Crushing flags and claiming the Villainess

The Union Council finally sent reinforcements to handle the situation at the venue.

Those students who were critically damaged were taken to medication. And those who died...well, their families are getting contacted.

For the time being, they have arranged refugee camps outside the venue which was heavily guarded by the Council soldiers.

No one has come to take responsibility for this whole situation, nor anyone showed up to apologize.

Hundreds of families would weep today after seeing their child lying in a coffin.

They could have never imagined that a tournament arranged by the strongest organization would take their child away from them.

Nobles were coming from different nations, that's why special tents were arranged for them to stay. And a high-ranking officer was continuously guarding their temporary residence.

Food and other necessary supplies were provided, and transportation was arranged to take the students and their parents back.

Students were provided with much smaller tents but had enough space to fit at least seven people.

Inside one of such tents, there were a few familiar faces that could be seen.

Austin was standing beside Rudolph as they leisurely discussed the battle they faced.

Annabelle was resting in the tent as well, with Rhea beside using a wet cloth to cool down her burning head.

It wasn't anything serious but overuse of Soul Energy has caused commonly known backlash. With proper treatment and diet, she would recover in a few days.

Elara and Ryan were in different tents, with their friends. And Valerie was also not present currently.

Sheldon brought Annabelle's hand to his lips before kissing it softly, as he asked, "How do you feel now?"

It might be the seventh time in an hour that he asked that.

Annabelle couldn't stop her lips from curving in a smile as she assured him, "I feel good now...just feeling weak slight which will go away."

Sheldon heaved a sigh before he got up and faced Austin.

The blond noble also turned in his direction, before he heard the Vice-President saying, "I cannot thank you enough for what you have done, Austin. I promise, any time in your life, you need my help, I will do whatever I can."

Austin smilingly shook his head, "Truth be told I saved her because her death would have pained me immensely."

That response made everyone surprised, as the pinkhead asked, "Why...is that Austin?"

Austin's eyes turned solemn with his lips still stretched in a smile as he said, "Her death would have made Valerie sad...and it's extremely painful for me to see her sad."

Many people died before he arrived. Many people died before his eyes today. Austin knew a lot of those. And just like others, Annabelle was just his acquaintance as well.

He wouldn't have saved her using that priceless elixir if only she didn't have a close relationship with Valerie.

Annabelle warmly smiled at the junior before she slowly muttered, "Regardless of the reason, I am thankful that you provided me with another chance. Thank you."

°°°°°°°°

In the other tent, four people could be currently seen sitting and one standing.

The King and Queen of Eryndor were sitting beside each other on chairs.

Their loyal butler, Sebastian, was standing diagonally behind the King with his hands behind his back.

The atmosphere was neutral, neither too relaxed nor too tense.

It might be the first time after their engagement that these three people have gathered in one place and gained the chance to have a private conversation.

And just like that day, a day before their engagement, the Queen was silent today as well.

"I heard what you have done for him. Your support and your encouragement have helped Austin a lot. When we failed as his parents, you remained standing by his side. And for that, I cannot express how grateful I am."

Valerie had a keen eye for people when they spoke. She could tell when someone genuinely meant their words and when they were merely saying them out of obligation.

And currently, the King was speaking each word from his heart.

"I was just there to support him, but the first step was taken by him." She simply responded.

"Still, it means a lot. Ah, by the way, I heard you two were summoned to the Council Headquarters recently?"

Valerie nodded, "It was for questioning. Austin defeated Hellstain's last soldier, which garnered their attention."

Hearing about Drenovar, Sophie bit her lip.

She recently got to know what they faced when they were in the ocean-side country.

Seeing the unease on his wife's face and how eagerly she wanted to ask Valerie about Austin, the blond one said, "Valerie...I know it's unfair for me to ask this...but can you help mediate the situation between the two?"

Cedric has already realized the fact that Austin was extremely attached to his fiancée. It can be seen how he brought water and medicine for her, checked on her condition twice, and even pulled a medic just to be on the safe side.

That's why, the man asked the girl hopefully.

Valerie's eyes were drawn to the ground, her shoulders slumped.

It would be a lie to say she didn't expect it.

However, rather than giving a direct answer, she told them, "As his fiancée and childhood friend, I realized something peculiarly sweet about him."

With a soft smile, she added, "Although he never says it, Austin actually loves having his birthday celebrated. He loves it when people sing for him, cut a cake, and give him presents. Although he never said that, I saw it in his eyes."

Turning her eyes toward the two adults, she asked, "Naturally, as his parents you must have noticed it too, right? Yet, neither of you even considered bringing him a gift. Forget about that, Your Majesty you didn't even send a letter to him."

Sophie's eyes were moist, and her head leaned down. She couldn't refute a single word she said.

She has neglected Austin. Her life revolved around Aiden in the few years after he returned.

Despite receiving so much news about him, she never reacted like a mother. She was just like any passerby who heard the news and gave a few comments before carrying on with her life.

Cedric held his wife's hand in concern, however, right now, he can do only that much. Not all the responsibility fell on her. He was wrong too.

Valerie sighed, "There was a time when he used to show emotions such as sorrow and anger...but now, he has buried those emotions deep within his heart somewhere and has become numb to any emotion that connects him to his family."

Valerie didn't want to say so much to the two, however, she couldn't stop herself.

The grief she has seen in his eyes. And the hopelessness he suffered from...she can never forgive these two for that.

Valerie got up from her seat before saying, "I can only help you gain his forgiveness when you forgive yourself for what you have done, Your Majesty. Excuse me."

Leaving those words, she turned around and left.

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A/N:- Thanks for reading. Drop a comment.

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