Crushing flags and claiming the Villainess - Chapter 64

Chapter 64: Chapter 63- Partner

Austin expected Morkel to try and convince Rudolph that Austin was the actual culprit behind the incident. However, thanks to Austin’s recent deeds and the praises Rudolph heard from Rhea, Rudolph simply swatted those accusation away.

Well, even if Rudolph suspects something, Austin doesn’t think he would take any action. Parkinson was a creep and someone who went ahead of himself while pursuing Rhea.

The evidence of being obsessed with her has made Rudolph disgusted with that person; as such, it was highly unlikely he would interfere in this matter any further.

Leaving the infirmary, he was heading toward the Headmaster’s office. The reason for his visit was to request him to let Austin and Valerie give their trials early; on the first day if possible.

‘System, is there any way to divide the parameters into different divisions? Like, can I get specific stats for my strength and speed?’

It was becoming a little difficult to track which field he should be focusing on. Like, during the battle against Lester, he was able to track the man, however, his body wasn’t able to react.

And in comparison to heat, he can withstand cold temperatures fairly well. So what was his resistance against poison and sound waves? How far can he withhold against curses and mental interference magic?

That’s why if he gets separate stats-

[Not yet, host. Once you reach a certain threshold, you may receive a separate status window for every attribute.]

“…” Well, fine. He has to earn every single thing with this one.

*Knock*

Reaching the headmaster’s office, he knocked once and heard, “Come in.”

“Excuse me for intr-uding…” the pause came because Austin was dazed to see a face he was too damn familiar with, yet every single time, that face leaves him awestruck.

“Val…what are you doing here?” Inside the office, other than the Headmaster there was Valerie as well.

The girl smilingly replied, “I was notified by someone that the Headmaster wants to meet me. Did I surprise you?”

“Yeah…but in the best way possible.” That response added faint redness to her fluffy cheeks.

“Haah~youth.” The man behind the desk sighed, making Austin realize that this might not be the best place to flirt. But what can he do? He was actually very surprised to find her here.

“I had something to discuss with student Valerie and received your request, so I asked her to come as well.” Interlacing his fingers on the table, the man added, “After all, this involves both of you.”

Austin frowned slightly, as he said, “I think, before stating my request, I would like to hear what you have to say.”

Philius nodded, “If you insist. First, sit down.”

Austin pulled a chair for the lady, earning a melodious ‘Thank you’ in response, before taking the seat beside her.

Philius began, “Do you know the importance of this tournament?”

Austin shared a glance with Valerie before asking, “Are we talking about in relation to the nation, how important is it?”

The Headmaster nodded, ushering Valerie to say, “The tournament allows the other nation to witness the strength of each kingdom’s rising warriors; further helping them to decide which country in the future they want to ‘invest’ in.”

Here, investing means various things, like trade, supplies, and financial support.

The older one nodded, “In short, the students participating in this tournament decide the future of the nation, in a way.”

Austin heaved a sigh and remained silent. He still had no idea where he was taking this conversation.

“As you two know, Valorian Academy has always remained near the bottom during the tournament. Because of the lack of facilities—don’t mind my words, Austin—we cannot provide the training and give experience to the students which could help them grow.”

Austin shook his head, implying that he didn’t mind.

The reason why Valorian Academy fails is because of a lack of facilities, he says. However, in Austin’s eyes,

“It’s the failure of the students, sir.” He said, not a speck of hesitation in his voice, “I am sure you know that the nation in the far north, our neighboring country, doesn’t provide facilities to their cadets. The students of their central academy train and learn in the wild—they are trained like soldiers and are provided very basic necessities. And if I am not wrong, the Auroracrest Academy has ranked in the top three most of the time, no?”

Philius smiled in defeat, “Well, we cannot blame the students…it’s just the facilities they are provided with since their birth that don’t allow them to adapt.”

Austin nodded; most of the students who come here are from noble families, so it was understandable why Valorian Academy ranks so low.

A brief pause befell in the room before the oldest one again began, “So, as you know, the first round of Elite division requires two students to participate. Each school can send three pairs.” Turning his gaze towards Valerie, Philius added, “And I know that you will be among the six.”

Austin held his breath…so this was it.

“As such, I want to know about your preference first, Student Valerie, since, as you know, in the contest, you need to trust your partner.”

Although the contest changes, the basics remain the same. In the team-up battle, the two have to always remain in coordination and blindly trust each other.

Valerie didn’t hesitate to say, “I want to participate with Austin, sir.”

Philius heaved a sigh, “I expected much…” Looking at the other one, he added, “But Austin, you do know the perquisite of participating as an Elite, right?”

“I need to be ranked B,” Austin spoke, with his fists clenched and a serious frown marring his face.

Philius nodded, “Yes—that’s what every academy follows, but….for you, I am about to make an exception.”

Austin’s eyes stretched slightly, and Valerie gasped in disbelief and excitement.

The older one added, “I have seen you train these days…and I know what you recently accomplished, which, as a student, is incredible and praiseworthy. So I know you exceed your past self.”

“That’s why, Austin, I am giving you an opportunity; if you can beat the person I selected as Valerie’s partner, you can participate as an Elite, regardless of your rank.”

Austin took a deep breath. He didn’t reveal the fact that he has already leveled up and reached C-rank.

Why? Well, unless your Shard doesn’t evolve, an awakened remains on the same stage throughout their life. As such, in the Headmaster’s eyes, Austin was still a D-rank who defeated a demon…possibly by luck.

‘Well, unless I reach a rank where I don’t get forced to serve the military or Council, I shouldn’t reveal it.’

“Okay headmaster, I am ready to face the challenge.”

——–**——

After leaving the office, Valerie and Austin decided to have tea together.

While holding hands, they walked down the gallery in silence for a few moments, before Valerie asked, “When are we leaving?”

Austin thought for a moment before responding, “Since we got the assurance that our matches will be held on the first day, we can-” Austin suddenly took a sharp turn to look behind him.

Valerie frowned, “Is anyone there?” Her detection abilities were not as good as her Lord so she failed to notice anything.

Austin didn’t reply to her; rather, he used his ‘Prying Eyes’ to see through the walls.

‘Heeh~talk about an elite stalker…’ Austin saw Morkel standing behind the wall, undoubtedly spying on them.

“Well, it was nothing. Anyway, we will leave for the capital just the day after the trials. We can’t let your father get the wrong idea about our relationship.”

Valerie wasn’t dumb to not understand that, indeed, there was someone listening to their conversation, so she played along, “Although I have told him my decision regarding the engagement, it would be better if you meet him in person and assure him.”

Austin grinned, “That…I surely will.” Although not immediately, Austin was planning to actually visit his in-laws as soon as he could.

He has never paid them a visit after the engagement. They have only met through the gathering during his birthday. And that is very inappropriate.

‘The great forest where we can find the elixir is just a single day from the Duchy…’

They made their way out of the main building and once Austin made sure that they weren’t heard, he whispered to Valerie, “About the trip and everything related to Drenovar, we will only talk in my office.”

Valerie lowered her eyes and apologized, “I am sorry about earlier. I should have been careful.”

Austin gave her hand a light squeeze before relating, “It’s okay. Now let’s go and enjoy some fresh tea.”

Meanwhile, Parkinson frowned upon realizing that they were leaving just after the trials.

‘They surely aren’t going to meet Lord Corwon…’ Looking at the place from where the duo disappeared, Morkel muttered,

“What are you brewing, Austin…*