Reincarnate as the Villainess's Husband - Chapter 75

Chapter 75: Special menu
The teleportation portal had been constructed large enough to accommodate a carriage. Neonidas passed through the portal with his convoy and immediately found himself in a different city. Teleportation portals were typically built in vast empty spaces near cities, as any malfunction could lead to catastrophic consequences. For this reason, they were usually placed outside urban areas.

Neonidas glanced at Zalira, who sat across from him, looking despondent. She was his only close relative, which was why he had brought her along for this meeting. As the carriage made its way toward Duke Maximilian Valen’s mansion, silence enveloped the interior.

“Why are you so quiet?”

When Neonidas finally asked this question, Zalira snapped out of her reverie.

“Why do you act like such a depraved dog?” she spat.

“Damn it… That hurt, sister. I’m definitely not depraved.”

“You slept with the Empress, you’re engaged to a princess, you killed the strongest marquis just to get an innocent girl into your bed, and let’s not forget that white-haired woman who follows you around like a shadow. And now we’re here to take yet another woman as a concubine. Are you seriously telling me you’re not depraved?”

Neonidas leaned back slightly, his face reflecting the surprise brought on by Zalira’s words. He remained silent for a moment, then took a deep breath and began to speak.

“When you put it like that, I’m starting to doubt myself. Maybe I really have become a depraved dog… Well, to be honest, it doesn’t bother me. What harm is there in possessing beautiful works of art, just like women?” he said with a grin.

“So, you’re saying you’ll continue seducing more women?”

Neonidas raised an eyebrow at Zalira’s sarcastic and sharp question, pondering briefly. Then, with a sly smile on his face, he replied, “I suppose it depends on the situation. Sometimes, one has to make sacrifices to maintain power dynamics. Women aren’t just treasures for their beauty; their connections and alliances make them invaluable as well.”

Zalira glared at him with fury, her fists clenching as she straightened in her seat. “Seeing women as treasures? Neonidas, sometimes I can’t believe how shallow you can be! Will you never stop viewing people as pieces in your power game? Are you always going to use everyone like pawns on a chessboard?”

“Of course not, my dear. Even if they aren’t particularly useful, some women still manage to capture my interest… Like you, for instance.”

Zalira froze momentarily at Neonidas’ last words. The fury bubbling inside her gave way to a flicker of sorrow. She averted her gaze, her face reflecting a mix of emotions. Taking a deep breath, she spoke again, her voice softer but just as serious.

“You’re a complete idiot.”

The two fell silent after Zalira’s remark.

The mansion of Duke Maximilian Valen was located on the vast plain outside the city, near a river. Surrounded by walls thicker and taller than the city’s own, the estate resembled more of a palace than a mansion. After years of construction, Duke Maximilian Valen had moved into this new residence only a few years prior. Even the roads leading to the estate were paved with smooth stones, ensuring that the carriage approached the mansion without a single jolt.

Meanwhile, snow was falling heavily, but the roads had been cleared, which wasn’t unusual. After all, Neonidas was a duke, and such accommodations were standard for someone of his rank. Clearing the roads required only a few powerful mages skilled in fire elemental magic.

When Neonidas and his convoy reached the estate’s walls, several messengers quickly approached. Neonidas slid open the small wooden window of the carriage and turned toward one of them.

“My Lord, because of the weather conditions, the Duke and Duchess will receive you inside the mansion. I hope this is not an inconvenience for you.”

Normally, failing to greet someone of Neonidas’ stature at the gate would be considered disrespectful. Such protocol was only waived for the Emperor. However, in certain circumstances, such as adverse weather, receptions could take place indoors.

Neonidas nodded at the messenger. “That’s fine. Actually, it’s better for me. I don’t want to stand outside in this damned weather, anyway.”

“Thank you for your understanding, my lord,” the messenger replied before mounting his horse and riding off.

As the carriage slowly advanced into the estate’s courtyard, Neonidas noticed that Zalira was still silent and somewhat tense. Instead of pressing her further, he turned his attention to the enormous mansion. Its high towers, covered in white stone, seemed to glow under the snow. The light streaming from the large windows hinted at the warmth and splendor inside.

Though impressed by the mansion’s grandeur, Neonidas didn’t show it. When the carriage came to a stop, servants quickly rushed forward to open the door. Neonidas stepped out with measured steps, then extended his hand to help Zalira out. She ignored his gesture and descended on her own. Neonidas simply shook his head with a faint smile.

Inside, the mansion’s entrance hall was dazzling. A grand chandelier cast warm light across the room, while intricately woven rugs, gold-accented columns, and family portraits adorning the walls showcased the estate’s wealth. The servants lined up in perfect formation, silently bowing to Neonidas and Zalira as they entered.

Directly ahead, Duke Maximilian Valen and his duchess, Helena Valen, awaited them. The Duke, an older man still radiating strength, bore fine lines on his face that spoke of both experience and authority. The Duchess, with her refined elegance, wore a dark blue gown adorned with jewels that clearly signified her status and taste.

“Duke Neonidas, welcome,” Duke Maximilian greeted in a loud voice, bowing slightly as he extended his hand gracefully to Neonidas. Neonidas shook his hand with a smile.

“Honorable Duke Maximilian, thank you for your kind invitation and warm welcome.” Neonidas then turned to the duchess, bowing slightly to greet her as well. “Duchess Helena, it is a great honor to see you.”

The duchess responded with a graceful nod. “The honor is ours, Lord Neonidas. I hope your journey was comfortable.”

Standing beside the duchess was Cassandra, stunning in her beauty and elegantly dressed for the occasion, her face adorned with a stoic expression. Behind her, a young girl, perhaps 10 or 12 years old, peeked shyly. Unlike Duke Maximilian’s other children, her hair was an unusual shade of pink. This girl was the duke’s youngest child and, notably, his illegitimate daughter.

Duke Maximilian Valen was a fiercely loyal husband to his wife and had no concubines. This was largely because of his wife’s influence and power. Helena Valen was a cousin of Emperor Gredor and the aunt of another duke in the south. She was an extraordinarily powerful woman, although her influence had waned somewhat after her marriage.

Duke Maximilian’s family was large, comprising six daughters and one son. The eldest daughter, Zira, was a brilliant and strong woman who managed the family’s affairs. Lalthea, the second daughter, was more reserved and introverted, but highly adept in bussinies. The third daughter, Selina, had a rebellious and free-spirited nature, often challenging her family’s rules to forge her own path. The fourth daughter, Lyra, was younger and charming, but the fact that she was not very smart set her apart.

Maximilian’s only son, Haris, was a swift and capable young man eager to uphold his family’s reputation. However, he had gradually become entangled in the dangerous games of power.

After a brief silence, Duke Maximilian spoke in a calm yet authoritative tone.

“Lord Neonidas, it is a great honor to host you here. If you are tired, a room has been prepared for your rest.”

Neonidas nodded courteously. “Duke Maximilian, I am grateful for your hospitality. However, I would prefer to proceed directly to dinner to make the most of our time.”

Maximilian nodded with satisfaction. “Then let us not keep you waiting any longer. Please, follow me to the dining hall.”

Duchess Helena interjected with a polite smile. “During dinner, we can both express our pleasure in hosting you and discuss some important matters.”

A faint smile graced Neonidas’ lips. “Thank you for this delightful invitation.”

Neonidas and Zalira followed Duke Maximilian and his family through a long corridor into the dining hall. The room was filled with ornate details, showcasing the grandeur of the manor. A massive crystal chandelier illuminated the space, while gold-embroidered plates, fine silverware, and meticulously arranged floral decorations adorned the table.

As Neonidas took his seat at the head of the table, Zalira sat beside him. Duke Maximilian and Duchess Helena occupied the opposite end, with the other family members finding their places. Cassandra sat diagonally across from Neonidas, her stoic expression betraying a faint curiosity in her eyes.

Duke Maximilian began speaking. “Lord Neonidas, we have prepared a special menu for tonight. I hope it suits your taste.”

“It already looks exquisite,” Neonidas replied, inhaling the aroma of the soup being served.

Throughout the meal, the conversation centered on general topics and the regional circumstances of their respective domains. Neonidas couldn’t help but admire Duke Maximilian’s intelligence and eloquence. The man chose his words carefully, imbuing every sentence with meaning.

Yet Neonidas was well aware that the true purpose of the meeting would surface by the end of dinner. Duke Maximilian’s proposal to offer Cassandra as a concubine was no trivial matter. It was an overture to link the strength of the Maximilian family to his own. Or was there another reason for this bold move?

As the meal concluded, Duke Maximilian cleared his throat gently to command attention. “Lord Neonidas, now that dinner is over, I would like to discuss a matter of great importance to our families.”

Neonidas offered a subtle smile and nodded. “Of course, Duke Maximilian. I am listening.”