Crushing flags and claiming the Villainess

Sitting quietly in the carriage, the two of them were on their way back to the academy.

Rudolph had already returned from the Dukedom two days ago after checking up on them.

Thanks to Austin's request, he had most likely arranged a letter of absence on their behalf.

They sat in a gentle silence, holding hands as they watched the scenery pass by outside the window.

"Did you convince her?

" Valerie asked softly.

Austin didn't need to ask who she meant.

He replied with a quiet sigh, "I think I did.

But I'm not sure if she'll actually put in the effort.

"Valorian Academy's assessments were harsh.

Even though Averis had the talent, she had spent most of her years shut inside her room, wasting away the time she should've used to grow stronger.

If she didn't give it her all, she wouldn't make it in.

And not even the King's influence could change that.

"I think she'll manage," Valerie said after a pause.

"In case you didn't notice, she's been heading into the forest to hunt.

"When Austin had shown up in front of her, the bloodlust she gave off had been intense—too real to be faked.

It was the kind that only came after someone had been through enough pain to turn a maiden into a warrior.

Austin gave a half-smile.

"Let's hope so.

If things go wrong...

I'll figure something out.

"He had no idea what he could actually do if she failed, but he wasn't about to let his sister fall behind without trying everything he could.

"Quite the responsible brother, aren't you?

"Both Austin and Valerie froze.

The seat across from them, which had been empty just moments ago, was now taken by a familiar figure.

Valerie narrowed her eyes, her voice sharp.

"Can you respect our privacy?

"Her words were calm, but her tone carried a clear warning.

"You two are either fighting or clinging to each other.

I figured this was the safest time to interrupt," Selner said, settling in with zero shame in her voice.

Austin let out a slow breath, giving Valerie's hand a light squeeze before speaking.

"Was he caught?

"Selner gave a single nod.

"I had more than enough proof to drag him straight to the torture room.

But… the moment he tried to speak about the Lord he served, his body exploded.

""Just like that demon...

" Valerie whispered, recalling the gruesome end of the demon who died before the Vice-headmaster could question him.

(A/N: That was from the impostor demon trio arc.

)By now, Valerie knew the full truth—the traitor in the council, the one who had opened the gates for the Demoness to enter human lands and kidnap her father.

"The council's taking it seriously now," Selner continued.

"They've started full-blown interrogations.

Everyone's under scrutiny—even the Council Heads.

"Austin's expression tightened.

"What about you?

You know more than most.

If they squeeze too hard and the truth slips out… it won't end well.

"Valerie felt her chest tighten at the concern in his voice.

'Why is he so worried about her…?

'She said nothing, but the question lingered in her mind.

Selner smiled faintly, unaffected.

"They won't risk questioning me.

Not unless they're prepared to lose everything I bring to the table.

I just helped them catch one of their own.

That earns me more than a little trust.

"There was no way they could interrogate her.

Not Selner.

She didn't just carry knowledge of the past—she held secrets of other worlds, truths too heavy and dangerous for any mortal to bear.

If they ever managed to pry into her mind… this world could end up facing something far worse than the Demon Lord himself.

A heavy silence followed.

The only sound inside the carriage was the rhythmic turning of the wheels against the road.

Austin finally broke it.

"Madame Selner, do you know what my Shard can actually do?

"Selner gave a soft hum.

"Since you only used it for a short while, it's no surprise you don't fully understand what Scar is capable of.

"She leaned back with ease, crossing one leg over the other.

Her tone remained casual—even playful—as she said, "From what I've seen, Scar can cut through anything.

Doesn't matter if it's physical, magical, or something in between.

It can extend the range of its slash, too.

"Austin leaned forward slightly.

"How far?

""Far enough to split a planet," Selner replied, completely deadpan.

The silence that followed wasn't as soft as before....

Split a planet?

Austin blinked.

Valerie turned to her with wide eyes.

Was she joking?

She didn't look like she was joking.

Selner continued calmly as if she hadn't just dropped a bomb.

"It also has a Devour Zone.

Inside it, all flesh and blood are pulled into Scar—only bones remain.

"Austin reached back and rubbed his neck, frowning.

"So that's what happened back then...

"The memory hit him hard.

That grotesque scene—the field of twisted, empty corpses—made sense now.

It hadn't been a fluke.

Scar had done that.

Valerie raised her brows, clearly curious.

"How many abilities does his Shard have?

""I don't know actually.

Although I took him back in time, I wasn't around when Austin decimated the demonic army.

"Talking about the past, "Were you the one who helped him send my soul into a different world?

"Selner shook her head, "I have command over time, not Space.

It was my sister...

the only one whom I trust.

"Austin raised his brows, "Witches have some broken powers huh...

"Selner shrugged, "We are the beings who ensure that some knowledge and civilizations never go extinct.

So naturally, we would have such skills to play our role.

"Austin was interested in knowing more about the Witches and what knowledge they actually preserve.

But he knew his boundaries so he stopped talking.

Selner soon told them, "I will keep an eye on things on both sides and keep you two updated.

Just don't expose your knowledge to others or that won't end well for any of us.

"Valerie and Austin nodded at the same time before Selner disappeared.

"Young Lord, we are here," Sebastian's voice reached them before Austin and Valerie looked outside and found that they had reached the Academy.

Seeing the familiar castle brought a smile to his face as he extended his hand toward his lady and said, "Shall we go?

"Valerie's lips curved in a smile as she rested her hand on his before nodding, "Let's go.

"°°°°°°°°°A/N:- Thanks for reading.

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