hotmtlnovel Chapter 96: Chapter 95- Love
Chapter 96: Chapter 95- Love
Chapter 96: Chapter 95- Love
"Is that so?" Aiden had a pretty smile on his face as he heard the report of the two soldiers he sent behind Austin and the other two.
He wanted to make sure that his dear younger brother reached the Academy safely. As a responsible older brother, it was the least he could have done for his beloved younger brother.
However, the two soldiers who were after the carriage, completely lost track of them after crossing the city on the north. They said the carriage vanished all of a sudden.
Wow.
*SQUELCH*
A sword was pierced into the man on the left, his blood gushing out from the cut, as he struggled to breathe, "How diligently do you two receive the monthly wages?"
*PULL*
*SQUELCH*
"Aghhhh!"
Pulling the blade, he stabbed the soldier again, using his skill to make them lose their focus and leave no room for retaliation.
With a smile never leaving his face, he pulled the sword again, "And when I truly needed you," *STAB*
"Ahhhhh! Young master! Ple-pleass...d-d-don't kill me...m-my family..."
Aiden's grin widened, "Oh you have a family? Then surely, I can't let them experience the pain of living without you right?" Those words caused the dying soldier's eyes to widen in shock, as he begged,
"P-Pl-Please..."
Aiden snarled before pulling out his sword and beheading the man at once.
*Thud*
The head of the man fell to the ground followed by his lifeless body.
Aiden allowed his Shard to disintegrate before he turned towards the other one.
"You...your name is Aton, right? How much do you love your life?"
The soldier fell to his knees, and with his head lowered, he voiced, "Just one chance, sir...I will even kill the Second Prince for you." His voice was shaky and the whole person looked on the verge of fainting under the effect of Aiden's skill.
Aiden rolled his eyes, "I will be doing the honor of killing that swine. You just need to go and check whether he has actually reached the academy or not. If you don't return by the third day, you know what will happen to you."
The soldier didn't utter another word before disappearing from the room.
Aiden heaved a sigh, before he called out, "Send someone to clean this mess."
°°°°°°°°
Austin discussed the plan with Sebastian regarding renting a Vessel from the port and reaching Drenovar through waterways.
"That ..is a good plan and would give us some breathing space during our visit." Sebastian voiced.
After reaching Drenovar, they would need to first assess the situation before executing their plan, and considering only thirteen days remain before the tournament begins, they need to make it quick.
Now, under these circumstances, using the straight path would take a lot of time in traveling and very little time to prepare. Not to talk about the exhaustion of the journey and possible battles they might need to face en route.
As such, "We should follow the plan Lady Valerie suggested." Sebastian landed on the decision.
Valerie sat down on the same log as him and shook her head, "I already had plenty of rest."
She extended her hands and allowed her reddened hands to get some much-needed warmth.
The month was nearing Polaris—the last four months that ended a year, which explains the sudden temperature drop.
Austin summoned a blanket from his inventory while pretending to pull it from beside him before he draped it over her shoulder and scooted closer to get into the same blanket.
"Let me warm you up." Austin held her cold hands between his and rubbed them softly.
The sudden intimacy made the girl's cheeks glow with slight crimson but the smile on her face made it clear that she welcomed the closeness.
For a few moments, there was silence between them. The only sound around them was the crackling fire and the hooting of nocturnals.
Breaking the ice, Austin asked, "Val, what aim did you have when you joined the Academy?"
Valerie was surprised by being asked about her intentions suddenly.
For a moment, she thought of making up some pretty lies, but then, she had already taken an oath to never lie to her beloved.
Lowering her gaze, and a smile extending the edges of her lips, she said, "I...see you as my idol. Back then, I only wished to walk on the same path as you, that's why I joined the academy."
Austin raised his brows, "You...didn't come here because this was your best choice?"
Valerie shook her head, "I actually...got an invitation from Ravencourt when the news of my Third Evolution went out."
Austin's eyes widened. The Ravencourt?!
The strongest nation in existence, and the academy ranking at the top?
A student dreams of studying in that prestigious Academy and three Pillars of Union have been admitted from the central academy of Ravencourt.
"Val...you rejected that offer because of me?"
Valerie instantly shook her head, "It wasn't like I rejected them solely because of you since I didn't want to betray my homeland...but yes, majorly, it was because I wanted to be near you."
She turned silent after that.
Austin heaved a long sigh upon hearing that. She has rejected the offer to join the Council and the greatest academy out there just because of him.
Valerie was slightly anxious that her Lord might tell her that she was wrong in making such a rash decision. However,
"Truth to be told...I can't say that I am disappointed in your decision. True...you would have made your name worldwide if you had joined that academy...but still,"
With a smile that was warmer than the campfire, Austin said, "...I am happy that you stayed by my side. Thank you, Valerie."
Valerie's eyes kept on his; a lot of words were exchanged, but not a word was spoken.
They just kept looking at each other for a long time, and that was enough to tell her how glad he was that she didn't go.
They, slowly, were understanding each other's emotions better...feelings closer as the day passed.
There were numerous emotions they had felt for each other in the past. Grief, betrayal, regret, and whatnot.
However, beyond all those thorny paths, what remained was the beautiful feeling of love.
°°°°°°°
A/N:- Happy Valentine's Day. Thanks for reading.