Crushing flags and claiming the Villainess

The students stopped chatting and looked at the man.

The ceremonial hall was built in such a way that the person on stage could reach each corner of the hall without elevating his pitch.

"We have gathered here today to celebrate the year we have spent at the academy—a year filled with countless memories, both joyful and difficult.

Each of you has faced your own trials, learned your own lessons, and grown in ways that will shape the path ahead.

This journey has never been easy, and it will only grow more demanding from here.

But as warriors committed to forging a more peaceful world, we must face these challenges with resolve and courage.

Let adversity be the fire that tempers our spirit, not the weight that breaks it.

"Following the suit, everyone raised their glasses to cheers on that.

Philius lowered his glass and said, "Now, let us extend our congratulations to those individuals who have distinguished themselves through exceptional skill and unwavering dedication.

Their achievements are a testament to what is possible when talent is sharpened by relentless effort.

They have not only earned recognition—they have become names worth remembering.

"Philius gestured towards the Professor on his left before she stepped toward the stage and handed one of the many boxes she was holding on a tray.

Philius opened the box before calling out, "First, I would like to congratulate the students who have succeeded in conquering every dungeon she was sent to.

Not only did she manage to bring down her adversaries within the time allotted, but she also ensured the safety of her comrades.

"When those words escaped his lips, many people already started glancing in Austin and Valerie's directionAnd as they expected, "Please join the stage with me, Valerie Corwon.

"A round of applause filled the hall as they turned towards the violet-haired.

Austin gave her hand a gentle squeeze, his face full of smiles as he said, "Let's go.

"Valerie softly nodded before they headed toward the stageUpon reaching the small flight of stairs, Austin gave her a nod and detached his arm from her.

Valerie stepped onto the stage and approached the center.

The older one opened the box and showed her the medal, as he said, "You did a great job.

"Valerie thanked him with a smile and took the box.

Once she stepped down and rejoined Austin, the Headmaster continued with the ceremony, calling out people for their achievements.

Valerie was slightly restless as the ceremony continued.

She has already counted the boxes.

Slowly the number was decreasing.

"Next, I would like to congratulate the brave boy who has not lost a single spar since he joined the academy.

Please join me, Rudolph.

"Valerie exhaled a long sigh which caught Austin's attention.

Leaning closer, he whispered, "You do know that no one else's opinion matters to me.

"Valerie didn't respond to him since she knew he was telling the truthBut this single time she was hopeful that her Lord would be awarded for his bravery.

He has received only scorn and hatred all his life.

But no more.

Finally, the last box was left, and the headmaster began, "Now, I would like to call the person who has shown great dedication toward the academy, helping the students and uplifting the school's reputation.

"Valerie clenched her fist, hopeful that this should be it.

But, "Please join the stage, Annabelle.

""...

huh?

" A frown marred Valerie's face when she heard that name.

Weaving through the crowd who applauded for her, Annabelle made her way towards the stage.....

why?

Why did the Headmaster also ignore him?

Are they blind?

Or retard?

How can they not appreciate what Austin has done for them?

He helped catch the demon, risked his life to bring a truce between two nations...

and even fought against an army.

Is this not enough?

Should he actually slay the Demon Lord to actually get recognized?

"Valerie...

" Austin called out in concern seeing the dark expression on her face.

He was about to pull her away, before she ended up doing something, when suddenly,"Now, onto the last award," Everyone was surprised to hear that.

Wasn't the ceremony over?

All the awards have been distributed already.

Regardless of their reaction, Philius continued, "The one who has demonstrated extraordinary growth in an astoundingly short span of time—so much so that it made me question the worth of my own experience.

""The one who dared to risk his life against adversaries that, had I faced them at his age, I might have fled from.

""The one who stood against deceitful imposters, endangering himself to prevent what could have been a catastrophic loss of life.

""A true Hero—who cast aside all regard for his own safety and stood alone against an army, driven solely by his will to protect his people.

"A glimmer of hope appeared in Valerie's eyes upon hearing thatMany students have already guessed who the person could be that's why they were glancing in their way once again.

But the one at the center of their attention was Austin this time.

Another Professor brought a golden sword, sheathed in a golden sheath, and appeared on the stage before handing it to the Headmaster.

Philius gave him a thankful nod before calling out, "Please grace everyone with your presence, Eryndor Austin.

"A thunderous applause echoed through the hall as everyone turned towards the blond Prince.

The one who barely managed to make his place in the academy.

The one who gained the title of the 'Useless Prince'.

The one who was destined to drown in depression and be forgotten by everyone.

Austin was ..

quite overwhelmed by the sudden announcement and attention.

Feeling the tug on his sleeve he turned toward the only person who could put his heart at peace.

Her eyes were moist but the beautiful smile declared how happy she was at the moment.

Hooking her arm with his, she said, "Let's go?

"Austin exhaled a long breath before nodding, "Okay.

"The crowd made way for the duo as they walked on the red carpet and advanced toward the stage.

Austin turned towards his lover, and heard her saying, "I can't express how proud I am right now.

"All Austin could do was smile before he took a deep breath and detached from her.

Stepping on the stage he stood before the Headmaster.

The older one rested his hand on Austin's shoulder and said, "You have exceeded all my expectations.

I wish you only continue to grow and make me and your parents proud.

"Austin, smiling, responded, "Thank you, sir.

"Philius nodded before he handed him the sword, which Austin took with both his hands, and his head lowered slightly.

The other started clapping once again as Austin turned towards them.

Austin's eyes weaved through the crowd, but he wasn't finding Valerie.

Near the entrance stood the grey-haired man who was smiling fondly and clapping just like others.

Their eyes locked before Austin's smile turned into a child-like grin as if to say, "I did it, Sebas.

"The butler's eyes turned crescent at the sight which he awaited to see for so long.

And finally, his young master got the recognition he deserved.

'I am proud of you, Austin.

'°°°°°°°°°°A/N:- Thanks for reading.

It was a long chapter, bisected into two.