Crushing flags and claiming the Villainess

Things have been quite peaceful in Eryndor for some time now.

Since the day the First Prince's secret was exposed and a truce was established with Drenovar, Cedric had somehow found peace. Even with several upper council seats left vacant after the minister's involvement in Aiden's dark plans was revealed, Cedric felt no sense of panic.

He just knew that everything would be reorganized sooner or later.

Maybe because he knew that their biggest enemy was no longer wary of them? Or maybe because they have gotten rid of the pests that were corroding the nation from within?

No, it's not just that. The reason why Cedric seemed so relaxed these days was because he knew that even if he passed away today, there would be a responsible ruler who would take care of the throne.

Yes, Austin has taken an oath that he would never accept the throne, but he knows his son. If the situation becomes dire and the nation seems to be falling under the shades of danger, Austin would respond to the situation better than Cedric.

Call it a father's partial judgment, but he just knows it.

"You seem to be smiling a lot recently, my lord." Sebastian, who brought tea for him, asked with a faint smile on his face.

Cedric gave a slight chuckle as he said, "Was thinking about my son."

If there was a smile on his face—a proud one at that—then Sebastian doesn't need to ask which son was on his mind.

As Sebastian rested the tray on the table, he heard the Supreme Authority saying, "Tell me, Sebas…you have been close to the boy ever since he left for the academy. What changed him so suddenly…like, the Austin I see now is like a more mature and sensible person compared to before."

Sebastian warmly responded, "You should thank Lady Valerie for that…she helped him realize that this world is not only filled with hateful people. She helped him grow over his suffering phase and allowed the young master to become the man he is now. Naturally, it was the young master's own effort as well since he wanted to become a reliable and strong man on whom the lady could depend."

Cedric hummed, "You're right. Even when his parents turned their backs on him, that girl never left his side and kept trying."

He was about to say something further, but then someone knocked on the door, garnering the two men's attention.

"Your Majesty, the dinner." It was a maid who held the tray of food in her hands.

Cedric got up from his seat before Sebastian picked up the emptied cup.

No one said anything as the King picked up the tray and carried it toward his room.

A royalty doing such a job is generally unheard of. However, no one could come between a husband and wife so none of the servants even tried.

*CLICK*

Cedric opened the door and walked inside the room.

As always, the room was dark since his wife didn't like sunlight these days.

She mostly remains in the room and barely responds to anyone except for him.

It was the etiquette ingrained in her since childhood that even in this condition she couldn't bring herself to disrespect her Lord by not responding to him.

Her behavior was strange when she was under the control of that evil being, but Cedric has already forgiven his wife for that.

"Did you have good sleep?" He asked as he proceeded inside the room and rested the food tray on the tea table.

Sophie hummed as she asked, "Why did you bring it yourself? Could have told someone else..."

"And had you skipped another meal? No, dear, that's not something I can allow anymore." Cedric said as he pulled the chair for his wife and ushered her to sit down.

Sophie's eyes were drawn downwards as she muttered, "I try my best to eat the meals...but you know..."

"Yes, I know. And I am not forcing you to recover soon. Take your time." With a warm smile, he added, "However, don't expect me to not take care of you."

Sophie might be the only lady in the world, who, despite crossing her boundaries as a wife and a Queen, was still forgiven and was still loved by her husband, all the same.

On one hand, she knew that she should appreciate it and try to get out of this phase and face reality so she wouldn't trouble her husband anymore.

...however, whenever her mind went back to that incident at the royal court, and all the instances she spent with Aiden...she felt herself getting caged in guilt and sorrow.

Cedric scooped some rice dipped in curry—his wife's favorite—before bringing it near her lips.

Sophie slowly parted her lips and took a bite.

While she chewed slowly, she heard her husband's voice, "I got the news today that Austin had got a position in the squad by defeating Duke Runebound's scion. He will be participating with a team and will face the Elites from a different academy."

There was unhidden pride and elation in the man's voice as if he was flaunting his own achievements.

Sophie's heart ached to hear the news, as she heard him continuing.

Cedric drew closer to the woman, and asked her, "Parents are allowed to come to witness their children participate in the group matches."

For a moment, when she heard that, a faint smile appeared on her lips

Watching Austin perform before everyone...getting praised and cheered by others.

However, soon her smile disappeared and moisture appeared in her eyes

Shaking her head, she muttered, "I can't...I shouldn't. I don't deserve to be called his mother w-when...I have neglected him all his life. I have no right to be a part of his happiness when I wasn't there for him when he was suffering."

She...cannot run away from reality anymore.

Despite how much a part of her mind continued to take Aiden's side, Sophie had long realized that Aiden was not her son but someone who came to take revenge on them. A person who sought destruction and never considered her as his mother.

She had long realized that, in her efforts to provide Aiden with the familial warmth he lacked, she had neglected Austin.

However, realizing her mistake didn't grant her forgiveness. In the first place, she didn't dare to seek forgiveness since she knew that even if Austin forgave her—which he might do considering he was nothing like his mother—their relationship would never get back to how it was before Aiden's arrival.

"Dear," Cedric gently held his wife's hand, before he said, "Our wounds will always sting unless we do something about it. Just knowing that there is a wound would only continue to hurt."

Sophie released a sob, "But this wound would never heal...I know."

Cedric sighed, "But we can at least try, can't we? Isn't that our duty as parents? He's hurt… deeply disappointed in us… but if we simply accept this outcome, who will suffer the most?"

Sophie didn't say anything, but her voice was visible.

It was the sound of her crying that resonated in the room.

Cedric remained there, hugging his wife and coaxing her to the best of his capability.

He may have convinced his wife to approach their son. And now, it all depends on how Austin responds to her initiative.

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A/N:- I hope you all had a good day. Thanks for reading.