Reincarnate as the Villainess's Husband

After the chamberlain’s words, the atmosphere in the hall momentarily fell into a hushed silence. Shadows danced at length under the flickering golden chandeliers, and every noble present seemed caught in an unseen gravitational pull at this critical moment of fate.

First, the commanders who had fought alongside Neonidas in the Hindonpon campaign and achieved significant victories stepped forward. Each of them, known for their courage and the emperor, honored individual loyalty. The titles and lands bestowed upon them were a testament that Neonidas’ rise was not solely his own victory—it also elevated the talented individuals around him.

Next came the nobles and high lords from all corners of the empire. Each was an influential and respected figure in their respective regions. As the emperor introduced them briefly, he emphasized their loyalty and service, highlighting the vastness and diversity of the empire. Explore more at NovelBin.Côm

Then, the lords whom Neonidas had temporarily granted noble status knelt before the emperor to swear their oaths of allegiance. However, their titles were not yet secured. Tomorrow—most likely tomorrow—the emperor would formally announce the nobles of the newly established 13th Duchy and recognize its new Duke.

But today was solely for the pledges of loyalty, a ceremony to reinforce the emperor’s authority.

Emperor Gredor leaned slightly forward on his throne. The wide sleeves of his magnificent robe cascaded gently over the marble steps. His eyes swept over the kneeling lords one by one. In their bowed heads, he could see not only their loyalty but also their anxieties. None of them knew whether they would be allowed to keep their titles.

Neonidas’ watchful gaze captured every detail of the scene. To him, these oaths were more than a mere ritual; they were an opportunity to assess the true loyalty of these lords and how the balance of power would shift. If they hesitated even while kneeling before the emperor, what would they do when faced with the new order in the future?

One of the pledging lords was an aging but steely man—Lord Vargann. His hair was graying, his face lined with the marks of time, yet there was a sense of pride and resolve in the way he knelt. Lifting his gaze to the emperor, he spoke in a deep, unwavering voice,

"Your Majesty, I fought under Neonidas’ command in the Hindonpon Campaign. We triumphed through his orders, we won through his strategy. My loyalty to you and the empire is unshakable. However, one truth remains—this victory belongs to Neonidas."

It was as if an invisible storm had swept through the hall. For a brief moment, all eyes turned to Neonidas. The weight of Lord Vargann’s words could be perceived as a direct challenge to the emperor’s authority. Yet Neonidas remained motionless, his expression unreadable.

Gredor’s expression did not change. A ruler who wielded power not just through anger but through silence, he let a moment of stillness pass before responding in a measured tone:

"Neonidas is the sword of our empire. But the hand that wields the sword is mine, Lord Vargann."

The air in the hall grew heavier. Neonidas narrowed his eyes slightly. The emperor’s words affirmed his power, yet also drew its boundaries.

One by one, the pledges of allegiance continued. Each lord offered their loyalty in varying tones—some with heartfelt sincerity, others with voices that trembled, revealing their reluctance. Neonidas took note of who was truly devoted and who was merely playing the game of power.

As the night wore on, the ceremony finally came to an end. With a single gesture, the emperor signaled its conclusion, yet the tension in the hall had not fully dissipated. As the kneeling lords slowly rose and returned to their places, the golden chandeliers continued to cast their wavering shadows on the walls. Everyone knew that the day was not yet over. The real game would begin tomorrow.

Standing at the edge of the hall, Neonidas’ expression remained enigmatic. Lord Vargann’s words still lingered in the air, but he was not unsettled by them. On the contrary, such remarks were the perfect way to gauge the shifting power dynamics within the empire. The emperor’s reaction had been exactly as expected—he acknowledged Neonidas’ strength while simultaneously defining its limits.

As for Neonidas, deep down, he wanted nothing more than to kill that foolish lord for his insolence before the emperor. He could only hope that Gredor had not taken offense at those words. If the emperor began to fear Neonidas’ growing influence, his carefully laid plans would be in jeopardy.

After downing a goblet of wine, Neonidas bid farewell to Allea and left the hall.

As he walked toward the emperor’s chambers, lost in thought, the dimly lit corridors seemed to stretch endlessly before him. It was difficult to discern what was going on in Emperor Gredor’s mind. If Lord Vargann’s words had left the wrong impression, they would not remain merely as a challenge—they could become a lethal threat to Neonidas’ future.

When he reached the door, the guards greeted him silently and pulled it open. The emperor’s chamber was a stark contrast to the grandeur of the throne room. Here, opulence was replaced with a simple yet imposing order. A large desk stood in the center, its surface illuminated by the flickering glow of a few candles. Ancient maps adorned the walls, and behind the heavy velvet curtains, the night remained hidden in darkness.

Gredor stood near the window, a goblet of wine in hand. When Neonidas entered, the emperor turned his head slightly, his gaze different from the one he wore in the throne room—less formal, less imposing, yet no less piercing.

"Lord Neonidas, I hear you wish to speak with me," Gredor began.

"Yes, Your Majesty. There is an urgent matter I must discuss with you."

The emperor swirled the wine in his goblet, the deep crimson liquid catching the candlelight. Then, stepping away from the window, he leaned against the edge of his desk. "Is it truly that urgent? Speak, then."

Neonidas took a moment to ensure they were alone. He scanned the room carefully, making sure there were no hidden spies or imperial knights secretly guarding the emperor. Only then did he begin.

"Unfortunately, Your Majesty, our great empire is facing a grave problem. While I was campaigning to conquer the Hindonpon Kingdom, I uncovered some suspicious movements."

Gredor took a slow sip of his wine, his gaze locked on Neonidas. "Suspicious movements? Be more specific."

Neonidas took a moment to gather his thoughts. Every word he spoke would not only shape the legacy of the Hindonpon campaign but also determine the future of the empire. He had to stand before the emperor not as a mere soldier, but as a strategist who understood the rules of the game.

"Your Majesty," he began, his voice deep and steady, like the heavy velvet curtains in the room. "During the Hindonpon campaign, I had to face not only the enemy but also certain threats from within our own ranks. Our supply lines in the border regions were attacked. At first, I assumed it was enemy sabotage, but captured documents and prisoners revealed a different truth to me."

Emperor Gredor furrowed his brow. "What truth?"

Neonidas leaned slightly forward, lowering his voice.

"Your Majesty, these attacks were not solely carried out by Hindonpon insurgents. There is a faction within our own ranks that seeks to weaken the empire. I have found traces of certain nobles who have been sabotaging our supply lines, cutting off our military provisions, and making secret agreements with the enemy. Moreover, some powerful nobles have been strengthening their forces, believing that I would lose this campaign and that they could seize my lands. At least, that is my suspicion."

Gredor’s expression hardened, his face cast in shadow by the flickering candlelight. The silence in the room was as ominous as the dim flame wavering against the still air. "Do you have names?"

Neonidas nodded. "I do not yet have definitive proof, but I have strong suspicions about certain key figures. That is why we must act carefully. If we move too soon, before fully uncovering the roots of this treachery, we will only alert our enemies."

Gredor paused for a moment, taking a sip of his wine before setting the goblet down on the table. His fingers lightly traced the wooden surface as his gaze remained fixed on Neonidas, though there was a distant calculation in his eyes.

"Who do you suspect?"

"That is an excellent question. First and foremost, Duke Draevos and Duke Maximilian Valen are among those I suspect the most. And I believe at least three more dukes are involved in this treachery. My strongest suspicion is that this betrayal stems from an attempt to replace Princess Allea with someone more easily controlled. However, Duchess Lyranna and Duke Albrecht Von Rheingard are certainly loyal. "

Emperor Gredor’s eyes narrowed. The candlelight cast harsh shadows on his face, making his expression even more severe. Neonidas’ words were not just about treason; they spoke of a direct challenge to the legitimacy of the throne itself.

"So," Gredor said, his voice like tempered steel, "you are telling me that my own nobles have begun working to weaken my authority and place a more pliable successor on the throne instead of Allea?" @@novelbin@@

Neonidas gave a slow nod. "Yes, Your Majesty. Most likely, these dukes seek to consolidate their own power by installing a puppet heir in Allea’s place. Allea’s cold and emotionless nature means she would display too strong a will for their schemes to succeed. Instead, they wish to seat someone they can manipulate."

Gredor remained silent for a moment. He took a deep breath and set his wineglass down on the table. Shadows partially obscured his face, but the anger in his eyes was unmistakable.

"What do we have to counter these dukes’ plans?" he asked, his voice now carrying the weight of a ruler preparing to pass judgment.

Neonidas stepped forward. "We lack definitive proof at this moment, Your Majesty. However, I have been tracking their movements. Right now, they are consolidating their military forces and stockpiling logistical supplies in various regions. Additionally, I have intelligence indicating that they are attempting to sway smaller lords to their cause. To put it bluntly, if we do not act soon, these seeds of treachery will take root and flourish."