Isn’t the wannabe Villain too cute?

"I can't really tell what you are referring to."

In the brightly lighted ceremonial hall inside the main palace of Gram could be seen several prominent figures conversing comfortably as the choir bestowed the hall with their calmest notes.

The event was organized to celebrate the memorable victory over the demons on the Gram borders as well as the overwhelming conquest on the war field of Eden Academy.

Both of those events were quite tenacious and something which would be remembered in the golden history of Gram, where a war Veteran and newbie student protected the place they call their home.

Those who have provided their aid in times of catastrophe would be honored by the Emperor of Gram himself just after the celebration.

Amidst this crowd and their slow chatting stood a pair of the incredibly bewitching amber-haired girl along with a handsome blond youth.

Hearing Austin's question Venessa sighed slightly as she knew Austin was aware of what she asked. But since he tried to play it safe, she wouldn't remain in her shell anymore.

"I mean the current you. The Austin who the world is looking upon now. The Austin who fights bravely in his battles, and instead of words, who shows the might he holds in his arms. The Austin who had spoken so gentlemanly these days with me and the one who has shown such considerable behavior. Were you always like this, Austin?"

Austin was genuinely a little taken aback by so many heavy words all of a sudden. He did have a hunch about what Venessa tried to ask with her prior question, but still, she had so many things in store...

Not to talk about, Venessa's lack of conversation skills was the prominent feature that made her most popular after Luna in the manga Austin read in her previous life. Her being so talkative was startling in itself.

Collecting his thoughts, he replied after a long pause.

"Why are you interested in knowing it?"

There was no obligation for Austin to answer her, but when they were having a normal conversation with no way of him running around, it's better he prolonge it until the main event doesn't commence.

"Well, you don't have to answer if you don't want, but I want to know whether the way I behaved with you, the curse I voiced, and the behavior I showed. I want to know whether I was doing such things with the current Austin?"

"And will that make you guilty?"

Austin's answer came so sudden that Venessa became slightly startled as it took her time to register his words. But in the end, she has resolved to speak truthfully, and so she did.

"You can say that, yes. I will be less burdened if you say that you changed over time; rather, you have been the same ever since. I know I will sound hypocritical, but I do respect who you are now, but your previous self would still repulse me."

Vanessa's every word were spoken consciously and after a thorough contemplation.

After what she had seen in the war in the Eden Academy and have heard about Xylex from Sicily, her admiration and respect toward Austin have indeed reached the point where she might not look him in the eyes while talking.

Austin was aware of Venessa's inner storm of thoughts, but he really didn't want to drag this conversation nor any further relations with her.

"Just think I never changed. It will be beneficial for both of us, Venessa. We both don't have anything to do with each other, then why not we live in our own worlds?"

His words were straightforward and slightly rude. If any other boy had stood beside such a gorgeous girl, then these disheartening words would be the last thing they would have said.

But Austin wasn't tempted with her beauty nor her interest in him. For him, Venessa was still the same as she was before. Just the intention to gain points from her has vanished.

Vanessa took a long pause as it seemed she was collecting herself after hearing out Austin's words. With her voice slightly heavier, she tried to speak in a serene tone.

"Flowery words aren't something I generally prefer but right now, I would have appreciated it if you had just lied to me. Anyway, Austin..."

Suddenly with a smile adorning her face, Venessa turned toward him, and so he did before she extended her hand, which Austin took reflexively.

"Even though we had a bumpy ride until now, it was nice meeting you."

Austin was unsure why they were shaking hands and why it seemed that Venessa was about to cry, so he just nodded in the end before Venessa left his side.

Austin's eyes were focused on her, distancing back as without breaking a word with anyone else, even some of them called for her; Venessa left the hall like she had just lost something.

Suddenly his own image, when Lilia broke the engagement with him, flashed in his memory, and for even a second, he felt he should follow her. But in the end, he didn't.

'I hope she gets normal by tomorrow. '

With a sigh, Austin sipped the remaining fruit beer. Little did he know that tomorrow would bring such shocking news, not to him but to the whole Eden Academy.

____________________

A/N: - Am I the only one who felt bad for her?

Anyway, I am really sorry for the short chapter but adding anything extra would be lighten up the significance to the main scene. I hope you guys are liking the story so let me know in the comments~