Crushing flags and claiming the Villainess-Chapter 242 - 241- Birthday

"Tomorrow is Valerie's birthday."

Austin heard his mother-in-law's soft voice as she spoke, and everyone at the table turned toward her.

"What should we do?" she asked, her words gentle, uncertain.

Valerie wasn't here—she had been taken back to rest. Only close family members from both sides, along with Austin, remained at the table.

Austin hadn't forgotten. He had planned to celebrate the day quietly, just the two of them. Something small and meaningful.

But of course, it made sense that her mother would remember too.

"Austin… did you remember?" his father asked with a teasing smile, clearly trying to lighten the mood.

But Austin replied without missing a beat. "I've already prepared a gift for her."

There was no way he would ever forget a day like that.

The world had gained a fine warrior, and he… he had been blessed with an extraordinary wife. On that day, everything changed.

He silently offered a word of thanks to Lady Corwon for bringing Valerie into his life.

The adults smiled warmly, comforted by the thought that Austin was thoughtful, prepared, and deeply devoted.

"So… should we arrange a celebration?" Cedric asked, looking around the table.

But Austin gently shook his head. "The time isn't right, Father. Not now. Not with everything that's happened. Valerie wouldn't want it either."

No one wanted to make her smile more than he did. He longed to see her eyes light up, to give her a day that felt full of joy.

But now wasn't the time.

Too many soldiers had been lost. Rudolph—Valerie's childhood friend—and Sebastian, her training partner, her guardian in so many ways—they were both gone.

Planning a celebration in the shadow of that grief didn't feel right. Not to him. Not to her.

He would still honor her birthday. Quietly, with care. But not with fanfare. Not this year.

"He's right. We should keep things in moderation—or it might send the wrong message to the people," Adam added, his voice calm but firm.

With so many families mourning the loss of loved ones, celebrating openly would feel careless. It could make others believe the royal family had turned a blind eye to their grief.

That's why Sophie gently spoke up. "Then… let's do everything quietly."

All eyes turned to her, silently asking her to go on.

Even the Queen looked surprised when she saw that Austin, too, seemed interested in what Sophie had to say.

Still, she didn't falter. She met their gazes and continued, her voice steady.

"We can…"

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[A few hours later]

Rhea stood beside the carriage, her eyes lifted toward the sky, though her thoughts were far from it.

She was leaving for the academy today.

There wasn't really anywhere else she could go—no place that felt right. The academy, even though classes were currently suspended, had agreed to let her stay. At least there, she could try to keep herself occupied.

But deep down, she knew the truth.

That place will remind me of Rudolph more than anywhere else.

The corridors they walked together… the training grounds… the evenings filled with laughter and friendly rivalry—everything would echo with memories of him.

And yet, she chose to go.

Because running from those memories wouldn't help.

As painful as it would be, she had to face them. She had to carry the weight of that loss, move through it, and find her way forward.

She owed him that much.

"Returning?"

The voice startled her—she hadn't sensed him approaching.

"Oh… Austin."

The blond prince stood there, calmly stroking the horse's mane.

After a short pause, Rhea nodded and replied, "Yes. Heading back. The stay here was… really comfortable. But my old room still feels the best." She gave a small smile, trying to lift the mood with a joke.

"You don't have to pretend, Rhea," Austin said quietly, his eyes steady and serious.

Her smile faded. Her shoulders dropped.

Austin stepped closer and stood beside her. For a moment, neither of them spoke. They simply looked up at the sky, where stars shimmered across the dark canvas.

Then, Austin broke the silence.

"Do you remember the first day at the academy? You picked a fight with a few nobles who were bullying that girl for being overweight?"

Rhea let out a soft, tired laugh. "Yeah… and in the end, the bullied girl had to take me to the infirmary."

She touched her nose unconsciously. That day had ended with her nose dislocated and a scolding from the instructors.

Austin chuckled gently. "That was the day Rudolph fell for you."

Rhea turned to him, eyes wide with surprise.

But Austin kept his gaze on the stars, his voice calm.

"It wasn't your beauty that caught him," he said. "It was your courage. Your strength. The way you stood up without hesitation for someone you didn't even know. That's what stayed with him."

Rhea's chest tightened. The weight of those words settled in her heart like a soft ache.

The stars above them continued to shine, silent witnesses to a memory that would never fade.

Looking at her, Austin added,

"He respected your strength, Rhea. He believed you'd be the change this world needs. So don't betray his trust. Don't stop moving forward. You have a long path ahead."

Rhea's heart trembled at his words.

She knew Austin wouldn't lie to her… but still—

"Can I… really do that?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper.

Austin gave a soft hum. "You have the strength. And now…"

His tone dropped, his words slow and heavy with conviction.

"…you also have a very real reason to slaughter those things."

A chill ran through her.

The weight of his words hit her like a silent wave.

Her mind went still for a moment, sinking into that truth.

Yes. The one who took Rudolph was gone.

But there were more out there—thousands more.

They would return.

To kill. To destroy.

To take away more people she cared about.

More innocent lives would be lost.

She had always wanted to wield her weapon for peace.

To protect. To shape a world where no one had to cross the Sea of Separation to die on some forgotten battlefield, but to go there simply to enjoy the breeze.

A world where the Council wasn't needed anymore.

A world where no other girl like her would be orphaned by war.

Her fingers curled into fists.

Her grief didn't shrink—but now, it had a direction. A purpose.

She would not let Rudolph's belief in her be in vain.

Not anymore.

She stepped forward and told him, "Return to the academy soon so we can make a team." With her fists clenched, she added, "It's time to step up the game and venture into the lands of the dead so we can prepare better."

Austin smiled, "I won't make you wait for long."

-------**-------

Valerie was completely awake. Not only because she slept a lot in the afternoon, but also because she wanted to spend these moments with him.

Her lord was by her side, currently combing her hair since she hasn't been able to wash it recently.

"Is it too rough?" She asked, feeling a bit embarrassed that she was showing such an unsightly side.

Austin smiled fondly, "They are soft and fluffy." He pressed her hair against his cheek and enjoyed the sensation. She is so perfect, from head to toe.

"Umm...Austin, what are we going to do now?"

Austin raised his brows, "We will cuddle and sleep?" He told her.

Valerie chuckled, "Not about now, but in life. Are we going to stay like this?"

Austin hummed, "Although I would have liked to just enjoy these days, we should get back to the Academy. That is our information center for now."

Valerie nodded in understanding.

They have to remain vigilant about another ambush, and the Academy would be a good training place to help them prepare for the final war.

And Valerie actually loved to be there. Spending her days as a student with her Lord.

Austin glanced to his left before he suddenly got up from the bed.

"?? Austin?" She asked with a tilt of her head as she saw him stepping back while facing her.

Austin raised his hand and snapped his finger, startling Valerie, as suddenly several people appeared before her.

"Ehhh!?"

"Happy birthday to you...happy birthday to you...happy birthday, happy birthday, happy birthday to you." They ignored her shock and sang the birthday song, including Austin.

Her mother held the cake, and every adult was wearing a birthday cap—including the King!

Austin also wore a birthday hat and blew a small party popper.

Seeing them celebrating her birthday, several emotions swirled in her chest.

Shock turned to elation and relief as she smiled foolishly at them.

"Come on, Valerie. Blow out the candles and make a wish." Her mother rested the cake before her and urged the girl.

Valerie glanced at her lover and saw him smiling at her.

Valerie closed her eyes and made the wish,

'I wish to....'

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A/N:- If it happens and if I remember this chapter, I will let you know what she asked for 👀