Reincarnate as the Villainess's Husband - Chapter 62

Chapter 62: Greatest desires
While considering the offer, Neonidas carefully examined the beautiful blonde woman from head to toe. She was undeniably stunning, but Neonidas wasn’t going to accept the proposal solely because of her beauty. He couldn’t shake the question: What was Duke Maximilian’s true intention? Perhaps, as he claimed, the Duke genuinely wished to establish good relations, maybe even an alliance.

It was no secret that Neonidas was growing stronger by the day. Moreover, he was the only duke directly allied with the Emperor. In short, he was precisely the type of person any intelligent man would want to form an alliance with. However, the shadow of Neonidas’ ridiculed past clung to him like a curse.

Still, why had Duke Maximilian offered such a valuable jewel? Why not propose one of his other daughters as a concubine instead? After all, though not as stunning as Cassandra, his other daughters were also beautiful and talented in their own ways. Yet Duke Maximilian had presented Cassandra Valen, his most precious jewel and one of the six most beautiful women in the Empire. This wasn’t even a marriage proposal.

This world was well-known for favoring men, largely because the dominant religions in the Empire saw women as flawed or at least unequal to men. Of course, in the original novel, Avelina would change this, proclaiming the equality of men and women and even waging war against the clergy. This theme of the story was essentially feminist propaganda, catering to the preferences of not-so-intelligent teenage girls.

Imagine being a teenage girl belittled by her father, ignored by boys her age, and fired up after reading fifty-cent feminist books. These girls were the kind to see the world differently. Despite their evolutionary inclination toward sexuality, they tended to despise everything associated with men. Yet, ironically, they adored boy bands from Korea.

Such twisted minds loved nothing more than female heroes who shattered norms and obliterated the “filthy male structures” without requiring any logical foundation. This was why the novel Neonidas’ ex-girlfriend had written became incredibly popular among women. It wasn’t just a novel—it was practically a holy book for certain groups.

Yet here was the great champion of equality, Avelina’s most prominent supporter, offering her own daughter as if she were a mere trinket. This reality perfectly illustrated how feminists who dreamed of burning down the male-dominated societal structure were, in truth, merely puppets used by powerful men for their benefit.

Neonidas contemplated Duke Maximilian’s proposal deeply. He knew the Duke was an ambitious man, but controlling that ambition could become a weapon Neonidas could wield masterfully. Considering Cassandra’s abilities and reputation, accepting this offer would bring both personal and political advantages.

With a slight smile, Neonidas turned to Duke Maximilian and spoke with elegance.

“Duke Maximilian, your offer is most honorable and strengthens the respect I hold for your family. Everyone knows of Lady Cassandra’s value to the Empire, not only for her beauty but also her intelligence. For this reason, I am honored to accept her into my service.”

Neonidas turned to Cassandra, bowing politely, and continued,

“Lady Cassandra, I believe your consent in this matter is of utmost importance. If this arrangement suits you, I will be delighted to welcome you into my household.”

Cassandra responded with a composed demeanor, offering a small curtsy. Her fixed expression revealed nothing of her thoughts, but the resolve in her eyes assured Neonidas that she wasn’t uncomfortable with the situation.

Duke Maximilian, evidently pleased, raised his glass again.

“Lord Neonidas, your decision is a great honor for our family. I am confident that under your guidance, Cassandra will further develop her talents and intellect. May this partnership bring prosperity to our families and the Empire.”

Neonidas lifted his glass in response to the Duke’s gesture, then addressed Cassandra.

“Lady Cassandra, I hope this new arrangement proves beneficial for both you and my household. I look forward to working closely with you.”

Cassandra replied with a faint smile. “I would consider it an honor, Lord Neonidas.” Her sweet voice was like a spring echoing in the wilds of nature.

“Then, for now, return to your home and make your preparations. I will officially welcome you soon.”

As Cassandra curtsied and gracefully exited the room, the meeting gained a more formal tone. Neonidas, a subtle smile playing on his lips, turned back to Duke Maximilian. Cassandra’s footsteps echoed in the corridor, steady and confident. Neonidas admired her composure and discipline, which indicated she wasn’t just a pretty face but a capable woman who knew her worth.

Maximilian, meanwhile, closely observed Neonidas’ reactions, trying to discern whether this exchange was progressing as planned. Neonidas leaned back, taking a deep breath, signaling the meeting was nearing its conclusion. Fixing his gaze on Maximilian, he spoke in a calm yet authoritative tone.

“Duke Maximilian, I can already foresee how this alliance will shift the Empire’s balance of power. But remember, trust is the foundation of any alliance. I hope this trust remains unbroken if our interests ever diverge.”

Maximilian wasn’t sure whether Neonidas’ words were a warning or a friendly reminder. Maintaining his usual diplomatic demeanor, he replied,

“Lord Neonidas, the stability of the Empire is as important to me as my family’s interests. This partnership is an opportunity for mutual strength. Your words serve as a guiding light rather than a warning.”

When the conversation ended, Neonidas turned and walked back to Allea. She was still talking to a few noblewomen, and Lyranna, standing next to her, seemed almost like her personal bodyguard.

When Allea noticed her fiancé’s blonde hair from the corner of her eye, she bid farewell to her friends and walked toward Neonidas. “Can we talk?”

Neonidas turned to Allea, who no longer maintained a formal demeanor, and nodded. They both left the banquet hall, where the nobles were gradually beginning to disperse. It seemed everyone had already finished their dinner and desserts and had discussed the necessary matters. The clock had long passed midnight, and the drunk and tired nobles were eager for rest.

Neonidas and Allea walked out of the banquet hall and into a private room. The room was lit by the warm light of a large fireplace. The furniture in the room was elegant, reflecting a fine antique craftsmanship. Neonidas sat in one of the large leather chairs in front of the fireplace and began to speak, looking at Allea.

“I’m curious about what you want to say, Allea. You were quite silent at the feast.”

There was a hard-to-read expression on Allea’s face. “I heard you took a concubine. Why did you make such a decision without consulting me?”

The woman Allea was referring to was Yuanna, though she wasn’t aware that Cassandra, who had previously been considered a rival in beauty, was also to become Neonidas’s concubine.

“I took Yuanna to seize Marquis Alexsaz’s lands. You already guessed that… Besides, why does this concern you? After all, we’re only temporarily engaged… Don’t forget, it was you who wanted this.”

As Neonidas spoke with calm detachment, a shadow appeared on Allea’s face. The firelight gently illuminated her features, but the dark emotions in her eyes were easy to read. Allea remained silent for a moment, seemingly lost in deep thought. Then, she tilted her head slightly and looked at Neonidas, her gaze filled with curiosity, mockery, and hidden threat.

“A temporary engagement…” she repeated, her words almost a whisper, but beneath them was a tone as hard as steel. “Of course. However, even if it’s temporary, I am here as your fiancée. So, I don’t think I need to remind you that making decisions without my approval is not very wise, right?”

Neonidas was familiar with Allea’s mocking calmness. Her threats never came directly; instead, they resonated like an ambiguous shadow in one’s mind, creating unease. He leaned back comfortably, fixing his gaze on Allea as he smiled.

“Allea, my not consulting you doesn’t mean I’m unsure of my decision. Yuanna is just a tool. There might be others like her in the future. But none of this is an issue that would disturb the balance between us. If I’ve bothered you, it’s probably just an unnecessary sensitivity.”

Allea immediately understood the underlying message in his words: My decisions are non-negotiable. However, it was this very confidence in Neonidas that amused her the most. She clasped her hands in front of her and took a step closer. The firelight gave her red hair a golden sheen, making her emerald eyes even more striking.

“What if I told you that I now want you as my husband?”

Neonidas, Allea’s last words, stirred a sense of bewilderment within him, though his face displayed a controlled and composed expression that betrayed nothing of the emotion. He hadn’t expected Allea to act so swiftly.

For a moment, the light of the fireplace flickered in his eyes as he locked his gaze on Allea’s emerald green eyes. He understood why she had chosen those particular words—after all, Neonidas was, in a way, a golden goose.

Having knowledge of the future, such critical information, was bound to attract Allea’s attention. In truth, Allea had always sought a partner who could help her grow the empire alongside her at the fastest pace. Until now, Neonidas had never been a candidate. Even though he claimed to come from the future, that didn’t change the fact that he was still the same useless Neonidas. And Allea only intended to use Neonidas for her own gain. But now, Neonidas had shown what great potential he had.

That was why she made this proposal. As always, her actions were driven by her ambitions to expand her empire and cement her legacy. These were Allea’s greatest desires.

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I will add Cassandra’s illustration later today.