Crushing flags and claiming the Villainess

Chapter 26: Chapter 25- Favor?

For the next few days, Austin was focused on his recovery. He directed Sebastian where to hit so in case he needed to fight someone while he was recovering, Austin wouldn't fall helpless

Around the fourth day after that incident, the news arrived that the suspect—Parkinson—escaped the convoy that was bringing him to the central capital.

Around twenty elite soldiers were taking him there yet he escaped—yeah, why not.

Austin knew something like this would happen, however, he wasn't regretting anything. His primary goal was to make everyone realize his true nature and show Parkinson as a criminal. And by running away everyone now knows that he, indeed, was the criminal.

The investigation regarding the matter came to a halt since Parkinson gave them the biggest proof of being the wrongdoer.

For his security and others, some soldiers from the capital were stationed at the boy's dormitory, however, Austin declined any security following him except for Sebastian.

The Headmaster didn't insist, being aware of Sebastian's skills and devotion to his duties. However, he asked Austin to remain indoors for the time being.

It was the sixth day, and today, Austin was supposed to leave the school to reach the Capital on time. After all, tomorrow was his birthday and a ceremony was held to celebrate the return of the first Prince.

However, now, naturally, Austin couldn't go considering his health.

"I feel bad for you..." Austin muttered as, with Valerie's help, he walked into the garden.

Valerie was holding his hand since his left leg was still not completely healed, and her Lord seldom fell while walking.

Raising her brows, the pretty lady asked, "Why though? I never liked those flashy ceremonies."

She wasn't lying when she said that, and the reason why she ever used to join such celebrations was because her father asked her to. Later, Austin invited her.

Austin paused, and while looking at her, he uttered, "Except for the yearly holidays during winter, it's only around my birthday when you meet your parents."

A brief wave of shock rendered her speechless as she stared at her Lord with her eyes turning round.

Austin sighed before telling her, "Unlike mine, your parents adore you and your siblings equally well, and I am aware of how fond you are of them."

Cupping her cheek softly, he asked, "What do you say, should we take a few days off after I recover and visit your parents? After our engagement, I haven't met them as well."

With his gaze drifting to the front he added, "I want to make a good impression on my father in law as-"

*Thud*

Suddenly, Austin was surrounded by the scent of jasmine, and his body was enveloped by a warm sensation as Valerie hugged him.

Austin was taken aback by the sudden embrace but he soon reciprocated and wrapped his arms around his fiancée.

Her soft and warm body was addictive; he always felt a great urge to keep holding her for a long time...it makes him calm and elevates his heart rate at the same time.

Valerie had tears in her eyes as she whispered, "The way you have been considerate about such small things related to me...I feel quite happy."

For others, it might be trivial; however, for Valerie, the very thought of closing the distance between her parents and himself was a very considerate and loving act.

A few days ago, even a single glance from him was enough for her to remain content. Even if it was filled with contempt, she loved it when he scolded her. That's why when he suddenly started showing her with all his affection, Valerie wasn't able to hold back herself.

"Make a habit of it, Val...my every action will always be aimed to make you happy." He softly muttered, and he meant what he said.

In his previous life, there was no one he met who loved him so unconditionally, however, now that he had such a person so close to him, Austin was not going to let her go.

Ever.

.....

Their walk came to an end as soon as they decided to share tea before resting in their rooms.

Valerie was silent until the cafeteria, and someone who closely observes her regularly these days, Austin could tell that she was quite embarrassed right now

After all, for a maiden like Valerie, it was too much to suddenly hug a boy, even though he was her fiancé. And not to talk about, so openly!

There was a strong urge in him to rub his cheek against hers and pat the girl who can get shy about such trivial things. However, if he does that, there is a high chance Valerie might lock herself up in her room for the next ten days in embarrassment.

"You still prefer tea without sugar?" Valerie looked up and nodded with perplexity vivid in her eyes.

"Is it because you want to maintain your health?" Austin asked curiously.

"...I don't need to avoid sugar just because of that since I train enough to avoid getting myself extra weight." Valerie added, "It's just...I no longer like sweet things."

Austin raised his brows as he also picked his black coffee, without sugar. He remembered Valarie once loved sugary things, but slowly, her taste changed....

Did she intentionally change it?

He never got the chance to ask, as suddenly a familiar face appeared before them, "Hey, Austin?"

Rudolph sat down beside Austin with concern written over his face.

The blond Prince hummed in question before he heard the other one hesitantly asking, "Can you do me a favor ..and talk to Rhea?"

Valerie flinched, the hold around the tea cup tightening.

Austin didn't miss her reaction, however, rather than outrightly rejecting the guy, he asked, "Why me? You can go talk to her, no?"

"Agh-you know how bad I am at this. I don't know what to say to console someone...and at the moment, Rhea needs someone who can give her some emotional support."

With his eyes revealing a lot more than his words, Rudolph added, "...I think this incident with Parkinson...it has reminded her of something bad. I have never seen Rhea being so silent before..."

It struck him then. Austin remembered that small incident that Rhea once mentioned in the story later on, which urges Parkinson to stop his stalker-like act.

Heaving a sigh, and while holding Valarie's hand, Austin said, "I will see what I can do."

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A/N:- Sorrrrrry for not uploading yesterday. I had an exam~~