Reincarnate as the Villainess's Husband

Neonidas and Allea dominated the grand entrance of Hindonpon Kingdom’s palace at the forefront. Behind them stood the key figures of the imperial army and the nobles of Hindonpon Kingdom, whom Neonidas had deemed worthy of recognition. All of them waited respectfully.

The palace gates were wide open, allowing the entrance of several dozen imperial guards. The guards immediately positioned themselves in designated spots and stood in orderly formation. Following them, the carriages of Emperor Gredor and Empress Velriona rolled inside. The fact that the two of them arrived in separate carriages drew attention.

When Emperor Gredor stepped out, he turned and helped a woman—presumably his new concubine—descend from the carriage. The entire crowd watched in astonishment, including Neonidas himself. The emperor’s choice to highlight an insignificant woman instead of the empress at such a significant event left many questioning his intentions.

Neonidas observed the unfolding scene without a trace of emotion on his face. However, beside him, he could feel Allea clenching her fists and taking heavy, angry breaths.

Slowly, Neonidas took Allea’s hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. It was a silent warning—a reminder to restrain herself. Taking a deep breath, Allea steadied herself and fixed her gaze on the woman beside Gredor.

With the sound of footsteps echoing across the palace’s stone floor, Gredor strode forward with his new concubine. There wasn’t a hint of regret on his face. If anything, he moved with the assuredness of a man reveling in his triumph, as if he had won a great victory in front of the entire world.

Meanwhile, Empress Velriona had already stepped down from her carriage and was watching the spectacle with lifeless eyes. Her eerie calm unsettled even those around her. There was no trace of anger or jealousy on her face. She was so composed, so measured, that those who knew her best found it even more unnerving. Velriona’s silence had always been a harbinger of storms to come.

It was no secret that the emperor and empress did not get along well, but the divide between them now seemed irreparable. And Neonidas had a fair idea that he had played a role in widening that gap.

Shortly after the emperor and empress, a striking woman rode into the palace on horseback. Her brown hair, fair skin, and curvaceous figure drew momentary attention. She was none other than Avelina, the protagonist of the original novel.

It seemed that some of Neonidas’s actions had caused a butterfly effect in this world, altering events or accelerating them.

Emperor Gredor came to a stop in front of Neonidas. Everyone except Neonidas and Allea knelt before him. The two merely bowed their heads slightly.

Gredor’s gaze didn’t miss the way Allea was holding Neonidas’s hand. His eyes hardened as he turned his attention to Neonidas and spoke in a firm tone.

"It seems you’ve seduced my daughter, you little brat."

Neonidas momentarily paused at the emperor’s words, but he didn’t let any emotion show on his face. Gredor’s voice carried an undeniable weight, pressing down on everyone present. He was a man who embedded his authority into every word he spoke.

But Neonidas was not someone who bowed to pressure. He met Gredor’s gaze directly and responded with a slight diplomatic bow.

"To receive even the slightest affection from your daughter is an honor for me."

His voice was calm, but the challenge within it was unmistakable for those who listened closely. Gredor narrowed his eyes. The entire court held its breath, awaiting the emperor’s reaction.

Then, the only sound that filled the palace courtyard was Gredor’s laughter.

His laughter echoed through the vast space, but there was no warmth, no genuine amusement in it. It carried the irony of a ruler who secretly relished being directly challenged. The surrounding nobles and commanders bowed their heads slightly, trying to decipher the true meaning behind it.

Neonidas recognized the underlying threat hidden beneath Gredor’s laughter, but did not waver. He kept his gaze steady, waiting for the emperor’s amusement to subside.

At last, Gredor stopped laughing and tilted his head slightly.

"Congratulations, kid. You’ve done well," he said before opening his arms and embracing Neonidas.

Neonidas returned the gesture, then watched as Gredor did the same with his daughter before proceeding into the palace with his concubine.

Shortly after, Empress Velriona approached. When she looked at Neonidas, the flicker in her eyes spoke volumes. It seemed Neonidas would need to advance some of his plans sooner than expected. After embracing her daughter, Velriona left.

The next to step forward was Avelina. A warm smile adorned her face as she approached Neonidas and extended her hand.

"It is an honor to meet you, Duke Neonidas. You are as handsome as the rumors say."

Neonidas studied Avelina’s words carefully. Her voice was friendly and soothing, but her eyes held something beyond a simple greeting. He extended his hand and clasped her delicate yet firm grip.

"The honor is mine, Lady Avelina."

Avelina’s eyes gleamed as she gave a small nod. "Thank you for your kindness, Duke. I hope we have the opportunity to know each other better."

As Neonidas analyzed the layers within her words, he sensed a shift in Allea’s posture beside him—her stance had become noticeably stiffer. When he stole a glance at her, his fiancée’s expression was nothing short of ice-cold. Her flame-red hair shimmered in the sunlight. If Avelina noticed, she showed no sign of hesitation.

Neonidas was well aware that Avelina was the original protagonist of this story. However, the flow of events had clearly deviated from what he knew. And it wasn’t difficult to guess that his presence was the primary cause of that shift.

Meanwhile, imperial guards had taken their designated positions around the inner courtyard, maintaining order as the ceremony continued. The nobles were still murmuring about Emperor Gredor’s blatant display with his new concubine. Velriona’s eerie silence had instilled a quiet sense of dread in many of them.

Then, the dukes entered the palace courtyard one after another. Eleven carriages arrived in succession, each accompanied by a dozen guards. However, as per the rules, the ducal guards remained outside the palace.

The dukes who stepped into the courtyard were easily recognizable by their heavy embroidered cloaks and the crests displayed on their attire, each marking the powerful families they represented. Most of them understood that today was more than just a mere formality—it was a show of power.

The first to step out was Duke Valcair, recognized by his silver hair and sharp features. Following him was Duke Salvendir, his deep purple cloak draped over his shoulders, eyes always narrowed in watchful vigilance. One by one, the dukes emerged from their carriages, increasing the tension in the air.

Neonidas slowly scanned each duke. He knew them all. Some were loyal to Gredor, while others secretly aligned themselves with Velriona. Seven among them, however, were cunning enough to conceal their true allegiances.

Each duke approached Neonidas with varying expressions, offering their congratulations for his success. Among them was Duke Maximilian Valen, accompanied by his wife and Cassandra—Neonidas’s concubine. This was a clear indication that Valen still valued his daughter and, by extension, his alliance with Neonidas. At the same time, however, it was a subtle insult to Allea.

Then came Duke Draevos, known as the "Little Duke"—by far the one who harbored the greatest enmity toward Neonidas.

Duke Alanor Ellorien descended from his carriage with a firm yet sincere expression. Meanwhile, Duchess Lyranna, as always, maintained her signature cold demeanor.

One by one, they had all come to congratulate Neonidas and Allea for their conquest of Hindonpon Kingdom.

As the dukes approached one by one to offer their congratulations, Neonidas carefully analyzed every nuance of this diplomatic game. Beneath each congratulation lay hidden meanings—some truly admired his success, while others merely performed this formality to maintain the balance of power.

The atmosphere grew noticeably heavier than Duke Draevos approached. The aging duke was thin and pale, but his eyes carried a dangerous sharpness. The black-silver emblem embroidered on his cloak’s collar openly declared his lineage.

Duke Draevos stepped forward with slow, deliberate movements, stopping before Neonidas. The sound of his footsteps echoing across the stone courtyard of the palace signaled an impending confrontation. For a brief moment, the surrounding nobles and other dukes fell silent, their attention drawn to this encounter by the thick tension hanging in the air.

A faint smile played on Draevos’ lips—polite, yet devoid of sincerity. His eyes scrutinized Neonidas from head to toe before he finally tilted his head slightly and spoke with empty courtesy.

"What a grand achievement, young duke. You have written history by conquering the Hindonpon Kingdom."

Neonidas immediately detected the sarcasm laced within Draevos’ words. He knew that the duke’s congratulations were nothing more than hollow diplomatic pleasantries. However, Neonidas was a warrior above all else—not only with the sword but also with words.

Maintaining his composure, he inclined his head slightly. "I am grateful for your praise, Duke Draevos. However, if only history recorded not just victories, but also the defeated… Perhaps then, arrogant fools who take pride in their ancestors would learn to remain silent."

Duke Draevos’ thin lips tensed slightly, the faint amusement in his eyes dimming. A brief silence settled as the gathered nobles and dukes processed Neonidas’ words. Then, a soft yet venomous chuckle escaped Draevos’ lips.

"A sharp tongue is as dangerous as a sharp sword, Duke Neonidas," he remarked, his voice cold and carefully measured. "But words spoken with the fire of youth often end up burning their speaker as well."

Neonidas tilted his head slightly, his gaze unwavering. "And excessive caution makes an old man motionless. Who knows? Perhaps the real danger lies in those who never shine before they burn."

Draevos’ eyes narrowed, though the feigned politeness on his face remained unchanged. Some of the surrounding dukes observed the exchange keenly, while others attempted to resume their conversations, pretending not to have witnessed the verbal duel. Yet, it was evident that this exchange had subtly defined the power dynamics within the gathering.

Just then, a soft yet authoritative voice cut through the air, drawing all attention to its source.

"Duke Neonidas, do such sharp words not cast a shadow over the joy of your victory?"