Crushing flags and claiming the Villainess - Chapter 126

Chapter 126: Chapter 125- Worth?
Early in the morning, everyone gathered at the main gate of the academy.

They were told to wear their field uniform since the journey was a little long and they would need to camp outside as well.

If they travel at a moderate pace, then they will reach the venue by tomorrow morning.

And that was perfect since tomorrow evening would be the opening ceremony of the tournament.

Those who aren’t participating in the tournament can only come the day after tomorrow to watch the matches. Their transportation would be arranged by the academy as well.

The sixteen students, along with the backup team have gathered at the main entrance.

Valerie was looking in the distance silently, wondering if she should have visited Austin’s room since he hadn’t arrived until now.

‘Because of me …he slept late.’ Even when she tried to feel guilty, she couldn’t.

Last night…they flirted until late and then cuddled a whole lot. However, since Valerie had to prepare for the trip she didn’t stay there and returned.

And it seems like, because of her, he got late in waking up.

“You seem quite worried.”

Valerie turned to look at the person.

“Good morning, President.” She greeted her—the student council President, Rothaux Anabelle.

The redhead President had braided her hair in a high ponytail and the uniform was clinging to her body in a way which made the boy glance at her more than it seemed appropriate.

Valerie…felt slightly better that Austin didn’t see her like this…but for how long?

“Your lover is late. Shouldn’t have kept him awake~” Anna teasingly said, which made Valerie flinch. But then she realized that she was just teasing her, so she responded casually,

“He must have been training until late.”

Anna raised her brows, “He does give the impression of a diligent child.”

Valerie smiled slightly and soon they both turned silent, standing side by side.

Anna had her hands crossed behind her back, and her eyes rested on nothing constant, as she asked, “Hey, Valerie….although I watched Austin’s match, I want to know, do you trust his strength enough to be a part of this tournament?”

Valerie’s eyes turned cold, as she asked, “What do you mean by that?”

Normally, that gaze and that tone would have easily made anyone flustered, however, Anna retained her composure and asked her, “You know I would be given the role to lead the squad matches…to decide the teams based on what the Elites could do. And Austin is the only person with whom I have never participated in any activity before so I am uncertain about him.”

Valerie didn’t lose her cool. Although she didn’t like it when someone talked like that about her beloved, she knew losing her cool here would be foolish on her end. What Anna was saying was true. She didn’t mean to degrade Austin—she was really curious and worried about the upcoming tournament.

Valerie confidently said, “He may lack experience in group missions and he might be an unexpected addition for you…but I can say for certain that Austin won’t drag anyone down during the tournament. You can give him any role and he would excel.”

Anna kept looking at Valerie for a few moments.

Was it her feelings that were clouding her judgment, or did she really feel so?

Although Bella has seen Austin’s two matches, one when he fought the speedster and one when he fought against the teleportation girl.

There was no doubt that the guy has a high battle IQ, but can he fit in the team?

‘Why am I even questioning this when I have no other choice…Austin has already proven himself to be in this group, so I just need to trust his strength and place him in a spot where he can shine.’

Seeing the blond guy advancing, Anna stepped away, rejoining her previous group.

….

Austin hurried toward the main entrance as he found his beloved standing there with a complicated look on her face

Her brows were slightly drawn closer and her lips were pursed.

She didn’t even notice him until Austin reached near her and waved his hand before her eyes, “Hey, are you okay?”

Valerie was startled, as she hurriedly said, “Y-You…are here. Good morning.”

She regained her composure and greeted him.

Austin raised his brows as he glanced at the President, who had been chatting with Valerie until he arrived.

In a whisper, he asked, “Did she say something? The President?”

Valerie bit her lips…unsure if she should tell her Lord about it or not. In the end, she decided to not hide it from him,

“She was…concerned about your place in the team. She said that you have never been a part of any of the groups she worked with. That’s why she is unsure about your spot.”

Austin heaved a sigh as he rested his hands on his silly fiancée’s shoulder before telling her, “And you are concerned about that? Didn’t I say that I would be facing these kinds of questions a lot? And you cannot blame the President since until a few weeks ago, I couldn’t even hunt a D-rank beast on my own.”

“But you have become stronger…you have earned your place in this tournament.”

Austin nodded, “I know and she knows as well. However, these slight clouds of doubt will remain until I don’t perform well in the tournament. So stop worrying about it.” Saying so, he brought the girl closer to him, hugging her shoulder and pressing her face against his chest.

Valerie also readily accepted the hug since she needed it. Her restless heart was searching for this warmth.

Soon the vice-headmaster and the chief instructor arrived by the main entrance and told the students,

“The carriage has been prepared. Follow me.” Turning around, he began walking out of the academy.

Everyone followed him silently until they reached the carriages.

There were four of them, and all of them were ordinary but longer than an average carriage.

“Sit according to your preference but don’t step inside the last one,” Harold spoke in his usual stern tone.

Because it was him, not the headmaster, no one dared to move noisily, and everyone sat inside the carriages one after another—choosing to sit with their friends and lovers.

Naturally, Valerie and Austin also sat in the same carriage, followed by Rudolph and Rhea, who also found it more comfortable to sit with those with whom they were acquainted.

“Hey,” Rhea greeted the duo as she sat across from them.

*Dhak*

The carriage moved slightly as Rudolph sat down.

His massive frame and above-average size made the spacious carriage look small.

“Woke up late?” Rudolph asked with his brows raised.

Austin heaved a sigh, “Was just taking my time to pack things up.”

Rhea suddenly asked, “You have packed formal clothes too?” She looked worried?

Austin blinked, “No…why?”

Rhea grew more worried, “But there is a ceremony tomorrow, right? We will need to wear formal dresses, right?”

Austin sighed while Valerie rolled her eyes.

It was Rudolph who informed her, “We have to wear our academy’s uniform during the ceremony because that shows from where we come, and whom we represent.”

Rhea had an embarrassed expression, “I should have guessed…gah.” Her shoulders slumped as she regretted packing so many things in her bag…to the point, that there was no room left to even adjust a med kit inside.

She really needs to learn from Valerie. So prepared and composed all the time.

*Click*

The doors of the carriage opened, only to reveal two people—a girl and a boy.

“Ooh~” Rudolph had a smirk on his face as he identified the two people.

The two people who got defeated by Austin and Valerie in the trials.

Elara and Ryan.

“Oh, I am leaving.” Elara instantly turned around, ready to sit in any carriage—even the roof of it would work—but this one.

However, the moment she turned around, she found the vice-headmaster standing there, making the girl flinch before she heard him say,

“All the other carriages are full, so go sit inside.”

“Y-Yes.” In front of Harold, no one dared to talk. And the same goes for Elara.

She instantly climbed the carriage and sat beside Austin. Beside Rudolph, Ryan took a seat.

Ryan was slightly on the leaned side so there was no problem for him to comfortably sit beside Rudolph.

On the other side, Austin and Valerie were both lean and were sitting quite close, that’s why there was enough space for two people to sit.

As such, Elara chose to sit as far as she could from the last man she wanted to share the seat with.

Neither Ryan said a word nor Elara turned to look at them.

Seeing the tension in the air, Rhea couldn’t help but mutter, ‘This is going to be one awkward journey…’

°°°°°°

A/N:- I hope you all liked the chapter. Drop a comment.