Crushing flags and claiming the Villainess - Chapter 55

Chapter 55: Chapter 54- Won’t forgive
Austin felt a little apprehensive due to Lord Corwon’s sudden visit. He couldn’t pinpoint why, but he was feeling a bit nervous.

‘It must be because of the demon attack…’ Considering the recent headlines about the demon’s appearance, many parents have come to check on their children.

Not to mention, Valerie was directly involved with the demon. It was only natural for Lord Corwon to visit her.

‘Unlike my parents, they care about their daughter.’ With those thoughts, Austin entered the infirmary.

Inside, several professors were gathered, and the medical team was working on a single bed where Rudolph lay. His stomach bore a severe wound, and he looked extremely pale. Likely from blood loss and exhaustion.

“He’ll be saved,” Harold said, standing beside Austin.

The blond prince asked, “Where was he found?”

“At the outskirts of the Randare Market.”

Austin raised his brows. That was at least half a day’s travel, and in his condition, Rudolph had made it there.

‘He must’ve lost his sense of direction…’ He sighed, then asked, “Did he say anything after being recovered?”

Harold nodded. “Just one thing: ‘Demons are about to attack… protect Rhea.'”

Austin almost chuckled at that. Even on the verge of death, the guy was still worried about his favorite woman.

‘Well, I can’t say I can’t relate.’

There was a brief silence as Harold seemed to be gathering his thoughts. Finally, he turned to the younger one, fist clenched behind his back, and said, “I apologize for doubting you. And for capturing the demon, I thank you with all my heart.”

Austin was a bit taken aback by the man’s bow. Considering Harold’s devotion to the safety of the students, it wasn’t a huge surprise that he felt indebted to Austin.

With a soft smile, the blond prince said, “This school is as important to me as it is to you. There’s no need to thank me, Sir.”

——–**——-

Valerie, as instructed, made her way toward the administrator’s office where her father was waiting.

She hadn’t received any letter about his visit, so she was a bit surprised.

“He’s inside,” the administrator said, and Valerie nodded before walking into the waiting area.

“Father,” she called out as she entered the office, where the violet-haired man sat.

Adam stood with a smile and walked toward his beloved daughter. “Valerie, it’s been a long time.”

The last time she visited home was during Austin’s birthday last year. It had been over a year since Adam had seen his daughter, and he had to admit that she had become even more beautiful in this brief time.

“Is everything okay?” Valerie asked though it should have been her father asking that question.

“Yes, everything’s fine. Why would you ask?” Lord Corwon responded, perplexed.

“I never received a letter about your visit, and it’s unexpected for you—the Duke—to pay a visit out of the blue.”

It wasn’t that Valerie didn’t feel elated meeting her father after so long. It was just that, considering the enormous workload he always had, she found his unexpected visit strange.

“It’s natural for me to worry when I hear that my daughter fought a demon,” Adam huffed, not liking the fact that his visit was being questioned. After all, he was a father before he was a Duke.

Valerie smiled softly and urged him to sit down. She sensed the displeasure in his tone and realized that she might have been too harsh.

She poured him a glass of water and said, “It wasn’t very dangerous to handle the demon. Austin planned everything and minimized the risk to almost zero.”

Adam’s expression shifted when he heard that name, which didn’t go unnoticed by Valerie. However, she didn’t say anything, instead hearing him ask,

“Why didn’t you return for the celebration this time? You could have asked Austin to come with you. His family arranged such a grand feast, and the birthday boy wasn’t there to enjoy the occasion.”

Valerie sighed. “It’s not like they celebrated the day solely for him. On the other hand, if the First Prince hadn’t been able to come, I doubt they would have arranged such a grand feast just for Austin.”

It pained her to say this, but it was the truth. Austin’s family didn’t give him the attention or care a child should receive.

Forget about everything else—the news of the demon’s appearance had shaken everyone. From farmers to nobles, everyone rushed to meet their children to ensure they were safe.

And what about the royal family?

Adam took a deep breath and asked, “So you know that Austin’s relationship with his family isn’t good.”

His tone didn’t carry any sympathy, which Valerie had expected. Instead, it sounded serious, as if he was about to say something significant.

“Father, what are you trying to imply here?” Her tone shifted, and the air around her seemed to change.

Adam didn’t hold back and voiced his thoughts. “As my eldest daughter and someone with the potential to become a great ruler, I believe you’re wasting your potential by staying by Austin’s side.”

*Tremble*

The glass on the table, the chandelier overhead, and the gemstones around the room began to shake and flicker under her aura.

Her fist clenched, and her eyes turned cold as steel as she asked, “What are you suggesting, Father?”

Adam could tell that his daughter had grown much stronger since the last time they met. But he didn’t hold back, stating what he believed to be the best course of action.

“I want you to annul this engagement and get engaged to Aiden.”

*CRACK*

The ground under her feet cracked as she shifted her foot slightly.

Her overwhelming aura caused the administrator to rush in. “Is everything okay?!”

Lord Corwon raised his hand, signaling for the officer to leave, and soon the man was gone.

Valerie’s gaze never left her father as she said, “Father… I’ve respected every decision you’ve made for me. Everything you said, I followed without objection. And in return, I asked you for a single thing.”

Adam’s eyes grew grim. “I know you asked me never to question your relationship with Austin nor try to separate you two… but you need to understand, daughter. Aiden is a much more suitable partner for you.”

Valerie took a deep breath and calmed herself. She knew continuing at this pace wouldn’t lead anywhere.

Leaning over the table, she asked, “What do you require from your son-in-law? Someone who cares for me and is strong enough to protect me, right?”

Adam nodded. “Yes… those are the qualities I need at the very least.”

Valerie interlaced her fingers and asked, “Do you remember, Father? Austin was hailed as the weakest noble child until two years ago. Someone who awakened a useless Shard and couldn’t grow his strength, no matter how hard he tried.”

Adam nodded. “Yes, that’s why we were always uncertain about letting you two get engaged.”

“Yes, but didn’t he prove you, and everyone else, wrong by enrolling in one of the top-ranked academies in the world?”

Adam was speechless. It was true—Austin had been weaker than any of those noble children who were born with strong bloodlines and trained since childhood. But against all odds, he had been admitted to the prestigious Valorian Academy and made it to the top.

“And recently, he fought and defeated a demon—all by himself. If you don’t believe me, you can ask the Headmaster.”

That statement shocked him. No one, not even the king, knew about this, as Adam had just met with him yesterday.

For Valerie to defeat a demon was praiseworthy, but for Austin to do so was something that left even the most experienced shocked.

Valerie sighed and added, “And if you’re worried about whether Austin takes care of me, let me ask you this, Father… Have you ever stayed awake all night, sitting beside Mother just to comfort her when she was anxious? Not only that—when the entire school turned against me, blamed me for harming a classmate, and even when I believed I was at fault and was ready to accept punishment… do you know who stood by my side and fought to protect my pride?”

Her voice trembled, and tears welled up in her eyes. “It was Austin.”

The room fell into silence.

Adam looked down, his eyes filled with confusion and regret.

He couldn’t understand why he ever considered separating his daughter from the boy she adored. It wasn’t like he hadn’t seen how close they had grown. Yet, he…

‘What is wrong with me?’

Sighing heavily, Adam lowered his head and said, “Please forgive me, Val… I shouldn’t have said that.”

“No, I won’t forgive you.” Without another word, Valerie wiped away her tears and walked out of the room, leaving a defeated father behind.

Unbeknownst to both, there was someone listening to their conversation. And once Valerie walked out, the man sat down and took out a parchment,

‘Guess Lord Aiden is going to fly in rage…’

——–**——-

A/N:- Imagine someone other than her father asking her to break up.