Crushing flags and claiming the Villainess
Chapter Summary
It was the first time she would be seeing so many students across the globe, gathered at one place. But well, Rhea had already tried waking her up thrice, but all she did was groan and complain. Rhea wasn’t surprised by that nonchalance, but she couldn’t let go of this chance to enter the ceremony with someone she knew, that’s why she instantly rushed towards Valerie and started walking beside her.
Rhea was pretty excited about the ceremony.
It was the first time she would be seeing so many students across the globe, gathered at one place.
And not only just any students, they are the best ones, selected from thousands to participate here.
That’s why she changed her dress and wore her school uniform—not choosing the gown she brought along—and after doing a light makeup, she said, "I am going ahead, Elara.
" The redhead hummed as she continued to sleep.
The way she seemed, it was highly unlikely she would reach there anytime soon.
But well, Rhea had already tried waking her up thrice, but all she did was groan and complain.
Once she ensured that she was looking appropriate, she made her way out of the room—only to find, "Valerie.
" She was passing by but halted upon hearing the voice.
"Hello," she greeted her before continuing to walk.
Rhea wasn’t surprised by that nonchalance, but she couldn’t let go of this chance to enter the ceremony with someone she knew, that’s why she instantly rushed towards Valerie and started walking beside her.
The ceremonial hall was in a different building, and they could reach there after passing by the common hall.
’I should have eaten something...
’ Smelling such an appetizing fragrance in the common hall, the pinkhead felt her stomach demanding some food.
She slept for most of the hours, and when she woke up, it was already too late.
That’s why Rhea couldn’t get time to eat.
’I hope they have something prepared for the banquet...
’ With those thoughts, the two stunning ladies made their way to the place where several other students were heading.
The ceremonial hall was a big hollow sphere with a triangle pattern carved on the outer wall.
There was a huge entrance to the place, and Rhea could already hear the pleasant music from the inside.
’Why do I feel nervous all of a sudden...
’ She glanced at Valerie and the girl was totally unfazed, as if this was just another usual day of her life.
’How does she manage to keep her expression so indifferent...
does she train for that, as well?
’ Rhea could never understand.
Entering the ceremonial hall, Rhea was met by the sight she was expecting.
The warm glow of chandeliers bathed the room in golden light, casting gentle shadows on the polished marble floor.
The air carried a mix of subtle perfumes and the faint aroma of fresh flowers arranged in tall, elegant vases around the hall.
Students from different academies were gathered in small groups, chatting with easy smiles.
Some laughed lightly, their eyes sparkling with excitement, while others stood poised, their conversations calm and refined.
The soft clinking of glasses echoed now and then as servers moved through the crowd, offering refreshments on silver trays.
Rhea let out a breath, feeling both thrilled and slightly out of place.
She noticed a group nearby, discussing something animatedly.
"Did you see the lineup?
This year’s participants are exceptional," a young man in a dark blue uniform remarked, adjusting his cufflinks.
A girl in a flowing emerald-green dress responded with a chuckle.
"Exceptional?
More like terrifying.
I heard one of them can cast spells without even chanting.
" "That just makes things more exciting, doesn’t it?
" another student grinned, sipping from a crystal glass.
Rhea noticed that many students were glancing in her direction...
or more like, they were looking at the person beside her.
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Côm "Hey, is she ....
" One of the boys from the group asked in a daze.
"Yeah...
S-rank.
" "Damn, she is a beauty.
" "Hey, let’s go talk to her.
" "Are you kidding me?
I can tell from this far that she doesn’t care about etiquette and will outright ignore us.
" Well, Rhea wasn’t sure about the etiquette part but yes, Valerie would indeed ignore them.
’The only person who can talk to her without reservation is still not here...
’ Rhea ran her eyes around the venue but couldn’t find Austin anywhere.
Glancing at Valerie, it seemed that even though she had a poised and calm front, her eyes were restlessly moving around the place.
Rhea smiled with a shake of her head when she suddenly heard, "Hey, isn’t he the top student from Ravenshade this year?
" "Yeah....
damn, look at those muscles.
" "Haah~so hot~" Rhea heard some weird whispers of the girls from nearby before she turned to her left.
"Hello, there.
" Suddenly, a black-haired man appeared before them—his tall frame completely blocked the vision of others.
He had a smile on his face as he said, "You are Corwon Valerie, right?
I was really looking forward to meeting you.
" Valerie’s eyes were, as usual, emotionless, as she asked, "Do I know you?
" "Ah, yeah, sorry.
I am Kevin from the Auroracrest Academy.
I have heard several things about you, including your contribution to saving Drenovar.
" Valerie muttered, "Okay.
" Saying so, she turned away and left—leaving a flustered Kevin behind.
...
did he offend her?
The boy then turned toward the other person and was surprised to see her eyes widen and her lips slightly widen.
"Umm...
are you okay?
" He asked as he waved his hand in front of her face.
Rhea was broken out of her daze, before she hurriedly said, "Yes, I am fine...
that name...
someone close to me also had that name.
" Kevin blinked, "Oh, is that so.
Well, he must be really special for you to react so strongly.
" Rhea lowered her eyes, a smile lifting the edges of her lips, as she said, "Yes...
he was.
My first friend.
" ....
Austin reached the venue in a rush.
He really shouldn’t have trusted Sheldon to wake him up.
That guy was still sleeping!
He got up just ten minutes ago, took a quick shower, and changed his clothes before reaching here.
’Val must be waiting for me....
’ He rushed into the ceremonial hall and finally came to a halt.
Roaming his eyes around he tried to find the prettiest girl in the hall.
However, even after looking around, he couldn’t find her.
*Tap* Feeling the tap on his shoulder, Austin’s shoulders slumped as he said, "I am really sorry, Val-" However, his words died once he turned to look at the person who called him out.
Austin’s face turned pale and his lips were parted in shock upon seeing the person.
Numerous thoughts came rushing to his mind, as a name seeped through his lips, "M-Monica...?
" °°°°°°°° A/N:- Thanks for reading.
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