Crushing flags and claiming the Villainess - Chapter 106

Chapter 106: Chapter 105- Tough choice
[Capital of Eryndor]

Aiden was in his room, looking at the large clipboard in front of him.

On the board, there were several names: Valerie, Austin, Eryndor, Council, and Hener.

His plans were simple: first, resolve the situation with Drenovar using Hener’s help, and while he does so, he would get rid of Austin. And then using his influence, he would somehow get close to Valerie—a person who would become an influential figure in the future with her connection with the Council.

Through Valerie, Aiden would build connections with the Council, and with Hener, Aiden was planning on starting a very profitable business to boost Eryndor’s vaults.

His plans were all set and he had already arranged people who would be useful in his venture.

However, his impulsive decision of poisoning the king and failing at it, increased difficulty. Although Hener helped him by throwing the bait of disowning Austin, the sick king has yet to make up his mind.

‘I can’t let the pieces fall from their standings. I need to make sure that Austin dies before Drenovar loses its cool.’ Thankfully, Drenovar was currently suffering from a Hellstain, so it was highly unlikely they would be attacking anytime soon.

Amidst all this, Aiden has somehow lost Austin’s track. The foolish kid who was easy to provoke has been showing some dangerous traits.

Not caring about his mother, having a secret chat with the King, and the most annoying thing, his closeness with Valerie.

‘That damn woman can be a big obstacle in my path…’ S-rank warriors cannot be taken lightly. They are powerhouses who can go against an army, and come out victorious as well. Although Valerie doesn’t have much experience, she still has the attention of the Council, and individually, she is on a whole different level.

Her recent closeness to Austin would make things difficult. Even during Austin’s exile, Valerie would surely insist on accompanying him…and if that happens, there was a high chance for Hener to fail to assassinate him.

‘Before that…I need to first get a report of their whereabouts …’ It was the third day since the soldier was sent to the academy. Aiden wanted to make sure that Austin had returned to the Academy rather than wandering around.

…however, until now, that useless soldier hasn’t returned.

*Knock*

“You have a letter, my lord.” Hearing the words, Aiden approached the door.

Unlocking the door, he found the familiar maid standing there while holding the letter, “It was sent through WarpMail.”

Aiden frowned; someone sent a WarpMail? Considering how costly it is, the soldier shouldn’t have sent it, most likely.

Aiden took the letter before closing the door.

Returning to the table, he sat down and first inspected the letter for any trap or curse.

After careful inspection, he took out a small knife and parted the seal from the envelope.

“Hmmm?” Upon looking inside, he found it was from Morkel.

Aiden sent a letter to Morkel three days ago, asking if Austin had returned. The only reason why Aiden still sent the soldier was because of his lack of trust in that Professor.

[Your informer,

The snooping dog you sent was caught by the Hunter. Possibly died soon after. The playground is being guarded now.

About your beloved swine, I spotted him. Don’t worry.]

Aiden narrowed his eyes….that useless soldier was caught? Didn’t he have an invisibility skill?

‘The security of the academy has been increased huh?’ It was natural that once a spy got caught, they would double the security. More so, when the trials were going on.

‘Well, that helps…’ Aiden was originally planning on sending more troops to check on the academy. However, after reading the letter, he decided to not take the risk.

‘Beloved swine…eh.’ Aiden chuckled. Fortunately, Austin was back in school. Now, he won’t need to worry about his whereabouts and can wait for the old man to make the decision.

‘I guess I was worrying for nothing.’ bringing the letter to the candle, he allowed it to burn into ashes.

°°°°°°°

Sebastian and Valerie were waiting for Austin in the room, and not so long after, the ex-blond walked inside the room.

Sebastian noticed a folded paper in his master’s hand, that ushered him to ask, “What is that, sir?”

Austin told him, “We will get to that eventually.”

Turning toward his fiancée, Austin asked, “Did you notice anything strange at the site?”

Valerie shook her head, “Just the amount of demons spawning was less, and the soldiers were handling them easily.”

That was expected. The stain was, not directly, but still under the effect of the sunlight.

Sitting on the chair, Austin said, “I met a stray demonized soldier while I was observing the medic.”

Sebastian frowned, “Did you get attacked, sir?”

Valerie also looked worried, knowing full well what would happen if someone got damaged by that being.

However, “No, it wasn’t me who was its target—it was a little girl.” Heaving a sigh and leaning back in his seat, Austin added, “I, naturally, saved her by defeating the demon without any problem. But the major problem arrived when the girl showed her real face.”

Valerie gasped, “Did she backstab you?” She was already half risen from the bed to check on him.

However, “No, Valerie…rather, she literally showed her real face by undoing the effect of her Shard and revealing the face of Princess of Drenovar.”

“…!” Sebastian was stunned while Valerie’s eyes widened.

“You…ended up saving the Princess and she saw your face?” Sebastian asked, only to get a nod in return.

“I had no clue that a Shard could have such a strange ability…and now, the Princess calls me her savior.”

The expression of shock on Valerie’s face was wiped away, and more of a solemn look appeared.

Austin, for now, ignored her and continued, “To thank me, she has invited me to the palace tomorrow. She wants to reward me.”

Sebastian raised his brows, “That…can actually work, young master. Rather than using any back route, you can enter the palace as a savior. For saving their princess they surely will be in your debt, and if you end up healing the former King, they would practically embrace you and Eryndor with open arms.”

The plan was perfect and more plausible than any of the plans Austin and Sebastian had devised until now.

However, “I don’t want you to go.” A clear rejection from Valerie.

Her head was leaning down as she muttered, “I know I must be sounding unreasonable, but I don’t want you to meet them as her savior. I just…don’t want to.”

Austin heaved a sigh; he knew something like this would happen.

Sebastian understood the situation. Although far-fetched, there was a strong possibility the King of Drenovar would arrange a marriage between the two children to solidify the alliance between their kingdoms.

Austin voiced, “I knew you wouldn’t agree, that’s why I brought this.”

Austin revealed what was in the paper finally.

The water supply system of Drenovar main castle.

Sebastian’s brows grew closer as he read the map, and asked, “You don’t mean to say…that you are going to infiltrate the palace, right sir?”

“We have no other option, Sebas.” Austin explained, “I kept an eye on the medic and he always remains surrounded by soldiers. If we want to impersonate the doctor, then we would need its blood and also have to knock him out and keep away from the palace in the meantime. That’s too risky.”

Sebastian pinched the bridge of his nose; he expected that much. However,

“The water refinery is about five hundred meters away from the palace, how will you hold your breath for that long? Not to talk about the water pressure might not be with you.”

Austin assured him, “I have recently acquired a skill which will help me. Don’t worry about that.”

Sebastian was taken aback….how could he possibly gain a skill when his Shard hadn’t evolved yet?

First that axe and now this…his young master was full of surprises.

Valerie, who has been silent until now, suddenly asked, “Sebastian..can you leave us alone for some time?”

The grey-haired man raised his brows, before turning towards Austin.

Upon getting the nod, the man gave a short bow and excused himself. He would probably keep an eye on the Stain in the meantime.

Once Sebastian was out of the room, Valerie looked up. There were tears in her eyes, and the emotions Austin could read were definitely guilt,

“If you are going to risk your life…then I would rather let you go with her…” She said those words which, her past self couldn’t have believed she did.

However, considering how much risk Austin was about to take, she would rather have him choose the safer path. His life is more important than anything.

Austin smiled at the foolish girl before telling her, “You don’t need to feel guilty, Val. There is a high chance that just as I identified the Princess, she might have as well. And her inviting me is just a trap.”

Getting closer to her, he wrapped his hand around her head before bringing her closer, “So don’t cry, now. You know it hurts me, right?”

In his embrace, she shed tears, while feeling her heart getting heavier.

Was her love for him…putting him in danger?