Reincarnate as the Villainess's Husband

The Next Day -

Neonidas was waiting in front of the large wooden door. Leaning against the wall, he impatiently ran his fingers over the hilt of his sword. When the murmurs from inside ceased, the door slowly creaked open.

The first to step out was Velriona. Her face bore a deep serenity, yet tears streamed down her cheeks without pause. Without even attempting to wipe them away, she hurried off. Neonidas frowned, instinctively watching her retreating figure, sensing that something was off.

Immediately after, Allea appeared in the doorway. Her eyes were slightly weary, but calm. Seeing the doubt on Neonidas’ face, she offered a small smile.

"Don’t worry," she said softly. "I talked to my mother about everything. Those were tears of joy."

Neonidas hesitated for a moment, then shifted his gaze from Velriona’s disappearing silhouette to Allea. A flicker of uncertainty passed through his eyes, but vanished just as quickly.

Allea was surprisingly composed. The idea of sharing her future husband with her mother didn’t seem to bother her much. Perhaps it was because of the value she placed on her mother. Or maybe the second reason was the value she placed on Neonidas himself.

As Allea stepped back into the room, Neonidas followed.

The faint scent of incense still lingered in the air. The pale daylight filtering through the velvet curtains cast a warm yet heavy glow on the golden embroidery adorning the walls.

Neonidas shut the door behind him, and Allea gave him a brief glance. She sat down with a tired but content expression, running a hand over her forehead. It was clear that her long conversation with Velriona had drained her mentally.

Neonidas silently approached and stood before her. When Allea lifted her head, the interplay of light and shadow accentuated the deep crimson in her eyes. They didn’t speak for a long moment.

Finally, Neonidas leaned in slightly, studying her closely. "You still manage to surprise me," he murmured, his voice softer than usual. @@novelbin@@

Allea raised an eyebrow slightly. "Why?"

Neonidas placed his arms on either side of the chair, caging her in—but there was no force in his movement. Rather, it was a challenge. His eyes were searching for her reaction. "The strength of your bond with your mother. I can see that you only care about her happiness, but… is it also for me?"

Allea was silent for a moment, then she smiled. Lifting a hand, she lightly touched the collar of Neonidas’ shirt, her fingers gliding up to the side of his neck. Despite his cold skin, her touch was warm.

"Even if it’s not for you," she whispered, "it doesn’t matter when I’m with you."

Neonidas narrowed his eyes at her. He pondered for a moment, then lowered his head slightly, pressing a brief but meaningful kiss to her forehead.

Allea closed her eyes, savoring the moment. Then, she slowly rested her head against Neonidas’ shoulder. "Everything is fine," she murmured. "I don’t want to think about anything else right now. Just… let’s stay like this for a while."

Neonidas didn’t reply, but he wrapped his arms around her. In that moment, nothing outside that room mattered anymore.

---

The Grand Throne Hall

The grand throne hall echoed with the presence of hundreds of nobles and dignitaries. Towering columns adorned with gold and obsidian rose as symbols of power and magnificence, while enormous chandeliers hanging from the vaulted ceiling cast a dim, mystical glow over the chamber.

Emperor Gredor sat rigidly on his throne, his piercing gaze scanning the twelve dukes kneeling before him and the waiting crowd behind them. His hand lightly rested on the hilt of his sword. At the center of the hall stood a massive map table, upon which lay the seals that would determine the new order of Hindonpon.

Among the assembled dukes, Neonidas stood with his usual composed demeanor, his expression unreadable. Yet, deep within, he carefully weighed the implications of the names about to be announced. Beside him, Allea stood in silence, her head slightly bowed. Velriona observed from the back of the hall, her face an unreadable mask.

Emperor Gredor raised his hand, and the hall, previously buzzing with whispers, fell into an instant hush. His deep, authoritative voice echoed off the stone walls.

"Today, we are here to declare the new order of Hindonpon. These lands have long been in turmoil, but now the Empire has brought stability."

The nobles and dukes fixed their eyes on the seals before them. One by one, the Emperor began announcing names. With each declaration, the tension in the hall grew. Every newly appointed noble stepped forward, swore their oath of loyalty, and returned to their place.

When the twelfth name was called, everyone knew the most crucial announcement was about to come. The thirteenth duke would rule over a prestigious and vast region.

Emperor Gredor picked up the last seal. The hall collectively held its breath.

"And lastly…" he declared solemnly, "the rightful heir to the Thirteenth Duchy of Hindonpon shall be the child carried by the former princess, Celeste."

For a moment, there was absolute silence. Then, whispers rippled through the hall like waves.

Dukes, generals, and nobles exchanged hushed murmurs of astonishment. The unborn child of Hindonpon’s former princess… would be the thirteenth duke? This was an unprecedented move. The Hindonpon royal bloodline was thought to be extinct, its opposition erased from history. Yet now, the princess’s unborn child was being named the new ruler.

Neonidas watched the reactions without a shift in his expression. To those unaware, this was a shocking revelation. But to him, it was not—because he was the one who had suggested it.

Emperor Gredor, seated on his throne, slightly furrowed his brows as he surveyed the room. He was quick to notice any sign of defiance. No one had yet dared to object openly, but displeasure was evident in the eyes of certain dukes.

The eldest among them, known as Duke Luthen—the Raven Duke—was the first to break the silence. He stepped forward, his long black cloak trailing behind him, and bowed slightly. "Your Majesty… with all due respect, I must ask—what is the justification for this decision?" His voice was respectful, yet cautious. "Entrusting Hindonpon’s future to an unborn child… would this not be the first step toward reviving a rival dynasty?"

This question heightened the tension in the hall. What Luthen had asked was the very thought lingering in everyone’s mind. Was a new dynasty being established? Was Neonidas planning to elevate his own lineage in Hindonpon through this child?

The Emperor slightly lifted his head, casting a brief glance at Neonidas before responding. Then his voice echoed through every corner of the grand hall.

"Hindonpon does not belong to a rival dynasty—it belongs to the Empire," he declared. "But the people of these lands need a symbol. A unifying figure. Neonidas conquered Hindonpon, but he will not remain here. To secure the loyalty of the local nobility and ensure stability, a ruler they can accept is necessary. The child of Neonidas and Celeste will be a representation of both the old order and the new power."

Some of the dukes still did not seem entirely convinced. However, Neonidas was pleased to see his plan unfolding exactly as he intended.

Luthen bowed his head. "I understand, Your Majesty," he said slowly. His gaze briefly flickered to Neonidas. "Then what arrangements will be made regarding the child’s birth and upbringing?"

Neonidas finally spoke. "I will handle it," he said with unwavering composure. "Celeste will be safe, and when the child is born, they will receive the proper education."

The objections in the hall gradually gave way to reluctant acceptance. Faced with Neonidas’ words, few dared to voice further opposition. After all, the conqueror of Hindonpon still stood among them, and even the Emperor had sanctioned this plan.

Gredor delivered the final verdict. "Then the matter is settled. The heir to the Thirteenth Duchy of Hindonpon has been declared."

Neonidas inclined his head slightly. His plan was now in motion.

As he listened carefully to the murmurs echoing through the throne hall, he cast a discreet glance at Allea. Her green eyes were calm yet alert, assessing the tension in the room. Velriona, on the other hand, remained impassive, her expression unreadable.

The repercussions of this decision would be long-lasting. Rather than erasing Hindonpon’s old dynasty entirely, Neonidas had chosen to carry a part of it—an unborn child—into the future. This child would not merely be a ruler, but a symbol that the people could accept. Sometimes, to defeat one’s enemies, swords were not enough—blood ties had to be wielded as well. Discover hidden tales at NovelBin.Côm

As Luthen stepped back, other dukes slowly began to show signs of reluctant acceptance. However, Neonidas carefully observed some of them. The opposition was evident—conservatives like Luthen and those who wished for Hindonpon’s full annexation into the Empire. To them, this child was a dangerous legacy.

Anticipating the possibility of an assassination attempt, Neonidas had already ensured that Celeste and Elenora were moved to the most secure chambers available.

But the only thing that truly mattered to Neonidas was the flawless execution of his plan.

At that moment, Emperor Gredor spoke again.

"Until this decision is fully enacted, someone must maintain order in Hindonpon. For his outstanding success during the conquest, Neonidas shall remain as the interim ruler of Hindonpon."

A new wave of murmurs spread through the hall. It was an expected decision—yet still a staggering one. Neonidas would not only conquer the region but govern it as well. This granted him near-unlimited authority.

Neonidas lifted his gaze toward the Emperor seated on the throne. Gredor’s stern yet calculating expression seemed to confirm the unspoken message in his eyes: I want to see how you use this power.

Neonidas knelt and bowed his head. "I shall remain loyal to His Majesty’s will," he declared.

Gredor gave a slight nod of approval.