Crushing flags and claiming the Villainess

Austin was getting ready to leave for the ceremony.

He wore a black suit—just as his lover had insisted—a black waistcoat, black pants, and a white shirt. His hair was neatly styled and combed to the back of his head, ensuring he looked presentable.

As he fastened the cuffs on his wrist, he couldn't help but ask the system, "Tell me something. Is there really no way to bring Ashen Maul back?"

[No, host. Every weapon provided by the System has its own sentience. A soul is infused into them during forging, and once broken, they can never be the same even if the fragments are reattached.]

Austin let out a heavy sigh. "You could've told me that earlier. I've risked Wisp so many times…" Ashen Maul had been the newest addition to his arsenal. After fighting alongside it in several battles, a bond had formed—one that was deeper than he could've imagined between a warrior and their weapon.

Although Austin already has the thought of summoning Scar, Ashen Maul's destruction is the reason why he was pushed off the edge.

Now that he knows that his weapons are destructible and cannot be restored, he would be a little extra careful.

*Knock*

"It's me, young master."

Hearing the familiar butler's voice, Austin told him, "It's open."

The doorknob was twisted before the familiar person stepped inside with a soft smile on his face.

"You look...good, sir."

Hearing his words caused Austin's brows to go up, "Why the pause?"

Sebastian glanced at his young master once more before quietly saying, "Excuse me for a moment."

Without waiting for a response, he stepped behind Austin and swiftly removed his coat.

Austin was taken aback but didn't stop him.

To his surprise, Sebastian went further, carefully taking off the waistcoat before helping him slip the coat back on.

As if that wasn't enough, Sebastian picked up the comb and began to work on Austin's hair.

"Sebastian...?" Austin's voice was filled with confusion.

"You aren't dressed to match your age, sir," Sebastian replied, his tone respectful yet playful. "You're young and handsome, so let's not hide that under a formal dress code."

Sebastian stood behind Austin, the comb gently running through his soft, slightly damp hair. He parted the strands down the middle, arranging his glossy blond hair with a deliberate yet relaxed touch, leaving it just a little messy.

When he finished, he stepped aside, giving Austin room to take in his reflection in the mirror.

Austin blinked, surprised to see that he actually looked better.

He nodded in approval, then turned to Sebastian. "Thanks for the makeover, Sebas. I really appreciate it."

Sebastian bowed softly. "Enjoy yourself at the party, sir."

°°°°°°°°°°

Austin walked down the dormitory and headed toward the fountain near which Valerie always waits for him.

He could sense many people glancing at him...maybe because of what happened during the tournament or maybe it was the appearance? Regardless, he was already quite used to all those gazes.

He silently walked towards the fountain, eager to see Valerie's reaction—however, the moment his eyes landed on his girl, he slowly and to a halt.

Valerie had already noticed him, and seeing that reaction brought a smile to her face.

Valerie wore a stunning black frock gown that hugged her figure with quiet elegance. The dress had full sleeves that wrapped around her arms like silk, adding a graceful charm to her presence. A gentle, low cut began from her chest, modest yet alluring, and the gown flowed all the way down to her ankles.

She has braided her long hair in a high bun, using the hairpin he gifted her, to keep them in the pace. Her face was touched with light makeup, and her lips appeared red and supple.

The black color made her look both powerful and graceful, like a shadow dancing under the moonlight. Her look was simple—but impossible to ignore.

"I need a glass case....can't let the world see you." Austin's words were heartfelt and contained the sudden rush of love he felt upon seeing the girl.

Is he really worthy to stand beside her? She is so damn pretty!

"That's ...a very strange thought." Valerie giggled as she drew closer to him.

The perfume she wore was quite profound around her, making him intoxicated.

Once she was inches away, she seductively whispered, "But I am no different either. Seeing you, the first thought I had was, 'I need to lock him up and prevent the world from seeing him.'"

Austin's breath was caught in his throat as he looked down at her.

Those full red lips were quite tempting to his eyes.

He slid his arm around her delicately shaped waist and gave her a soft kiss.

Valerie was taken aback by the kiss since there were many people around.

But rejecting her Lord was never an option.

She hugged his neck, leaned her head, and deepened the kiss.

It was a sight worth creating a sketch.

A handsome man and a beautiful woman, standing under the pleasant moonlight, having an intimate moment.

They complimented each other so well that rather than feeling envious, people admired them.

Soon, they reached the ceremonial hall, with their arms hooked.

Valerie was not used to wearing heels, that's why Austin was taking slow steps.

If earlier people were glancing at him, now people were stopping in their tracks to look at the duo.

The ceremonial hall was not packed, but yes, it was crowded.

Students from each year were invited today. More than five hundred students were gathered around, involved in group chats.

The servers were moving about, changing the empty glasses and serving the students with snacks and different dishes.

"Oh, hey. How are you Austin." The one who greeted them was the Student Council President, Annabelle.

She was wearing a red one-piece dress that reached her knees. She has tied her hair in a ponytail, appearing younger than usual.

Beside her was the familiar silver head, wearing a white suit with a black shirt.

"I am good, how about you, Prez?"

Anna rested her hand on her stomach and said, "Can digest things now,"

"Joking about the injury...really, Anna?" Sheldon sighed. He really doesn't want her to remember about it...considering how deeply that day has traumatized her.

Annabelle shook her head, "Unless I don't regularly confront it, the memory won't go away." Her logic was...sound but Sheldon still showed reluctance.

"President, you will be graduating soon...have you thought of what job will you pick?" Valerie asked with her brows raised.

Austin picked two fruit drinks from the passing waiter's tray before handing one to his lover.

Annabelle hummed, her finger pressed against her chin in a typical thinking pose, as she said, "I can join my father's business and help him. However, that sounds too boring."

"Wait...you really haven't thought about it?" Austin was perplexed. His and Valerie's situations were different and they have more than a year to think about their career after graduation. However, Annabelle would be leaving the school in a month...yet she seems unsure about the direction she wants to take.

Anna grinned as she said, "Well if I become an unemployed slacker, a certain someone will certainly take care of my needs," Her body leaned slightly toward Sheldon when she said that.

Sheldon's ears turned red as he scoffed but didn't try to reject her.

Soon, they went their ways, Anna and Sheldon meeting other people while Austin and Valerie took a corner and just looked at the people.

"I've never seen you so excited about joining a celebration before," Austin's soft voice reached her.

She glanced at him and noticed he was still looking ahead, though his eyes held a smile.

Valerie moved a little closer, the warmth of his presence calming her, before speaking softly, "I want to see the moment when my Lord is recognized for his bravery and discipline. Call me a fool, but I want those who've spoken ill of you in the past to see how far you've come—how they were left behind while you soared ahead."

Only Valerie could be so passionate about someone else's achievements and scornful toward others because they behaved inappropriately to her fiancée.

Austin tilted his head towards her before asking, "And what if I don't get rewarded?"

Valerie's eyes turned cold as she flatly stated, "Then this would be my last day at the academy."

...Austin was taken aback. How closely he knows her, he guessed that she wasn't talking about leaving the academy if they didn't appreciate Austin's efforts. Rather, she would end up committing something that would ban her from entering the academy.

...now, Austin really hoped that he would get even the smallest achievement tonight.

"May I have your attention please," suddenly, someone appeared on the stage and gathered everyone's attention.

It was the Headmaster.

°°°°°°°

A/N:- Thanks for reading. The next chapter would be the end of the second volume. Drop a comment.