Crushing flags and claiming the Villainess - Chapter 84

Chapter 84: Chapter 83- The perfect plan?

In the bedroom of the King, there were a few people present, currently involved in a serious discussion.

They received a letter, formal, from Hener. They have extended a helping hand to Eryndor.

When that news was shared, everyone, including the King was elated and relieved. After all, the current situation with Drenovar had them on the edges of their seats.

However, the moment the Prime Minister read the thing they wanted in exchange, the atmosphere of the room dropped.

Every smile dropped and a frown marred their faces.

“Exile the Prince huh…they are not even trying to hide their intentions.” Arthur (the Prime Minister) scoffed as he folded the parchment.

They want to detach Austin from the kingdom so they can hunt him down to take revenge for what has happened.

Parkinson kidnapped Austin and beat him so severely. He tried to kill the royal Highness, and after being caught, he sought revenge. How insane some people can be?

“We are not taking their help.” Cedric, who seemed extremely pale, and was lying down on the bed, voiced his decision.

If not for his current state, his face would have been red in anger. First, that bastard heir of Hener harmed his son, and now the King of Hener was using such underhanded tactics to fulfill what Parkinson wanted.

The ministers in the room glanced at each other, and that made Arthur really surprised.

‘Are they really thinking too…God.’

Turning towards the ministers, the Prime Minister spoke up, “You all are not agreeing with him rather seem hesitant? Do you really want to sacrifice the Prince to get their help?”

Cedric frowned, as he looked at the council in silence.

It was the chief advisor who became the mouth of others’ minds, as he said, “The situation with Drenovar is quite severe. If we don’t do anything, within a month, they will surely send their main forces to take down Eryndor.”

The Finance Minister added, “If you realistically think then thousands of lives are on the line.”

Arthur’s brows elevated—so they mean to say, to save thousands of lives they need to sacrifice one.

“And what are the chances that we would win even after taking Hener’s help? Or who will be responsible if Hener, in the name of help, stabs us in the back when the time comes? Will you take responsibility, Sir Orwold?” Arthur asked with clear displeasure in his voice.

Orwold Sigmund, the Finance Minister, frowned upon hearing that, as he said, “I am not talking about taking risks or anything about that. It’s the job of the Chief Advisor to evaluate the risk in a trade. I just extended the facts in the matte-”

“We are not accepting this offer.” Cutting off the man, the Supreme Authority spoke.

Cedric’s brows were drawn closer, and clearly, disappointment and anger could be sensed from his demeanor.

Looking at the people who were ready to trade his son’s life for those bastard’s support, he said, “We are, in any condition, not going to accept the proposal if it threatens Austin’s life. And that’s my final decision.”

Silence descended in the room after that. None had the authority to go against the command of the Supreme Authority.

Amidst the growing silence, suddenly, the one who hadn’t uttered a word until now, spoke, “I have a suggestion, Your Majesty.”

Every eye turned towards the silver-haired Prince, who seemed unnaturally hesitant and a bit fearful.

Cedric wordlessly ushered him to continue.

“There is a way by which we won’t be sacrificing Austin’s safety and will get Hener’s support as well.”

A few gasped, while a few eyes grew narrow in anticipation. Was there really a way?

Arthur somehow had a bad feeling about this…but he didn’t interrupt the young man.

“Go on.” Cedric gave the permission.

Aiden stepped forward, and voiced his idea, “We can stage Austin’s exile, making it appear genuine while secretly surrounding him with security. When they attempt to attack him, we’ll retaliate and orchestrate his disappearance. Since they’ll never admit to targeting Austin, we won’t need to explain why he was protected. For the duration of the war, Austin can simply stay hidden from the world’s eyes.”

The eyes of the council members brightened up hearing that brilliant suggestion.

Even Arthur was surprised that the First Prince came up with such a detailed and deliberate plan in such a short time.

“If we follow the plan and everything goes accordingly then surely, Eryndor and the Second Prince will survive.” The Chief Advisor beamed with excitement.

“Indeed. We can send some of our best troops to protect him. And Austin himself is a skillful warrior.” The Captain of the Imperial Legion showed his consent.

Every head was nodding in assent since this was the perfect plan Eryndor needed right now.

As a king, Cedric should also respond positively. This was, indeed, a good strategy to fool the fools and take advantage of them…

…however, as a father, his heart was restless.

While every eye was turned towards the King, seeking his response, Cedric lowered his eyes, and said, “Give me some time to think.”

“Oh, yes. Then we will excuse ourselves.” Aiden instantly responded as he stepped back.

If not for so many eyes around him, the First Prince wouldn’t have suppressed the big smirk.

‘This is so perfect.’

——–**———

Back in the academy, Austin was sitting in the infirmary with three people surrounding him.

The nurse has already patched his wounds, and given him painkillers. He wasn’t much injured, well compared to the battle with the knight, this much was nothing.

“You were majestic, Austin. I couldn’t remove my eyes from you, the entire time.”

Valerie frowned when Rudolph said that. She wanted to say that!

“Yeah, I was stunned to see you judging her moves so accurately,” Rhea added, making Valerie pout. When can she praise him?!

Austin chuckled as he looked at the slight bulge on his fiancée’s cheek before he said, “And you, Val? Did I impress you?”

The other two also turned towards the girl, and the sudden shift of attention made her slightly flustered. However, when it comes to praising her Lord, she never backs down,

“I absolutely love you!” She praised him…wait!

That’s not what she wanted to say! She wanted to say that she absolutely loved his battle!

Rudolph chuckled while Rhea shook her head with a smile, seeing the ever-stoic girl turning red so furiously.

Austin lovingly smiled, as he held her and said, “I also love you, Val.”

“Fuee~” She might also need a bed in the infirmary….