Crushing flags and claiming the Villainess

After finishing dinner, Valerie and Austin wasted no time and promptly made their way to the Headmaster’s office, ensuring he didn’t have to wait long.

Valerie noticed that her Lord had been silent for a while now, ever since Elion interrupted them.

"Austin...

are you upset because of what Elion said?

" Finally, but in a hesitant voice, she asked.

Austin heaved a sigh, "I am upset but with myself.

" His eyes traveled far ahead, not affixed to a single point, as he said, "It’s so embarrassing for me to say that I love you, yet I know nothing about you.

Unlike you, who pursued the one in whom you had interest, I got you very easily.

" With a self-mocking smile, the blond one added, "That’s why maybe I became so nonchalant about you.

Felt like whatever happens, she won’t leave me.

" Valerie grew worried, as she said, "You don’t need to think like that.

And I never considered you taking this relationship casually.

" She meant what she said.

Although they had a very long, patchy path, especially after Aiden arrived in Austin’s life, they somehow got together.

The cause was unexpected but Valerie was happy with how things were.

Her love for her Lord has only elevated with time, and having her feelings reciprocated just made her life perfect.

Austin held her hand, an exhale leaking through his lips, as he muttered, "Val...

I won’t say negative things anymore, but can you listen to this request of mine?

" Valerie slowly came to a pause, matching him.

Her eyes were drawn at him, never breaking the eye contact as she nodded, "Yes...

" Austin held both of her hands and squeezed them as he said, "You deserve all the happiness, Valerie.

Don’t assume that I am doing you a favor by being with you.

If you feel that I am doing something wrong or I am unaware of things related to you, then show displeasure.

That’s the charm of a relationship.

" Bringing his hand to cup her cheek he added, "And lastly, please let me know more about you...

talk to me more...

tell me stories of your past.

I swear nothing could keep me engaged more than those stories, which include Valerie.

So let me hear more from you.

" During those days, when all she could do was admire him from the sidelines, never even once she thought that Austin would be so interested in her.

He was pleading to know more about her.

And she could tell it was not because of what Elion said; rather, he was genuinely curious.

He needed to know more about her.

Leaning her face in his touch, she affirmed, "Mm...

I will tell you.

" °°°°°°° *Knock* Philius heard the knock before he lifted his eyes from the letter and told the guest, "Come in.

" From the other side, two familiar faces stepped inside before Austin closed the door behind his back.

Stepping towards the table, they stood in silence—allowing Philius to begin "First, congratulations on being selected as Elites for the tournament.

And thank you for the favor you two have extended toward Eryndor.

" Austin responded in his natural tone, "It was my obligation as the Prince to protect my nation.

But still, thank you for acknowledging us and our efforts.

" Philius gave a brief nod before ushering them to sit down.

Austin pulled a chair for Valerie, receiving a sweet thanks from her before he sat down beside her.

Both teenagers were expecting something related to Aiden to be the next topic.

However, "I recently received a request.

Someone demanded your presence.

" Saying so, the older one extended a letter in their direction.

Austin exchanged a glance with Valerie while he extended his hand and took the letter.

Valerie leaned closer to him and they both read the letter.

[The recent events in Drenovar, along with the movements of Valerie Corwon and Austin von Eryndor, have raised several concerns.

As a result, the Council has formally summoned both individuals for questioning at the Council Headquarters.

] —Chief Advisor, Selner.

] Austin had a severe frown on his face.

He knows that name.

The person whom no one from the Board could defy.

A person with authority and immense strength.

The wielder of one of the Seven Tools of Destruction.

When Rhea was having trouble defeating a Demon General even with the help of so many comrades and two Shards...

Selner went against a General all on her own One of the most influential people in the world and someone who shouldn’t have shown a sudden interest in anyone, including the protagonist.

Then why did she suddenly summon them for questioning?

Isn’t the case with Drenovar too trivial for her to bother about?

"Chief Advisor...

I think I have read about her somewhere.

" Unlike Austin, whose knowledge comes from the game, Valerie wasn’t very informed about Selner.

Philius told her, "She is respected by the board members of the Council.

Not only does she have authority, but she is one of the S-rank warriors as well, who is known for her witchcraft.

Ignoring her call, just because she isn’t one the Heads of the Council, would be foolish.

" Philius was aware of what happened yesterday in the royal court.

However, for him, this was more important than a criminal’s death.

Austin remained silent for another moment, before he asked, "You...

can’t help in this, I guess?

" Philius heaved a sigh, "I am completely helpless here.

You need to respond to her demand.

" Austin nodded and then contemplated for a moment.

Raising his eyes, he asked, "What are the chances for her to be summoning us so she could recruit Valerie?

" Philius shook his head, "I don’t think so since Madame Selner isn’t like those from the Board.

She doesn’t care who serves the Council.

" Continue reading at NovelFire.

Côm Valerie raised her brows, "Then why did she even call us when all the information was openly revealed to them?

" When the demonic army attacked, the members of the Union Council were present there.

And naturally, Drenovar’s soldiers mustn’t have hidden anything from them either.

Then what exactly do they want?

"I am not sure what this is about; however, after a week, you two need to visit her in her office.

" Valerie questioned, "We will be in the middle of the tournament, though.

" Philius assured them, "The venue of the tournament is close to the Headquarters so you two will get the time.

" Austin heaved a sigh, "Since it’s all decided, there is nothing we can do other than follow orders.

" Since he assumed that the talk was over, Austin said, "Then, excuse us, Sir.

" "Austin," Philius called out, making Austin stop just as he intended to get up before he heard the man saying, "This tournament...

it might be a little harsh for you since this is the first time you are participating in any of these events.

However, I request you to put your team and this school above your pride.

" Austin smirked, "There are limits, sir.

And believe me, as a second prince who has been overlooked his entire life, my boundaries are far lower than you might expect.

So rest assured.

" Soon, they left the office and headed back to their rooms.

°°°°°°° A/N:- Thanks for reading.

And don’t worry about the last statement.

I won’t make him a doormat or something.