Reincarnate as the Villainess's Husband

Gredor took a deep breath and closed his eyes. The silence in the room only heightened the tension that weighed upon them. The information Neonidas had presented was enough to shake the very foundations of the empire. If some dukes were truly plotting treason, this was not just a crisis for the throne—it was a threat to the entire empire’s future.

A moment later, Gredor opened his eyes and fixed his gaze on Neonidas. "Listen to me, Neonidas," he said in a heavy tone. "If these dukes are truly trying to weaken the throne, we cannot afford to wait for them to act. However, moving against them without evidence could plunge us into an even greater civil war."

Neonidas nodded slightly. "Absolutely, Your Majesty. That is why we must proceed cautiously. If these nobles are indeed preparing for rebellion, we can set up a system that will expose them at the slightest misstep."

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Gredor turned to his desk, running his fingers across the heavy wooden surface. He seemed deep in thought. For a few seconds, he remained silent before suddenly pausing and turning back to Neonidas. "I need you to buy me time. I cannot make a direct move without first uncovering these lords’ true intentions."

Neonidas smiled faintly. "I expected as much, Your Majesty. I have a proposal."

The emperor lifted his head and looked at Neonidas. "Speak."

Neonidas took a step closer and spoke in a low voice. "First, we must sow distrust among these dukes. If we can shake their confidence in one another, we can ensure that they fracture from within. At the same time, we must secretly reach out to loyal lords, bringing them firmly to our side and strengthening our position."

Gredor tilted his head, listening intently. "Go on."

"We must place loyal spies within the circles of the dukes we suspect. Their secret meetings, alliances, and preparations must be uncovered. Furthermore, we must solidify our forces. That is why I have a special request from you."

"And what is that request?" Gredor asked directly, his eyes filled with curiosity.

Neonidas locked eyes with Gredor. He knew that what he was about to say was not just a request—it was a step toward shaping the future. He took a deep breath, his expression carrying a hint of solemnity. @@novelbin@@

"Your Majesty, I have demonstrated my loyalty and service beyond question. During the Hindonpon campaign, I did not merely carry out your orders—I expanded the empire’s borders, securing new lands. However, the fate of these lands remains uncertain."

Gredor listened carefully, his fingers still tracing the wooden surface of his desk, weighing the possibilities in his mind. "Neonidas, be clear about what you are suggesting."

Neonidas stepped forward. "Your Majesty, the lands of Hindonpon, set to be declared the 13th Duchy, should not remain just a title on paper. This region needs a strong, loyal ruler—someone who will protect the empire’s interests, prevent rebellion, and maintain order. We must use the Duchy of Hindonpon to suppress the power of these traitors."

Gredor narrowed his eyes. "And you are suggesting that this person should be you?"

Neonidas smiled subtly, bowing his head slightly. "Both yes and no. As of now, my concubine Celeste is most likely pregnant. You could declare the child in her womb as the 13th Duke. You can justify this by stating that his or her mother descends from the legitimate royal lineage of Hindonpon, making this the best option for integrating the region’s people with the empire."

Gredor remained silent, his thoughts churning. Declaring Neonidas’s child as the Duke or Duchess of Hindonpon could be a strategic move for the throne. However, the way Neonidas presented this plan planted a seed of doubt in Gredor’s mind.

A throne required not only an emperor but also a shadow. A powerful lord, if left unchecked, could become a threat. Though Neonidas had proven his loyalty time and again, the true question was how long that loyalty would last.

History offered many examples of great generals and lords who once bowed to emperors, later viewing themselves as more worthy of the throne.

His fingers continued to glide over the cold wooden surface of the desk. He could see the logic in Neonidas’s proposal. The people of Hindonpon would accept this decision more easily, since Celeste’s lineage provided legitimacy. Yet, at the same time, this move would carve a greater place for Neonidas and his bloodline in the empire’s future.

He lifted his gaze, studying Neonidas’s face. An ordinary man might not see the calculations behind his eyes, but Neonidas was no fool. Even so, there was no outright sign of betrayal in Gredor’s expression—only deep contemplation.

"With all this power in your hands, what assurance do I have that you will not betray me, Lord Oreoned?"

The emperor’s use of Neonidas’s noble house name alone was enough to reveal his deep suspicion. Neonidas remained silent for a few seconds, then leaned back slightly.

"With all due respect, Your Majesty, I will speak plainly. In these past months on foreign soil, my relationship with your daughter, Her Excellency Allea, has grown stronger than ever. In fact, though we have not yet had the opportunity to inform you, Allea and I have decided to marry. Given Allea’s immense talent and the fact that she is an excellent successor to you, she will probably inherit the empire after you.

— As such, her husband will naturally become emperor. Of course, the true power will remain in Allea’s hands, but I will undoubtedly have a rightful place in ruling the empire. When I can reach this position without lifting a finger, why would I risk it by betraying you? Such a betrayal would not only endanger my standing—it would also destroy my relationship with your daughter. All I want is to inherit a stable empire alongside my beloved wife, Her Excellency Allea. That is all."

Gredor momentarily averted his gaze as he absorbed Neonidas’s words. The flickering candlelight broke the silence that filled only casting shifting shadows on the walls. While Neonidas’s words seemed reasonable, the underlying issue of power dynamics remained unresolved. Allea was indeed the natural heir to the throne, but the influence of the man she married could be difficult to contain.

The Emperor took a deep breath, leaning back into his chair as his piercing gaze locked onto Neonidas. "The future is unpredictable, Neonidas. But my duty is not only to rule today—it is to secure tomorrow as well. I want to trust in your loyalty to the empire. But history is filled with lords who swore great oaths of loyalty, only to one day become a threat to the very throne they served."

Neonidas inclined his head slightly, offering a measured smile. "Of course, Your Majesty. But history also teaches us another lesson—an empire cannot stand without strong and loyal allies. I do not merely serve you; I offer to be the greatest shield protecting your throne."

Gredor straightened, pressing his palms against the heavy wooden desk. "Your words are persuasive. However, we have yet to address one crucial matter. If your child is declared Duke of Hindonpon, how can I be certain that they will one day rule the region independently of their father’s influence?"

Neonidas hesitated for only a moment before replying calmly. "You cannot be certain, Your Majesty. But this uncertainty applies to any ruler. A prince’s upbringing determines what they will become. If my child is raised with loyalty to the throne and its principles, then your concern will be alleviated. And let us not forget that Allea herself will be the one overseeing their education. Since you trust her, she will ensure that our child is raised in accordance with the empire’s interests."

The Emperor nodded thoughtfully. "So, you are prepared to entrust your child entirely to our education and influence?"

Neonidas bowed his head resolutely. "For the stability and power of empire—yes."

Gredor scrutinized him for a long moment. He could see the careful calculations behind Neonidas’s words, yet the plan he proposed was also strategically beneficial for the throne. Hindonpon’s new rule would likely struggle with legitimacy issues for years to come, and if Neonidas’s child was legitimized through royal blood, it would serve both the region and the empire’s stability.

Narrowing his eyes, Gredor finally spoke. "Very well, Neonidas. I can agree with this. However, I have conditions."

Neonidas raised an eyebrow slightly. "I am listening, Your Majesty."

Gredor rose from his chair, pacing the room with slow, deliberate steps. "First and foremost, Hindonpon’s governance will not be absolute. Its council will be strengthened, and imperial oversight will be increased. Until your child reaches the age of majority, they will remain under direct imperial guardianship. I will allow Allea to oversee their education, but the ultimate authority will be mine."

Neonidas listened carefully. He knew he would never fully earn the Emperor’s trust, but even reaching this point was a victory. Bowing his head slightly, he responded, "I accept these terms, Your Majesty."

Silence stretched between them before a faint smile touched Gredor’s lips. "Then this matter is settled—for now. But remember this, Neonidas: If the day ever comes when you intend to take my place, the price will be far greater than you can imagine."

Neonidas understood the truth behind the threat. Yet, without breaking his composed smile, he lowered his head slightly. "I am merely a loyal servant of the empire, Your Majesty."

Gredor held his gaze for a moment longer before nodding. "I hope you remain so."

Neonidas stood, making his way toward the door. On his face was the same small smirk he always wore after securing a victory. As usual...