Crushing flags and claiming the Villainess

When Rhea was rescued from her hometown at the age of five, the memories of where she was born had already begun to fade.

She could recall her parents, but only in fragments—warm smiles, gentle hands, the sound of laughter echoing somewhere deep in her heart. Maybe it was the shock of the demon attack that shattered those precious moments and buried them too deep to reach.

As she grew older, strong enough to stand on her own and defend herself, a quiet longing took root in her heart. She wanted to return to that place—not for any reward or reason—but simply to remember. She believed that if she walked the streets where she once held her parents' hands, the memories might come back.

But no matter how hard she tried, Rhea couldn't recall the town. The name of it, the faces, the path back—it was all missing. As if someone had reached into her mind and carefully removed every trace.

Until now, all of Rhea's efforts had led to nothing. No matter how far she searched or how many people she asked, there were no answers. She couldn't find where she had lived before becoming a refugee. It was as if the town itself had vanished—not just from maps, but from memory. As if the world had quietly decided to forget.

Somewhere deep inside, Rhea had already accepted it. The silence, the absence, the way no one ever spoke of it—it all pointed to one thing. The town was gone, wiped away so completely that only the ache it left behind remained.

But then, out of nowhere, a ray of hope appeared.

A man she knew well—someone she trusted—stood before her and quietly said he knew where she came from.

"Cadstead..." Rhea whispered, the name dancing on her tongue like a forgotten melody. It felt strange, yet familiar—like something pulled from the corners of a long-lost dream. She remembered how she used to fumble the word, no matter how many times her father patiently repeated it. And yet, the moment it passed her lips, she knew. This was it. The name of the place where her story began.

As the carriage rolled forward, the world outside passing in gentle blurs, she sat beside him in silence for a moment. Then, with wide, searching eyes, she turned to him. "How did you find out about it?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper, heavy with wonder and disbelief.

Morkel let out a quiet sigh, leaning back in his seat. His gaze drifted upward for a moment before he answered, his voice low and a little hesitant. "You were talking about it with Parkinson a few months ago. I was there too... I happened to overhear the conversation."

He didn't mention the part where he had chosen to eat in the common hall only because he saw her heading there. He didn't tell her how he'd listened more closely than he should have, holding on to every word she shared.

Rhea gave a small nod, not pushing further. Her eyes followed his as they turned to the window.

The scenery of Heinveil passed by in soft, fading colors. It made her feel a little heavy inside. She had only just arrived, and already she was leaving. The people here were kind, and the air was gentle—but memories pulled stronger than comfort ever could.

She didn't have many days off from the academy. And between staying in the peace of the present or chasing the pieces of her past, Rhea had made her choice.

She would go. Even if all she found was silence, she needed to stand on the soil where her life had begun.

"It'll take only half a day to get there," Morkel said gently. "After that, you can come back and spend a few more days here before heading to the academy. And if you want to stay longer... I can send a letter on your behalf. You won't get in trouble."

He had been watching her closely, reading the silent tug-of-war playing out in her eyes. That quiet struggle between duty and longing. It moved him more than he let on.

They were nearing the end of the academic year. Most lessons had already wrapped up, and apart from the final reward ceremony and the farewell celebration for the graduating seniors, there wasn't much left. If Rhea wanted, she could skip them without much consequence. And with Morkel's influence, no one would question her absence.

Hearing his offer, Rhea turned her gaze toward him, a flicker of surprise in her expression. "Why are you helping me this much, Professor? I'm not the top student… and I don't come from some noble family."

Morkel couldn't help but smile at that. There was something in her voice—honest, unsure, a little guarded.

He leaned forward, resting his arms on his knees, and looked straight at her. "Because once, you saved me from giving up on my dream. And now... I'm just returning the favor."

For a moment, her breath caught. She remembered. That day when she bumped into him outside the staff hall and saw the resignation letter in his hand. She had spoken so freely then, unaware of the weight her words carried, telling him how his lectures made magic feel alive again, how she looked forward to his classes more than any other. She hadn't realized it was enough to make him stay.

"Is that so?" she asked softly, a shy smile curving her lips.

Morkel didn't reply. He only smiled again, a quiet, knowing smile, and turned his eyes to the changing view outside the carriage window.

He told her it was just a favor returned. But the truth was much deeper than that—one he kept tucked inside his heart. He was doing all of this not out of duty… but out of love. The kind that grows slowly, gently, and quietly changes everything.

But naturally, telling her that would surely creep her out.

'I don't want your affection Rhea...just seeing you smile beside me is hefty for me.'

°°°°°°°°°°°

There was a room in the royal palace that seldom opened.

A single room where servants aren't allowed to enter regardless of the reason.

Even though in the room a royalty resides, it is forbidden for them to disturb her.

The youngest heiress of the Eryndor family and the only Princess, Averis von Eryndor.

It has been over four years since she went to her hibernation.

Her meals are kept before her door every single day, and at the end of the day, the maids come to take the empty plates.

She denies the help to clean her room and even rejects her parents' request to let them see her.

Although she leaves her room once in a while, no one sees her generally. After all, she left under pitch darkness.

Just like every day, today as well, Averis was sitting by the window and looking at the grand entrance of the palace.

Her long silver hair was sprawled on the bed. Her light blue eyes traced the carriages that came and went.

Even though she has forbidden any servant from entering the room, she has kept it nearly tidy and clean. All her clothes were washed, too, and not a speck of dust could be seen anywhere.

There was a wide range of books stored on the bookshelf, which she had already read. There were a few potion-making materials as well, but she long realized she didn't have the talent of a potion-maker.

"It is going to be winter soon..." Averis muttered under her breath as she decided to take out her winter wear from the trunk.

Just as she got up from the bed, she heard,

*Knock*

"It's me, Averis. Open the door."

She jolted at that voice...i-it can't be....

That voice...why is he here?

Her legs began to tremble and her eyes wavered as she realized who was standing on the other side.

But why would he come here?! She was nothing to him! After so many years, why did he come here?!

Averish clenched her fist and decided to remain silent, so he goes away. However,

*CREAK*

Much to her shock, the lock of the door cracked as the person on the other side pushed it.

Averis remained standing with her eyes parted wide as the door slowly opened, the huge barricade completely destroyed before the person from the side came into her view.

He looked a bit different...no more gloom over his head, no more anger in his eyes, and he extruded a strong presence as well. However, despite all that, there was no denying that the person in front of her was the reason why she locked herself up.

"Averis..."

°°°°°°°°°°

A/N:- Thanks for reading.