rang through the hall.

Every student’s eyes shone with courage and enthusiasm.

Soon, everyone resumed their chatting.

However, this time, it was more focused on the tournament and their planning.

Stepping down from the podium, Philius made his way through the students, nodding towards those who greeted him and walked straight towards Austin and Valerie.

"Good evening, sir.

" Austin greeted the older one.

Philius looked quite tense about something as he said, "After dinner, meet me in the office.

Both of you.

" Austin and Valerie shared a glance—both of them knew that it must be about what happened yesterday in the royal court.

Not only that, the fact Austin lied and went to Drenovar must have offended the old man.

However, since they already expected it Austin didn’t delay responding, "Understood.

We will be there.

" Giving them a nod, the older one soon left the venue.

°°°°°° A/N:- I hope you all enjoyed reading the chapter.

There are several things Austin doesn’t know about Valerie, but slowly he will.