Crushing flags and claiming the Villainess - Chapter 27

Chapter 27: Chapter 26- Sudden visit(1)
Was there any specific reason for which Austin had to approach Rhea?

Yeah, he had. Not because Rudolph asked him to, but rather, once Austin remembered the reason why Rhea seemed so upset because of that incident, he feared that the Protagonist might end up killing herself.

Although he didn’t like the pinkhead much, it was an irrefutable fact that Rhea was a necessary asset for him and this world. She is the only living entity who can summon two soul shards at one time and can slay the Demon Lord.

As such Austin has to ensure that she doesn’t end up taking any step that can change the world’s fate for the worst.

That’s why after talking with Valerie and asking her to remain nearby, Austin approached Rhea.

Valerie didn’t seem to be willing but when Austin told her about Rhea’s situation, she didn’t say anything. She never stopped him from meeting her, however, when the reluctance in her eyes subdued, Austin felt comfortable approaching Rhea.

Why was he being so mindful of Valerie’s opinion? Well, of course, he would care about what his partner likes and what she doesn’t. In the future there might arise instances where Austin wouldn’t like her accompanying someone, so he would naturally express his displeasure.

After his talk with Valerie, he asks Rudolph where he can find the pink-head

“The last bench in the garden; where she always goes at times like these…”

Austin nodded before, with Valerie’s help he walked towards the garden

Once they spotted the girl, Valerie said, “I will be nearby.”

Austin nodded before he advanced toward the Protagonist.

Staring at the sky, she remained sitting silently. Her eyes were red and her whole demeanor showed how tired she was of her life.

“Can I sit here?”

She jerked in surprise hearing his voice before turning toward Austin and hurriedly getting up, “Yeah, sure. Ah, why are you roaming around like this when you haven’t recovered yet?”

She saw him limping slightly so she tried to help him—only to flinch as she sensed an ominous presence from nearby.

However, when she turned she found no one there.

‘Strange ..’

“The nurse said that it was okay to take a few minutes of walk….” Austin said while he settled down on the bench.

Rhea didn’t bother to check why she felt so horrified just now and sat down beside the blond Prince.

“How is your health now? Does it still hurt?” She asked in concern.

Austin shrugged, “Better than before; thanks to Valerie’s support.”

Rhea fondly smiled, “I saw you two earlier. Seriously, the way she takes care of you…I feel I should learn from her.”

Austin smiled—he likes it when someone praises his lover.

“Well, she is a sweet girl.” He sighed as the duo turned momentarily silent after that.

Glancing at her, Austin asked, “What about you? How is it going?”

Rhea didn’t raise her head to look at him as she muttered, “Doing good. Valerie did knock me out back then but it was still nothing compared to how much pain I had received during training.”

“I am not talking about your physical health, Rhea.” Austin plainly stated, making Rhea flinch.

She still refused to look at him as she sighed.

There were a few moments of silence and Austin didn’t urge her to speak.

Finally, after she collected her thoughts, Rhea spoke, “There was someone close to me…when I used to live alone back in the town. He was my neighbor, a sweet guy. He was six years older than me, and when he found out that I lived alone, he started caring about me…you know, providing food once in a while, bringing me stuff from his farm.”

There was a pause, the girl seemingly quite sensitive about the topic, as she continued, “I adored him as a brother…but it turned out he had some other thoughts about me.”

Leaning back, she said, “One of those days, he drugged me and tried to force himself on me. I escaped since my natural tolerance against drugs is quite strong, and later, when people searched his home, numerous disturbing things were found.”

Austin asked, “Just like Parkinson?”

She glanced at him, before nodding, “Yup, just like him, that guy was also a creep. Collecting my things and using them for whatnot.”

Austin was aware of the incident. Canonically, when Parkinson hears about it, he decides to change himself, and the fact that he once used to stalk Rhea is never revealed.

A weary sigh seeped through her lips, as the girl muttered, “That’s why…I felt so shaken up when I found out that my best friend was the same as that guy. I was shaken down to my core and couldn’t bear to look at Parkinson again.”

With her expression turning a little sad, she added, “And since that day, I have been ignoring Rudolph as well…I can’t tell him the reason why I am like this.”

“Then why did you tell me?” Austin asked. Rudolph was as close to her as Austin was. However, she didn’t hesitate to disclose her past to Austin.

Rhea smiled at the blond one before confessing, “Because I knew you wouldn’t sympathize with me, and that would save me from feeling pathetic.”

Austin chuckled, “I seemed to have formed a very cold perception in your eyes.”

“More like you have reserved all your warmth and love for a certain someone.” Her smile was contagious, which urged Austin to smile as well, in response.

Rhea got up, “Okay then, let’s go back. I will be fine by tomorrow. Hopefully.”

Austin also got up before suggesting, “You should probably talk to Rudolph. He is quite-” Austin paused as he sensed someone approaching them.

Turning towards the person, he noticed it was one of the Professors from the third year.

“Austin.” He said, in between his labored breathing, “You have been summoned to the Headmaster’s office. Someone came to meet you.”