Crushing flags and claiming the Villainess

It was not like he didn't hear what Valerie said, but Austin purposely chose to not talk about it. Why? Because they deserved to be punished.

After that, no one dared to mock Austin or Valerie; they didn't even glance at them anymore, knowing to what length Valerie could go if things involved Austin.

It was not new for Valerie to take action against people who tried belittling her beloved; however, Austin always reprimanded her, saying he didn't need her consideration, and often complained about her to the headmaster as well.

He thought Valerie was taking him as a weak person who could not protect his dignity—however, Valerie just naturally couldn't stand to see someone badmouthing her Lord.

The previous Alex might be offended to see her threatening the duo but the current him was grinning ear to ear.

"You are adorable, Val."

The cup from her hand nearly slipped hearing that as she asked, "Umm...wh-why do you say that?"

"Just felt like it. You are adorable, just accept it."

Valerie lowered her eyes, her face turning strawberry red as she nodded, "...okay."

Valerie has received compliments in the past; however, everyone said that she was strong and mature for her age. However, this was the first time someone called her cute and she was lucky to receive the compliment from her dearest.

Austin was having eggs and bread for breakfast; something he usually preferred when he was regular in the sports team. And now that he has reincarnated in the new world, he wants to maintain his health so yeah, return to a healthy routine.

As he bit the bread, Austin casually asked, "Valerie, can you train me after school?"

Hearing his request, she was flabbergasted and Austin knew the reason behind her reaction.

In the past when Austin lost his first official battle, Valerie approached him and asked if he wanted some help in training.

Austin was already furious, so he shouted at Valerie saying so many mean things that Valerie cried in front of him for the first time.

And the worst part, Austin didn't even feel guilty about it; he said she cried to make him feel bad and nothing more.

Yeah, scumbag.

Extending his hand, he softly held her hand and told her, "I know many things happened between us in these months...and what happened last time, saying a simple apology won't do. So give me some time and I will make up for every mistake I have committed."

Valerie tenderly smiled, a smile that can make one's morning good, as she said, "You don't need to go out of your way to do anything....just your presence in my life alone is hefty compensation."

"///" Okay, that smile along with that line was enough to make even Austin—who was confident in his tolerance against charm—blush.

However, he didn't steal his gaze and softly nodded, "So you don't need-"

"Austin." Their conversation was interrupted by a familiar pink head.

Austin, with an annoyed sigh seeping through his lips, turned towards the girl, "Yes, Rhea?" He doesn't want anything or anyone to disturb his time with Valerie.

It wasn't like Rhea couldn't read the room; however, there was something that kept gnawing her, which ushered the girl to finally approach him.

"Can we talk? Just for a minute?" She pleaded.

Austin turned his eyes toward her with a clear intention to deny her request...until his eyes landed on a certain individual who undoubtedly listened to their conversation.

After a pause, he nodded, "Okay, but just one minute." He got up from the seat and kissed Valerie's forehead,

"I will be back."

Valerie's growing stress was dissipated by that sudden kiss as she covered her face and felt the heat that suddenly enveloped her face.

Austin followed Rhea to the entrance of the common hall while making sure that many students watched them walking together. He even glanced at the instructors, and fortunately, they also saw them together.

'Nice~'

Finally, Rhea came to a halt and turned to look at Austin.

After taking a long breath, the pink-haired teenager finally uttered, "Austin...I am sorry. I didn't know that Valerie adored that dress so much and I should have controlled my temper back then, considering Valerie isn't aware of my family situation."

Austin raised his brows; it would be a lie to say he was surprised.

Rhea was the protagonist with a golden heart. Naturally, she would feel guilty even for the one who nearly killed her and apologize for her mistake.

Austin asked in a confused tone, "Why are you telling me this? Shouldn't you apologize to Valerie instead?"

An awkward smile extended Rhea's lips as she said, "I...feel quite uncomfortable in her presence...you can say she gives me the vibe of a strict mother who can reprimand me because of the slightest of mistakes."

Austin couldn't stop himself from laughing at the remark.

It is true that Valerie possesses a very stern personality, and she doesn't hesitate to make others realize their mistakes. Not only Rhea and some other students but even some Professors are scared of Valerie—given she has spotted mistakes in their teachings in the past.

So it wasn't surprising that Rhea was scared of talking to Valerie.

Austin soon nodded, before assuring her, "Okay, I will relay your words to her. And for what Valerie did, I would like to extend an apology for that as well."

Rhea shook her head with a smile, "In a way she helped me.... helped me in realizing how far I have to go."

Their conversation concluded not so long after and Austin returned to his table.

Valerie hasn't touched the food ever since he walked away. Everything looked in its place....except for the fork he was eating with.

"Did you change the fork?" Last he remembered, there were marks of egg white and yolk on it. But now it was shining as new.

Hearing that, just for a moment, Valerie flinched, but Austin was occupied with the strawberry milk, so he didn't notice that.

"A-Ah...it fell to the ground, so I brought a new one," Valerie explained, and Austin didn't ask about it anymore.

As he resumed eating he told her, "Rhea said she was sorry for what she did to your gown."

Valerie's expression sobered up hearing that as she nodded and picked up her cup.

Austin sensed the change of temperament, as he asked, "You don't like when I talk to Rhea, right?"

Valerie instantly shook her head in denial with her eyes widened....however, under her Lord's evaluating gaze she wasn't able to lie for long.

"A...little."

Austin chuckled before assuring her, "Then I won't talk to her...at least alone that is. After all, I must listen to my future wife's demands, right?"

The rest of the breakfast elapsed without Valerie raising her feverish red face even once.

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A/N:- Thanks for reading.