Crushing flags and claiming the Villainess

They were leaving Valerie's home. Three days had passed since their arrival, and though Austin wouldn't have minded staying longer, he was eager to return to the capital. After all, there was someone waiting for him—someone he needed to coax.

Near the entrance of the mansion, Valerie's mother held her in a tight embrace, eyes glistening with unshed tears. Valerie gently patted her back, feeling both warmth and guilt.

A short distance away, Adam was speaking with Austin, discussing possible checkposts they might encounter and how to handle any trouble on the road. Even though it wasn't necessary, Adam had still assigned a few soldiers to escort them to the capital.

"You need to be extra cautious now," Adam warned. Austin gave a small nod, knowing there was no denying that.

Then Adam turned to Valerie. "Val, why don't you visit your master? His estate is along the way, and I believe he's home."

Austin blinked in surprise before recalling that Count Everhart had once been Valerie's mentor.

Valerie hesitated. "I'll think about it," she murmured.

After exchanging a few more words with her parents and accepting the lunch boxes her mother had lovingly packed, they boarded the carriage.

As the wheels began to turn, Anastasia and Adam waved, their smiles tinged with longing. Valerie and Austin waved back, mirroring their expressions.

For a while, they sat in silence, listening to the rhythmic sound of the horses' hooves against the road. Then, Austin gently placed his hand over Valerie's.

"Are you sad?" he asked.

Feeling the warmth of his touch, she sighed and leaned back. "I just feel bad for Mom… She wants to keep me home forever."

"That's only natural," Austin said softly. "We'll be finishing our second year in another month. Maybe you could take a long vacation and spend time with them?"

Valerie turned toward him, puffing out her cheek slightly. "You don't want to spend vacation with me? I even bought a swimsuit…"

Austin stiffened, his throat suddenly dry. The mere thought of Valerie in a swimsuit sent heat rushing to his face. He swallowed hard.

"W-Well, vacations are long, so we can definitely—"

"No, I'll spend it with my family." Valerie crossed her arms and huffed in mock stubbornness.

Austin let out a dramatic sigh, then leaned in with a teasing smile. "I was just joking. There's no way I'd miss spending quality time with my lovely wife."

Valerie wasn't truly upset, but when he called her his wife, her heart softened. She melted into his embrace, letting him hold her close.

After a quiet moment, Austin whispered, "Val… do you want to visit your teacher?"

Count Everhart's estate was along the way, so it wouldn't take much effort to stop by.

Valerie hesitated. "I haven't seen him since I started at the academy. He might be angry with me."

Austin chuckled. "That's possible. But if you don't go, wouldn't that be unfair to him?"

She lowered her gaze, deep in thought. She didn't talk about her teacher much, but Austin knew how much she respected him. Count Everhart had been her first mentor—the one who taught her combat, guided her through hardship, and witnessed her grow stronger. Under his care, she had undergone all three of her evolutions. He had played a crucial role in shaping her into who she was today.

Austin gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. "I think we should go."

The last traces of hesitation faded from Valerie's face. If her Lord had decided, then there was no need to second-guess.

"Okay," she said with a nod, and the carriage continued down the road.

°°°°°°°°°

It took them about three hours to reach another town—Habesberg.

This town fell under Count Everhart's jurisdiction, and the banners of both Habesberg and Eryndor fluttered in the wind, marking the territory.

Habesberg was alive with energy, its streets filled with the scent of rich spices. The air carried the warm notes of cinnamon, pepper, and saffron, mingling with the chatter of traders from distant lands. Stalls lined the roads, overflowing with colorful herbs, dried fruits, and fragrant oils. Merchants haggled with eager buyers, their voices blending into the rhythmic clatter of horse-drawn carts and the rustling of woven sacks.

As their carriage passed a cluster of spice shops, Valerie's small nose twitched. She instinctively covered her mouth, but—

"Achoo!"

A tiny sneeze escaped her.

Austin, who had been idly watching the passing scenery, blinked. A sweet, almost unbearable aggression bubbled inside him.

"You… just sneezed?" His voice held a mix of surprise and fascination.

Valerie wiped her nose with a handkerchief, suddenly feeling oddly self-conscious. Especially under the way he was looking at her—with such bright, eager eyes.

She gave a small nod.

Austin raised a finger, his expression serious. "Can you sneeze once more?"

Valerie stiffened. "W-What?"

"It was adorable," he declared without hesitation.

Her face instantly turned red. "M-My sneeze?"

"Yes. It was."

Before she could react, Austin pulled her into his arms, squeezing her tightly.

It was the same kind of instinctive affection one felt when seeing a small, fluffy animal or a beloved pet after a long time.

Valerie had no idea why she was being showered with so much attention, but since it was from her favorite man, she simply closed her eyes and allowed herself to be pampered.

Not long after, the carriage slowed to a stop before a grand mansion, its white and blue façade gleaming under the midday sun.

With a quiet sigh, Valerie and Austin reluctantly parted from their embrace and stepped out.

As they approached the main gate, Valerie gestured ahead. "Here, in—"

Before she could even retrieve her identification card, a voice called out from beyond the gate.

"Welcome, Lady Corwon."

A man approached, his presence prompting the guards to swing the gates open without hesitation.

Valerie smiled. "Sir Glade."

Austin raised a brow at the blue-haired man, something about him felt oddly familiar.

Then the man's gaze landed on him. "Ah… are you the Royal Highness, Sir Austin?"

It wasn't hard to guess—anyone standing so closely beside Valerie, speaking so casually with her, had to be her fiancé.

Austin nodded and extended his hand. "Good afternoon. I am Austin Eryndor."

Glade accepted the handshake with a firm grip. "A pleasure to meet you, Your Highness. I am Glade Everhart. My younger brother has spoken of you."

Austin's lips curled in amusement. "So, you're Elion's brother."

Glade grinned. "Indeed. I hope he hasn't given you too much trouble at the academy."

Austin chuckled. "Not much."

With the introductions made, Glade gestured toward the entrance. "Come on in."

Austin and Valerie followed Glade through the halls, the rhythmic tapping of their footsteps filling the quiet space. As they walked, Valerie exchanged a few words with him about the school and her family.

Count Everhart and Duke Corwon were close, which explained how Valerie had become acquainted with the Count in the first place.

Glade's voice softened slightly as he asked, "I heard about the incident. Are you two okay?"

The weight behind his words was clear. Austin and Valerie instantly understood which incident he was referring to.

"We managed to get out safely," Austin replied his tone even.

Glade exhaled, relieved. "Elion told me you both fought against an army. Father was quite pleased, Valerie."

Valerie gave a small smile. "Is he here?"

"He went to the public welfare office but should return in an hour."

She nodded at the response. With that, Glade led them toward the reception hall.

It was an elegant reception with a blue and white color theme.

Resting sofas were around a center table and a soft fur carpet beneath their feet.

As the three of them settled, a few maids brought beverages and snacks for the duo.

"I assume you still are going with no sugar?" Glade asked with a smile of amusement.

Valerie nodded, "I don't like sugary things."

Austin was...slightly surprised that Glade knew so much about Valerie. But then again, she used to come here often for training so they must have gotten acquainted.

"How is your training going on? Did you master your Meteor Fall?" Glade asked, only for Valerie to shake her head in denial.

"No, I still..."

They were conversing about things which didn't allow Austin to say anything.

Hearing about the past from Glade, Austin realized how many things he had missed about Valerie.

There was a time when Valerie used to be clumsy as well...but unfortunately, Austin was never able to enjoy those moments with her.

"I must tell you, Austin, her aim was pretty awful back then."

Valerie rolled her eyes, "Better than Elion, at least."

Austin just smiled in response, when suddenly, a little girl rushed towards them and hugged Valerie.

"Big sister!" She beamed.

Austin looked at her hair and knew she was Glade's little sister.

"How have you been, Kaira?" Valerie softly patted her back as she asked.

"I missed you..." The little one rubbed her face on Valerie, showing how lonely she was when suddenly, her eyes landed on Austin.

She parted from Valerie before turning towards Austin, "Are you big sister's lover?"

Austin nodded softly, "Yes, I am."

The little girl's lips extended in a smile as she said, "Then you must be strong, right? Fight with me!"

°°°°°°°°°°

A/N:- Drama loading. Thanks for reading.