Crushing flags and claiming the Villainess - Chapter 60

Chapter 60: Chapter 59- Not interested?
Sitting inside the cold water, Austin closed his eyes and allowed his mind to attain some peace.

He was using the Gemstones that Sebastian brought for him to turn the temperature of the water beyond the resistance point. Although it was a little uncomfortable in the beginning, by the fifteenth minute, he could not feel his muscles at all, so it was all good.

‘I used to take an ice bath in the past, but now it’s all a distant memory…’ In his last life, there was a time when Luke was intensely immersed in sports and martial arts. His life was going well, and his body was at its peak state.

However, then came the relationship, then his time and focus moved from sports, and he ended up ruining everything. Thankfully, Valerie is the kind of girl who not only helps him maintain his health but also her hard work and discipline motivates him.

Thinking about the future, a name resounded in his head as Austin thought of a plan.

‘The Elysian Elixir.’

He has currently given Sebastian the task of knowing more about Drenovar’s situation and how they can exploit their shortcomings for their benefit.

However, it was just to keep Sebastian in good faith that Austin asked him to collect information. For someone who has played the game until the end(nearly), Austin knows the situation with Drenovar.

The King of the nation had fallen sick and was suffering from an incurable disease. He was counting his final days, and before his death, he wanted to bring down the nation and avenge his grandparents.

Canonically, Rhea luckily comes across the elixir, and later, when she meets the King of Drenovar, she feeds him the medicine and saves Eryndor from its possible demise.

However, it happens a lot later since, canonically, Hener doesn’t remove their support from Eryndor this soon. It was the involvement of Aiden with them in human trafficking that disturbs the alliance and later gives Drenovar the opportunity.

‘I need to take care of Drenovar before the tournament. I have a feeling that they have already started their preparation…’

The heirs of Drenovar always give their family, the utmost priority. Taking revenge for the late Emperor and Empress is their primary goal…however, if Austin saves the current king from his agony, surely,

‘They would be indebted to the rescuer.’

Now the problem was to search for the elixir in the vast forest of Eryndor. He knows the general location but the exact coordinates slipped his mind. However, Austin knows that if he reaches the place, he will be able to pinpoint it.

*Knock*

“Young master,” Sebastian called from the other side, making Austin realize that he might have overdone it.

“Ah, yes. Wait a minute.” He took out the gemstone and used the other one to melt the ice.

Pushing himself up, he removed his numb body from the water before wiping his body and changing his clothes.

*Click*

He found Sebastian preparing the tea on one side and a file resting on the bed

Austin stepped forward took the file, and read through the report.

“Hmm…haven’t been seen for the past three weeks in the courtroom. No hunting trips, not even attending the birthday celebration of his daughter.”

Sebastian returned to his master while holding the tray, as he muttered, “In my knowledge, sir, Your Majesty Zaydan is either gravely injured or ill.” Sebastian was also aware of the close bond the family shares; as such, under normal circumstances, it would have been impossible for the King to not attend his only daughter’s birthday.

Austin hummed as he picked up the cup and settled down. He has a plan and knows that he can execute it; it’s just he lacks manpower and resources.

He has three thousand gold coins in total, which he has been saving for a few months. Also, Sebastian knows a few important people who could help them reach Drenovar safely.

“I just hope my preliminary matches happen early.”

Sebastian commented, “You need to face the first round and then you would be provided with half a month of free time for the second round. After all, the whole school participates in this.”

Austin nodded, “That’s why I just want them to put my name first on the list.”

Sebastian advised, “Maybe you can ask Headmaster Philius for help? Naturally, after what you have done for the Academy, he wouldn’t reject your request.”

Austin smiled, “That’s a great idea.” He would just make some excuse that he needs to return home for some business and get himself a few days off under the pretense.

Sebastian gave him a short bow and said, “I will be leaving now,”

Austin was surprised, “So suddenly? You can stay here and finish the tea first.”

Sebastian raised his brows, and with a faint smile, he asked, “Do you really want me to stay, young lord?”

Austin was perplexed, as he parted his mouth to ask what he was talking about when suddenly,

*Knock* *Knock*

Austin paused….blushed, and got up, “O-Okay, you may go now.”

Sebastian gave a slight bow to the gentleman and the lady before making his way out of the room.

Austin took a deep breath and turned towards the window.

There, he saw a face that made his heart race and calmed his nerves at the same time.

He opened the window and offered his hand to the girl, “Good evening, my lovely lady.”

Valerie smiled shyly as she responded, “Good evening…did I disturb you?”

She noticed just after the moment she knocked that her Lord was discussing something with Sebastian. But it was too late to think.

“No, not at all. We weren’t talking about anything serious.” He held her bag and led the lady inside.

As Valerie sat on the bed, Austin rested her bag on the chair and said, “I will prepare some tea for you.”

Valerie shook her head, “No, it’s okay.”

Austin raised his brows, “You sure?” Getting a nod from her, Austin sat down on the chair across from her and asked, “So you wanted to study together?”

“Yes. There is a written test in two days, and I want to keep up with others.”

Valerie wasn’t bad in academics, but Austin was just too brilliant for a comparison.

He has a very sharp mind and impressive memory.

Austin nodded before he asked, “Then let’s get started.”

Valerie nodded and soon joined Austin at the table.

Austin opened the book and began flipping through the pages where she had doubts.

Since the mathematics of this world was quite undeveloped, he used the methods he learned back on earth and utilized his naturally sharp mind for calculations.

“So yeah…you need to add this…”

While Austin was explaining the method, Valerie continued to glance at him every once in a while.

‘Is he really not…’ She had read many romance novels and realized something very crucial about their relationship.

Even though they are so close, alone in his room, Austin never shows any sign of having any of ‘those’ thoughts for her.

Valerie isn’t a hasty girl who wants to do those things that only a couple should do after marriage, but still…it was a little disheartening to see her Lord being completely fine even when they are so close.

‘This is bad…does My Lord only have platonic feelings for me…’ The thought continued to poke at her, and she wasn’t able to focus on the question at all.

“Okay, tell me.” Valerie was startled when suddenly, Austin closed the book and turned to look at her.

She shook her head, “N-Nothing.”

Austin heaved a sigh, “Look Val, I know you enough to tell that unless something is troubling you, you won’t neglect my words.”

Valerie was rendered speechless; she was now regretting thinking about it when her Lord was so focused on teaching her.

And now that she has already wasted his time so much, she didn’t hide the matter, “I…I feel you aren’t interested in me…as in that way.”

Austin raised his brows, “You mean to say, I am not sexually interested in you? That I don’t find you attractive?”

Valerie’s cheeks were flushed, but she nodded, with her head leaning forward.

Austin exhaled a long breath. Pinching the bridge of his nose, he revealed, “Every day, thirty minutes of meditation in the morning before meeting you, and thirty minutes at night so I can control my emotion in front of you, Val. It’s not like I don’t find you attractive, I just fear that my action might hurt you.”

Valerie was stunned to hear that, as she asked, “Y-You do that daily…?”

Austin nodded, “Yes of course, otherwise,” Leaning closer to her ear, he sensually whispered, “…nothing in this world could have stopped me from knowing how loud my Val can be in bed.”

His hot breath, coupled with those words were too much for the maiden-hearted Valerie. And as a result,

“…*faints*”

——–**——-

A/N:- I hope you all enjoyed reading the story. I am taking their relationship slowly since I am giving both of them time to realise their feelings(especially Austin).

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