Crushing flags and claiming the Villainess-Chapter 251 - 250- Worth

"Was there really a need to threaten the boy?" Valerie asked softly, her voice barely above a whisper as they lay together on the bed, naturally, in Austin's room.

Her habit of sneaking into the boys' dorm hadn't changed in the slightest. And honestly, since she always slept best next to him, why should she stop?

Austin gently ran his fingers along her back, the touch slow and calming. "He needs to understand," he said, "that my sister isn't someone he can win over so easily. If he's serious, then he should struggle for her… maybe even feel a little pain."

Valerie smiled at his protective tone. She rested her chin on his chest and looked up at him, her eyes meeting the calm depth of his aquamarine ones.

"My Lord is adorable," she whispered, placing a soft kiss on his chin.

Austin blinked, caught off guard. "Where did that come from?"

She shrugged, a playful spark in her eyes. "I just felt like it." Her lips curled into a grin. Even now, it never failed to amuse her how easily he got flustered when she praised him out of the blue.

For a moment, the room was quiet, filled only with the sound of their breathing and the warmth they shared.

Then she spoke again, her voice gentle. "So… how did things go with the Headmaster?"

Austin had gone to see the Headmaster that morning, while Valerie was busy chatting with the other council members.

Tomorrow was the selection day for new officers and first-year council members. That's why both she—and, to her surprise, even Austin—had been called to the office after school.

Just the thought of working alongside him as a senior officer made her heart flutter.

Even today, watching how people looked at him—with respect, with admiration—filled her with quiet pride. So much had changed. Just a few months ago, whispers followed him wherever he went. People called him useless. Said he didn't deserve her. freewёbnoνel.com

And now, believe it or not, Valerie overheard someone whispering that she wasn't worthy to stand beside him.

That made her… happy. And just a little angry.

"We just talked about some casual things," Austin said, his voice calm. "He was worried about me… said I should rely on my wife a little more."

Valerie's eyes narrowed as she looked up at him. "He was absolutely right. Rely on me more." A bold declaration—especially coming from the girl whose entire body weight was resting comfortably on her lover.

Austin chuckled and patted her head, softening her stern gaze. "Alright, I'll rely on Valerie more. There, there."

"Mm…" she hummed in satisfaction, leaning deeper into his touch. Moments like this… they're too peaceful to let go.

After a quiet pause, he added, "He also accepted one of my suggestions—something to lift the students' spirits."

Valerie raised her brows with interest. "Oh? And what did you suggest?"

"That's a surprise," he said with a teasing smile. "If he picks my idea, then I'll tell you."

Valerie frowned slightly, her curiosity fully piqued. What could it be? A contest? A dungeon raid?

She couldn't have known then, but the week ahead would become far more special than anything she could have imagined.

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

[Next Day]

Sheldon sat in the chair that once belonged to someone he loved.

Anabelle had already graduated, leaving the Council—and its responsibilities—in his hands.

Although Sheldon always felt that Valerie was the better leader between the two of them, both women had been stubborn in their decision. They wanted him to be the next president. And there was no arguing with them when they had that look in their eyes.

So here he was, doing his best to manage everything. Thankfully, since he'd served as Vice-President the previous year, the other officers had accepted his promotion without much resistance.

Now, seated in the large cushioned chair at the back of the room, Sheldon watched the four new recruits standing before him.

"Introduce yourselves," came a sharp voice beside him.

It was the new Vice-President—Travis, a second-year student with a reputation for being intense. Always serious. Always stern.

Two of the four students visibly flinched at his tone. Sheldon let out a quiet sigh.

This guy seriously needs to relax.

The one on the far left, a girl with long black hair and striking red eyes, stepped forward stiffly.

"Helena. First year. Apex Circle," she said, her voice sharp but nervous.

Next was a guy with glasses and a mess of bushy brown hair, "Rex, first year, Apex Circle, sir!" He straightened up, clearly trying to sound confident, though his voice wavered.

The third spoke more casually, with a neutral tone.

"Jimmy. First year. Apex Circle."

And then the fourth... well, Sheldon already knew her.

"Averis. First Year. Apex Circle," she said without hesitation, offering a small glance at Sheldon that he carefully ignored.

Travis, standing beside the president, stepped forward with his usual cold demeanor.

"Based on your academic and physical assessments, you've been summoned here. You will be tested before any roles are assigned."

His voice was firm, nearly mechanical.

"Two of you will work under the Disciplinary Department, one under the Treasurer, and one under the Management Division. Any questions?"

Jimmy tentatively raised his hand.

"Go ahead," Travis said, tone neutral but eyes sharp.

"Can I choose which department I work for?" Jimmy asked.

"You can't," came the immediate reply. "Your skills will determine whether you're even worth being here."

The blunt answer made Helena swallow hard, her fingers tightening at her sides.

Sheldon let out a breath. If he didn't step in soon, Travis was going to crush what little confidence these newcomers had.

He leaned forward, interlacing his fingers as he spoke with calm authority.

"Look," he began, voice steady, "there are many who want to work in the Council. Being chosen as one of the first candidates doesn't guarantee you a permanent position. That's why we test you."

He looked each of them in the eye, trying to ease the pressure just enough without sugarcoating reality.

"A lot of students dream of having a seat at this table. There are benefits, yes, but there are also expectations. It's your effort and results that earned you this chance. Now it's up to you to prove you deserve it."

A beat of silence followed. He could see the tension ease just a little in their shoulders.

Sheldon sat back, giving them a small, encouraging nod.

"Let's see what you've got."

Just then, the doors to the office opened, and every council member—except for the four new recruits—turned their heads toward the two figures who entered.

A quiet tension filled the room, only broken as the senior members rose slightly or nodded in greeting. Travis quickly straightened his back the moment he saw who it was—the Disciplinary Chief had arrived.

"Ah, you finally made it," Sheldon said, his tone casual as Austin and Valerie approached his desk.

Austin paused mid-step and turned slightly to glance at the four first-years standing off to the side.

A faint smile played on his lips.

Averis glanced at him briefly… and then quickly looked away, keeping her expression stern and unreadable.

Don't mess up her serious mode now!

His gaze shifted to the boy standing next to her. Austin narrowed his eyes slightly as he studied him.

As I thought… he's skilled.

The boy's stance was disciplined—shoulders squared, back straight, a subtle tension in his muscles. There weren't many openings in his posture. Austin could already tell: this one didn't grow up with ease. From the look of his rugged build and raw focus, he'd likely clawed his way into the academy.

A commoner who fought his way to the academy.

"Alright then," Sheldon clapped his hands lightly, "let's head to the training field."

"Wh-Why?" Rex stammered, a nervous edge in his voice and a pale look settling over his face.

Sheldon raised a brow, blinking as if the answer was obvious. "For your assessment, of course. Come on, don't waste time."

...

They shifted locations.

To check whether a person could handle the job of being a disciplinarian, they must assess their skills in different situations.

Since the inform gymnasium wasn't booked by the Council, there were many other students who came to watch the trials.

Sheldon didn't focus on them and stood before the four.

Glancing at Valerie, I wordlessly asked her to take charge.

Being the head of the department, she has a better understanding of how to test them.

The violette stepped toward the ground and stood there with a stern look on her face.

"The duty of a committee member is to ensure that no student breaks the rules, interfere if a battle breaks out, and defuse a situation as soon as you can."

Sweeping her eyes over the group she made sure her words were heard.

Unfolding her arms, she said, "Let's begin."

°°°°°°°°

A/N:- Austin definitely won't ask Jimmy to fight him as a trial. Definitely.

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