Crushing flags and claiming the Villainess

"For now, I have no clue." This discussion was taking place in the reception hall of the mansion.

The people involved in these were the King, the man of the house, Valerie, and Austin. On the side, Sebastian remained standing in silence.

The content of the discussion, surely, was the Demon General that appeared today.

"I think the Union Council has already gotten the news by now about the General's appearance," Adam suggested after hearing from Austin about his lack of information about the General.

Truth be told, Austin does know a few things about the Generals and how they can appear on this side without alerting the security, but he kept silent on the matter.

Again, it all comes down to how much he could trust people who are not Valerie.

"The major problem would arise if people get to know about it," Cedric muttered with a frown on his face.

The Demon King arising from death would cause pandemonium. There was no doubt that the world peace would be at risk.

"It's highly unlikely the general masses would know about it unless we or the Council tell them." Austin voiced, believing the battle and what followed it, was not seen by any onlooker.

However, "That could be dangerous, sir." Sebastian voiced, pulling everyone's attention towards him.

The grey-haired man continued, "Informing them in advance so they could actively prepare for the war is far better than keeping them in the dark, only to let a wave of chaos crash down upon them."

Sebastian's suggestion settled in everyone's mind. It seemed like the most rational conclusion.

However, the problem was, "Will the Council allow us to reveal it?" Adam asked in an unsure tone.

The Union Council seeks world peace while tackling all the dangers by themselves.

Naturally, they would refrain from letting the general public know that humanity's greatest adversary has returned.

A brief silence ensued before Cedric said, "We should leave the decision to the Council."

"But Father..." Austin was stopped by Cedric as he said,

"Yes, but we can surely prepare for the war by fortifying our defenses. People might suspect things and the Council might not like our movements, but we need to be prepared for what is to come."

Cedric was concerned about the whole human race since the enemy in question had ruled over the planet a thousand years ago.

However, if the Defensive Pillar of humanity refrains from disclosing about the Demon Lord's revival, as a King, all Cedric can do is to safeguard his territory.

If he can't save the whole human race, he, at least, would ensure that Eryndor survives for as long as possible.

No one said anything against it.

After a brief pause, Austin got up from his seat, and said, "I will go meet her."

There was none who didn't know who this 'her' was, whom he was so eager to meet.

Valerie also got up, naturally, to follow him.

"Are you sure I can't come, son?" Cedric asked in a weak tone.

However, that didn't work on the young noble, "I am pretty sure that she won't like me having people with me. Valerie is an exception."

He didn't explain why Valerie was an exception and bid them farewell.

Sebastian also seemed to want to accompany them, but Austin's response to his father left the man with no option but just to see them go.

They walked out of the mansion with their hands connected.

The weather was pretty nice since the whole territory was surrounded by dense forest.

The low buzzing of crickets and the slow breeze presented a very serene atmosphere for a walk.

Austin still had no idea how Selner would find them, but he had no other choice but to wait for her.

Well, if she doesn't appear before him today, Austin knows where he could find her.

"Are you worried?" Valerie asked him.

Austin raised his brows, "About the Demon Lord?" A nod from her ushered him to add, "Not really. I actually anticipated it. Somehow knew that he would return. However, his familiarity with me indeed worries me."

Valerie had a bitter expression, "That malicious voice...that presence...I only read in books how even a glimpse of that face kept people awake for several nights."

Even Valerie, who was regarded as one of the strongest humans, felt worthless before that entity.

She felt utterly helpless before the Demon Lord. The darkness he radiated wasn't just an absence of light—it devoured warmth, hope, and every shred of belief she clung to. His mere presence was a crushing force as if existence itself rejected the notion of happiness in his wake.

"Ah..." Valerie's focus returned to their joined hands as Austin squeezed hers and softly said,

"I am here, Val."

Valerie's eyes were focused on nothing else but him.

Just simple three words and she felt all the dark clouds from her mind, dispering.

"Should I have arrived late?"

A voice broke their trance as the couple turned toward the woman who appeared before them without a sound.

"Good evening, Madame Selner." Austin has gotten used to people disturbing them when they are having a moment, so he was able to retain his calm while speaking to her.

Valerie didn't say anything and stood silently by his side.

The lady, in response, looked at their connected hands, before asking Austin, "I'd suggest you come with me alone. And trust me, this is for her benefit."

Valerie's hold on his hand stiffened as she narrowed her gaze.

Austin was surprised as he asked, "Can't she hear what you are going to say?"

Selner clearly told him, "What I am about to show you...might break her trust in you. So choose very wisely."

Austin's heart....trembled at those words.

Something that can break Valerie's trust?

Even repeating it inside his head made him anxious.

The very thought of Valerie directing a distrustful look made him gulp in nervousness.

However, on the other hand, "Nothing in the world can make me distrustful towards him. Please tell us whatever you know."

Her voice held no hesitation. And that helped Austin to realize something very crucial.

He trusted Selner's warning more than his relationship. And that is awful.

Intertwining his fingers with hers, Austin spoke with certainty, "Whatever it is, I want us both to witness it together."

That's right. He shouldn't doubt Valerie. She has shown trust in him when the world belittled him. So he should also trust her this time.

Selner sighed, "Your choice. Now summon your Shard and extend it towards me."

Austin and Valerie shared a glance, feeling weirded out by the request, but they followed her words and summoned their Shard.

Once the tip of their Shard touched Selner's hand—the world moved.

Or, to be more precise, they jumped through an invisible portal that threw their bodies at a pace that was extremely excruciating.

"Agh." Austin winced as his feet landed back on solid ground.

Even though it was merely for three seconds, he felt several concrete blocks had fallen over his stomach. Not a pleasant feeling

Valerie also had a bitter expression as she held her stomach and her other hand rubbed Austin's back.

"Common symptoms for someone teleporting for the first time." The Witch voiced in a plain voice as she looked at the two struggling teenagers.

Austin bought two potions from the system before handing one to Valerie.

"Thank you..." Valerie muttered as she consumed the potion.

Once both of them calmed down, Austin took in his surroundings.

It was...a vast clearing, surrounded by sakura trees in full bloom. Their soft pink petals danced in the air, carried by a gentle breeze. The ground was covered in a delicate layer of fallen blossoms, creating a scene that felt almost dreamlike.

The air was fresh, filled with the faint, sweet scent of cherry blossoms. Birds chirped softly in the distance, and the rustling of leaves added to the peaceful silence. It was a place untouched by time, where the world felt calm and at ease.

"Where are we?" Valerie asked in a daze. The place was so beautiful that she was left breathless.

Selner didn't respond to her query, rather, she said, "Follow me."

She began walking ahead of them, and soon, the two teenagers followed silently.

The moment of truth was before them as Selner soon came to a pause.

She raised her hand and for the first time, Austin saw her Shard.

It was a wooden magical staff with a red orb floating atop the staff.

It was nothing fancy but seemed quite detailed and extruded strength.

She raised her Shard a little before thumping the butt of the staff on the ground.

*Ting*

The sound of a bell resonated before the ground began to tremble.

Austin and Valerie looked closely as the ground before Selner began to part from the middle before a rectangular block was slowly pushed above the surface.

Selner massaged her forehead, looking unnaturally tense before she moved to the other side of the block and turned to look at the duo.

Pressing her hand on the coffin, she said, "Don't panic, I request."

Austin nodded as he tightly held his lover's hand.

Selner took a deep breath before she gave the lid a slight push.

The cover slowly slid towards the duo.

Once the lid was completely taken off, Selner nodded toward them to look inside.

Austin steeled his nerves and approached the coffin...only to feel his mind turning numb and the person losing strength in his legs.

Valerie's face turned pale when she saw the dead body inside the coffin.

The familiar blond boy lay inside the coffin. Dead.

The person was extremely identical to the one who was looking at it.

"...w-who is he?" In a trembling voice, Austin asked.

Selner calmly responded, "It is you...or should I say your past self."

°°°°°°°°

A/N:- Thanks for reading.