Isn’t the wannabe Villain too cute?

After Austin and Saya left, who remained were the three of Hero's party and the new temporary recruitment, Cordelia Calight.

Cordelia wanted to be with Kyouki alone, but looking at the other two women's expressions, she understood that would be close to impossible for now.

She indeed thought that after becoming a hero, Kyouki would become popular with women. Still, just after entering the Academy, he had three beauties fawning over him, which now had come down to two.

She was well-informed about Venessa, Sicily, and Lilia. And the lady called the Saintess for whom her Kyo-chan did so many things in foreign continents too.

Despite not being in the picture, Cordelia had her ways of digging out information that concerns her beloved.

"I will prepare tea for everyone."

Lilia understood that there was going to be a serious discussion in the meeting hall, that's why she went and readied the refreshments first.

The others sat on the round table with Kyouki on the head seat and Cordelia on his right. Sicily, as always, took the left seat, where she always belonged.

"Kyo-chan. What's with that woman? Her features tell me that she is also from a commoner society, yet the aura she carries surpasses everyone I have ever faced altogether. And the strangest part… Why does she regard Austin as a big brother?"

Cordelia was stressed about the last part because it reeked of some kind of kink which she might want her Kyo-chan to stay away from.

Her raven hair which most commoner children get from their parents, made Cordelia believe that Saya was also one of them. But not those eyes.

Those life-threatening, soul-freezing eyes.

"I am not certain about her origin, but she seemed to be Austin's relative, and other than that, she's incredibly strong, that I can say."

Kyouki didn't disclose that Saya first met them in Xylex since he didn't trust Cordelia entirely. She has been inside the fortress of Gram for seven years. Who knows what political drama might erupt once the Upper Echelon knows about Saya's summoning and the other heroes?

Sicily also stayed silent and just nodded to support Kyouki's statement.

Cordelia pondered for a long second before she raised her brows and asked in an unsure tone.

"How strong are we talking about here?"

There's a possibility that in the future, Cordelia might be standing against Austin as per what she has gotten the intel from Austin's hometown and such. If that were the case, then she better enquire about her potential enemy and his allies.

Kyouki, upon hearing Cordelia's question, thought for a long minute before asking something in context to his response.

"Do you know Captain Charles?"

Cordelia's brows raised as she nodded and answered instantaneously.

"The honorary Knight Commander who one-sidedly overwhelmed the War of East. I have never fought him but have witnessed what brutality that man contains."

Charles' name was not only famous in Gram but also in other continents because of the battle he fought against the South Eastern continent while being the sole defender left.

Kyouki leaned his back on the chair as he spoke solemnly.

"I also haven't fought Captain Charles. But from my observation… if the whole Gram Royal Order under the command of Sir Charles stand against Saya-san…our nation might become defenseless in a mere half a day."

_____________

"...and now just the wait for tomorrow morning."

After leaving the meeting room, Austin dropped Saya at Luna's room before he returned to his own, where he awaited his beloved.

Since she felt it boring to be in the discussion, Luna enjoyed her own company while sipping on the lemon tea.

After he returned Luna heard the brief of what happened in the gathering while sitting in his lap with his arms embracing her in a tight hold.

Strangely, Luna now loved being hugged like a baby while she heard his heavy yet gentle voice from inches apart. Maybe it was the familial absence she sought from her lover…but whatever it was, Luna felt happy to be held.

"This new girl is troublesome. Why don't I go and kill her? You can take her body double inside the labyrinth."

Austin smiled wryly upon such a nonchalant remark as he shook his head in denial.

"It's okay. I can handle it if things go South. And her skill doesn't work on mana, to begin with, so she surely would get useful."

"Unlike me. "

Austin's brows raised as he heard her complaining tone before panicking to pamper her.

"Everyone has their strength, Luna. You might not be good with combat, but you are the strongest when it comes to mana. So don't belittle yourself."

Austin patted the troubled child when with her cheeks bulging profoundly, Luna grabbed his hand and shouted in annoyance.

"Don't pat me to subdue my anger!!"

Turning around in a swift motion, she strangled Austin down as she sat on his waist while glaring at him with her cheeks reddening.

"You know how it feels to be always useless to you?! I am super mad right now, Austin! Super mad! You know my anger could even burn you at the moment! You might die, so run away from this troublesome me!"

It might be the first time Austin has seen such anger from Luna, which wasn't aimed at him but herself.

Even Austin was also irritated by his helplessness regarding the matter of the demonic artifact investigation. So he completely understood why she was so upset regarding the matter.

But as Luna herself said earlier, they can only do those things which are within their capability. Trying to be helpful in repulse would result in nothing but regrets.

Extending his hand, Austin held her face before he spoke in a soothing tone.

"If death can be so beautiful, I might embrace it with my arms open and a smile on my face."

(A/N: - I know how you guys felt, but endure it.)

Luna's expression instantly switched as her cheeks loosened at a tremendous rate. With her ear reddening, she plopped her face down on his chest as she mumbled.

"Baka…always saying something so embarrassing."

Punching his chest lightly, Luna whined. A grin spread across Austin's lips as he gently caressed Luna's precious hair.

The two didn't speak for a long time. Only feeling each others' presence while enjoying the warmth which they forbade to share with anyone else, Luna and Austin spent their peaceful moments in the way which seemed best for them.

After some minutes, Luna called for Austin in a soft whisper.

"Say, darling."

"Hmm?"

After a slight pause, Luna concluded her words, albeit a little hesitant along the way.

"After yo-you return from the Labyrinth…let's get married, okay?"

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A/N: - Shame on you, Austin. She proposed first.

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