Crushing flags and claiming the Villainess

"Does she really have to?

" Rudolph asked evident concern in his voice.

Austin shrugged, "Things would be easier with her here but if you are worried-""No, Austin.

I will stay.

" Rhea told her decision.

After Austin told them the necessity of an archer near the Capital who could take down the draconic beasts, Rhea made the decision that she would stay here—a place where she was more needed.

Rudolph was worried, naturally, since if she had remained in his field of vision, Rudolph could have fought to the best of his ability.

After all, until the ones he loves are safe, Rudolph can face the whole world.

However, asking her to stay with him just because of his worries wouldn't be childish.

He should trust Rhea's skills and have faith that she can take care of herself.

"Can you give us a moment?

" Rudolph asked and Austin readily nodded, "Sure, I will be waiting near the back entrance of the palace.

"He soon sprinted away, leaving the duo alone.

Rudolph looked at the pink head with a warm look.

Drawing closer, he exhaled a sigh, "I know it's not fair to tell you to remain on the defensive when I myself would rush to the frontlines...

but still, please try to keep yourself away from danger.

Fight from a distance and escape if you must.

Rely on others and don't think twice to jump on cheap tricks if it's about your life.

"Cupping her cheek, he added, "Remember, nothing is more important than your life.

"She held the hand which was on her face and softly uttered, "The same goes for you.

You have to return to me to hear my answer.

So don't be reckless, okay?

"Rudolph smiled, "Don't worry...

without knowing your answer, I won't die.

".....

[A few minutes ago]At the back gate, Sebastian and Robert were walking casually under the slightly dark sky, and having a leisurely chat.

They have been quite busy these days, especially Robert because the King has been getting involved in regular meetings to ensure that the nation is not heading towards its downfall.

After the incident with Aiden, Cedric has shouldered everything by himself.

That's why there is a dire need for an active heir to the throne who can share the burden of the King.

But until then, Cedric has to handle everything on his own.

"Do you think, His Highness will ever accept the throne?

""If things come down to it, I don't think my Lord would turn his back on his people," Sebastian responded a sense of certainty in his voice.

As far as he knows, his young master was a very kind and responsible man.

If the Kingdom requires he wouldn't delay in acquiring the throne.

A comfortable, brief silence descended before the younger one glanced at his brother and asked, "Are you really retiring?

" More than curiosity there was slight hope in his voice.

But Robert hid it well—not wanting to push him if he really did not intend on retiring.

However, "Yes, brother.

I have decided.

Young master needs a better server, and I have someone in mind who can replace me.

"Robert took a deeper breath, "Well, you have served the royal family for forty years.

So it's about time you take some rest.

"Turning towards his elder brother, he came to a slow halt and so did Sebastian.

"I wish you a happy retirement life, then.

" He extended his hand in a shake.

Sebastian chuckled, "There is still some time, but yes, thank you.

" The duo shook hands.

°°°°°°°°°[Next day]Inside the meeting room of the main palace of Ademerg, a few individuals were gathered.

Ademerg was on full alert—the citizens were being taken out of the capital, security was being fortified and the soldiers who were in different regions were all being called backAdemerg was hanging down a thin rope—if they fell, there was no recovery.

They have to gather their best to defend against the worst.

Currently, the capital of Ademerg appears like a war zone.

The military marched on the streets where civilians once roamed.

Shops could no longer be seen.

Houses were being used as armory and inventory for military use.

Every inch of the Capital was currently under protection or surveillance.

On their north was a tall mountain range—which most likely would not be the entry point of the demonic army, but still, to not leave any loophole, they sent soldiers around the mountain tops and base.

"What about the forest?

" The Commanding chief was asked by a soldier who was accompanying him.

The grey-haired Commander responded stiffly, "Eryndor has already started sending their forces into the forest.

It would be foolish to waste our forces there.

"The route between the shore and Ademerg was one way—unless they decide to change the route, take a longer path, to reach the Capital they would surely walk on the path they had anticipatedAnd that singular path was now laced with traps and guarded by hundreds of soldiers.

So, they appear to be prepared.

"I wish they first end up striking Eryndor.

They might be weak but they surely can filter out the weaklings first.

" The soldier laughed mockingly.

The Commander remained silent on the matter.

They took a few more steps before the older one told the soldier, "Stand guard.

"The soldier gave a salute before positioning himself upright beside the door.

The Commander knocked on the door, "It's me, Gareth.

""Come in.

" The familiar voice of the King he serves arrived from the other sideGareth didn't think twice before twisting the metal handle and opening the door.

Gareth was about to greet the King...

but then, his breath was choked in his throat upon seeing the people inside.

"You are the Commanding General of the Kingdom?

" The one who asked without any evident emotion in his voice.

Golden long hair fell on his shoulder.

Despite being 6'3, Gareth found himself behind shadowed by the tall young man before him.

Wide shoulders and a lean build, which was perfect for a swordsman.

His piercing golden eyes were fixated on Gareth as if he were assessing him.

The Commander was breathless while standing before him.

One of the Pillars of Humanity.

The warrior who can pierce the sky and make the heavens descend.

The strongest S-rank in existence.

William Pegasus.

°°°°°°°°°°A/N:- Thanks for reading.