Crushing flags and claiming the Villainess

[Next morning]Everyone was told to gather in the center clearing of the field.

Apparently, someone from the Union Council was about to deliver a speech or something.

Austin was with Valerie as they shared breakfast...

which was actually just a banana that they broke from the middle.

They didn't get anything else to eat since most of the food counters were empty when they reached there.

Thankfully, Sebastian was able to save some food, which he offered to his young master.

However, Austin told him to take the food to his parents.

The reaction Sebastian expressed was too shiny for his groggy eyes so he got done with the conversation soon.

"Do you want me to bring something for you?

" Valerie asked in slight concern.

Austin fought more than anyone else yesterday, and after spending so much energy, he must be hungry.

Not to talk about, the actual meal he had was about a day ago.

However, "The nearest town from here is about four hours away.

So, let it be, Val.

" Austin was hungry but he didn't want to trouble Valerie.

Even though she was faster than him, reaching the town would still take a toll and quite a lot of time.

And anyway, they would be returning after the Council member gets done with their announcement.

"Hey, Rhea.

" Austin waved at the girl who was walking in a daze.

Hearing his voice, she jolted out of her stupor and looked at them.

"Good morning.

Did you get something to eat?

" The sword wielder asked as she smilingly approached them.

Austin flashed the peel of the banana they had just now.

Rhea looked worried and regretful, "I...

just finished the sandwiches Rudolph brought.

I am really sorry.

" If she had known she definitely would have shared.

Austin scoffed, "That bastard didn't even ask me...

""Who knew that the two early wakers would wake up late today.

" Suddenly, the guy who was called 'bastard' just now, appeared behind Austin.

The blond Prince sighed, "I, actually, woke up early but got busy chatting with Father.

I tell you, he talks a lot.

"Although he said that, Austin was no less when it came to chatting.

Valerie had a similar reason, "Mom kept talking to me until late night.

"Rhea's lashes fluttered as she said, "Talking about your mother, I met her yesterday.

Such a sweet person.

"After Rhea's unexpected meeting with Parkinson, the pinkhead was walking around aimlessly, when the lady came to her, asking if she was hurt.

Rudolph asked, "Did you meet them, Austin?

Valerie's parents?

"The person in question can only shake his head regrettably, "Mother-in-law sleeping, father-in-law is currently with my father and Lord Idris.

Never got the chance.

"Austin brushed his teeth, took a bath somehow—which was quite a luxury in this condition—and got properly ready for this meeting.

However, when Valerie came to him, she informed him that her father left the tent to meet people and her mother was still in bed.

"Is this really a coincidence, or do your in-laws don't actually want to see your face?

" Rudolph teased, only to be glared at by Valerie.

However, the raven-haired didn't stop grinning.

Austin heaved a sigh, as he said, "If they don't like me, I will make them like me.

I might become double-minded about anything in my life except for Valerie.

"Rhea sighed admirably while Valerie couldn't hide the blush that appeared more beautiful than a setting sun.

"Ah, here they are.

" Rudolph suddenly spoke as his eyes traveled towards a man who wore a white cloak over his body.

The insignia, on his chest, features a deep blue circular background, symbolizing resilience and wisdom.

At its center, a majestic phoenix rises with its wings spread wide, its feathers shimmering in a gradient of fiery gold and crimson.

The man had long black hair and seemed quite young.

Once he stood on top of the makeshift stage, he addressed everyone,"Good morning.

I am Aston—one of the Council Heads.

"Those last few words earned collective gasps from people.

It was a rare sight—a Council Head standing openly before the people.

Most never even learned their names before they were quietly replaced by new ones.

As the guardians of humanity's survival, they held knowledge too dangerous to share and bore secrets too heavy to reveal.

For that reason, they rarely stepped into the public eye.

That was why the crowd stood frozen, their faces filled with awe and disbelief.

Ignoring their reaction, the man continued, "I feel deeply remorseful after learning about what you went through last day.

Because we were short on personnel we couldn't protect those whom we swore to defend.

I am even ashamed to stand before you all.

"The man began, his voice polite but didn't leave an impact on Austin.

He was saying nothing from his heart.

He can even sense slight disappointment in his eyes...

or maybe Austin was just reading him a little too much.

'The Council only respects the strong...

and surely, those who died held no importance to them.

' Although it was cruel, following the tradition of prioritizing the strong had always been helpful for them.

The man continued, "We have already contacted the family of the deceased ones, and they will be compensated for their loss.

"Rudolph snickered upon hearing those words and the people around him knew the reason behind that reaction.

There could be no compensation for death.

One cannot heal such a grave and permanent wound by a few coins or consolation.

But well, there was nothing these few teenagers could do or say here.

"Now, coming to the conclusion, I would like to thank the person who helped us all to overcome this disaster.

The only one who not only saved the students from the army of demons but also exterminated their leader.

"Turning his eyes toward Valerie, Aston said, "Please join me, Miss Valerie.

"Everyone began clapping for the girl when that name came out.

Everyone who survived witnessed how gallantly Valerie fought and saved the other students—even those who shunned her previously.

She was that raging flame of hope that eradicated hopelessness from others' minds and gave them a concrete reason to push forward.

Under the appreciation of everyone Valerie, without hesitation, walked towards the stage and stood beside Aston.

"I would like to show my humble gratitude for what you have done, Miss Valerie.

" The man bowed his head and for the first time, Austin saw the man not masking his emotions.

He was genuinely elated to share the stage with her.

However, Valerie ignored him completely, and while facing the students, she declared, "Although I defeated those demons yesterday, the only reason I arrived there at that time was because of a certain person.

"Her words surprised people.

Lord Corwon also raised his brows as he heard his daughter adding,"When I was taken away from the venue under the accusation of killing someone, I was pulled inside a barrier which weakened me to the point where I couldn't even stand on my feet.

"Those words were extremely more surprising than her last statement.

An S-rank weakened to the point she couldn't balance herself?

"The enemy though, wasn't weakened.

After all, he was the one who formed a barrier so near the venue without the Council noticing anything.

"Aston's smile faltered as he looked at the lady beside him with a wary look.

What is she talking about now?

Despite the mixed reaction she received, Valerie didn't stop from disclosing the truth, "The person who came to save me, then brought me to the venue and even saved his parents from hundreds of Demons is Austin.

I know many of you won't believe my words, but your opinion doesn't matter.

I know in my heart that if not for him, I and you all, wouldn't have been standing here today.

That's all.

"Saying so, she stepped down the stageWhen she went there, people were applauding.

And now that she was returning, there was utter silence.

No one said anything after that until Aston decided to change the topic,"Carriages have already been...

"Austin didn't pay attention to the man and kept looking at his girl, who stood beside him with an expression that showed nonchalance.

"What did we talk about, Val?

That you will not reveal to others about it?

"Valerie looked at her fiancé.

Her eyes were dead serious, which even startled Austin, as he heard her saying,"You deserve to be praised.

I am tired of people badmouthing you and since I am forbidden from freezing everyone, I want them to know how great my man is.

"Hearing her displeased tone, he yielded right away, "....

okay.

"°°°°°°°°A/N:- Well, thanks for reading.