Crushing flags and claiming the Villainess - Chapter 80

Chapter 80: Chapter 79- The perfect plan

“Is everything good?” Valerie asked as Austin approached her in the stands.

The blond Prince nodded, “Yes, everything is fine.”

The audience at the indoor training hall was just purely astonishing.

All the students arrived to witness the contest between the students who once trained and learned together but now were competing to get a spot in the tournament.

“They are giving it their all,” Austin commented as he watched the combat between the two participants who were battered and bruised yet not yielding at all.

Not only the two but the three other arenas had the same view—the participants were going beyond their limits to defeat their opponents.

“It can be their chance of a lifetime…especially for the third-year students,” Valerie added as she remained sitting with a graceful posture and watched the matches with not much interest.

“…is it really necessary to drag the match….” She couldn’t help but wonder

In one of the four arenas, there was a third-year student who was definitely strong enough to defeat his opponent in a few attacks. Valerie had fought him and his opponent in the past so she knows. However, even that person just keeps dragging on the battle rather than ending it right away.

Austin scanned the stands until his eyes settled on a particular bracket—a glass-paneled section where two formally dressed individuals sat. With notepads in hand, they watched the matches intently, analyzing every move.

“They are dragging it because of them,” While pointing out at the two individuals, far away from them, Austin spoke.

Valerie’s brows tensed, “That means…I also have to…”

Austin nodded, “Yeah…just don’t one-shot your opponent and let them use a few tricks as well.”

Valerie felt a headache approaching. This was pure stupid. In a real battle, she wouldn’t need to wait to see what her opponent could do. Plunging her spear in their chest and butchering them has always been the best option.

‘Feels more like a stage play than a battle….’

Regardless of her inner monologue, she has no other option but to follow the trend and let her enemy attack her first.

“Don’t overthink about it, Val. I know you will do just great.” To soothe her disturbed mind, Austin placed his hand on hers and smiled at the girl fondly.

All the building stress melted in an instant under his warm gaze, as she nodded in assent, “If you say so…”

….

Soon, Valerie got up and said, “I need to report to the preparation room.”

It was quite peaceful here up in the stands, away from other students and sitting with their hands connected. It felt like they had built a small world out of the chaos, and Valerie was alone with her Lord in that world.

However, unfortunately, she has to go now since her battle is about to start.

“Good luck, Val. I will be cheering for you.” Austin got up and kissed her forehead before whispering, “Don’t get hurt.”

An irresistible smile bloomed on her face as she whispered, “Understood.”

….

As Valerie left, Austin sat alone in the back with his feet resting over the seat in front.

“System, I have gathered points to unlock the shop, right? What exactly can I get in the shop?”

[Unfortunately, host, unless you unlock it, the System couldn’t provide any information about the Shop.]

Austin heaved a weary sigh, this system was unnecessarily secretive sometimes.

He was not unlocking the shop because he didn’t know what kind of enemy he would be facing during the tournament. Then there was the trip to the Capital as well. And on top of it, to summon another Dungeon he needs points. So unlocking Shop right now was nearly impossible.

‘I need to be patient-‘

“KYAAAAAAH! ITS LADY VALERIE!”

“SHE FINALLY JOINED THE BATTLE!”

“YEAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!”

“How majestic!”

“She looks like a domineering queen!”

“Wooof…wooof…”

“She is finally here!!”

The booming voice of the audience broke his train of thoughts, as Austin saw his girl walking towards the arena.

‘Despite being a Villainess, she has gained quite a fan following…’ Especially after the Demon incident when she bravely stabbed the inhumane, people started hailing her as a War Goddess, Ice Princess, or whatnot.

Austin sighed in admiration to see that serious eye and cold look.

The expression she wore in the morning when he got up and found her in his arms was in completely stark contrast.

The flustered Valerie is cute and innocent, which makes him want to corrupt her. And the version of Valerie, who steps into battlefield—cold and calculating—makes him admire her.

….

Valerie wasn’t bothered by all the noise even though, at the moment most of the students were looking at her and cheering for her.

She simply stepped onto the arena and looked at her opponent.

It was a third-year student, who was also the Captain of the most successful raid team of the school—Ryan Grimshaw. He was possibly the strongest student from the third year and seemed rather confident in his skills by that smirk on his face.

“Any other person from the second year, I would have felt disappointed. But with you, I feel honored.” The black-haired man gave a slight bow to the lady.

Valerie remained silent and waited for the match referee to step inside.

Valerie’s eyes traveled towards the bracket where the two judges from the Council sat. She knew that they had a keen interest in her and were looking for an excuse to recruit her.

Following the Headmaster’s advice she couldn’t use her Disaster-ranked spell under any circumstances. But to be chosen as an Elite in the tournament she has to give it her all as well…

Quite a dilemma.

“Participants, ready?” The referee stood in the middle of the arena, before asking.

Ryan summoned his battle axe and nodded, “Ready.”

The air around Valerie turned cold, as she called out, “Shiverfall.” The majestic spear appeared in her hand which she held behind her back.

Taking the battle stance, Valerie nodded, “Ready.”

The referee looked between the two participants once, before announcing,

“Begin!!”

———-**———

“Fuck!” *CLANG*

The vase was thrown to the ground, shattering into pieces as Aiden cursed aloud.

*STOMP* *STOMP*

Everything was going against the plan. He failed to change Duke Corwon’s mind, the plan to send students to the battlefield was rejected, and that damn dog has stopped eating food made in the kitchen!

**DHAKK**

Dropping the heavy sculpture, he cursed even louder.

‘I was this close to gaining control over the throne…’ Aiden didn’t plan on murdering the King but rather weakening him, so he gets left with no option other than allowing Aiden to take charge.

Aiden could have easily gained a favorable impression on the council members, and once his position had become prominent in the kingdom, he would have slaughtered the King with his own hands.

But, no! The bastard has changed his diet and now only eats what his butler makes for him!

Aiden could never try to bribe the butler or he would be dead for sure. After all, that bastard is Sebastian’s brother. And loyalty flows in the blood of that family.

“I need to change my plans…that pipsqueak is also about to visit the Capital…” In Aiden’s eyes, Austin was a threat that he could not ignore.

Not because he was the second Prince, no, no, no. Austin doesn’t hold any authority as a Prince at all. Rather, it was his fiancée who could make a big difference.

As the daughter of Lord Corwon and also, as an S-rank warrior, her authority becomes prominent in Eryndor.

Aiden was aware of the Council’s interest in her ..what if, in exchange for her loyalty, she asked for Austin’s nomination for the throne?

That weak-ass king named Cedric would immediately jump on the option since gaining support from the Council was the best option for him under these circumstances.

“No…I can’t let this happen. I need to send someone and assassinate that worthless trash…once he gets out of the way, I will simply conquer his woman, and Cedric will be left with no option but to hand over the throne to me.”

It was risky and difficult to assassinate Austin because of the butler serving him. However, Aiden couldn’t think of any other way to gain control over the Kingdom.

*Knock*

“Master Aiden.” Hearing the voice of the maid, Aiden spoke, “Not now, Caroline. I am busy.”

“But my Lord, it’s important.” The maid added, making Aiden frown.

Is the stupid bi*ch tired of living?

Aiden approached the door before revealing himself to the black-haired maid, “What is it?”

The maid informed, “A formal letter has arrived from Hener. It seems they have extended an offer.”

Aiden narrowed his eyes; didn’t they pull their hands away from this matter?

Then why so suddenly…?

‘Interesting,’ Stepping out of his room, he commanded, “Tell someone to clean the room.”

Caroline nodded before she opened the door and felt a chill running down her spine.

Beneath all the broken mess, she could see the dead body of the newly assigned cook, lying in his puddle of blood.

‘Poor soul…’