Crushing flags and claiming the Villainess-Chapter 297 - 296- Family

Austin was attending another funeral.

Even though he had returned in time, he still couldn't protect someone close to him.

But this time… he didn't feel sad—at least not on the inside, no matter what his face showed.

He stood quietly beside his parents. His sister was off to the side, while Valerie stood a short distance away with her own family.

The wind was strong today, tugging at their clothes as the priest recited blessings for Aiden's soul, wishing him peace in the afterlife.

Aiden had tried to flee the capital after his crimes were uncovered. He was involved in slave smuggling… and had bribed several spies to keep tabs on ministers—and even on his own parents.

The truth came out unexpectedly, as if by chance. When Aiden ran, he was killed by an S-rank beast that appeared out of nowhere.

Of course, that 'chance' was carefully planned.

Austin had pulled all the strings. He had set everything in motion—quietly, from the shadows. Valerie was the only one who knew.

He didn't want to be seen as a villain who killed his own brother without a trial. So he did what he had to do… in silence.

And now, when it was time to cry, he showed up like the grieving brother.

Sniff… sniff…

Hearing his mother sob, Austin gently placed a hand on her shoulder.

The moment she felt his touch, she turned and buried her face in his chest, crying loudly.

He softly rubbed her back. "It's okay, Mom. He's in a better place now."

He no longer saw her as the mother he once knew. He had long forgiven her.

What mattered now was giving her, his father, and everyone he cared about… a better life.

Cedric walked over and let out a quiet sigh before placing a comforting hand on Austin's shoulder.

Valerie felt warm in her chest seeing the family of four together.

That day...when she woke up, she asked Selner how her Lord was after seeing her parents die.

Her answer was straightforward,

'It was better that you were unconscious at that time...' The look in her eyes said it all.

Her Lord must have been devastated. Seeing her parents dying before his eyes.

Despite what had happened, she knew deep down he loved both of them.

And now...she was glad that they had come back.

"Valerie," her mother softly called out, "How are things between you two?"

Oh right, they still think that Austin was still neglecting her.

She fondly smiled as she said, "Why don't you find out yourself? He will be coming over for a few days."

Her father hummed in confusion, "So suddenly? Is everything alright?"

Valerie wanted to say, 'Because he wants to spend time with you two,' but that would have sounded strange. So,

"He has a few days off. And since I wanted to stay with you two, he said he would come along."

Her mother seemed surprised, "Since when did he become so attached to you?"

Valerie exhaled a brief sigh of contentment, "You will be surprised to see the new him, Mother."

.....

[A few days later]

"It's... strange, isn't it?" Sophia spoke softly, her gaze fixed on Cedric as he sliced the meat into neat, bite-sized pieces.

"What is?" the King asked without looking up.

With a wistful smile, the Queen said, "Despite how I treated him... Austin forgave me instantly."

Cedric sighed, setting down his utensils.

"Dear, you were under Aiden's spell. You can't blame yourself."

"But still..." Sophia's voice trembled. "The spell wouldn't have worked if I didn't already believe that Austin had taken most of our affection… and that Aiden deserved more attention."

Cedric reached across the table and gently held her hand.

"You were trying to fill the void in Aiden's heart. That's not something to feel guilty about. You wanted to give love where it was missing. That's not a crime."

Sophia leaned back, her head bowed. "But... is it really okay? For Austin to forgive me just like that? What if he's just forcing himself?"

"No, I'm not."

The voice made both parents turn.

Austin was approaching the table, gently pulling a reluctant Averis behind him by the hand.

Over the past few days, he had spent most of his time with his sister, slowly coaxing her out of her shell. And today, finally, he had succeeded in getting her out of her room.

Pulling out a chair, he gestured.

"Come on, sit."

Averis scowled, "Why must I be dragged out like this?"

Austin smiled.

"Because your brother feels lonely without his Avy."

Her scowl faltered.

Looking away, her ears flushed red as she quietly took the seat beside him.

Austin sat down next to her and turned to his mother.

"I don't want to dwell on the past and let it build walls between us. I've made my share of mistakes too… hurt people who cared about me. And if they can forgive me, then I can forgive you too."

Sophia's eyes welled up with tears. She lowered her gaze.

"Thank you… son."

Dinner continued mostly in silence. Only Cedric and Austin spoke occasionally. Averis was still too stunned by the shift in atmosphere.

Austin had been... acting different.

Apologizing to her. Forgiving their mother. Dragging her out of that dark room she'd locked herself in.

What happened to him? the silver-haired girl wondered, glancing at the boy beside her.

After the meal, Cedric stood and smiled at his son.

"Care for a walk?"

Naturally, Austin nodded.

They walked in silence.

Cedric kept his hands clasped behind his back, his steps measured and calm.

Austin, walking beside him, waited patiently for the older man to speak first. And soon, he did.

"Are you okay, son?"

Austin didn't hesitate. "Yes. Absolutely."

But Cedric sighed softly. "I'm not asking this in regards to your mother." His gaze shifted toward Austin, eyes filled with concern. "When you came to us… your mother and I both saw it. You were about to cry. That's why I'm asking."

He stopped walking and turned to face him, his voice gentler now.

"Are you really okay, Austin?"

For a moment, Austin just stared at his father, tempted to offer another easy lie.

But then, he said quietly, "It was a long journey, Father. I can't tell you where I was… but it was painful. Deeply painful."

Cedric didn't need to hear the details to understand.

He could feel it—the weight Austin carried. The silent wounds left behind.

He could see the change, too. The boy who had left them wasn't the same one who had returned. There was something older behind those eyes, something hardened.

He had even asked Sebastian, hoping the butler might shed some light on what had happened. But Sebastian knew nothing either.

Still, Cedric didn't press.

If the day came when Austin wanted to share, he would listen. Until then...

*Pull*

"You did well, son." Cedric wrapped his arms around him, pulling him into a firm, quiet embrace. His hand gently patted his back.

Austin's eyes widened slightly in surprise.

But in the comfort of that familiar warmth, he allowed himself to soften, his shoulders relaxing as he mumbled under his breath,

"...I'm back."

...

"You're leaving already?" Sophia asked, watching her son cook pancakes in the royal kitchen.

The maids hovered nearby, visibly uneasy—unsure whether to intervene or step away. After all, it wasn't every day royalty handled breakfast.

But Austin had made himself clear.

He wanted to cook for his family—personally.

With no other choice, the staff quietly stepped back.

"Yes, Mother," Austin replied, flipping a pancake with practiced ease.

"...I miss Valerie. And I also need to visit her parents. I want to assure them that everything is good between us."

Sophia let out a soft sigh.

"That's something you should absolutely do. When Anastasia visited last time, I could hear the concern in her voice. She's worried about Valerie."

Austin didn't respond with words. He simply hummed in quiet agreement.

There was a pause, and then Sophia spoke again, hesitant.

"Um, Austin… with everything that's happened, we never got a chance to celebrate your birthday. Would it be possible… for you to come back after visiting Valerie's parents? Maybe then, we could do something?"

Austin sighed, placing the spatula down for a moment.

"Ma, you know I don't need a celebration. And with Aiden's recent passing… it would feel inappropriate. The people don't know what he was doing behind the scenes. To them, he died a prince. So yes, celebrating anything might come across as... insensitive."

Sophia looked down, her expression dimming.

"I just thought… maybe..."

Austin stepped toward her and gently cupped her cheek, lifting her gaze.

"Dear Mother," he said with a soft smile,

"What I cherish more than any celebration… is having the people I love close to me. So how about we keep it simple? Just a small gathering, just us?"

Her eyes glistened as she nodded.

"Yes… that would be more than enough."

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A/N:- Thanks for reading. A few more slow chapters.

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