Crushing flags and claiming the Villainess

Chapter 298: Chapter 297- Council"It’s strange, isn’t it?

" said one of the two Council Heads as they walked side by side toward the conference hall.

"You mean the silence?

It is," the other replied, his thick moustache twitching as he spoke.

"I mean, for the past few days, every demon sighting has been taken care of before our strike teams even arrive.

Just yesterday, a Hellstain erupted in a major town—yet before Warrior Olivia reached the site, it had already vanished.

" The woman’s tone carried amazement as she recited the latest report.

"Do you think it could be William?

" the man asked curiously.

The woman scoffed.

"That man doesn’t lift a finger unless pushed.

Forget demon hunting—he wouldn’t even go on a walk without being ordered.

" "You’re right.

The Council only keeps him around for emergencies.

Then who...

" The man lowered his voice, glancing around.

"Who is out there in the shadows, cleaning up before we even arrive?

" It was a valid concern.

Someone—or something—with enough power to erase threats before they escalated.

So far, this presence had only helped them.

But power that acted unseen could easily shift from helpful to dangerous.

Especially if it didn’t answer to anyone.

Moments later, the two entered the grand conference hall, where the other eleven Council Heads were already gathered.

Without a word, they took their seats as the meeting began.

"We are gathered today to address the growing number of demon sightings across multiple nations—particularly concentrated in the northern region," the lead speaker announced.

After a pause, someone asked, "Is there a pattern?

Any specific nation or town being targeted?

" An analyst stood and answered, "Yes, Sir.

Most sightings are clustering around Eryndor.

" "Eryndor?

" one of the council heads scoffed.

"What do those mindless beasts stand to gain there?

That country has nothing of value left.

" Eryndor’s condition was grim.

The nation had already suffered great losses in past wars and was barely standing, constantly strained by its long-standing feud with Drenovar.

"Still...

" the analyst continued, "Eryndor sits at the center of the continent.

Its location alone makes this no coincidence.

These sightings are too frequent and too specific.

It’s deliberate.

The demons are targeting them.

" If Drenovar—or even the Council’s own forces near the Sea of Separation—were attacked, it would’ve made some sense.

But Eryndor?

A heavy silence settled over the hall.

Each head weighed the possibilities, the implications.

Then, someone spoke.

"...

What if it’s because of the warrior working from the shadows?

" All eyes turned to the speaker.

"We haven’t figured out who this anomaly is—the one who’s been clearing demon threats before anyone else arrives.

But maybe we’ve been thinking about it the wrong way," he said.

"Maybe these demons are not just random threats.

Maybe they’re being drawn out by this person.

Maybe...

they’re appearing because of the warrior.

" The room fell into silence at the assumption.

Not so long after a person asked, "Does anyone have any idea who this person could be?

" The analyst responded, "Uh...

have we forgotten about the S-rank warrior whom we have been trying to recruit for a long time?

" "....!

" Many eyes widened as they nearly forgot about her.

Soon, a council head demanded, "We must send someone and investigate this.

" ••••••• "Valerie?!

" Anastasia called out, rushing toward her daughter as she spotted her near the hallway.

"Mom?

" Valerie turned, frowning slightly at her mother’s panicked expression.

"What’s wrong?

" Anastasia looked genuinely shaken.

"I—I just saw someone who looked exactly like Austin in the kitchen!

" Valerie couldn’t help but let out a small laugh.

"That’s because it is Austin, Mom.

He’s not a clone.

" She gave a teasing smile.

"Your son-in-law wanted to prepare breakfast for us today.

" Anastasia blinked.

"Wait, does he usually cook for people?

" Valerie shook her head.

"Only for the ones he wants to impress.

" That made Anastasia pause, the tension in her face softening just a bit.

She opened her mouth to say something but was cut off by her daughter gently pushing her toward the hallway.

"Go freshen up, Mom.

He’s just trying to make a good impression.

" Anastasia still seemed a little overwhelmed but eventually gave a slow nod and walked off.

Valerie turned and made her way toward the kitchen.

She found Austin already at work, moving around the space with focus—stirring, slicing, and keeping an eye on the stovetop like a seasoned chef.

Without saying a word, she stepped up behind him and gently wrapped her arms around his waist.

"Morning," he said with a soft smile, still facing the stove.

"Did you sleep well?

" "Mmhmm," Valerie hummed, inching closer.

"With you beside me, I sleep like a baby.

" She leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to his cheek, her lips lingering just a little longer than needed.

Austin let out a quiet breath, still focused on the pan—but his ears had turned slightly red.

"How about you wait at the table?

" he asked, voice low, almost cautious.

"I’ll be done in a few minutes.

" Valerie’s eyes sparkled with mischief.

"Why?

" she grinned, slipping her arms around his waist again.

"You don’t want me around?

" She kissed him again—this time closer to the corner of his lips.

Austin’s grip on the egg tightened, his knuckles whitening.

"Val...

" he muttered, jaw tense, "you know why.

" But that didn’t stop her.

Her fingers began trailing slowly up his chest, her lips brushing against the shell of his ear as she whispered, voice dripping with playful heat, "Unless you tell me...

I won’t understand.

" Austin swallowed hard.

"I’m trying to cook here," he murmured, fighting a losing battle against the urge to spin around and pin her right there.

Valerie let out a sultry little laugh, pulling back just enough to look at him.

"You can’t expect me to behave when my lord looks so good in this apron?

" Austin heaved a sigh before telling her, "This is the first step to impress your parents.

Please have some mercy on me.

" Valerie giggled before she gave another brief kiss and stepped away.

Leaning against the counter, she asked, "Mom was really surprised.

I am sure Dad would be too.

" Austin arrived last night, but it was too late, so they chatted briefly.

Today was the real day.

Austin wanted to spend this day with his in-laws and assure them that their daughter was in good hands.

"Well, I hope I can convince my father-in-law not to find another son-in-law this time around.

" Valerie sighed remembering that meeting with her father and the whole ordeal.

Austin glanced at her before apologizing, "I am sorry if I reminded you of something bad.

" Valerie shook her head, "No, it’s okay.

Nowadays, nothing makes me sad.

" With a beautiful smile she added, "With everyone back to us, the only thing I feel is elation.

" Austin smiled at the girl as he finished cooking breakfast.

"Leave these to the maids.

They would serve it.

" Valerie said as she offered her hand to Austin Austin took her hand and they stepped out of the kitchen together.

They slowly walked down the hallway as Austin asked, "Hey, Val...

do you think I should help Rhea realize her origin and improve her skills?

" She is the reincarnation of Kane, and the sooner she realizes the stronger she will be when the demon Lord appears.

While Austin had already prepared a plan on how to deal with the danger, he wanted a few strong generals to stand on his side just in case.

And Rhea could be one of them.

Valerie’s hold turned stiff on his hand as she looked away and said, "Not now...

wait for a few weeks.

" Austin hummed in question, "Did something happen?

" Valerie thought of not telling him for a moment, but then, she revealed, "She still has feelings for you.

And with those feelings, if you approach her, she would hope that maybe she has a chance.

" Austin sighed...

yes, there was that too.

Rhea was...

attached to Austin like any other man around her.

Maybe because she sympathizes with him?

Regardless, as Valerie said, Rhea still might have some feelings for him.

"Alright.

I won’t approach her.

Not now, at least.

" Now that Parkinson wasn’t blamed and Rudolph was by her side, her focus would remain on them most of the time.

They chatted casually and made their way to the reception—only to pause as a butler hurriedly stepped inside the mansion.

"Terry, what’s the matter?

" Valerie asked, bringing a halt to his hurried steps.

The butler turned toward the lady before informing them, "Someone from the Council has arrived and they are asking for a meeting.

" Valerie frowned while Austin gestured to the butler to proceed.

"The Council...

this soon?

" Valerie asked while glancing at Austin.

The blond one shrugged, "Well, let’s see what they have to say.

" Not so long after, Valerie’s father stepped out of his room, all dressed up before he glanced at the two teenagers.

"Valerie...

it would be better for you to be inside.

" Valerie frowned, but before she could say anything, Austin said, "I think they are here for her, Father.

" Adam frowned before he wordlessly stepped out.

°°°°°°°° A/N:- Thanks for reading.

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