Reincarnate as the Villainess's Husband - Chapter 60

Chapter 60: Even more
During the past week, the days had been quite peaceful. Neonidas was giving the spy woman only selected information, including news of a nearby discovery of a mana stone mine. Since a banquet would soon be held to announce this, there was no reason to keep it a secret.

Beyond that, he continued working on agricultural reforms and finally prepared a comprehensive plan. This initiative aimed to increase the productivity of the duchy’s farmland, but the harvested crops wouldn’t be sold directly. Instead, they would be utilized as much as possible and transformed into higher-value products. For example, a portion of the tomato harvest would be made into paste.

Of course, in this world, products like tomato paste hadn’t been invented yet, and that was a perfect opportunity for Neonidas. He had already written down all the recipes he knew, including how to make tomato paste. Becoming the sole producer of such items would ensure a golden future. Tomato paste was only one example; there were countless other products to create from fruits and vegetables, and selling them would be child’s play. For now, the duchy’s agricultural development and support projects were complete.

During this time, Neonidas spent his nights either with Solara or Yuanna. Yuanna’s rebellious demeanor hadn’t faded, but at least she seemed to be adjusting to the situation. Neonidas believed that when she became pregnant, especially with a child carrying his blood, she would likely become more docile.

Solara, on the other hand, had grown stronger than ever by consuming the herbal soup Neonidas had provided. She hadn’t expected such a valuable gift from her master and continued her training within the timeline he had set. However, just a day ago, Solara’s instructor admitted that she could no longer keep up with her and said Solara needed more advanced training.

Solara’s instructor was a top-tier warrior trained at the Imperial Academy, but Solara had already surpassed her level. While Neonidas searched for a new instructor to help Solara further develop her abilities, Sorenna’s instructor approached him with the same complaint.

Incidentally, Sorenna, who was officially a slave, had recently changed her name by choice and obtained her own identity. However, a hidden rivalry between the two siblings had recently surfaced, straining their relationship. Neonidas hadn’t realized that Sorenna took the competition so seriously.

Regardless, Neonidas needed to find two top-tier instructors, which would be costly, but he believed it was worth every coin.

The training of Solara and Sorenna had become a pressing yet short-term issue. Thus, Neonidas began gathering information from across the empire to find talented and trustworthy instructors.

The first candidate was Albrecht Solmann, a former instructor at the Imperial Academy. Albrecht was a legendary figure in swordsmanship and combat strategies. However, his services didn’t come cheap, and he was known to be highly selective. While preparing to negotiate with Albrecht, Neonidas decided that a magic specialist was also necessary.

Since Solara and Sorenna’s abilities differed, individual training programs were essential. At this point, Neonidas thought of Zane Velmar, a retired mage known as the “Master of Shadows.” Zane was famous for his unconventional methods, but his students’ successes had only enhanced his reputation. After sending letters to both candidates, Neonidas shifted his focus to the banquet planned for the next day.

—

The following day, dozens of carriages arrived at the grand estate of the Oreoned Duchy. Neonidas’s steward greeted the guests at the door. While the visitors admired the duchy’s majestic manor, the garden’s elegance and meticulous arrangement also caught their attention. The steward welcomed each guest with personalized care, addressing them by name and guiding them to their places inside. The banquet’s major topic—the discovery of a new mana stone mine—had spread like wildfire, drawing attendees eager to gain access to this information or propose partnerships.

Neonidas sat at the far end of the manor’s grand hall on a throne-like chair, wearing a black robe adorned with gold embroidery. Solara and Sorenna stood behind him, one on either side. Solara exuded a stern and disciplined aura, while Sorenna appeared calmer and more composed. Both, however, observed the guests closely, ready to act at Neonidas’s command.

Neonidas’s gaze rested on the crowd streaming into the hall. However, the true highlight awaited the arrival of representatives from the other 11 duchies and the imperial family. Neonidas knew the banquet would officially begin once they arrived, marking an ideal opportunity to showcase the duchy’s power and strategic vision.

Outside, lavish carriages arrived one by one. First came the representatives of Valen Duchy from the cold northern lands. Duke Maximilian Valen, with his towering stature and commanding presence, immediately drew attention. Accompanying him were his daughter and heir, Lady Cassandra Valen. Rather than admiring the grandeur of the hall, Cassandra’s gaze was fixed directly on Neonidas’s throne-like seat. Her sharp eyes seemed to assess him, a scrutiny that didn’t sit well with Solara, whose brow furrowed slightly.

Next came the delegation from Lauren Duchy, representing the empire’s northwestern borders. Duke Alanor Ellorien, with his broad shoulders and rugged features, resembled a seasoned warrior. However, his sons, standing by his side, displayed a more polite and diplomatic demeanor as they greeted the other guests. Despite Alanor’s gruff nature, Neonidas recognized the importance of maintaining good relations with the duchy because of its economic strength.

Then Duke Draevos, Duchess Lyranna, and the remaining dukes and duchesses slowly entered and took their seats. Finally, all eyes turned to the arrival of the imperial family. The imperial family’s attendance at this banquet was both an honor and a significant responsibility for Neonidas’s duchy.

When the carriage halted, Crown Princess Allea and Empress Velriona, representatives of the Imperial family, stepped into the estate’s garden. Allea’s calm and charming presence instantly changed the atmosphere in the room. The elegance and beauty of the two women captured everyone’s attention.

As Neonidas sat on his throne-like chair, he carefully observed the reactions of the guests. The cold gaze of Crown Princess Allea and the wise demeanor of Empress Velriona added to the already weighty atmosphere of the hall. The guests felt the gravity of the royal family’s presence, while Neonidas mentally devised strategies to flawlessly manage the banquet.

Empress Velriona entered the hall with deliberate steps, nodding slightly to Neonidas in acknowledgment. Rising immediately, Neonidas returned the gesture respectfully. Velriona approached him and, in a soft tone, remarked, “Duke Neonidas, your duchy’s current strength is truly impressive. We all recognize how crucial the profits from the mana stone mine will be for the Empire.”

Neonidas replied with a pleased smile, “Your Majesty, this success will not only be a triumph for the Oreoned Duchy, but also a shared victory for the Empire.”

As Neonidas concluded his brief yet meaningful exchange with Empress Velriona, he noticed Crown Princess Allea approaching him with careful steps. The room fell silent; all eyes were fixed on the interaction between Neonidas and Allea. With an air of grace and confidence, Allea moved closer to Neonidas’s seat, her cold yet captivating gaze locking onto his.

“Neonidas,” she said, her voice as smooth as silk yet filled with authority, “this magnificent banquet is truly impressive. The discovery of the mana stone mine is a significant step for your duchy’s future. Congratulations on earning the support of the imperial family.”

Upon hearing the Crown Princess’s words, Neonidas inclined his head slightly in gratitude, yet he didn’t break eye contact for even a moment. Her gaze bore the traces of a cold and calculating intellect, leaving a profound impression on Neonidas with its resolute sharpness.

“Your Majesty,” Neonidas replied confidently, “your support and these words are a great honor for me. I firmly believe that the success of the Oreoned Duchy is not merely my achievement but a result of the support and foresight of leaders as wise and visionary as yourself.” With that, he pulled out the chair beside him, inviting Allea to sit.

Allea studied the chair next to Neonidas for a moment, then sat down gracefully with a fluid motion.

“Your Majesty, please know that this banquet is not only meant to highlight the significance of the new mana stone mine, but also to strengthen the ties between the duchy and the Empire,” Neonidas said, his words laden with underlying intent.

Allea quickly caught the meaning behind his statement and responded with a subtle smile. “Strengthening these ties will only be possible through your abilities and vision, Neonidas. What I see here today is a testament to your leadership skills.”

Allea’s message was clear. Neonidas had undoubtedly proven that he came from the future, and this was due to his flawless knowledge of the location of the mana stone. Moreover, Allea could easily see Neonidas’ newfound power, which was a change far greater than even she had anticipated. What’s more, Allea could easily see Neonidas’ growing power, a change far greater than even she had anticipated

For this reason, Allea had made her decision with absolute certainty—Neonidas would either belong to her or belong to her. There was no other option. Of course, if Neonidas were foolish enough to reject her, she would have no choice but to eliminate him without delay. After all, for the first time in her life, she had encountered someone with as much potential as herself—perhaps even more. Naturally, this realization both unsettled and terrified her.