Crushing flags and claiming the Villainess

After Valerie sent them away from the room, the four elders and Sebastian gathered in the reception hall, their faces heavy with concern.

Cedric and Sophie sat together, while Adam and Anastasia sat across from them.

The room was silent, thick with unease until Cedric finally spoke, his voice low and troubled.

"Does Austin always train this hard?

" he asked, turning to Sebastian.

Cedric couldn't shake the image of his son from his mind.

Austin had looked utterly drained, barely able to stand.

There were no visible wounds, but his whole body radiated pain as if every inch of him was screaming in agony.

The healer's words echoed in Cedric's head—Austin had inhaled too much smoke, his body had been pushed beyond its limits, and severe fractures and sprains covered him.

There was no permanent damage, but that didn't ease Cedric's worry.

If Austin was always pushing himself this far, how long before he broke completely?

However, Sebastian quickly put their worries to rest, shaking his head firmly.

"He is a sensible young man, sir," he assured them.

"Austin is passionate about his training, but he knows his limits.

I have never seen him in such a state after a session before.

"There was no hesitation in his voice.

If anyone knew Austin's habits better than his own parents, it was Sebastian.

He had watched him grow, observed his discipline, and understood his boundaries.

And if Sebastian was saying Austin didn't normally push himself this far… then—"Was it actually a battle, after all?

" Adam murmured, his voice weighted with concern.

Austin had insisted he was just doing some light training.

But looking at his battered state, it was hard to believe he had ended up like that on his own.

"Regardless of whether it was a battle or training...

the real question is, how did he end up this injured?

" Cedric's frown deepened as he voiced his thoughts.

"We've all seen Austin fight.

He's a careful warrior.

If the danger was truly that great, he would have called for help.

So why didn't he?

"A heavy silence filled the room.

Then, Sophie broke it with a quiet but firm voice.

"Because he was in pain...

"Every head turned toward the Queen as she spoke, her gaze lowered.

"I've seen it before," she continued, her voice heavy with understanding.

"Whenever Austin wants to forget something—whenever he wants to escape his thoughts—he fights.

"She lifted her eyes to her husband.

"And I think we all know what could have pushed him this far.

""He fought with Valerie...

" Anastasia whispered, her concern mirrored in her eyes.

After everything they had been through—after finally beginning to understand each other—were they truly at odds again?

No one spoke, but deep down, they all knew.

The sight of tears in Valerie's eyes yesterday had been enough to tell them—she and Austin had argued.

The reason, however, remained a mystery.

They had always seemed so in sync, so perfect together.

What could have possibly driven a wedge between them?

Anastasia, more than anyone, understood how much her daughter adored Austin.

And now, after everything—after finally coming together…"I think I'll check on them," she suddenly announced, rising from her seat.

"Ana, wait—" Duke Corwon reached out, but she was already halfway across the hall, her steps firm with purpose.

She reached the room and peeked inside—only for her eyes to widen.

Seeing her reaction, the others grew anxious, immediately following her to the doorway.

But as they looked inside, the worry etched on their faces slowly melted away, replaced by soft, relieved smiles.

There, curled up together, were the two most precious people in their hearts—holding each other close, fast asleep in a quiet embrace.

"I think we were worried for nothing," Cedric said as he rested his hand on Adam's shoulder.

They soon returned to their rooms and got some much-needed rest.

°°°°°°°°Valerie stirred in her sleep, a faint frown forming on her face as she sensed a gentle gaze on her.

Slowly, her eyes fluttered open……only to be greeted by the most beautiful pair of eyes gazing at her with quiet affection.

"Morning," Austin whispered, his voice soft.

Before she could respond, he leaned in and pressed a tender kiss to her forehead.

She closed her eyes, savoring the warmth of his lips.

"Why didn't you wake me up?

" she murmured.

Austin smiled.

"It's peaceful… watching you sleep," he admitted honestly.

At his words, Valerie inched closer, slipping her arms around him and nestling her head against his chest.

The warmth of his embrace, steady and familiar, lulled her into comfort once more.

"Are you still upset?

" Austin asked, his voice carrying a hint of hesitation.

Valerie slowly parted her eyes, meeting his gaze.

"No, I'm not," she whispered.

Then, after a brief pause, she added, "Did I overreact?

"Austin shook his head.

"No, Valerie.

If anything, you reacted far less than I expected.

I kept something so important from you, even though I always claimed to be honest in our relationship… and then, there was my lie, too.

""You didn't lie, Austin," she murmured.

"I think, deep down, I already knew back then when you defended me against that accusation—that it was pity from your side.

But yesterday… my thoughts were all over the place.

That's why…" She sighed before giving him a small smile.

"Well, I'm just glad we talked things out.

""Of course we had to," Austin said without a moment's hesitation.

"Even when I thought about it, I knew—I couldn't even imagine living a single day without you.

So, no matter what, I was going to coax you sooner or later.

"His arms tightened securely around her, as if afraid to ever let go of the woman who meant everything to him.

"Me too...

I also felt quite scared in my room when you weren't around.

" She faintly whispered.

The two of them barely spent a few hours apart from each other, yet the sadness in their eyes signified they had been detached for years.

With time, emotions often fade, but for them, love only grows—vast and boundless, deepening with each passing day.

°°°°°°°°A/N:- Thanks for reading.

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