Crushing flags and claiming the Villainess - Chapter 42

Chapter 42: Chapter 41- Council
Valerie was summoned by the Headmaster in his office, to report about the incident that transpired in the forest during the assessment.

There was a reason why she was called here alone, and that reason was, “You used an Ex-rank spell that defies the laws of this world. Are you aware?”

Valerie knew what Philius was talking about. And she also knows who reported it to him.

Rhea.

However, it was not like she could have hidden something so massive and devastating from the authorities for a long time, so she just answered truthfully, “I am aware, Headmaster.”

Philius leaned forward and asked, “And do you know what my duty is as a Headmaster here?”

Valerie was aware but she didn’t say anything; urging the man to utter,

“Anyone who possesses the strength that is wasted in the field they are currently engaged in, then the administrator or head of that field, must report about the entity to the Council.”

Philius added, “The Council has already asked for your inclusion in the training camp. However, since you had the support of your father and you showed reluctance to join the ranks, we never forced you.”

Valerie was aware, she was told by her father. However, her reluctance arose from the fact that after joining the Council she wouldn’t be able to meet her Lord regularly.

Philius heaved a sigh, “If you had agreed, you would have been the youngest pillar. However, let’s not talk about it, for now.”

With his gaze redirecting towards Valerie, Philius asked, “But now…things are different. If the Council gets to know about the fact that you have surpassed the S-rank, not even I could save you from being taken away.”

The Council did not belong to a single nation but was a Union formed by the leaders of the seven major nations of the human side. As such, no authority could go against the decision the Council takes.

Considering the importance of the Council and the things they are responsible for, naturally, they would need to have strong warriors in possession in case the Dark Side decides to attack them.

All the five warriors, who have surpassed S-rank in the past are now known as the Supreme Pillars of Defense. And Valerie would be the sixth.

However, “I don’t want to go, Headmaster.”

Philius heaved a sigh; he expected as much.

He was aware of Valerie’s affection towards Austin and to what length Valerie could go if someone dared to detach them.

And considering Austin’s current situation with his family, there should be someone around that boy who can take care of him.

Philius rested his arms on the table and stated, “Look, Valerie, by not telling the Council, I would be betraying humanity. After all, if something were to happen, and you can’t be there on time to save others, I would be accountable for that.”

The violet-haired girl remained silent, waiting for him to continue.

Philius added, “That’s why I cannot allow you to continue being a student of the Academy, until graduation.”

Valerie frowned, but before she could have said anything, the Supreme Authority said,

“Until the coronation next year, you can stay by Austin’s side. However, after that, I cannot allow you to stay away from the Council.”

“But, Headmaster-”

“That’s the final decision, Valerie. That’s all I could do for you, without getting myself crushed under the guilt of betraying the Council.”

Valerie clenched her fist behind her back, before she said, “…understood.”

There was nothing she could say to convince him, however, she was reluctant to part ways with her Lord.

Then…what she could do to remove herself from the possible recruitment as a Pillar?

It wasn’t like Philips couldn’t sense that the girl was still resistant to leaving Austin behind, but he chose to not talk about it anymore, rather, he warned her,

“If you don’t want yourself to get forced into recruitment, don’t use your Ex-rank skill during the tournament. After all, as of now, only Austin and Rhea know about it other than me….but during the tournament, there would be thousands of eyes watching you.”

Valerie gave a firm nod, “Understood.”

——–**——–

“Are you sure you don’t want me to bring you food?” Rhea’s friend, Cassie, asked her as she sat beside the pinkhead.

Rhea hadn’t recovered, and there were still bandages around her stomach. Although the potion—it was of the highest grade—healed her internal organs and stopped her from bleeding, there was still damage dealt to her internal parts that needed some time to heal.

Shaking her head, she said, “I am fine, and can go out to have a meal.” Rhea assured her. She felt bad to have someone taking care of her.

Although it was an emergency, Rhea didn’t like to waste others’ time taking care of her.

*Knock*

Hearing the knock, the two ladies turned towards the door, before Cassie got up to check who it was.

“Coming…ah!” She was startled to find the unexpected face waiting on the other end.

“V-V-Valerie?” Cassie was startled to find the violette standing there.

“Valerie?” Rhea was surprised as well, as she called out, “Let her in, Cassie.”

The short brown-haired girl panicked before she hurriedly sidestepped and invited the Disciplinary officer inside.

Valerie stepped in before standing before Cassie and stating, “I will be here for the time being; you can go and have lunch.”

Cassie was taken aback by the sudden suggestion(?). She glanced at Rhea, and upon finding her nodding in assent, Cassie said,

“Then, excuse me.”

Once the third person walked out, Valerie closed the door and approached Rhea.

The atmosphere of the room suddenly turned heavy as Valerie took the seat beside the bed.

There was a dry smile on Rhea’s lips, as she asked, “Why do you never smile if Austin is not around?”

Because he is the only reason, why I smile—Valerie inwardly muttered.

Once she sat down, Valerie asked, “Did you tell the Headmaster about what happened back then?”

Rhea was slightly nervous being asked about it, but she chose to remain honest, “Yes, I told him everything.”

Valerie suddenly pulled out a rectangular parchment, in which ancient language was inscribed.

“You know what this is?” Valerie asked.

Rhea frowned upon looking at it closely as she muttered, “Oathseal.”

Valerie nodded, “I want you to take an oath, that you won’t tell anyone about what happened that day.”

Rhea was expecting it, yet it didn’t stop her from feeling surprised as she asked, “And what are you going to promise me in exchange?”

Without hesitation, Valerie stated, “After graduation, my father will hire you.”

Rhea grinned. There was no point in hesitating. Being recruited by the Duke to serve in the military? Well, what can she ask for more?

“Deal.”

——–**——-

A/N:- Rhea is one straightforward girl. Thanks for reading.