Crushing flags and claiming the Villainess

The academy was about to begin, but Austin and Valerie couldn't return just yet.

Why?

Because they had to visit the Council Office and attend an important meeting—one that would decide the future of their world's safety.

All the rulers from every nation, along with every S-rank hunter, would be present.

Skipping it wasn't an option.

So, Austin chose to take a few days off from the academy.

The meeting had to come first.

They were traveling by carriage, heading toward the Council Headquarters.

The sun had just risen, casting a soft golden glow across the quiet road.

"How do you feel now, Valerie?

" Cedric asked gently, eyes still scanning the document in his hands.

"I feel like myself again.

Thanks to the right medicine and food," she answered with a soft smile.

And your son's love...

she thought, but left it unsaid.

Austin sat beside her, polishing Wisp with practiced hands.

At her words, a faint smile appeared on his lips.

"You should still rest more when we get the chance," he said, his tone calm but caring.

It was early in the morning, and they would arrive at the Council by afternoon.

The meeting might stretch until nightfall, and Austin wanted her to conserve her strength.

He wouldn't feel at ease until she was fully healed.

Cedric finally set the papers aside, his fingers steepled in thought.

He looked up at his son.

"Austin," he began, "what do you plan to do after graduation?

"Austin gave a small shrug.

"Nothing much.

Haven't thought that far.

"Cedric sighed.

It wasn't a sigh of disappointment, just one of quiet concern.

"If you're not too busy, how about staying in the capital for a while?

Spend some time with Arthur.

Learn a thing or two from him.

"There was no pressure in his voice—just a father gently offering a direction, hoping his son would take a step toward something he had left behind.

Valerie tensed as she glanced at her lover.

Just like her, he must have also sensed what he was indicating here.

Austin exhaled an audible breath, as he asked, "So you want me to become the crowned Prince after all, huh?

I thought I had convinced you to make Averis the next head.

"Averis was a true ruler, someone who knew Eryndor better than he and possessed excellent management skills.

Not to mention, she is an academic monster.

There is no shortage of bold intent in her, and coupled with her strong A-rank Shard, she would make a strong Queen.

"It's not that I am against making her the next ruler...

it's just the rumors of you being no longer a part of the family that have been circulating around lately.

"The incident with Adrian was known to every kingdom, not because it held great political significance, but because it was a family drama that everyone liked to gossip about.

But it was a fact that every ruler across the globe and the Council knew that Austin had taken an oath to never accept the crown.

"As a ruler, I am requesting you, Austin—Eryndor needs a deterrent now.

" His tone was serious, "Our nation has always been belittled and taken very lightly.

Even during the war, we were in the red zone, but the Council decided to inform us at the end.

"With his gaze turning sharp and slight agitation lacing his voice, he added, "Do you think I don't feel anything by being treated so unfairly?

"Austin's expression softened.

His father did everything in his power not to let Eryndor become a part of Ademerg, which many kingdoms, including the Council, wanted initially.

Eryndor had never been significant to any kingdom, except for Drenovar, and after the demise of the previous King, the nation was in its most vulnerable position.

Although very few realize it, it was a fact that Cedric had saved his motherland from perishing.

He has fought for its existence.

Austin rested his hand on his father's and told him, "Don't worry, father.

Eryndor's situation is going to change very soon.

"°°°°°°°°Since the council office wasn't too far, they didn't stop to rest and kept moving until the middle of the day.

But the moment they arrived, Cedric felt a strange chill run through his chest.

His heart trembled.

The town where the Headquarters once stood… was now nothing more than a graveyard of ruins.

The buildings were shattered, roofs caved in, their walls blackened by fire.

Bloodstains painted the ground in places, faint but haunting.

Soldiers wandered the area, their faces grim, carefully checking the wreckage—still hoping, perhaps, to find someone alive… or at least to count the dead.

The land itself looked scorched, as if it had been burned by something far worse than ordinary flames.

And above it all, the sky hung heavy, as if mourning the town below.

A thick silence wrapped around everything.

Not the quiet of peace, but the quiet after a scream.

The kind that sinks deep into your bones and leaves your soul uneasy.

Cedric couldn't speak.

He just sat there, staring at the place that was once full of life—and now, full of loss.

Although the citizens were evacuated, the soldiers who died here were numerous.

The lively town, which was believed to be the safest place, has turned into a barren land.

Several memories flashed through the two teenagers' heads as they gazed at the battlefield.

Although the war only lasted for a day, it left several deep and unforgettable memories...

or to say, nightmares to them.

'A war can never bring good to any side...

' Austin muttered under his breath and decided to close the curtains.

The carriage, after a few minutes, finally came to a stop.

The soldiers have already covered the path, and Thomas—the Commander—opened the carriage for the three.

Cedric stepped out, followed by the two teenagers.

The daunting tower before them was reconstructed in these few days, but still, the wreckage could be seen.

An officer was waiting for them near the entrance, who said, "I will guide you to the resting room.

"Cedric nodded before the trio, along with the Knight Commander, started walking.

Only one guard was allowed per person, but Austin and Valerie didn't need anyone, so...

"Can I have a minute?

" They were interrupted as someone called from behind.

The four of them turned and found a violet-haired lady standing there.

"Selner...

" Austin haven't been able to contact her ever since that day, and there were things he wanted to ask her.

That's why, "You guys go ahead.

I will join later.

"Valerie looked at her beloved, asking if there was something wrong.

Austin gave her hand an assuring squeeze and whispered, "I just want to talk to her.

Nothing concerning.

"Valerie nodded and took another glance at Selner before she started walking again.

Austin approached the lady.

Since there was not much space in the gallery and their words could be heard by anyone, Selner invited Austin to his office.

*Click*Once they were inside, Austin called out, "Where have you been.

I haven't seen you ever since that day.

"The last time he saw her was when Valerie returned to him.

Although she couldn't have been of any help during the war because of her restriction, Austin hoped to see her after the clouds of chaos settled.

Selner heaved a sigh as she sat on her chair and asked him, "You absorbed the Fourth Fragment...

yet you are safe.

"Austin nodded, "I wouldn't have taken the chance unless I knew I would survive.

"Selner didn't need to ask to know that the System helped him achieve something so impossible.

Preparing one's body to take such a heavy load in a few moments was impossible.

"Can I assess your Soul?

" She asked, and Austin, without hesitation, summoned Scar.

The greyish-black blade resonated with his presence, making Selner already feel that he had gotten a hold of it.

She touched the blade and inspected it, "Although you possess it now, you don't have the reserve to keep holding it for long.

"She gestured to him to store it back as Austin spoke, "Yeah, I know.

Scar hasn't recognised me as his master as of now, that's why the magic consumption is heavy at the moment.

"Selner nodded, "That's right...

but you won't die if you use it moderately.

"Austin assured her, "Scar is still my last plan.

I have several tools and weapons in my arsenal with whom I can win a battle.

"He has spent so many days in the dungeons and spent so many EXP for a reason.

He doesn't want to become dependent on a single tool.

He wishes to become a single man battalion.

A brief moment of silence descended before Austin asked, "You never told me...

" Looking at her, he added, "...

that you were married to Austin.

"Selner wasn't surprised, but still it took her off guard, "I mean...

what was there to say?

You are a whole new person and already have some you adore.

The Austin I loved and married is already gone...

so, don't think about it.

"Although she said that casually, the way she looked away from him and crossed her arms, it was apparent that she was hiding her true feelings.

Austin stepped closer to her and rested his hand on her head.

Selner's eyes widened as she heard him saying, "I might not be your partner, but you can always rely on me, okay?

And it's not because I want to repay your favors, but because I want to do it.

"A few seconds passed.

Selner didn't lift her head, and just gave a faint nod.

Her expression was unreadable, and considering she might need some time alone, Austin didn't remain in the office for long.

They might not be together in this timeline, but Selner was an irreplaceable person in his life.

Someone he wishes to keep safe.

°°°°°°°°A/N:- Thanks for reading.