It was around dinner time, and Austin had already told Valerie that he wouldn't be able to join her, given he had work.
However, since he finished early, he took the box of chocolates and was advancing towards the common hall.
Thanks to Sebastian he doesn't need to worry about proper arrangements of the documents since the butler said he would take care of it.
Austin was making his way through the corridor, advancing towards the main building where the common hall was located.
However, en route, he was stopped by a face which he didn't want to see,
"Austin!"
"Hey, Rhea." She was just leaving the main building and nearly crashed into him.
Naturally, until he could, he had to maintain a facade with everyone; that's why he didn't outright ignore her.
However, now that he exchanged greetings, he was about to leave when suddenly the pink head asked, "Chocolates? Can I take one?"
She extended her hand but Austin instantly retracted the box and told her, "It's a gift for Val." He smilingly said.
Rhea's eyes widened slowly, "Oh…I am so sorry. You know how much I love sweet things. Anyways, I am very happy to see you two getting along."
Austin glanced behind her before he smiled again and this time, in a warmer tone, he said, "Well it's all because of you that I was able to realize my feelings for her."
They exchanged a few more words before Austin took his leave.
Although he promised Valerie that he wouldn't talk to this girl…he had to.
'Haah, I will apologize to her.'
Reaching the dining hall, he looked around.
Everyone has their friends and lovers surrounding them. And the only person who sat in the corner, all alone and silent was the girl he was searching for.
Sometimes Austin felt bad for Valerie that no one was willing to talk to her….and until recently he also used to ignore her.
How lonely she must have felt to see the man she loves fawning over another woman and ignoring her.
…Austin used to even make fun of the fact that no one wanted to eat with Valerie.
With those thoughts, when Austin reached her, he rested the chocolate box on the table, and after sitting beside her, he hugged the girl.
"M-M-My lord…?" Valerie was shocked beyond belief as she felt herself being surrounded by a warmth that she dearly missed. However, this was too sudden!
The cold expression she previously wore melted completely as Austin embraced her close to him, feeling the guilt from his heart slowly receding, but it was still not enough.
"I have hurt you a lot, no?"
Valerie didn't know what had happened so suddenly, but hearing his voice, she knew he was thinking about their past.
Despite the embarrassment and shock, she rested her hands on his back and said,
"It's all okay now, Austin. I have already forgiven you."
Austin slowly parted away from her and told her, "If you forgive me so easily, then I will get the freedom to make more mistakes and just say a simple apology."
Valerie tilted her head adorably and asked, "Then…what should I do?"
Austin raised his brows mischievously before telling her, "Be angrier, sweetheart."
Valerie blushed hearing that, remembering she said something similar during the training.
She clutched his sleeve and told him, "I-It wasn't me…just my split personality….trust me, my lord."
Austin chuckled. The way her personality switches, he might have believed her lie.
"Here, "Offering her the box he said, "For you. There is a surprise in it."
Valerie curiously opened the box and found several heart-shaped chocolates resting inside.
"Go on, try one."
Valerie took the first one from the bottom left, and a bit on it, and instantly her eyes widened.
She heard his voice yet he wasn't speaking. His whisper reached her ears, almost like he was just right beside her.
A warm blush adorned her cheeks as she couldn't stop herself from smiling.
A smile that made Austin sigh in admiration. After a long day at work, this smile alone can vanish his weariness.
Valerie then closed the box and softly said, "I will have one every day."
"I expected much," Austin said with a smile before he asked, "Did you have dinner?"
Valerie nodded, "I was just about to finish."
Austin saw there were a few pieces of meat left—accurately chopped into cubes.
He picked her fork and was about to eat one, when suddenly Valerie said, "Ah…I used that…one."
Austin smiled at her, "Then the steak might taste a little sweet, I suppose?"
Valerie's face was a sight to gaze at after he said that.
The blush was so profound that she seemed on the verge of fainting.
And it wasn't only Austin but many others around them who were looking at Valerie with a surprised look.
"Is she the same strict girl who can even scold a Professor for their tardiness?" One of them asked.
"Don't know man…this version is completely different from what we see during classes…"
Whispers and murmurs were erupting from every corner since Valerie was not only the top student but a member of the student council. A disciplinary in charge, no less. And for her to behave so…maiden-ly was quite shocking.
Not so long after, they left the common hall and were headed towards the girl's dormitory.
They were walking slowly side by side, enjoying each others' company and the peaceful atmosphere.
While walking Austin suddenly remembered something and told her, "In six days, I will be leaving for the Capital…do you want to come with me?"
Naturally, Valerie was also invited to the party and she always goes there as the daughter of the Duke and Austin's fiancée.
Last year, they went separately, but not this year.
"I…would love to." Valerie did not have much expectations with the celebration but the journey back home surely would be sweet.
"And…have you planned on what you will give me on my birthday?"
Valerie has actually thought of gifting him a special dagger…however, she asked,
"Is there something my lord desires from me?"
Austin smiled upon hearing that and looked at Valerie with a tender expression.
They slowly came to a pause, and just as she thought he would tell her, Austin shook his head, "Not now, I will ask you that day."
Inching closer to her, he planted a soft kiss on her forehead and said, "Now go back and sleep. We have to wake up early tomorrow."
Valerie nodded with a smile never leaving her face before she turned around and began walking away.
Austin didn't walk away until he saw her room's lights turned on before he turned around and made his way back to the dormitory.
'Haah~I am sorry Val, but I can only ask for forgiveness as a gift, for what I am going to do….'
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A/N:- Okay, I love writing their interaction