Reincarnate as the Villainess's Husband-Chapter 121: Some projects
As Neonidas prepared to return to the Duchy of Oreoned, Allea bid farewell, setting off for the capital. Avelina's growing influence in the royal court unsettled her, compelling her to return and see what was happening.
Meanwhile, Neonidas was ready to depart from Hindonpon with Elenora, Celeste, and Cassandra. Empress Velriona, on the other hand, would remain for a while, resting at the emperor's summer palace by the lake.
Before leaving Hindonpon, Neonidas climbed to the highest point in the city one last time, gazing upon the lands he had conquered. These lands were now under his rule, yet he had no intention of staying. The empire was a grand throne, and Neonidas' ambitions were too magnificent to be confined to a mere duchy. This was only the beginning.
Elenora and Celeste stood beside him, not disturbing his silence. Cassandra, resting in his arms, found comfort in the quiet. Though they could never fully grasp what went through Neonidas' mind in such moments, the sharp glint in his eyes made it clear—he was planning something.
Just then, a messenger arrived hastily from the palace, announcing that Velriona had set off for the emperor's summer retreat. Neonidas smiled faintly. The empress would rest in the shadows, but that did not mean she was weak. Velriona had never been one to disappear entirely from the stage.
It was time to leave Hindonpon. Mounting his horse, Neonidas led his convoy out of the duchy's lands, heading toward the teleportation portal.
This 𝓬ontent is taken from fгeewebnovёl.co𝙢.
Upon reaching the portal, Neonidas turned back one last time, taking in the lands he had conquered. Hindonpon had knelt amidst war and chaos, yet under his rule, it had begun to rise anew. But now, it was being left behind. Neonidas' eyes were fixed on the future.
Elenora and Celeste remained quiet by his side. As the wind tousled Elenora's dark hair, she cast a fleeting glance at Neonidas. Celeste, meanwhile, studied him as if trying to read his thoughts.
One by one, Neonidas' long convoy passed through the teleportation portal, and finally, his carriage followed suit. As they stepped onto the lands of the Oreoned Duchy, a breeze carrying the freshness of spring greeted them.
Gazing out of the carriage window, Neonidas once again appreciated the beauty of these lands. Hindonpon, with its tropical humidity, towering mountains, and exotic creatures, was unique—but Oreoned was undoubtedly more beautiful.
Without hesitation, Neonidas' carriage, carrying his two lovely concubines, rolled into the courtyard of his manor. The guards saluted their great conqueror with deep respect. As Neonidas stepped out, he ascended the grand stone steps of the Oreoned Manor. Behind him, Cassandra, Elenora, and Celeste followed silently, while the guards bowed their heads in reverence. Their ruler had returned.
As he ascended the stone steps, the gathered crowd swiftly composed themselves. His return was an echo of long-awaited victory. Guards, servants, and concubines lined up to greet their great conqueror. Sunlight gleamed against the grand stone walls of Oreoned Manor, while the breeze carrying the scent of spring swept through the courtyard.
Just as he was about to reach the entrance, two figures emerged from within—Solara and Yuanna.
Solara, as always, bore an intense fire in her eyes, utterly devoted to Neonidas. Yuanna, though more composed, shared a similar enthusiasm.
Solara bowed gracefully, her gaze never leaving Neonidas. "Your Excellency, you have finally returned," she said, her voice slightly trembling yet sincere. Her silver-white hair danced in the wind, and her blue eyes seemed to shine in his presence.
Yuanna was more reserved. Kneeling with respect, she bowed her head. "Duke, your return is a blessing to Oreoned," she said—no more, no less. Her words were measured, not as a mere concubine, but with the dignity of someone who belonged in Neonidas' household.
Neonidas met Solara's eyes briefly, sensing the obsessive love burning within her. A faint smile touched his lips as he gently placed his hand on her cheek for a brief moment. Solara lowered her head, cherishing the fleeting touch as if it were the greatest gift.
But Solara and Yuanna were not the only ones waiting at the entrance.
A few steps behind them stood a woman now known as Sorenna. Her expression remained as composed as ever, yet her eyes stole hesitant glances at Neonidas. As his gaze fell upon her, Sorenna's shoulders trembled slightly. Taking a deep breath, she fought to restrain her emotions before kneeling with one knee to the ground.
"Welcome home, Your Excellency," she whispered, her voice barely audible.
A barely perceptible smile curved Neonidas' lips. He understood Sorenna's feelings for him. She was not just loyal—she was in love with him. But that love carried internal conflicts. She struggled with her emotions, yet a single glance from him was enough to stir a storm within her.
And finally, heavy footsteps echoed from within the great doors of the manor.
Zalira.
Tall and regal as always, she was an imposing figure. The deep blue velvet gown she wore reflected the noble traditions of Oreoned, while the silver-embroidered necklace around her neck highlighted her status. Her loosely gathered black hair hinted at the long hours she had spent, perhaps working or brooding.
But the most striking thing was her gaze.
As she looked upon Neonidas, her eyes seemed to smile.
She immediately quickened her steps and wasted no time wrapping her arms tightly around Neonidas. She hadn't seen him in months. Even though she had been at the war herself, she had returned to the Duchy right after. Here, occupied with countless matters in the magic center, her brother had never once left her thoughts.
Neonidas allowed Zalira to pull him into an embrace, but the smile on his face was brief. Their bond had always been different—beyond blood ties, they were two powerful figures who could understand each other without words. In Zalira's touch, there was not just longing, but also questioning.
"Neonidas," Zalira said, her voice maintaining its usual authority, though a hidden warmth lurked within. "I see you've returned victorious. But there is still hunger in your eyes."
Neonidas tilted his head slightly, studying her. Zalira had always read him well, so there was no point in pretending. There was hunger in his eyes—but it was not a hunger that could be satisfied merely by conquering a duchy. He wanted the empire. And Zalira knew it.
"This is only the beginning," Neonidas said, his voice low but filled with unwavering certainty.
Zalira gave a small nod and stepped back. Though a faint smile graced her lips, her eyes remained serious. "Then you won't have much time to rest."
Neonidas lifted his gaze toward the grand doors of the manor. He knew that those waiting inside weren't just concubines or servants. The lords of Oreoned, his advisors, his generals—they had to be here as well. He had to announce his return as the master of these lands. But before dealing with them, there were other matters he had to attend to.
"I have some projects I want to discuss with you, but if you prefer, we can have dinner first."
Zalira listened carefully to his words, then nodded after a brief pause. "Then we'll talk over dinner. I'm sure you have a lot to tell."
Neonidas smirked slightly. "As always, you see right through me."
Zalira didn't respond, merely watching him closely as she led the way to the guest hall. Behind them, Solara, Yuanna, Sorenna, and the others followed in silence. As the servants made the final preparations for the grand dining table beneath the massive chandelier, Neonidas sat at the table with his concubines.
As they stepped into the hall, the soft music echoing through the high ceilings reached Neonidas' ears. The dining room reflected the traditional elegance and power of Oreoned, adorned with dark walnut carvings. At the center of the table, a golden candelabrum spread its light to every corner of the room.
As Neonidas moved toward the head of the table, he felt the weight of the gazes upon him. The respect everyone held for him was evident, yet some looks carried different meanings. In Sorenna's eyes, there was a hesitant longing; in Solara's, an impatient passion; and in Yuanna's, a measured reverence. Zalira, as always, remained the one who understood him best, her deep thoughts keeping her gaze steady on him.
Elenora and Celeste seemed to be adjusting to their new home. Cassandra, as usual, was keeping herself occupied with something.
Within minutes, the servants filled their glasses with wine and served the first course—spiced venison, vegetables roasted with sea salt, and Oreoned famous dark bread.
Neonidas raised his glass and looked around. "Tonight, the first toast of victory is for Oreoned."
The clinking of glasses echoed through the room, blending with a soft applause. However, instead of indulging in the celebration, Neonidas was determined to get straight to the point. He took a sip of his wine and turned to Zalira.
"You know my return is not just a victory celebration."
Zalira locked eyes with him and nodded. "Of course. So let's get to the real matter, Neonidas. What comes next?"
Neonidas leaned back slightly, running his fingers along the fine glass of his goblet as he gathered his thoughts. Then, lowering his voice, he spoke,
"I need your help with some projects… ones unlike anything heard before."
