Crushing flags and claiming the Villainess

[Management Department] The security guard who was in charge of examining every student’s identity and belongings was standing before the management team.

His hands crossed behind his back before he uttered, "Austin Eryndor is a D-rank yet he was allowed by the Headmaster of Valorian Academy to participate in the tournament.

As per the rule, this shouldn’t be allowed.

" The four members of the department glanced at each other before one of them informed us, "We received a word from Sir Philius about it.

And the two members of the Monitoring Division confirmed Austin’s abilities.

We had no choice but to allow him.

" The head of security had a stern look on his face, rejection clear from his stance, but saying anything further would not be suitable for someone at his post.

One of the four members heaved a sigh as he said, "Well if the other students get to know about his rank, surely a commotion would arise.

" Another member added, "Well, if he really is worthy then we don’t need to worry though.

After the first round, everyone would know if Austin Eryndor really deserves to be here or not.

" The security chief blinked in surprise before he asked, "Isn’t the first-round squad matches?

Won’t he pass the round with the help of his friends?

" The pattern never changes; that’s what the security chief voiced.

The management head relayed, "You have done your job quite well, soldier.

You may return to your post now.

" In short, you shouldn’t ask any further.

The man gave a firm salute before making his way out of the room.

Well, until the unworthy ones get eliminated.

°°°°°°° Austin and Valerie were sitting together in the common hall as they were having some snacks for breakfast.

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Côm Seeing the lack of people in the common hall, Austin muttered, "It seems the other academies haven’t arrived yet.

" Truth be told, Austin was slightly looking forward to the other academies’ arrival.

After all, a main character would be making his appearance during the tournament.

And not just anyone—the long-lost childhood friend of the protagonist.

"Or they might be resting in their rooms...

having breakfast in their rooms since everyone must be tired....

yet I called you here...

" Valerie’s answer started normally but near the end, Austin sensed guilt in her voice.

Austin smiled at the following girl before telling her, "Food tastes better if you are having it with someone you love.

And with you, even plain water tastes fulfilling, Val.

" The edges of her lips lifted slightly, but she soon shook her head and said, "Still, after we finish, please go and rest.

You looked quite tired last night, and considering there is a ceremony in the evening, you should utilize your time by resting.

" Austin raised his hand, "Okay, got it.

Now, let’s eat.

" He was tired but not that much.

But since his wife was telling him to, he couldn’t resist.

"Ah, yeah, Val, if you see the President anywhere tell her that Sheldon won’t be able to come," Austin told her since he didn’t see Annabelle anywhere in the common hall.

Valerie hummed in response, "Okay.

" Austin raised his brows, "You aren’t surprised?

" Valerie tilted her head, "You didn’t know?

They are secretly dating...

well, only the council members know about it but it is rumored that they are hiding their relationship because of political reasons.

" Austin tilted his head, matching her, as he said, "Duke Runebound and Rothaux family...

yeah, there is indeed a feud between them.

I remember sorting out Rothaux’s previous month’s sales report, and Runbound’s territory wasn’t on the list.

" Valerie suddenly remembered something that she wanted to ask, so she asked right away, "Austin...

if your father requests you to take care of the administration more actively...

will you be dropping off from the academy?

" Valerie had a feeling that such a situation would arise soon since, after Aiden’s death, there should be someone from the family who could take care of the administration.

Although Austin has declared that he wouldn’t succeed to the throne under any circumstances, Valerie feared that he would be left with no option once the current king becomes incapable of holding the reins.

Austin first finished chewing the sandwich he bit onto before; without looking at her, he asked, "Did you forget that there is someone else other than me who can handle the throne better than me?

" Valerie was surprised, "You mean to say...

Averis?

" The youngest sibling and someone who barely steps out of her room these days.

The only Princess and Austin’s younger sister, Averis von Eryndor.

Austin nodded, "She is one of the finest managers I have ever come across, and she has been taught by one the greatest advisors of all time, the Queen.

She awoke a Shard at the age of six and has risen to rank A without much training.

" Side-glancing at her, he asked, "Imagine what would happen once she gets out of her hibernation and decides to sharpen her skills?

" Valerie asked, "But will she?

Didn’t she just randomly shut herself inside her room one day and didn’t tell anyone the reason?

" Austin chuckled, "Well, I know the reason and I know that I can bring her out as well.

" After all, the reason she locked herself in was because she was hurt by her dear older brother, that is, Austin.

Although Averis didn’t have a significant role in the plot and only appeared when Austin was scolded by Rhea and told to apologize to her, this time around, things would be different.

After all, Austin was not a game character, and he wouldn’t apologize to Averis because someone told him or because of some selfish desires.

A brother owes an apology to his sister.

°°°°°°° Not so long after, Austin returned to the room and informed Sheldon that he didn’t spot Anna in the common hall so he relayed the message to Valerie.

"You even told her....

" He spoke with a groan.

Austin raised his brows, "As the chief of the Disciplinary department, she already knows everything between you two.

" He honestly confessed.

Sheldon heaved a sigh, "And now you know too...

the Prince of the nation.

I hope you won’t mention it to my father.

" It was the first time for Austin to hear the silverhead speaking so much.

Sheldon is kind of similar to Valerie in the class—only minding their own businesses.

Well, Valerie does speak often when he is around, but Sheldon...

he always in his protagonist zone.

Austin shrugged at the question, as he said, "Well, rest assured.

Since you are hiding it, the reason must be quite serious.

" Sheldon’s expression turned grim for a moment, as he nodded, "You can say that.

" Austin exhaled a sigh, "Okay then, see you in a few hours.

" Sheldon was rendered speechless that the guy didn’t even try to ask what was the matter, and went to sleep right away.

Well, forget that.

He will sleep too.

°°°°°°°° A/N:- Thanks for reading.