Crushing flags and claiming the Villainess

Valerie and Austin were told to sit down before someone came to deliver two cups of coffee, both without sugar.

Austin already knew that the woman looked quite beautiful but from the front, he could tell that there was something about her that wasn't right.

Her charm didn't cause suspicion but the period she worked for the Council.

Some say she has been with the Council for a long time and has guided several generations of rulers, throughout the years.

She never actually appears in public unless some planetary-level threat shows up.

And when, canonically, she does, no one cares about how she looks.

After all, between the lady and the demon lord, people naturally chose to focus more on the dangerous side.

However, there was no war going on at this point, so his mind was going back to the same question.

How is she still so young?

"I am a witch.

"The statement caught both teenagers by surprise.

Witch?!

"Are you joking with us?

" Valerie asked, a frown marring her face.

The lady didn't mind being asked rudely as she picked a pen from the desk and said, "I can control my appearance because time holds no power over me.

I will endure as long as this world exists, untouched by the rise and fall of empires.

No matter who claims supremacy in the end, I will always find a place of peace—just as I have now.

"Saying so, she dropped the pen from her hand—but rather than falling to the ground, the pen slowed down mid-air.

It wasn't levitating; rather, it slowed down after falling for inches below the drop point.

Austin and Valerie both knew that she was using sorcery…but without using her Shard?

It took them some time but Austin finally spoke, "Okay, even if you are a witch, why did you tell us?

Weren't we invited here for questioning?

"The reason he believed her so easily was because now that she mentioned it, it all made sense.

For someone to use magic so flawlessly without using her Shard…not something a human could achieve.

It also explains why, despite appearing so young, she has such a deep influence on the council—something one could only achieve if they have been closely connected to the council for years.

The lady sighed before leaning forward, "Because the basis of every relationship is trust.

And I…want to have a relationship with you Austin.

"*SHLINK*The table, the coffee mugs, and even the moisture in the air became frozen because of Valerie's magic outburst.

However, the lady before them was completely unbothered.

In fact, the frost attack didn't even affect her at all.

With her voice lower in temperature than the room, Valerie muttered, "Please think before you speak, Madame Selner.

Maybe you not know-""I know.

You two are engaged.

And trust me, girl, I am not talking about the kind of relationship you are thinking about.

"Austin held his lover's hand and, smiling, told her, "Let's listen to her, okay?

"Valerie felt embarrassed…was she too impulsive?

Selner waved her hand and the frost from the room and Austin's clothes disappeared into nothingness.

Austin had a frown on his face as he tried to discern what exactly she could do.

'I need to study her a little more…'Selner sighed as she advised, "With that temperament, I wonder how easy it would be for your enemy to destroy you.

In my opinion, you should work on it.

"Valerie huffed…however, it would be a lie to say that those words didn't affect her.

Selner once again began, "Austin, can you show me your Shard?

"Austin raised his brows.

Is this conversation finally heading in the direction where he expected it to have?

Was he going to get examined?

Regardless, he didn't think for long, and after getting up, he summoned both of his Shards; ready to give an explanation.

Valerie was already informed what he would be telling them, that's why she wasn't surprised when he summoned his axe as well.

The lady got up from her seat and approached him.

Austin was waiting for her to ask about his dual shard…however, she didn't utter a word until she was close to him and tilted her head as she gazed at his dagger.

"Put that away.

I know that's not your shard.

" She shoo-ed away the axe just as Austin was preparing to relay the story he had prepared.

However, not only did she ask anything about his other Shard…she even realized that he was lying to her.

Austin helplessly glanced at Valerie, only to find her helplessly looking back at him.

What…in the world is happening here?

Selner continued to study his Shard for a long time, meanwhile, Austin wordlessly stored his Shard back in the inventory.

…wasn't he going to get blamed for being involved with the other side, now?

However, after waiting for several minutes, when she spoke, she didn't accuse him.

Rather,"Your soul energy isn't progressing at all, I suppose?

"Austin was taken aback, as he slowly nodded, "Yes…but how do you know?

"Selner shrugged, "I mean your Shard is still at phase zero, so it's pretty natural for your Soul Energy to remain the same.

However, your other stats are going up, right?

"Austin took a strong gulp, as he said, "I don't know what you are saying…" Someone who hasn't gone through evolution to grow stronger…how can this be that possible, right?

Selner completely ignored her words as she returned to her seat and said, "Let's form a symbiotic relationship, Austin.

We can benefit each other.

"Selner suddenly pushed a letter in their direction.

Austin picked up the letter.

It was a rank evaluation appointment…the date was three months from today.

Valerie also read the details and was shocked to see the name of the candidate to be extremely familiar.

Austin Eryndor.

"Ma'am?

" Austin asked.

Selner explained, "I have already set your appointment and the next rank you have to get imprinted on your ID card should be A.

"Valerie's eyes widened, "What are you…in three months?

Even for Austin, it's too much.

"Progressing from D to C was one thing, but every rank above C is hard to achieve unless one goes through evolutions.

Selner's head tilted to the right before telling her, "Then you might not know your lover enough.

Just look at him…do you see disbelief or doubt in his eyes?

"Valerie was forced to gaze at her lord…and just as the lady said, all Valerie noticed was that he was actually considering reaching rank A in three months.

Valerie was rendered speechless.

Does she really not know everything about her Lord?

-------^^------A/N:- I hope you all are enjoying the story so far.

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