Crushing flags and claiming the Villainess

"It's strange, isn't it?" Charlotte asked, glancing at the others around the table.

She sat alongside the other three S-rank warriors—her temporary companions. Tomorrow, they would all be marching to the other side.

William raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

Charlotte leaned forward slightly, her tone thoughtful.

"None of the Hellstains have shown any movement lately. If anything… demon sightings have dropped."

Olivia scoffed. "Maybe they finally realized we're coming to kick their asses. Probably gathering every last bit of strength before the storm hits."

The recent reinforcement of Eryndor's border defenses had surely caught their attention. Especially after someone from Eryndor wiped out two of the most powerful figures in the demon ranks—it wouldn't take a genius to see what was coming.

Austin let out a quiet sigh.

"Either they're pretending to retreat… or," he gestured toward Olivia, "they're preparing for us."

He knew this pattern far too well.

In the previous timeline, just before he launched an offensive against the demon lands, their forces had vanished—just like now. No attacks. No scouts. Nothing.

It had looked like Astaroth had accepted defeat.

But it was a trap.

While Austin was away on the frontlines, the demons struck Eryndor with everything they had.

That wouldn't happen this time.

He had already reinforced every hidden route, sealed off all the forgotten tunnels, and stationed guards in places the old Eryndor leadership had overlooked.

Even if the demons gathered a full army, it would take them at least a day to reach the palace gates.

So yes—this time, Austin was ready.

"Should we send a scouting team to the other side?" William suggested, breaking the brief silence.

Austin shrugged. "I mean, if there are people willing to sacrifice themselves, sure—go ahead."

William's jaw tightened at the blunt response.

He could send a team… but the human part of him hesitated. He didn't want to treat lives like disposable tools.

Austin didn't add anything after that. Instead, he stood up and dusted off his coat.

"Alright then. I'll see you later."

The meeting had already concluded.

They'd discussed everything—from battle formations and supply lines to the known routes on the demon side.

Austin had been in charge of all that.

No one questioned how he knew so much about the terrain and structure of the other side.

Not after seeing William lose to him.

Austin was… different.

An anomaly.

And over time, people had simply learned to expect the unexpected from him.

He stepped out of the strategy room and began walking toward his quarters.

They were staying in the Council Headquarters for now.

Tomorrow, they will set off for the other side.

That's why Austin had been summoned here in the first place.

To prepare.

Click.

As the door opened, Austin was immediately greeted by the comforting aroma of warm bread and sizzling eggs.

He glanced to the left—and there she was.

In the small kitchen, his favorite girl moved with practiced grace. Her long violet hair flowed down her back, swaying gently with each step.

A soft smile tugged at his lips as he walked toward her.

"You could've slept a bit longer," he murmured, wrapping his arms around her from behind.

Valerie chuckled, the sound light and familiar.

"I may have been exhausted last night," she said, "but that doesn't mean I'd forget my discipline."

Austin leaned over slightly to peek at the pan. Scrambled eggs—simple, comforting, and made with her hands.

He leaned in close, voice barely above a whisper.

"I like sweet things in the morning."

Valerie paused for a moment, then slowly tilted her head to the side—gracefully baring her pristine white neck to him.

A silent invitation.

Austin's grin deepened, and he leaned in, letting his lips brush against her warm, delicate skin.

"Mm… slow…" she whispered, her eyes fluttering shut as she felt the heat of her Lord's breath, the gentle pressure of his mouth.

He left a faint red mark there, just enough to linger.

"Thanks for the meal," he murmured against her skin, his voice low and teasing.

Valerie's cheeks turned the same shade as the mark he'd just left, and she let out a soft huff.

"Now… let's have breakfast," she said, trying to compose herself.

Austin chuckled and stepped back, finally showing her mercy.

He helped arrange the table, moving around the kitchen like he'd done this a thousand times, even though they have been living here for only a couple of days. The space was small but warm, alive with shared moments and quiet comfort. Her scent still lingered in the air—flowers and warmth, mingling with the smell of eggs and bacon.

It wasn't a grand meal, but it was perfect in its simplicity.

Scrambled eggs, crisp bread, a few strips of bacon, and fresh juice—familiar, fulfilling.

They sat down together, elbows occasionally brushing, the air between them charged yet calm.

"How did the meeting go?" Valerie asked, her tone casual but her eyes searching. "They called you in pretty early."

Austin nodded, pouring her juice.

"They'll be heading out today—to gather supplies and meet their families one last time."

A quiet weight settled in the space between them.

Valerie's heart clenched. She already knew what was coming, but his words made it feel real again.

This wasn't just another battle.

It was the beginning of the end.

Humanity was about to face its oldest enemy…

And in this war, there was no middle ground.

One side would survive.

The other… would be forgotten.

Austin reached across the table and gently took her hand in his.

His fingers wrapped around hers with quiet strength.

"I know I can't take away your worries," he said softly, "but you trust me, don't you? You know I'd never throw my life away—no matter what happens."

Valerie's eyes lingered on their joined hands. Her throat tightened slightly, but she gave a slow nod.

She did trust him.

She knew just how powerful he was—powerful enough that even the Demon Lord wouldn't face him directly, choosing strategy and deception over confrontation.

But that didn't make it easier.

Not until this war ended.

Not until the skies cleared… and her Lord returned to her with no more battles left to fight.

Only then would she truly feel at ease.

"Are you leaving tomorrow?" Valerie asked, her voice calm but a little too careful.

She was trying to shift the mood.

Trying to steady herself—because she knew her emotions affected him more than he let on.

She couldn't afford to be his weakness. Not now.

"Yes," Austin replied, nodding slightly. "A few of the Council Heads will arrive in the evening to give their usual motivational speech. I'll use that time to visit Mom and Dad."

He let out a quiet breath, already anticipating the difficulty of that meeting.

The last time he saw them, their eyes were heavy with worry.

And now… learning that their son would be leading the strike force to the other side?

It would only deepen that concern.

But it was something he had to do.

"Is there really no chance I could come with you?" Valerie asked softly.

She hadn't asked before—not once.

But deep down, she'd been waiting for him to bring it up.

And yet, he never did.

Austin set his fork down, his eyes meeting hers with quiet resolve.

"Your role is far more important, Val," he said. "I'm entrusting our family to you. I can't trust anyone else with their safety."

The violet-haired woman slowly nodded, the words sinking in.

"I understand. I'll stay close to them."

Austin offered a faint smile, though it didn't reach his eyes.

He knew she must've wanted to stand beside him.

And a part of him wanted that too.

But if she were there… he'd be distracted. Always glancing back, always wondering if she was safe—even when she could handle herself.

He needed to be ruthless over there. Unshaken. Focused.

The rest of breakfast passed mostly in silence.

A quiet, heavy silence—but not uncomfortable.

They were simply giving each other the space to process what was coming.

Austin spent the rest of the day with Valerie, wandering the palace halls, exchanging light banter, and flirting every chance he got.

He was doing everything he could to leave a little peace in her heart.

By evening, a message was sent out—everyone was to gather in the front garden of the headquarters.

Austin, however, slipped away with a quiet excuse. He had somewhere far more important to be.

It took him less than half an hour to arrive at the palace.

And there, waiting, were his parents.

Both his and Valerie's families were currently staying within the royal grounds—an extra measure of security. Rudolph and his family had returned to the capital as well, and when Austin had warned him of the looming threat, Rudolph hadn't wasted a second.

He brought Rhea with him… and naturally, that led to her calling Parkinson too.

Everyone important was now here.

As Austin walked towards the palace, he heard Valerie saying, "You are going to have a hard time explaining things to them."

Austin chuckled, "Well, it can't be that difficult…right?"

A melodious laughter echoed as the duo stepped inside.

°°°°°°°°

A/N:- Thanks for reading.