Reincarnated As The Villainess's Son

[Tamriel Kingdom, Alfheim.]

The world around us changed as we walked past the teleportation portal.

Nymeria, Kelvhan, and Daina followed just after me.

I blinked as we were already present inside the royal palace.

A soldier bowed towards us who waited for our arrival.

"Is this important?"

I couldn't help but ask as I raised my hand that was bound with a handcuff.

Daina gave me an apologetic smile as she replied, "Elders have really big egos, they asked for it."

"They are really pushing their luck," I replied, putting my hands down. "Old fucks."

"Mind your language," Kelvhan growled, glaring at me. "You are a prisoner here."

I looked at him once and then proceeded to ignore him.

"Let's go," Daina said, leading the way. "We still have some time before the verdict."

I didn't say anything as I began to walk behind her with Nymeria by my side.

'Why is she so tense?'

I wondered as I noticed the expression on her face.

'Ahh, is Nerissa also present here?'

Maybe that's why she is making this type of face.

I turned back to look at Daina's back. "Am I going to be executed or what?"

"What? No," she replied, frowning as she did. "Lady Mariam won't allow you any harm."

"…I wonder about that," I mumbled as I looked around the place.

Our steps slowed down as we reached towards the main door.

Much to my surprise, there was already someone who was waiting for us.

The elven man was tall with an athletic build, his short blonde hair.

His green eyes remained fixed on me.

Wilhelm then looked at Daina as he bowed slightly. "Lady Daina."

She gave him a soft nod as she asked, "Can I do something for you?"

"Yes," he replied, looking back at her. "Would you allow a few minutes with Himmel?"

Daina looked conflicted, but Nymeria stepped forward. "Why?"

Wilhelm looked at the girl. "That's none of your business."

I raised my brow as I noticed the contempt in his tone.

'Oh, yeah…'

Come to think of it, Nymeria used to bully Elijah because of the sword art Wilhelm inherited from her grandfather.

She wanted him to return it back to her.

Nymeria narrowed her eyes, clearly not liking Wilhelm's tone.

"If it involves Himmel," she said, stepping in front of me, "then it is my business."

Wilhelm sighed, his expression not changing much. "I just want to talk. Alone."

I looked at Daina, who still seemed unsure.

"Make it quick," she finally said. "We don't have much time."

Nymeria frowned but moved to the side, though she didn't walk away completely.

Her arms were folded, and her eyes never left us.

Wilhelm gestured toward the nearby corridor, and I followed him a few steps away from the group.

We stopped just near a stained-glass window, where the sunlight cast colors across the floor.

Wilhelm stood with his back to it.

I let out a sigh as I sat down on the ground floor, looking at the man.

"Must be hard," Wilhelm said, leaning on the window. "Having to live like that."

"Meh, it's not," I replied, shrugging. "And weren't you supposed to be on the border?"

"I came to talk with the Queen," he said softly. "Things don't look good for us."

"Yeah, I heard about Lorvil," I replied. "He 'barely' came back alive."

Wilhelm looked at me for a long second before he sighed. "I should have gone to see my daughter."

I blinked. "Is she here?"

"She is in Akasha," he replied, shaking his head. "…And I can't go back now."

Wilhelm smiled softly as he sat down beside me. "I really want to see her."

"How long has it been since you saw her?"

"Two months," he replied. "Maybe more, I don't remember correctly."

I leaned back on my hands, watching the way the colored light lay across the floor. "Why don't you go, then? You're Wilhelm. Everyone listens to you."

He let out a small laugh, the kind that didn't sound happy. "Not everyone."

He looked tired, more than I'd ever seen him.

Not just physically, but the kind of tired that comes from trying too hard for too long.

"I used to think being strong was enough," Wilhelm continued, his voice quiet.

"But strength doesn't stop people from making mistakes. Doesn't stop kingdoms from falling apart."

"..."

I didn't reply as I kept on staring at the ground.

"Himmel," he called me softly. "You remember our promise?"

I turned to look at him. "To cure your daughter, right?"

Even though it's been a while, I still remember his weak daughter.

The one born from an elven father and vampire mother.

He gave me a slight nod. "Yes."

"I do remember."

A hopeful look appeared on his face. "…It's been more than six months—"

"I know," I replied, rubbing my temples. "I will cure her. When are you free?"

"I will be returning to my post for now," he replied as he grunted and stood up. "I won't be free for a month or so."

I looked up at him. "I will just go and cure—"

"No," he cut in, extending his hand towards me. "I want to see it happen."

I took his hand as I stood up. "So, take a leave or something."

He frowned upon hearing it. "I can't—"

"Is your daughter more important or your duty?" I asked, looking at him. "Wait for a while. Once I am done with this trial, we will see your daughter."

He looked at me confusedly. "What makes you think you will walk out freely?"

"And what makes you think the elves can contain me?" I asked back, before turning around. "Wait for me."

I didn't hear his reply as I walked towards Daina who was urging me to move faster.

"They are already waiting?" I asked, as she moved towards the door.

"Yes," she replied. "And for the love of goddess, don't say anything stupid."

'Well, I can't promise that.'

The door slowly opened up as the interior of the room came into my view.

The first one to get my attention was Pasithea who sat on the throne in the middle.

On her right sat Mariam, and Nerissa sat on her left, having an equally beautiful throne.

And all around the room sat elders of the elven race.

And the moment I walked in, they all glared at me.

"Apprehend him."

Pasithea ordered, and two soldiers immediately rushed towards me.

They grabbed my handcuffs and began pulling.

But I didn't budge from my place.

"Argh!"

The two soldiers pulled again, their boots scraping the marble floor.

One of them grunted. "Move, prisoner!"

I slowly turned my head toward him. "Do I look like a prisoner to you?"

"You're in chains," the other snapped. "Now walk."

Would you look at that.

"Himmel," Mariam said softly. "Please."

I let out a long sigh as I let them drag me.

They brought me in front of Pasithea as they made me sit on a chair.

As if it wasn't enough, they began tying me with a chain.

I didn't resist. There was no point. Let them play their little game.

I glanced at Nymeria who was lost in thought, staring at her mother, and Kelvhan, on the other hand, looked satisfied.

One of the guards knelt down to secure the chains around my legs while the other wrapped another coil around my arms, chest, and neck.

'Mana-subduing chains, huh?'

I thought as I felt the chains sucking on my mana.

'When are they going to learn….'

I was already getting tired of it even when the trial hasn't even started.

When they were finally done, Pasithea raised her hand.

"You will answer for your crimes," she said, her voice echoing through the grand hall. "This council will judge your fate. Speak carefully."

I looked at her, then at the gathered elders.

Old, proud faces, and every single one of them had already decided I was guilty.

"Alright," I said, clearing my throat. "Where do you want me to begin?"

"How did you get Neplh and Muspelh?" one elder snapped. "How can you have it?"

I looked at the old elder with a wrinkled face. Elder Selyra, was it?

"I once jumped into an old well," I replied with a soft smile. "And then bam! I got it."

[<You really want to joke right now?>]

'I am not joking though.'

Elder Selyra's face turned furious as she glared at me. "What nonsense!!"

I only shrugged. "I am only telling the truth."

"Kelvhan," Nerissa suddenly said, taking everyone's attention. "Come forward."

The boy walked and bowed slightly. "Yes, family head."

She looked deeply into my eyes. "Punch him in the face."

"Nerissa!" Mariam immediately snapped. "What is this—"

"We are in a council," she cut in. "Please don't let your personal feelings affect it."

"Yes!"

Kelvhan looked delighted as he walked towards me immediately.

I leaned back as I smiled at him. "Careful."

He grinned and raised his hand to punch me with all his might, even coating mana on his hand.

Bam!

Crack!

A sound of something breaking echoed in the room, but it wasn't my face.

"Ahhh!"

Kelvhan screamed, grabbing his own hand in pain.

He stumbled back, clutching his wrist as his face twisted in pain.

The room fell into silence.

"Wh-What…?" he muttered, staring at his trembling, reddened hand.

I raised an eyebrow. "I told you to be careful."

"You…!" he growled, but didn't come any closer.

Pasithea narrowed her eyes. "What did you do?"

I shrugged her words off.

The boy was just stupid enough to use mana to hurt a Child of Mana.

Nerissa looked at Kelvhan, her brows furrowed. "Stand aside. You've embarrassed yourself enough."

Kelvhan gritted his teeth and took a few shaky steps back, still cradling his hand.

Pasithea raised her hand again. "Silence."

Everyone quieted down instantly.

Nerissa stood up as she walked towards me. "I will ask the next question," she said. "How can we take away the Nourishment back?"

I looked at her face. God, I hate that face.

"You can't," I replied. "There is no way to do it."

Nerissa's expression didn't change, but I could see the corner of her jaw tense.

She didn't like the answer.

Pasithea leaned forward slightly. "Are you saying it's permanent?"

I tilted my head, feigning thoughtfulness. "Well… let's put it this way. Can you unburn fire?"

"You're avoiding the question," snapped Elder Selyra.

"No," I replied calmly. "I'm answering it the only way it can be answered."

Nerissa grabbed my face forcefully, making me focus on her. "Next question," she said. "Why you?"

I looked at her face that twisted in anger.

"It seems you don't like—"

"Answer my question!" she snapped.

"I may have the answer for that."

Hmm?

Everyone including me turned to look at Mariam.

"Lady Mariam?" Pasithea said, frowning. "Please speak."

"Nerissa, you should be aware of it as well," she said, looking at Nerissa.

"The World Tree chose Himmel."