Reincarnate as the Villainess's Husband - Chapter 65

Chapter 65: Holy one
Noticing that Allea was listening intently, Neonidas hardened his words even further. This was not only a strategy to completely shatter Allea’s faith in her father, but also to draw her to his side.

“You’ve shown loyalty to your father, stood by his side for years. But Gredor valued not who you are, but what you offer. That’s why he initiated the plan that paved the way for your downfall. He did everything to keep you away from the throne, to support someone who served his interests instead.”

Allea struggled to digest Neonidas’ words. The revelation that her bond with her father had been merely a pragmatic relationship since childhood shattered her pride. She placed her hands on the edge of the table and gripped it tightly, her eyes now gleaming with determination.

“Who? Who did he put in my place? Who is the one Gredor supports?” She called him by his name as if she was disgusted to call him “father” anymore

Neonidas hesitated for a moment, wanting to ensure Allea’s anger peaked. He took a deep breath and then spoke slowly, enunciating every word.

“I won’t tell you that now. But don’t misunderstand me. The person meant to take your place isn’t actually bad, and I plan to use them for our own interests. But if they refuse me, I swear I’ll deliver them to you myself.”

Allea’s breathing quickened. Neonidas’ words burned her with a mix of anger and curiosity. It was clear that he was drawing her into a game, but this game also presented an opportunity for her to uncover the truth.

“Neonidas,” Allea said, her voice now controlled but threatening, “don’t play games with me. If you want to win me over, it’s my right to know who that person is. Otherwise, this alliance ends before it begins.”

Neonidas looked into Allea’s resolute eyes, and an involuntary smile appeared on his face. This woman had the unbreakable will he had expected. Leaning in slightly, he tilted his head.

“I will give you the truth, but at the right time. Secrets revealed in haste create chaos. Now, calm down and be patient. When you learn that person’s name, you’ll gain not only an ally but also a target. And we’ll build this together.”

Allea clenched her teeth and leaned toward Neonidas again.

“Neonidas, don’t stall me any longer. I am not a child, and my patience is wearing thin. If you truly want to form an alliance, give me a reason. Otherwise, I’ll forge my own path.”

Neonidas saw the resolve in Allea’s anger and developed a more careful strategy to turn the situation to his advantage. Placing his hands on the table and leaning slightly toward her, he spoke in a cold but sincere tone.

“I need your strength, Allea. But if you can’t control yourself, that strength is useless. Calm down and return to being the brilliant Allea you once were”

Allea hesitated for a moment before sitting back in her chair. Neonidas was right—she needed to stay calm. Moreover, she realized how valuable she was to Neonidas at this moment and had no intention of ruining that. She reined in her emotions and opened her mouth one last time to ask a question.

“At least tell me how much time I have.”

“Don’t worry, you have at least a few years left. But I won’t keep you waiting that long.”

While Neonidas’ last words seemed to put Allea at ease, an uneasiness still lingered within her. The phrase “a few years” felt both reassuring and threatening. She knew the risks of trusting Neonidas, but for now, it seemed she had no other choice. Taking a deep breath, she regained full control.

“Fine,” Allea said, her voice colder and more resolute. “Thank you…” The ‘thank you’ that escaped her lips was strained but sincere.

“No need to thank me, Allea. Just keep being that intelligent, beautiful, and composed woman.”

Allea paused at the sudden onslaught of compliments. Though she had received countless praises, especially from her mother since childhood, this was perhaps the first time she felt them reach her hardened heart while in such a vulnerable state.

“Why are you suddenly flattering me…?” she asked, her voice soft but audible to Neonidas.

“Because it’s the truth. Despite being beautiful enough to enchant nearly every man in the world, you’ve never sold your body for power. In a world ruled by men and their rules, you’ve risen among the strongest solely through your intellect and talents.”

As Neonidas spoke, Allea’s expression began to change. He leaned in a little closer and continued.

“I admire you, Allea, despite everything. I’m certain there’s no woman in this world as beautiful and intelligent as you. That’s why, even though I didn’t need to, I helped you and accepted your proposal. So, no matter what happens from now on, you must remain the Allea I admire.”

Allea was stunned by Neonidas’ words. Could someone like him truly make such a candid and sincere confession? While she couldn’t fully trust the truth behind his words, she realized that Neonidas’ feelings toward her weren’t fake. For the first time in her life, her heart began to race for a man.

—

Empress Velriona’s POV –

Sitting in the warm, spacious room, I gazed at the crescent moon outside. Countless thoughts raced through my mind. What should I do now? Not only had I decided to stay in this manor, but I had also subtly invited Neonidas to my chamber tonight. Was I going mad? Had I fallen victim to some spell or enchantment?

I’ve known Neonidas since his childhood. He was an innocent, kind-hearted boy. His pure thoughts were always evident on his face. But I always felt sorry for him. I knew the heavy burden he carried was too much for someone so young. I could foresee how his pure-hearted nature would be exploited by the wolves in noble clothing.

That’s why I had always supported his marriage to Allea. Because Allea was his complete opposite. My daughter was intelligent, capable of recognizing the masks people wore from a very young age. She was cautious, distant, and, most importantly, she was strategic. She was practically born to rule. I had always wanted my brilliant daughter to protect that innocent boy.

But my daughter turned out to be colder and more distant than I had imagined. She systematically eliminated her emotions and hardened her heart. At first, I thought this was necessary for a woman like her, an imperial heir. But as time passed, I noticed the light in her eyes began to fade. Meanwhile, the innocent, kind-hearted boy started to change under the weight of his burdens, and his character began to deteriorate.

Day by day, Allea distanced herself further from Neonidas. And if what Neonidas said about the future is true… I am heartbroken. I can’t bear the thought of this once-innocent child suffering so much. It pains me to imagine how those pure, gentle eyes have transformed into ones filled with immense sorrow. And knowing that the cause of all this suffering is my daughter—the person I value most in this world—left me speechless.

But now, in those once-innocent eyes, I saw a fire of desire burning for me. Perhaps tonight he would take a step toward me and try to persuade me to join him in his bed.

Since the day I married my husband, Gredor, I’ve known he never truly cared for me. He had always been drawn to that beautiful woman, Neonidas’ mother. He married me only for his own interests. Foolishly, I believed he would love me after our marriage. I was naïve. All he ever did was to spend his time with concubines. And yet, not once did I ever consider betraying him? He was a man, and not just any man, but an emperor. It was normal for a man like him to have many women.

But among all those women, couldn’t he have loved me too? What was I lacking? At the very least, he could have pretended to love me. Even if I knew it was a lie, I would have made myself believe it.

Now, knowing that my beloved daughter might die and that only Neonidas can prevent it, how could I possibly refuse him? Especially when, unlike my husband, his eyes are filled with genuine passion and desire.

What should I do?

If only my life were at stake… I wouldn’t care. I wouldn’t even consider betraying my husband. But… my everything, my precious daughter, is in danger. How can I remain silent? I will never endanger my daughter for a man who neither loves nor values me. If necessary, I will use my body, and no matter what, I will save my daughter.

*Knock-knock-knock

The sound of the door startled me, but I quickly composed myself and stood up. I opened the door to find a tall, handsome man with blue eyes standing before me. When I see the desire hidden in him hard gaze, my body, which had long yearned for a man’s touch, trembled. Perhaps… perhaps it’s best to let everything take its course.

“As always, you look stunning, my empress.”

“You… you look good as always too, Neonidas…”