Crushing flags and claiming the Villainess-Chapter 253 - 252- Appreciate

Averis let out a quiet sigh as she sat beside Jimmy in the common hall.

He was the only one who didn't constantly bring up her family or ask about her brother. That was why she didn't mind being around him. With him, there was no pressure—just silence she could breathe in.

"It was… a bit too much," she muttered, nudging a lone pea around her plate.

Jimmy, seated across from her, answered almost right away. "The assessment? I thought it was fair."

His voice was calm, but his eyes told a different story—one shaped by memories too heavy for most.

He had seen real bloodshed. Demons had torn through his hometown with no warning, no mercy. They didn't wait for backup or choose their targets. Everyone was fair game. The old, the young, the innocent. It didn't matter.

So when he watched today's assessment, he didn't flinch. To him, it was a small taste—just a glimpse—of what was out there. The real world didn't give second chances. It crushed those who weren't ready.

Today's test wasn't about passing or failing. It was about surviving. About seeing who could still stand when the fear sank in.

Jimmy hoped he had stood tall enough. That somehow, today, proved he wasn't just another survivor, but someone others could count on.

"Your dedication makes me feel like I'm just here to have fun," Averis said dryly, finishing the last of her milk. It was sweet and smooth, comforting in a way that didn't match the thoughts stirring in her chest.

Jimmy blinked, caught off guard. "Sorry, I didn't mean to make you feel that way…"

"No, it's fine," she cut in gently, shaking her head. "I'm not blaming you. It's just… when I see how hard you've fought to get here, how much you've been through, I realize how different our paths have been. I had everything handed to me. You had to earn every step."

Jimmy stared at her, genuinely surprised.

He'd heard things—stories about royals being proud, cold, and unreachable. But Averis? She felt different. She didn't put herself above anyone. Instead, she noticed people's efforts, gave credit where it was due, and openly admitted her own flaws.

"You… you're actually a really sweet person," he said, the words slipping out before he could stop them.

Averis froze, her hand halting mid-motion as the pea dropped from her spoon and rolled across her plate.

Jimmy's eyes widened. He immediately looked away, clearing his throat and trying to play it off.

'…What the hell am I saying?'

....

"Haah… haah…"

Rhea panted heavily, sweat sliding down her forehead as her eyes scanned the training ground—eyes filled with disappointment.

Only thirty broken. In half an hour.

To her, it wasn't enough. Not even close.

What she didn't see—what she couldn't see—was how far she had already come in such a short time.

Months ago, when she was valay strolling here, she had watched Valerie storm through the training ground, tearing through training dummies like paper, venting her frustration with a strength that left Rhea in awe. Back then, she hadn't even managed to crack a single one.

And now… she stood amidst the remains of thirty broken dummies. Now, she had power.

Now, she was someone who didn't need protecting.

No one would have to come running to save her ever again.

"Done with training?"

"Eiip!"

She let out a startled yelp, jumping slightly at the sudden voice beside her.

Clutching her chest, she turned to glare at the source. "Could you not sneak up like that? A little warning, maybe?"

Austin let out a soft chuckle. "You were too busy admiring your progress to notice me."

"I wasn't admiring anything," she muttered, turning away. "I was scolding myself."

Austin's smile faded as he stepped closer, his gaze falling to her bruised, scraped knuckles. He sighed. "You couldn't have gone any further with those hands."

Rhea glanced down at them, her fingers slightly trembling, blood staining the wraps that failed to protect her skin.

She had a Shard—long-range, precise. But she hadn't used it. Not once. She chose to fight up close, ignoring strategy, ignoring pain. It wasn't training anymore—it was something else.

A way to forget. A way to feel something.

A way to hurt… and be hurt.

Austin's voice softened. "Beating yourself up for what happened...I don't believe you are venting in the right place."

Rhea didn't answer right away. Her eyes stayed fixed on her bruised, bloodied fists.

"I don't have many options left," she muttered at last, voice low. "The demons have gone into hiding… and I can't exactly go around beating up criminals just to let off steam."

She let out a tired sigh, shoulders sinking ever so slightly.

Austin gave a small chuckle. "So much aggression. Why not take it out on your juniors or something? Start your own reign of terror."

Rhea let out a dry laugh, almost bitter. "And become the kind of person I once stood up against?"

That silenced him.

He remembered. That day had come up between them not too long ago—the day Rudolph fell for her. When she stood alone, not backing down, even when it hurt.

Back then, she had fought against injustice, on her own

The memory lingered in the air between them, settling like dust in sunlight. Heavy, unspoken.

Then, after a quiet beat, Rhea asked, her voice softer, unsure, "Would you stop talking to me if I forgive Parkinson?"

Austin blinked.

Parkinson.

The name pulled up a tangle of memories. That boy had been there during the chaos, fighting beside Rhea, standing his ground when Valerie fell. He had protected them both.

Back then he was a threat that's why Austin got rid of him. But now...he doesn't bother him.

Austin thought about it for a second, then spoke simply, without weight or judgment.

"It's your call. I don't mind."

Because deep down, he knew: Parkinson didn't commit the crime he was blamed for.

"It's not like I am going to meet him or something...but the next time I see him, I might not be able to push him away."

Austin hummed, "Whatever seems the best for you."

Rhea glanced at him, his expression was neutral. In these moments, boys like to comfort girls...but he isn't like that. He couldn't become compassionate for anyone but Valerie.

And maybe, that's the reason why Rhea could share all her grief with him. Knowing he wouldn't care much.

"Thank you, Austin."

°°°°°°°°°

A/N:- Thank you for reading. These chapters would mostly be SOL. The next arc would be the second-last arc of the story.