Crushing flags and claiming the Villainess - Chapter 36

Chapter 36: Chapter 35- Date?
It was the first time for Austin to visit Valerie’s room. It would be a lie to say that he was not nervous.

Although he had entered a woman’s room in his past life, with Valerie, it was different.

He didn’t know why, but everything Valerie gave him a different feeling…although he had done several things in the past with different partners, with Valerie, he felt it was his first.

Just like now, how he was hesitant to step inside the room where Valerie spends most of her time other than the classroom.

“Please come in,” She said with a smile as they both stood before her room.

With a deep breath, he finally stepped inside—and was rendered speechless as he saw the scene awaiting inside.

The room was enshrouded in darkness and the only source of illumination was the candles on the cake resting over the table.

“It might not be great but I hope you like it…” she nervously muttered as she found him staring at the cake with an unreadable expression on his face.

She didn’t have much idea how people celebrate birthdays these days, so she made the same arrangement as her parents used to do back home.

She decorated the room with ribbons and prepared a few snacks…and a birthday cap.

“Val…you didn’t have to trouble yourself so much…or that’s what I would have said, but right now I am too happy to think about that…”

Austin was feeling a lump in his throat when he saw someone actually caring about his birthday to make so many arrangements.

On his birthdays he has always been alone, and his parents only send some money for him to celebrate.

However, unlike other kids of his age, Austin actually liked it when someone celebrated his birthday; that’s why he always bought a cake and cut it all alone in his room.

Even in this life, he never felt people were celebrating his birthday since everyone remained always focused on Aiden.

So…indeed, seeing Valerie caring so much about his birthday…made him emotional.

Inching closer to her, he embraced the girl as he felt his eyes burning with tears,

“I cannot tell you how lucky I am to have you in my life. Thank you for not abandoning me, Val…”

Valerie was slightly shocked but she soon calmed herself down and wrapped her hand around his back.

Resting her head on his shoulder she whispered, “I am very thankful to have you in my life as well. And until death separates us, I promise to be by your side.”

Those words she always said in her mind previously, she was able to relay to the person today.

The duo remained hugging for another minute before Austin said, “Now, let’s cut the cake before the candles melt.”

Valerie nodded with a smile, “I will bring the knife.”

As she walked away, Austin looked around the room and found that she had decorated the room quite well. And considering there was no shop around that sold these things, it must have been quite difficult for her.

Austin then looked at the cake and nearly chuckled as he saw that she nearly wrote ‘M’ as for ‘My Lord’ but then changed the M for A and wrote his name instead.

‘Seriously, this girl…’

Valerie blushed when she saw her betrothed smiling while looking at the cake.

“L-Let’s cut the cake…” The blush on her cheeks was prettier than the design of the cake so Austin began looking at his beloved instead.

“Do I make a wish?” He asked and found Valerie nodding her head vigorously,

“Yes, you should.”

Austin closed his eyes with a smile and blew the candles as he wished,

‘Whatever deity listens to my prayers, please bless our relationship.’

Once he opened his eyes, he found Valerie wearing the birthday cap and singing,

“Happy birthday, happy birthday; I wish you a very, very happy birthday.”

Seeing that adorable little cap and the way she swayed left to right, he chuckled.

The room was filled with happiness as the duo enjoyed each other’s presence.

For them, not a third person was required. Not a grand celebration was needed. No fancy gift or grand feast was needed when they both had each other.

….

Valerie had prepared some sweets and snacks, which they both enjoyed, along with the cake.

Austin loved the cake because he liked the soft bread rather than the cream. And thankfully, Valerie added very little cream.

“I followed the recipe and it turned out well.” Valerie smilingly told him as he continued to praise his fiancée.

Although she made it sound so simple, looking at her burnt fingers, he could tell that she put a lot of effort into this.

“Hmm, let me see what you have gifted me,” Austin said as he took the small box from nearby.

Valerie seemed slightly nervous; after all, this was the first time she had chosen a gift for him. Until now, it was her father and mother who brought gifts for Austin.

Austin unwrapped the gift and was amazed to see a red and white scarf resting inside,

“Woah…this is unexpected.”

Valerie, while rubbing her thumbs against each other, stated, “It has been long since I knitted something…I hope you like it.”

Austin paused and looked at the girl with his brows raised, “You knitted it?”

Valerie slowly nodded, “I wanted to give you something that I made…and since winters are approaching…”

The first thing she thought was a blade to give him; however, considering Austin receives mostly weapons and artifacts during his birthdays, she wanted to give him something unique this time.

So she made some time after classes to knit the scarf.

Austin wrapped the warm scarf around his neck as he muttered, “I will treasure it. Thank you.”

After they finished cleaning up, Valerie took out the small container of the balm she talked about and asked Austin to fold his pants.

Austin did as she asked, and sat down on the bed.

Valerie winced upon seeing the injury around his knee. It was still quite swollen, and the bone around the kneecap was still quite fragile.

“It won’t heal the wound but surely would provide relief and strengthen your muscles.”

She spoke as she knelt down on the floor, urging Austin to say, “Sit on a chair.”

Valerie shook her head, “It’s okay, and you shouldn’t keep your leg straight for long.”

Austin yielded and offered his wound to her.

Valerie scooped some gel on her fingers before bringing it to his wounds.

“It may hurt a little.”

Austin nodded as he saw Valerie gently applying the gel to the affected area.

Her slow movement and gentle care melted his heart as he just watched the girl in a daze.

Looking at the girl closely, Austin couldn’t help but feel that there was nothing in this girl that he didn’t like. She was just…perfect.

‘Then why am I hesitating?’

After thinking for a bit, Austin asked, “Val, after tomorrow’s assessment, will you go on a date with me?”

Valerie was startled by the sudden proposal as she looked at him with her round eyes.

However, seeing the plea in his gaze she couldn’t remain silent for long before she answered him,

“I would love to.”

———-**——–

A/N:- Thanks for reading.