Crushing flags and claiming the Villainess

Years ago, a pact was made between a being on the edge of immortality and those who had already crossed that threshold.

The agreement placed limits on Astaroth's growth, in exchange for a promise—should the threat of complete extinction ever loom over him or his kind, the divine ones would intervene to protect him.

It was a deal where both sides gained something.

For Astaroth, it was a guarantee: no matter what horrors emerged from the other side, he would survive.

For the divine ones, it was peace of mind.

A creature as twisted as him would never join their ranks.

Astaroth's influence had already grown terrifyingly vast.

Had he reached higher realms, it would've been catastrophic.

So, by keeping him bound to this world, they secured themselves.

And in return, he earned the ultimate shield.

"Hmm, this is unexpected," Austin said, his voice steady as he leaned against the windowsill, eyes tracing the sky beyond.

The silence that followed was broken by a quiet question.

"Did you know about it from the beginning?

"Selner shook her head.

"Maybe my eldest sister saw your intentions.

That's probably why she sent me the records of the pact she witnessed.

""Hmm~ impressive.

I knew witches were old, but Astaroth has existed for over five thousand years.

"Selner nodded slightly.

"Our mother—the eldest witch alive—is a Primordial being.

So, you can imagine how long we've been around.

"That, too, was surprising.

But Austin had other things to worry about.

"So if I go back in time and try to kill Astaroth… the winged ones will stand in my way.

""Without a doubt.

"Austin turned to glance at the witch beside him.

"Wouldn't that be a violation of the universal law?

Immortals interfering with mortals?

"Selner shrugged.

"They can make exceptions when it suits them.

""Then so can you, right?

""…!!

"Selner's eyes slowly widened as he continued,"I mean, if they can bend the law for their interest… You can too.

"Selner let out a dry smile.

"Even if I did step in, I doubt a young witch like me could last long against them.

""But would your sisters stay quiet if you were attacked?

""…"She had no words.

Because the answer was clear.

Witch blood ran deeper than any pact.

Their unity was unshakable.

No matter how many times she had angered her sisters by standing beside Austin, Selner knew—they would never let her fight alone.

Her eyes narrowed as she looked at him.

"Are you really using me as your shield?

"Austin shrugged.

"I won't ask you to help… but can you really stay on the sidelines when those pigeons come after me?

"She didn't reply.

And her silence was louder than any answer.

No—she couldn't watch them hunt him down.

She knew it.

After a pause, she let out a sigh.

"Seriously… I never thought you'd use my feelings like this.

"Austin smiled softly, warmth flickering in his eyes.

"I knew I could count on you.

"The violet-haired witch huffed and turned her face away.

A few moments passed before she asked, "So… did you tell her?

"Austin exhaled slowly.

"Not yet.

But tomorrow, I will—""I want to know now," said an unexpected voice.

Valerie stepped forward, draped in a bedsheet, her bare shoulders peeking through the fabric.

Her expression was gentle, but the worry in her eyes was unmistakable.

"Val…" Austin turned to her, surprised by her sudden appearance.

She looked at Selner instead.

"What is it, Selner?

" she asked, her voice calm but steady.

She already knew something was weighing on Austin—something heavy enough to keep him quiet.

Selner glanced at Austin, silently asking for permission.

When he gave the faintest nod, she answered honestly.

"He's going back in time… to save everyone—and to kill Astaroth.

"Valerie didn't react right away.

She looked down for a moment, then slowly said, "I don't know why… but I was expecting something like this.

""You were?

" Austin asked, his voice touched with disbelief.

She gave a soft nod.

"When you didn't break down at your family's grave… I figured you had already found a way to bring them back.

I thought maybe Selner was helping you.

"Austin shook his head.

"No… I received a reward.

A chance.

But the problem is…" He paused, hesitating, then gently took her hand.

"You… you'll forget all of this.

Everything we've shared.

"He had already confirmed it with the system—he'd be sent back to the day his system awakened.

The day Valerie was about to be framed.

The day everything began.

"You won't remember anything.

The laughter.

The tears.

The nights we spent together.

All of it.

" His voice cracked with grief.

"Only I'll remember.

"Valerie lowered her gaze to the floor.

Silence stretched between them.

Then, with a soft, shaking breath, she finally spoke.

"A few days ago… if you had told me this, I might have tried everything to stop you.

I can't even begin to explain how much these memories mean to me… how precious they are.

"Austin stayed quiet, listening to every word.

"…But if I choose my memories over the people we lost… I don't think I could look myself in the mirror.

"She lifted her gaze to meet his, her eyes shimmering.

"Since that day… since I saw my parents' bodies, I haven't been able to sleep properly.

Every time I close my eyes, I see them.

Every time I walk into the kitchen, I feel like Mom is standing there, watching me from the corner.

And whenever I hold a weapon… I can almost hear Dad's voice, proud of me.

"Her voice trembled, the pain in her chest surfacing.

"I know this version of me will disappear the moment you go back in time… but I'll be okay with that.

"She choked on her words, barely able to finish the sentence.

The thought of losing those memories tore at her, but she knew… some things were greater than even love or memory.

Some things were worth the sacrifice.

Austin couldn't bring himself to say anything in return.

Instead, he stepped closer and pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly against his chest.

The emotions swirling inside him left him helpless.

For the first time… he was choosing something over Valerie's happiness.

For the first time… he was protecting someone else, even if it meant pushing her away.

For the first time… he was breaking her heart—and his own.

And it shattered him.

He buried his face in her shoulder, tightening his embrace as if that would stop time.

As if holding her just a bit longer would make the pain go away.

They didn't notice when Selner quietly slipped away in night sky—leaving the two to talk things out.

Right now, all they could focus on was each other.

They clung to that fragile warmth like it was the last piece of the world they could call theirs.

Because it was.

This moment—this breath, this heartbeat—they wanted to live it fully.

To burn it into the deepest corners of their souls.

So that even if time erased everything…Even if memory failed them…Somewhere, in a place beyond reason and fate, this moment would still remain.

"Can you tell my past self… about our wedding?

" Valerie asked softly—no, she pleaded.

Austin's voice came out in a broken whisper, "I will… I'll tell you everything…""Please take care of me, Austin," she said, her voice trembling.

"My past self… she was timid.

She hesitated to come near you.

I might run away a few times… but don't let me go.

"His arms tightened around her.

His voice was quiet but resolute.

"I won't.

Never.

"They slowly pulled apart, just enough for her to cradle his face in her hands.

"Tomorrow…" she paused, swallowing down her tears, "can you take me on a date?

One last time?

"Austin's heart cracked at those words.

His knees felt weak.

Tears slid down his face as he leaned in, pressing his lips to her hand.

"Please don't say it like that, Val… it hurts," he whispered, his voice breaking.

Tears clouded her vision as she rested her forehead against his.

"I-I'm scared… but I don't want to stop you.

"They had lost many people, and with this burden, Valerie knew her Lord wouldn't survive.

Sebastian's death weighed on him for this long, and now he has lost his parents and sister too.

She didn't want him to live in pain for the rest of his life.

That was why, "Please return in time...

and make a peaceful world for me.

"She added in a whisper, "Won't you fulfill your wife's demand?

"Austin nodded, his hands trembling, "I will.

I promise.

"It was a promise which he would fulfill at every cost.

Even if no one stands beside him.

Even if he has to face the Divine Beings.

He would not stop until he had eradicated every demon.

'You will pay the price of every tear she has shed today.

'°°°°°°°A/N:- Thanks for reading.

Is there still anyone?