Crushing flags and claiming the Villainess

Knock.

"Yes, come in," Adam said, his eyes never leaving the papers in front of him.

The door opened, and his wife walked in, carrying a tray.

"You've been at this since yesterday," Anastasia said, her voice laced with concern as she took in the piles of documents covering his desk.

Adam hadn't left his office since breakfast, and now, the sun had long since set.

"It's only for a few days," he replied.

"I need to map out the areas that need extra protection and decide which units to send to the Capital.

"Other than the King, Adam was the only one who knew what was coming.

A war was on the horizon, and for now, only two nobles were aware.

Of course, the King would inform the others soon, but that wouldn't lessen Adam's burden.

As a Duke overseeing a vast region, he already had more responsibilities than most.

And with several council seats still vacant, he had to step in as an advisor as well.

The weight of it all was unavoidable.

"You should see your daughter and son-in-law before they leave," Anastasia said softly.

Adam's quill came to a stop.

"When are they leaving?

" he asked, finally turning to her.

"Tomorrow morning," she answered.

There was sadness in her eyes, and Adam reached for her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze.

"I know you don't want her to go," he said, his voice calm yet understanding.

"But keeping her here wouldn't be fair to her.

"Anastasia nodded, but her gaze dropped.

"I know...

It's just—when I think about what she has to face—I can't help but feel that her strength is more of a curse than a blessing.

"Valerie was extraordinary.

Her talent, her power—nations would do anything to have her on their side.

Even the Union Council would welcome her without hesitation.

She had the potential to become the strongest warrior in the world.

But with that title came a crushing responsibility.

When disaster struck, people would look to her, believing that as long as Valerie stood, everything would be okay.

She never spoke of it, but Anastasia could tell—her daughter felt the weight of those expectations.

She was only seventeen.

At that age, Anastasia's biggest worry had been embroidery lessons.

But Valerie?

She carried the fate of an entire race on her shoulders.

When the war began, she would be the one leading the charge, standing at the front while thousands placed their hopes in her.

And if she failed, none of her efforts would matter.

People would remember only the failure.

Anastasia swallowed the lump in her throat.

"I just want her to be happy.

"Just then—Knock.

Adam looked up.

"Who is it?

""It's me.

Austin.

"The voice on the other side made both Adam and Anastasia pause in surprise.

Adam didn't hesitate for long.

"Come in.

"The doors opened, revealing a young man with a natural, effortless charm.

Dressed in brown ankle-length trousers and a crisp white shirt, Austin carried himself with quiet confidence, though his slightly disheveled hair hinted at the long day behind him.

"Sorry for disturbing you two," he said, offering a respectful bow.

"It's no trouble.

I was taking a break anyway," Adam responded.

Then, gesturing toward a chair, he added, "No need to stand.

Sit.

"Austin gave a small nod and took the seat, sliding into place with a composed grace.

Resting his hands on his lap, he took a steady breath before speaking.

"I wanted to talk to you both before leaving.

"Adam and Anastasia exchanged a glance, sensing the weight behind his words.

"Is something the matter, son?

" Adam asked.

Austin's hands tightened slightly, but his voice remained steady.

"I wanted to apologize...

for how I treated Valerie.

"Anastasia blinked, momentarily caught off guard.

"But you've been treating her well—""Not now," Austin interrupted gently.

"I mean in the past.

"He exhaled, gathering his thoughts.

"I neglected her.

I said things no one should say to someone they care about.

And Valerie...

she's not just my fiancée.

She's my best friend.

Treating her that way was unforgivable.

"A deep silence settled between them.

Adam and Anastasia understood immediately.

They hadn't forgotten the distance Austin had put between himself and Valerie after Aiden's return.

They remembered the hurt in Valerie's eyes, the quiet suffering she endured when Austin turned away as if she didn't exist.

If not for Valerie's unwavering feelings, Adam might have ended the engagement himself.

After all, his daughter's dignity meant more to him than any political tie to the royal family.

Austin lifted his gaze, his voice raw with honesty.

"I can't undo the past… I can't erase the pain she felt or the tears she shed because of me.

I don't deserve forgiveness for that.

But what I can do is make sure Valerie never goes through that kind of pain again.

"A voice cut through his resolve.

"She will.

"The words came from Adam, and they hit like a cold slap, startling both Austin and Anastasia.

Austin turned, his breath caught in his chest.

He had expected resistance, maybe doubt—but not this.

Adam met his gaze, unwavering.

"Not the pain of being ignored by the man who was supposed to love her… but the pain of losing the one she does love.

"The weight behind those words crushed into Austin, shaking him in a way he hadn't expected.

Anastasia looked alarmed, her lips parting as if to protest, but Adam gently squeezed her hand, stopping her before she could speak.

Then, his expression turned sharper, his voice quieter, but no less firm.

"Austin, we both know the Demon Lord is after you.

You haven't told us why—but since even the Evil Deity himself confirmed it, I have to believe it's true.

Your life is surrounded by danger.

"He leaned forward, resting his arms on the table, his gaze locked onto Austin's.

"So tell me… wouldn't it be better to let go of something that could end up breaking her heart if the worst happens to you?

"Austin sat there, shoulders heavy with the weight of the conversation.

Yet, not once did his eyes waver—not with doubt, not with fear.

He took his time before speaking, not to hesitate, but to make sure every word carried exactly what he meant.

Still, no matter how much he tried to temper his tone, his voice came out sharper than intended.

"I can't leave her… not because of you, not because of the Demon Lord.

" His gaze was steady, unwavering.

"I am sorry if I sound rude, but a life without Valerie is not worth living in my eyes.

So unless you want me to throw myself to give the other side, I can't tolerate separation from the only girl my heart has ever come to love.

"Anastasia's eyes turned moist upon hearing those words while Adam's lips curled in a smile.

Getting up he approached Austin.

The blond teenager also got up, feeling slightly ashamed that he lost his temper in front of Valerie's father just now.

However, he didn't need to worry because Adam just wanted to see that reaction.

Inching closer to Austin, the man unexpectedly hugged his son-in-law, before he said,"Take care of my daughter, Austin.

"Austin was flustered but he returned the hug and assured him, "I will, father.

"°°°°°°°°°°A/N:- Thanks for reading..