Crushing flags and claiming the Villainess - Chapter 118

Chapter 118: Chapter 117- Wounded heart
Rhea and Rudolph were heading to their respective rooms after they had dinner. There was no one but the three—who came from the academy—present on the dining table.

All the other members were in their room. Naturally, what has happened today, they would need some time to collect their thoughts.

“It was…pure madness. I could have never thought that the First Prince would be like that.” Rudolph voiced followed by a weary sigh.

His father used to praise Aiden a lot in the past, and after Rudolph sparred against Aiden a couple of times, he also realized that he was a good man.

In the past, whenever Austin said anything against his elder brother, Rudolph thought that he was just jealous. However, now…

“Truth be told when I heard things from the soldier, I didn’t think that things would be that messed up. However, after arriving here and after hearing from Sir Sebastian, I realized that I was underestimating him. He truly was a low life.”

Rhea muttered with a disdainful look on her face.

“Yeah…just think about it. He actually manipulated his parents and the council members. Her Majesty is in a critical condition now because of him.”

The queen collapsed after she saw Aiden’s dead body. When the medic checked on her, it turned out that rather than the shock it was the sudden disconnection of Shard’s ability that caused severe backslash to her mind.

It would take some time for her to recover since everything related to one’s mind needs critical attention.

Rhea remained silent for a brief moment, before she uttered, “Parkinson’s parents…asked His Majesty to abandon Austin so they can hunt him down.”

Rudolph’s expression turned grim, “Do you think they proposed it to take revenge?”

Rhea looked at him with an exasperated look, “What else do you think? And in my opinion, it must be Parkinson himself who must have asked them to somehow harm Austin that brought that proposal.”

With her fist clenched, Rhea muttered under her breath, ‘You are no better than Aiden…just pray we never come across each other.’

——^^——

Austin was inside his room, lying down on his bed, thinking back on whatever had happened in these few days.

He went to Drenovar and made and changed many plans before something unexpected but fortunate for him showed up, allowing Austin to gain what he came for.

Then he returned home, with the intention to just share the good news and threatened the bastard about his position as the crown prince. He wanted to take this a bit longer since Austin didn’t have any evidence to prove Aiden guilty and let the world know his true face.

However, call it coincidence or his good luck, Rhea and the others also arrived at the same time, with walking evidence against Aiden beside them.

Whatever Sebastian proposed in the court was completely unexpected. Austin didn’t know when but the older one had already sensed Aiden’s true personality and intentions.

‘Well, whatever happened is for good…’ His decision to never become the next king came because of two reasons—first because he doesn’t want to get tied down by the throne. That would surely restrict his movements, and become an obstacle in his preparation for the final war.

The second was…his mourning soul which was slightly affected by those scornful eyes of the lady whom he considered his mother for a long time.

‘Was I really sad at that time…’ Austin heaved a sigh as he closed his eyes.

Maybe a part of him was actually hurt at that time…facing those scornful eyes and those hate-laced words.

‘Haah…well, can’t fight it…’ Deciding to change the topic, Austin asked the system,

‘Show me my stats,’ He hasn’t checked it ever since he returned from death.

[Ding!]

[Combat: 45-> 63/100]

{Next reward at 80}

[Ding!]

[You have gained one reward!]

[Romance: 51->58/100]

{Next reward at 60}

[Durability: 57->68/100]

{Next reward at 80}

[Ding!]

[You have gained a reward!]

[Trickery: 31/100]

{Next reward at 35}

[Overall Progression: 44->53.5/100]

[Next Reward at 70]

[Ding!]

[You have unlocked a reward!]

…

Austin was taken aback by that absurd growth in his stats.

‘System…?’

[In the short duration during which you fought the Great Demon, your stats significantly rose, and when the berserk mode wore off, some stats received a significant boost.]

‘Damn…’ He couldn’t have imagined that facing death from that close would allow him to fill the overall progression by half.

And the three rewards were the icing on the cake.

The overall progression provides some sick rewards, which explains why Austin seemed so excited.

He was about to check the rewards, when suddenly,

*CLINK* *CLINK*

Someone knocked on his window, ushering Austin to turn his head…only to find his beloved somehow hanging by the window sill.

Austin hurried toward the window before opening it for her, “Thank you…” She muttered before jumping inside.

“You could have come through the door, y’know. This isn’t the dorms after all.”

Valerie’s lashes fluttered while her cheeks adapted redness, as she said, “Visiting my fiancée at this hour would have…caused numerous rumors…”

Austin grinned as he encircled his arms around her slender waist before whispering, “I welcome every rumor that keeps Austin and Valerie’s name connected.”

Valerie blushed even more furiously as she suddenly felt her legs turned wobbly.

“This…I baked this for you.”

She suddenly showed him the bag of cookies she brought along.

“Hmm? Did you bake them now? What was the rush?” Austin could tell that the cookies were still warm.

Valerie directed her upturned gaze in his direction before whispering, “I heard sweet things heal wounded hearts.”

Austin was taken aback by that statement, as he looked at his lover with his eyes slightly widened, “You…think…I am sad?”

Valerie slowly nodded in assent.

…it was strange…that without asking him or talking to him, she realized that he was sad. Even though he tried so hard to not let others know about it…

‘Nothing can remain hidden to the one who loves you…’

Austin suddenly smiled before he took out one of the cookies and bit it.

Maybe yeah…he was indeed sad.

Valerie was about to ask something, when suddenly,

*Knock*

“Austin…can we talk?”

It was his father.

——-^^——

A/N:- Thanks for reading.