Crushing flags and claiming the Villainess - Chapter 107

Chapter 107: Chapter 106- Her savior
That night, in the main palace.

The family of six was gathered at one place as the youngest of the family told others about her encounter today.

“Lord….you really will be my death someday, Sophie.” The one who spoke was the current head of the family and king of Drenovar—Idris.

The man had a long black beard, his pale green eyes gleaming with a sharp, calculating light. His jet-black hair cascaded past his shoulders, framing a face carved with experience. With his broad, imposing build, he exuded an aura of sheer dominance—one that demanded respect without a word.

Yet now, that fearsome presence was clouded by something rare—concern. His brows knit together, his jaw clenched slightly as he and the others took in the news of the youngest’s reckless venture.

It wasn’t the first time for Sophie to run away from the palace like this, using her Shard. However, the situation was critical at the moment, with the appearance of the Stain.

“Sophie, you do know that our palace is about half as big as the town, right? Why don’t you run around inside?” The oldest child of the family, Hazir spoke up. He was currently combing his sister’s hair after massaging her head with oil.

“I usually don’t speak against it, but today, you took an extreme step, princess.” The first queen—Zahra chided the little one.

The lady has flowing red hair that reaches her waist and a pair of bright blue eyes. She was weaving a sweater for her grandchild, who could be born any day now.

Sophie giggled, “But it was fortunate in a way too, you know, got to meet someone interesting.” Sophie hugged her legs as she recalled the person who saved her.

Those sharp eyes, the long flowing hair—the way he gallantly saved her, cutting down the demon with effortless grace. His battle style, the sheer elegance in every movement—it was so mesmerizing that she could still recall each motion with perfect clarity.

She was so mesmerized in that moment, that Sophie remained standing at the spot even after he left.

The second Prince noticed her sister’s gaze…it was the same which a maiden possessed when she,

“Is in love,” Tavrin spoke up, grabbing everyone’s attention.

Sophie was jolted out of her reverie as she turned toward her brother.

Tavrin grinned, “Considering the series of love affairs I have—” the boy was smacked on his head by his mother, but still continued with a smile, “—I can tell that my sister is in love.”

The second Queen shook her head, “Don’t listen to his words.” However,

“Is it true, Princess?” The patriarch of the family narrowed his eyes

Sophie had a profound blush on her face as she retorted, “He is talking nonsense, father. Don’t listen to him.” Seriously, how can he say something like that in front of Father?!

The youngest Prince teasingly added, “But there definitely is something. You have never shown that expression after coming across a guy. Tell me, do you like him?”

Sophie couldn’t duck any lower to hide her face.

Each eye of her family member was now on her.

Does she like him?

But they didn’t even share a word…more like he only told her to leave, before dashing away. Does he even know who she was? Would he care? But why would he care when she isn’t even sure of her feelings?

While the Princess was dwelling deeper into her thoughts, the people around her—who all have their love tales and experiences—could tell that Sophie definitely had something about the boy.

Suddenly, the Patriarch got up from his seat—startling Sophie as she thought that he might be angry.

However, just as he was about to turn around and leave, he voiced, “Bring him before me tomorrow. I will first assess the brat who dares to corrupt my pure daughter.”

As the patriarch left, Sophie glanced at her mother, and after receiving a nod from her, a blooming smile appeared on her face.

°°°°°°°

“So here is the plan,” Austin began, “I will go inside the palace through the water pipes and wait for the right moment. If I can get the blood of any servant or family member, I will use the mask of disguise.”

While showing the wooden mask, he continued, “I will somehow reach the former king before the time runs out and help him with his illness using the eternal flower extract.”

Heaving a sigh, he added, “I need to make him understand that despite having the opportunity, I didn’t kill him but rather saved him. If this works, then good, and if it doesn’t…well, you two know what you need to do.”

Sebastian nodded, “Form a distraction for you to escape, right?”

Valerie added, “And if we fail, you will use the Stopwatch to get out and we will leave immediately.”

Austin nodded in agreement, “That’s right. However, it’s highly unlikely they would chase me out given their close bonding.” At some point, it was constantly highlighted in the game that the family was quite close. They can take their lives and sacrifice themselves for each other.

If the world was sticking to the game, then saving the former king, who is still quite adored by the current king, would allow Austin to gain the truce.

Turning towards his lover, Austin relayed, “Now Valerie, as I have mentioned before you cannot use your Shard here, okay?”

The reason was simple: the members of the Union Council.

When someone gets registered in their directory as a potential member of the Council, they closely study them—so naturally, they must have heard or seen the Shiverfall before.

That’s why, Austin told Valerie to avoid using her Shard as long as possible.

“Understood.” Valerie gave a firm nod.

…

They didn’t stay up for long since they would be initiating their mission early in the morning tomorrow.

The water pressure would be with Austin in the morning, and his newly acquired skill, ‘Aqua Lungs,’ would surely come in handy. Now the problem was his inexperience in swimming in such a compact space. But well, he knew he would somehow overcome the difficulty.

“Goodnight, sir.” Sebastian gave a short bow at the door before making his way towards the room across from the gallery

They have rented only two rooms because there were only two rooms available.

Austin and Valerie had already spent the night together before, but still, whenever Austin closed the door and locked it like that, her heart trembled.

Austin smiled softly at the girl who was already lying down on the bed with her hands sticking close to her body.

“Don’t be so stiff, Val.” Austin spoke as he reached the bed and laid down beside her, “It’s not the first time for us.”

Valerie covered her face with the blanket, as she watched her Lord from close.

Soon her cheeks were dyed red as she uttered,

“Lights…turn it off.”

Austin raised his brows, “Hmm? What’s the rush?”

With her gaze drawing down, she uttered in a barely audible voice, “I…I feel shy seeing you from this close.”

Austin chuckled, “We have been together for so long yet your resistance is so low. Learn from me. Even though my heart is beating so fast being so close to you, I can maintain a calm demeanor.”

Valerie’s raven brows went up slightly as she moved her hand and touched his chest.

*Ba* *Dum* *Ba* *Dum*

Indeed…his heart was racing.

That means…she wasn’t the only one?

That makes her happy.

Austin soon leaned forward before kissing her forehead and whispering, “Good night.” Tapping on the table lamp, he allowed the room to be engulfed by darkness.

°°°°°°

The storm raged, thunder cracking like the earth itself was splitting apart. Rain poured in relentless sheets, turning the ocean into a writhing mass of black waves.

And from the depths, they came.

Shadows surged beneath the water, massive shapes twisting and writhing just beneath the surface. Then, the first one broke through—a monstrous octopus, its slimy tentacles wriggling as if tasting the air. Upon its back sat a demon, its flesh pale and slick like something long drowned, hollow eyes glowing with hunger.

More followed.

Serpents as thick as towers, their scales glistening under the lightning. Giant crustaceans with jagged pincers, dragging themselves over the waves. Fanged leviathans, their gaping maws lined with rows of shifting teeth. And on each beast, a rider—horned demons with jagged weapons, their bodies twisted, their grins wide and cruel.

They didn’t roar. They didn’t shriek.

They simply advanced, silent but unstoppable, the storm itself bending to their will.

The cluster of demons was all heading in a single direction. The presence of the Demon Lord and the human nations would become their new stronghold.

In the front was the sole demon that remained laying down over a huge wyvern, as he led his pack.

The shore loomed ahead. Soon, the slaughter would begin.

°°°°°°°

A/N:- The arc is about to end. Share your thoughts.