Crushing flags and claiming the Villainess

Today was the fifth day of the tournament, and Elara was the person participating from the Valorian.

Naturally, the academy members couldn't remain stuck on the person who lost his battle yesterday.

However, Rhea couldn't get over it that easily.

She barely slept last night and if not for the rules prohibiting anyone from staying in the infirmary overnight unless they are injured, Rhea couldn't be with Rudolph last night.

However, early morning of the next day she came to the medical wing while carrying so cupcakes for Rudolph.

However, the moment she appeared before him, "Please leave me alone for the time being.

"Her hand, which was inside the basket and was about to take out the cupcake, froze in place.

Rudolph was covering his eyes with his forearm as he added, "I don't want to talk right now.

"Rhea opened her mouth to say something…so assure him that everything was fine and he would bounce back one day.

However, nothing but a choked sob left her throat.

In the end, all she said was, "Sorry for disturbing you…" With that, she turned around and walked away.

Rudolph clenched his fist and bit his lip.

He couldn't explain how he was feeling right now.

Both because of the match and how he treated Rhea.

However, despite not wanting to hurt the love of his life, Rudolph couldn't bring himself to look at her right now.

…"Ah!

" Outside the infirmary, just as Rhea dashed out, she crashed into someone who was heading inside.

The other person held Rhea's arm to prevent her from falling, as he asked, "Are you okay?

"Rhea looked at him…he was the same person whom she met on the first day of the tournament.

"We meet again, Miss Rhea.

" He said with a friendly smile.

Rhea, although not wanting to talk at the moment, exchanged greetings politely, "Hello, Esner.

"----------^^---------"Here, it is for you.

" Early in the morning, as they walked in the back garden after breakfast, Austin suddenly presented her with a gift.

"Hmm?

" Valerie's brows elevated as she saw the ring in his hand and a nearly identical one, he was wearing as well.

Austin explained to her, "Just like the ring we bought back in the market(when they went on a date), this ring is just a better version of it.

It can help us locate each other's presence when we are in distress or any grave situation.

"Austin gained the reward from the system last night upon his 'Romance' stats progression.

Valerie had a few questions about how he found the artifact of such a high grade, but right now, all she did was offer her hand to him—not to take the ring from him.

Austin blinked before he looked up at her.

The tinge of redness on her cheeks signified what she wanted.

Austin smiled fondly at the girl before taking her hand and inserting the ring on her fourth finger.

Once he did, he leaned forward and kissed the back of her hand, "It looks lovely on you.

"Once he got up, Austin was startled to see tears in her eyes.

"Val?

" He asked as he brought her closer and cupped her cheeks.

Valerie shook her head, "It's…nothing.

""No, please tell me.

" He insisted.

He knew that it wasn't the tears of elation but sadness.

Valerie didn't resist him from wiping her tears as she honestly told him the reason for her sudden outburst, "Actually, I was reminded of the day when we exchanged rings during our engagement ceremony.

You…didn't care about the fact that the ring was of smaller size and just inserted it somehow.

"Valerie didn't want to say it, but she ended up confessing, "That….

showed how annoyed you were of the engagement and me…and that….

really hurt me.

"Austin embraced his lover close to him, encircling his hand around her back.

His heart trembled upon hearing her words.

He also remembers the day.

He remembers every detail.

He really was angry with everyone around him at that time and he only thought Valerie was pitying him by getting engaged to him.

He was so blinded by hatred that he never noticed how genuinely happy she was that day.

The same girl who barely showed her emotions in front of others was smiling all the time when she arrived at the royal palace that day…only for her smile to disappear when Austin showed his clear reluctance to their relationship.

Austin couldn't relay how regretful he was of his action and how much he wanted to go back in the past to redo everything.

Rather than crying like this, Austin wanted her to smile while thinking about those moments.

"Val…I really can't say sorry and expect you to forget about it.

However, I can promise you something for certain… not even once you will experience something like that again.

I swear on my life.

"His old self has left several wounds on this girl.

All she ever wanted was to get some love and attention, and in exchange, she was ready to give everything to him: her love, her life, her devotion…everything.

Although Austin could never rewrite the past, he vowed that from now on, every moment would be a gentle touch upon her heart—no more wounds, only things that could heal her and fill her future with beautiful memories.

It took some time but Valerie calmed down as she looked up at him.

Austin gazed at her red eyes and innocent expression.

There was slight guilt in her eyes that made him sigh,"Thanks for letting me know what was hurting you.

Just as I told you before, I am not just your partner in happiness.

I want to know and experience all your grief as well.

So just like today, never hold back from telling me if something is troubling you, okay?

"Valerie shyly nodded, "Oka-""Really, it's such a hassle.

" She was interrupted as she and Austin heard several people advancing in their direction.

They were in the back garden where generally no one wanders—considering most of the students were focused on either matches or training.

And the surprising part was that the people who passed by were council staff.

Seeing a bunch of them moving about, Austin stepped away from Valerie and approached one of them before asking, "Excuse me, sir, what happened?

"The staff member turned toward him, before telling him, "You should be in your rooms right now.

We informed every student to not roam around.

"Valerie added, "We have been out of our rooms since dawn so we never received any message.

What happened?

" It was surprising to see her switching her mood so instantly, but thanks to her cold tone, the staff member didn't ask anything further and informed them,"One of the management chiefs cannot be located.

He has been missing for two days.

"Austin's brows knitted close as he muttered under his breath,'Are the Demons already here?

'-------^-------A/N:- Thanks for reading.

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