Crushing flags and claiming the Villainess-Chapter 301 - 300- Sugar baby

"So? What do you think?" Austin asked as he leaned against the guardrail and looked at the beautiful garden before him.

Valerie sat on one side, quietly sipping a cup of freshly brewed coffee.

Across from her, Selner leaned against the wall with her arms crossed, silent for a while before finally speaking.

"You do know you no longer have my support, right?"

Austin gave a small nod. "Yeah, I figured. Now that I think about it... your sister must’ve guessed you might help me again. That’s probably why they took your powers."

In her current state, Selner would freeze—just like Valerie had—if the higher beings descended again.

That’s why the real question was, "How are you planning to face those Gods?" Selner asked.

Austin’s only protection had been the witches—but that option was gone now.

Valerie frowned. "So... in exchange for giving me back my memories, you sacrificed Austin’s protection?"

Selner didn’t reply. It was Austin who stepped in.

"Don’t blame her, Valerie. I’m more grateful than I can say for what she did. Besides, I never saw the witches as Plan A to begin with."

Valerie let out a soft sigh, realizing her words might have been too harsh.

"...I’m sorry," she said gently.

Selner shook her head. "It’s fine. It’s not like I don’t feel the same regret and fear. The thought of him facing those beings alone is enough to keep me up at night."

Austin looked between the two and raised his voice slightly, "Hello? Ladies? As I said, the witches were never my primary plan. I’ve always had something else in mind—something that can deal with Astaroth and keep those divine pigeons away."

Austin laid out his plan. Selner’s expression didn’t change, but Valerie looked thoroughly impressed.

"Reckless," Selner muttered.

"Amazing," Valerie said at the same time.

Two women, two very different reactions.

Valerie shot a glare at the elder witch. "It’s still better than trying to fight them head-on."

Selner sighed. "I know. But this world is part of their dominion just like many others. What if they decide to sacrifice it... and simply move on?"

Austin shrugged. "I don’t think they will. And honestly, pushing them to that point is only my backup plan. The real plan is still to break the pact—and kill the Demon Lord right in front of them."

Valerie nodded firmly. "That’s bold. But it’s also achievable."

Austin smiled at her, then turned to Selner. "You don’t think I have the strength, do you?"

Selner shook her head. "It’s not about strength. Astaroth has lived for centuries. His will to rule isn’t something easily broken... and this plan may not be enough to counter that."

Austin’s gaze hardened. "Astaroth might be a powerful foe who’s ruled for generations—but he’s never faced someone like me. He’s never had a reason to doubt his own immortality."

He stepped closer and looked Selner in the eye.

"And I, Selner, am confident enough to remind him that he’s still just a mortal."

The witch held his gaze for a few seconds before giving a casual shrug.

"Since you’ve already made your decision, there’s no point in trying to stop you."

After a brief silence, Valerie stood up and asked,

"So, what are we going to do about the Council?"

Austin shook his head.

"They’re not worth the trouble. Zevarath will be making his move soon, so let them stay busy with that."

His eyes grew sharp as he continued,

"We need to focus on uniting the nations. That way, if an army ever shows up again, humanity will be ready to defend itself."

Selner spoke up,

"Aren’t you planning to wipe out the Generals and their armies before they even cross the border?"

That was exactly the plan—simple and direct. No complicated strategy. Just pure destruction.

Austin already knew which demons to watch out for—those who preferred to use underhanded tricks rather than face him directly.

And at the top of that list was the Succubus Queen.

"Austin... I think you need to get your priorities straight," Selner said firmly. "If you truly want to protect your people, then you have to act fast. There are too many you care about—and unless you’re planning to gather them all and lock them away for safety, you’d better strike first and strike hard."

Austin gave a quiet nod in response, fully aware she was right.

There were people at the academy, his parents, Valerie’s parents, and many others who were closely connected to both him and Valerie.

Before the Demon General could make his move, Austin had to give him a reason to back off—a warning so loud that the enemy would think twice before advancing.

"Okay, I’ll leave in two days."

Valerie visibly flinched at those words.

Even though she knew how strong her husband was, she couldn’t stop herself from worrying every time he crossed over to the other side.

But stopping him wasn’t an option. She knew that if her hesitation held him back, she might end up causing him the same kind of pain he had already endured once.

"Alright then, I’m heading out," Selner said, preparing to open a teleportation portal and return to the academy dorm.

But Austin stopped her.

"Won’t you join the celebration?" he asked.

Inside the palace, everyone had gathered to celebrate his birthday.

"And how are you planning to introduce me?" she asked, a thin, challenging smirk playing on her lips.

Austin hesitated for a moment, just long enough to make Valerie tense.

"The first thing that came to your mind was ex-wife, wasn’t it?" she pressed, eyes narrowing.

Austin blushed. "Wh-What are you even saying?!"

Selner suddenly laughed—a light, beautiful laugh that caught both of them off guard.

It was the first time they had seen her laugh so freely, without a trace of her usual restraint.

Valerie let out a soft sigh and shook her head.

"I’ll just tell them you’re my teacher. Now come on, let’s go."

Selner no longer resisted as she was gently pulled inside by her student.

Austin, now composed, followed behind them.

Inside the hall, his mother was busy directing the maids as they arranged decorations.

Snacks and drinks had been neatly placed on the side, even though the celebration was a small, family-only gathering.

The only guest present was Selner.

"Mother... you know I don’t need all this, right?" Austin said, sounding a little embarrassed.

Sophia smiled sheepishly. "It just felt too plain for a celebration. So... just a little touch here and there."

Her gaze then shifted to the violet-haired woman standing beside Valerie.

"Hello," she greeted, a bit curious.

"Ah, mother," Valerie said, stepping forward, "this is my teacher and a close friend."

Selner gave a brief, graceful bow. "Pleased to meet you, Your Majesty. I hope I’m not imposing."

Sophia’s face brightened. "No, please—Valerie’s friend is like family. You’re more than welcome here."

Selner smiled in response before the silver-haired woman turned to her son and said,

"Please make her feel comfortable. I’ll go bring Avy."

"I’ll get her, Mother," Valerie volunteered quickly, and the two women disappeared deeper into the palace.

Austin gestured for Selner to take a seat.

Without a word, she walked toward the sofa and sat down.

"I can tell your mother isn’t a bad person," she said softly. "She was just influenced by a dark presence."

Austin let out a quiet sigh.

"Well, humans can be nasty. Sometimes we get so greedy that we lose sight of emotions—and forget how much our actions can hurt the people around us."

Selner gave a thoughtful hum.

"How is she now? Still mourning Aiden’s death?"

Austin shook his head.

"She hasn’t completely moved on, but she’s starting to be herself again. More than the pain of losing him, she regrets the reason he ended up that way."

Selner sighed.

"Well, no one’s really at fault. Circumstances shape people."

Leaning back into the sofa, she added with a faint smile,

"Just like how a string of breakups turned you into such a loyal man for Valerie."

Austin gave a wry smile.

"Don’t tell me you used to watch me when I lived as Luke."

Selner grinned.

"Not regularly... but yes, I did."

Then, with her eyes narrowing and a mischievous smirk on her lips, she teased,

"Did you ever tell Valerie exactly how many confessions you received back then? If I remember right, there was even that one time your teacher proposed to make you her sugar ba—"

"Okay now, stop!" Austin raised his hands in a panic.

"What are you talking about?" Came a chilling voice from behind.

Austin froze for a moment before he slowly turned to his back.

There, a smiling Valerie stood with her eyes turned crescent.

Averis, who was just beside her, realized that she had entered the red zone, which is why she made a tactical escape.

And Selner too, found the snacks a bit too tempting to remain seated.

Valerie inched closer and asked sweetly, "Dear...what was she saying about you getting proposed to by your teacher? Care to share details?"

*GULP*

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A/N:- Thanks for reading.

The source of this c𝐨ntent is freewe(b)nov𝒆l