Crushing flags and claiming the Villainess

Rhea was back in her hometown.

After visiting the academy, she had been provided transport that brought her here—to Heinveil.

The town was under the command of Viscount Rowell, and, as expected from a noble serving under Eryndor, the place was thriving.

It had been nearly three years since she last walked these streets.

She was only fifteen when she left, and now, at eighteen, she could see how much the town had changed.

Or rather, how much it had grown.

As she passed through the main street, familiar sights greeted her.

The shops were still owned by the same people she remembered, but their signboards were freshly painted, and their decorations had changed.

The streets were cleaner, lined with trees on both sides, and she noticed traders and travelers passing by in carts and carriages.

Should I stop by the hunter's guild?

The thought crossed her mind as she walked.

She had worked both alone and in teams back when she was here.

After her family was destroyed, she had no one to rely on—except for her Shard.

That was why she had thrown herself onto the battlefield at just eight years old.

By eleven, she was already a full-fledged warrior, a bronze badge hanging at her waist.

There were still many people she knew in this town.

Many of them probably still gathered at the guild.

But right now, she felt tired.

She just wanted to go home and rest.

Just as she was about to reach her doorstep, a voice called out to her.

A familiar one.

"Rhea?

"She turned, a smile forming before she even saw who it was.

"Aunt Hailey!

"The old woman, her neighbor, stood there, warmth and surprise in her eyes.

Rhea didn't hesitate—she stepped forward and wrapped her in a hug.

"How have you been?

" she asked, pulling back slightly to look at the woman's face.

Aunt Hailey ran a small bakery, and when Rhea had barely anything—when she lived in the government-funded dormitories—this woman had given her free bread in the mornings so she wouldn't go hungry.

Those memories made her chest tighten, but not with sadness.

With warmth.

"I'm home," Rhea murmured, squeezing Aunt Hailey's hands.

And for the first time in a long while, it truly felt that way.

"You've gotten so thin, child.

And your hair—did you grow it out?

"Rhea pouted playfully.

"Do I not look good?

"Aunt Hailey chuckled, cupping Rhea's cheek with a warm smile.

"You look like a proper lady now.

Rhea has become such a pretty girl.

"Grinning at the compliment, Rhea chatted with her for a little while longer.

Their conversation drifted from the town's progress to the stray animals that had been causing trouble lately.

"You have to come over for dinner, okay?

" Aunt Hailey said as she noticed the line of customers forming at the bakery.

With a final smile, she gave Rhea a gentle pat before heading back inside.

Rhea watched her disappear into the bakery, warmth settling in her chest.

She had missed this—missed home.

"I should freshen up first," she murmured, adjusting the strap of her bag.

With that, she turned around, eager to finally see her home after years—only to freeze in place.

A familiar figure stood before her.

Spectacles perched on his nose, a soft smile on his face.

Her heart skipped a beat in surprise.

Professor Morkel?

Here?

The last time she saw him was at the Tournament venue, and with everything happening at the Academy, he had no reason to be in Heinveil.

She stepped closer, her brows furrowing.

"Professor Morkel?

Why are you here?

"Her tone came out sharper than intended, breaking etiquette—but right now, her shock outweighed her manners.

"Hello, there," He started with a casual greeting before adding, "I came here to meet you...

but don't misunderstand, this is something serious so I had to come in person.

" He clarified; not wanting to appear like Parkinson.

"What's the matter, Professor?

" She dreaded if it was about Austin or someone from her friend circle that he had to come here to deliver the news himself.

However, the moment he parted his mouth and words came out, her mind turned blank,"I've found it...

the town where you lost your parents after the demon's attack.

I've found it...

and it still exists.

"Lowering his head, he asked in a lower tone, "Want me to take you there?

"°°°°°°°°°Inside the vast indoor training ground built within the premise of the main mansion, two figures could be seen clashing in the middle of the arena.

*CLANG*Their blades clashed in a rhythmic pattern before they two took some distance, assessed each other, and went in to attack again.

Austin darted in, his dagger flashing toward Valerie's side.

She twisted her spear, knocking his blade away before thrusting at his chest.

He ducked, stepping in close, forcing her to abandon the thrust and spin the spear to strike with the shaft.

Austin raised his arm, blocking it with the flat of his dagger, then slashed at her wrist.

Valerie pulled back just in time, pivoting on her heel to sweep at his legs.

Austin jumped, flipping over her and landing behind her.

Before he could press the attack, Valerie twisted, the spearhead already slicing toward his ribs.

He barely managed to parry, feeling the force behind her strike push him back.

Austin took a deep breath and lowered his guard.

They have been sparring for the past two hours, and he thought this should be enough as a warm-up before he dives into the dungeon tonight.

Valerie also rested the wooden spear by her side as she asked, "Want to drink something?

" She said and gestured toward the maid waiting near the entrance.

She silently walked towards them and gave them some water and juice—both of them preferred water.

Once they caught their breath, Austin turned to her, his voice steady but expectant.

"Be brutally honest with me.

Compared to the Austin you fought back at the academy, how strong have I become?

"Her Lord had asked for honesty, so she gave it without hesitation.

"Honestly?

The current you would defeat your past self in seconds.

He wouldn't even realize what hit him.

"Austin blinked, absorbing the blunt assessment.

"Ouch… and wow.

" Despite the sting, a grin tugged at his lips—he was genuinely pleased by her words.

They sat side by side, both aware of the sweat clinging to their bodies, maintaining a bit of distance out of mutual respect.

After a brief silence, Valerie asked,"How strong are your other weapons when you stop holding back?

"Valerie wasn't just his lover; she was also his keenest observer, someone who analyzed his strengths and weaknesses with sharp insight.

Conversations like this were nothing new between them.

Austin summoned Raijin into his left hand, its presence alone shifting the air around them.

"With this, I can unleash enough magic to take down several D-ranks at once," he explained.

The massive mace radiated heat, sending faint waves toward her.

He clenched the handle tighter before adding, "I rarely use this one—it's too heavy.

But against enemies with thick hides and sheer brute strength… this gets the job done.

"Valerie studied the weapons as he dismissed them back into his inventory, her eyes thoughtful.

Then, she spoke.

"Have you noticed?

""Hm?

" Austin hummed, turning to her.

She met his gaze with a knowing smile.

"You can wield two elements with ease.

"Austin hesitated, then exhaled.

"Yeah… I've noticed.

But I always thought it was the weapons doing the work.

"Valerie shook her head, amusement flickering in her eyes.

"Weapons don't decide how they're used, Austin.

You do.

And you don't just use both elements—you're compatible with them.

" She leaned slightly closer, voice soft but curious.

"That makes me wonder… what element does your soul truly lean toward?

"Austin's heart beat a little faster, both because the thought and her flushed face.

Lowering his gaze he muttered,'I want to know too.

'°°°°°°°°°°A/N:- Thanks for reading