Reincarnated As The Villainess's Son-Chapter 348 Wedding By Blood [Prelude]

"Can you stop now?"

My grumbling voice echoed within a fancy room as I looked up.

"You represent Segyal Highbloods," Daina said, completely ignoring my protest while adjusting my collar.

"You need to look presentable."

"I already look good," I muttered. "You're just wasting time."

"Looking 'good' isn't enough. You need to look flawless."

I sighed, glancing at her.

She had a striking face, framed by soft blonde hair cascading down her back.

Dressed in a simple gown that clung loosely to her figure, she seemed effortlessly elegant just like a high elf.

I sighed, adjusting my stance as she continued to fuss over my attire.

Finally, she nodded in satisfaction. "Better."

I turned to the tall mirror beside us.

Dark suit with small silver lining that was faintly visible.

White hair with a subtle purple undertone tied into a low ponytail.

One blue eye, one violet, gazing back at me.

[<You look great.>]

'Thank you, my lady.'

I turned toward the door. "Let's go—"

"Wait."

Much to my annoyance, she interrupted.

She stepped forward, fingers gently braiding a small section of my hair on the left side.

She then stepped back, nodding. "I hope I can braid more of these."

"Let's go—."

"Wait."

My annoyance spiked as she interrupted me again.

She activated her bracelet, retrieving a small ring and holding it out to me.

I took it, frowning. "What's this?"

"Lady Mariam's gift," she said, looking at me. "Something that will blur your life energy from everyone's eyes."

"....."

I studied her for a moment, then sighed, slipping the ring onto my finger.

The moment it settled in place, a strange sensation washed over me—like a thin veil wrapping around my body.

Subtle, but noticeable.

I flexed my fingers. "Feels weird."

"You'll get used to it," she said, adjusting her bracelet.

I nodded.

Then, I kept staring at her.

"What?"

"You're not going to interrupt me again, right?"

She shook her head. "No."

I turned—

"Wait!"

My eye twitched. "What. Now."

"Nothing, young master," she replied with a completely straight face. "You look handsome."

"...Let's go."

'...'

Stupid woman.

I stole one last glance at my reflection before following her out the door.

The halls of the Segyal palace remained as grand as ever, intricate carvings adorning the towering walls.

Servants bowed as we passed—most of them half-elves.

I had long noticed the fearful glances they sent my way.

But.

I ignored them.

Daina walked ahead, her pace steady. "The teleportation portal is ready. Most of the Highbloods will arrive at the same time."

"I see." I nodded absently.

The whole wedding lasted three days, including every ceremony.

One of them being the unification of the Asuras.

'Things have gone off track.'

The timeline doesn't match.

In the game, events were completely different.

Right now, Elijah was supposed to be part of a team led by Wilhlem, sabotaging one of Dark Trinity's attempts to summon a Dead God.

But, things have changed now.

And I don't know how it will affect me.

We soon reached the teleportation chamber—a grand, circular room with a glowing arcane circle carved into the marble floor.

The air hummed with unstable mana, rippling from the distortion of space.

"You've arrived."

A voice made me look up.

Mariam stood to the side, clad in a traditional elven dress, her crimson hair cascading behind her.

No jewelry.

A clear sign of a widow.

I stepped toward her. "Are we the only ones going?"

A small, wistful smile touched her lips. "We are the only Segyal left."

"....."

I meant the servants.

An awkward silence settled between us as the portal continued to pulse with light.

"Let's go," Mariam finally said as Daina moved to stand beside me.

I offered a polite smile. "After you."

She nodded and stepped into the portal.

I followed.

A sudden shift in gravity made me feel weightless for a moment, and then—

I blinked.

We had arrived.

A massive hallway stretched before us, lined with towering pillars.

Soldiers in heavy armor stood rigid on either side.

A family of five stood at the forefront.

Mariam walked toward them, and I followed silently.

The royal family, huh?

Daina had already briefed me about them.

The man at the center exuded an imposing aura despite his composed demeanor.

Black hair tinged with red. Piercing crimson eyes.

Arthenis Valther Danava, the King who ruled over half the Asuras in Lumina.

Beside him stood his wife, a regal woman with cold violet eyes and deep midnight-blue hair—Lady Selene.

And behind them—

Their children.

The eldest, Orion, had his father's blackish-crimson hair and his mother's piercing violet eyes.

He carried himself with the confidence of a seasoned warrior.

Also the groom.

The second son, Lucian, had a more refined presence, draped in dark robes with a quiet air of intelligence.

And then there was the youngest—Selaria.

Unlike her brothers, her features were softer. Deep black-crimson hair, styled into elaborate braids.

Her gaze blankly stared at me.

'What's with her?'

"We welcome you, Lady Mariam and Heir Himmel."

Arthenis bowed deeply, his family following suit.

"We are honored by your presence."

"It is my pleasure to attend such a grand wedding."

Mariam replied, though she didn't seem to mean it.

"Has the preparation been completed?"

"Yes, my lady," Arthenis said, straightening. His gaze flickered toward my horns for the briefest second.

"Accommodations have been made for the Highbloods."

"Good." Mariam nodded. "Are there any ceremonies today?"

"Yes, my lady," he replied. "Tonight. A servant will escort you to your chambers for now."

"I see."

Mariam glanced at me. "Shall we go?"

I nodded. "Yes."

A slight shift in Arthenis's demeanor caught my attention.

"I apologize for the sudden request," he said carefully. "But Sir Mortis has asked to meet Heir Himmel."

Mariam fell silent.

Then, after a pause, she nodded.

"Lead the way."

"Alone," Arthenis murmured. "He wishes to see only him."

Mariam's gaze darkened.

The King quickly bowed his head. "It was his request, my lady."

Mariam sighed. "....Fine."

Before anyone else could move, Selaria stepped forward.

"I will escort him."

The sharp looks from her family told me she wasn't supposed to.

...What is she up to?

"Sure." I gave a slight nod.

She turned briskly and started walking.

I offered Mariam a brief nod before following.

This chapter is updat𝓮d by freēnovelkiss.com.

Silence stretched between us as we moved through the grand corridors of the Odisian Palace.

Her nervous fidgeting did not go unnoticed.

Meanwhile, I was preparing myself.

Mortis.

One of my favorite characters from the game.

The only Head who remained neutral and wise despite his messed-up family.

Someone I could actually respect.

Selaria suddenly halted, turning toward me.

"Um, c-can I have your phone?"

I tilted my head. "Why?"

"Please?" she whispered, her eyes pleading.

"....."

I sighed and handed it over.

She quickly dialed a number before carefully placing it back in my hands.

"Call me when you're free," she said, offering a shy smile.

"I'd like to get to know you better."

Then, she turned and walked away.

"Oh, right," she suddenly looked back.

"Sir Mortis is straight ahead, in the garden."

And with that—she ran off.

'....'

What a weird girl.

Sighing, I continued walking until I stepped into an open garden overflowing with fragrant blossoms.

Amidst the sea of colors, a man strolled leisurely—his short white hair catching the dim light, his crimson eyes steady and sharp.

Even though aged, his face still looked handsome.

The head of Asura Highbloods.

His gaze shifted toward me.

"She saw an opportunity and took it."

I tilted my head. "Hm?"

"Arthenis's little girl." Mortis spoke as I approached. "She's supposed to marry one of my grandsons, but she doesn't want to."

"Ah." I stopped a few steps away. "So, she's using me as a scapegoat?"

"Not quite. She just thinks you're a better choice than my grandson," he replied, his body casting a shadow over mine.

"Either that, or she's simply fallen in love with your looks."

I let out a quiet chuckle. "I see. So, should I be flattered or concerned?"

"I have no objections to you courting an Asuran girl," he remarked, resuming his stroll. "As the heir of the Segyal Highbloods, you have the freedom to choose."

"....I see."

Should I ask for Echo's hand in marriage?

[<Aren't you getting ahead of yourself?>]

'…Yeah, maybe I am.'

"Anyway, let's get to the point," Mortis said, halting and turning to face me. "What's with those horns?"

I frowned. "What?"

"How did you get them?"

I hesitated before answering.

"...I don't know." I reached up, touching the smooth, curved surface. "They just… appeared one day."

Mortis silently looked at me.

The weight of his gaze made me uncomfortable.

"Is it because of your lineage?" he mused. "Or something else entirely?"

"Are you implying something?" I asked, narrowing my eyes.

"If you're thinking I mean your status as the 'Exiled Prince,'" he let out a low chuckle, "then you're gravely mistaken."

I frowned. "Why say that?"

"Because you aren't terrifying enough," he said simply.

"You don't have the ruthlessness or sheer presence that an Exiled Prince should have."

I scoffed. "And what exactly is an Exiled Prince?"

"In the old scriptures of gods, Exiled Prince actually means adversary." His voice soon turned cold.

"It's applied to any antagonist—Angels, humans, serpents, kings.

The word was later reinterpreted into one being—A monstrous and undefeatable enemy."

His voice darkened. "Do you know why?"

I didn't hesitate. "Propaganda."

He nodded. "Exactly. A tool to drive people into the arms of the church—to make them pray to the gods for protection against 'him.'"

"So, you don't believe he exists?" I asked, looking at him.

"Am I done talking?" He questioned quietly.

I exhaled. "Go on."

"A few years ago, during the Battle of the Red Crown, I arrived late to aid the Segyal Highbloods," his voice turned grave.

"By the time I got there, it was over. Everyone—elders, warriors, women, even children—had been butchered.

Not just slain, but torn apart. It was as if whoever did it… enjoyed it."

He slowly turned to face me. "That was when I became certain—the Exiled Prince is real."

"Is he really that terrifying?" I asked quietly.

Mortis chuckled, but there was no warmth in it.

"Even the gods fear him. And I sincerely hope you never become the monster they all fear."

"...."

I lowered my gaze as we resumed walking.

His words lingered in my mind.

There was one more figure that fit the description of the 'Exiled Prince.'

Back on Earth, I knew him by another name.

Satan.

"Anyway, we need an expert's advice for your horns." Mortis exhaled, as if brushing away the heavy topic.

I tilted my head. "Expert?"

Drawing in a deep breath, he looked at me.

"Princess Gwenyra has summoned demigods for a meeting," he informed, his voice serious. "Come with me."

I frowned. "Am I even allowed to be there?"

"There's a rule that allows each attendee to bring two people," he said simply. "I doubt she'll mind two more."

"Aren't you breaking a rule here?"

"Rules are only followed by those who respect the ones who make them… or fear the consequences of breaking them."

He replied, his lips curling up in a smile.

"I respect Princess Gwenyra," he continued. "But I do not fear her."

"..."

I stared at him.

Then—.

I nodded. "I will ask Mariam—."

"She won't mind," he interrupted, tilting his head toward an empty space. "Right, Mariam?"

I followed his gaze.

The air ripple and she appeared.

Mariam walked toward us with a blank expression.

"Can I have a talk with you, Sir Mortis?" She asked, looking at him. "Alone."

"I'll take my leave, then," I said, turning away.

"We leave tomorrow evening," Mortis called after me. "Be ready."

'.....'

Is he that confident I won't refuse?

I sighed as I walked down the empty hallway.

Only to realize—.

"Where the hell is my room?"

I groaned, rubbing my temples.

Why was I not informed?

Should I go back and ask Mariam?

No, that'd be too embarrassing.

With no other choice, I wandered aimlessly.

Time passed, and I still hadn't found anyone.

Then, just as I was about to give up, a familiar figure caught my eye.

"Siersha!"

I called her, making her turn around.

She wore a sleek, form-fitting black gown that accentuated her curves, her long black hair cascading over her shoulder.

I walked toward her.

"What are you doing here?" she asked, tilting her head.

"I got... lost." I replied, awkwardly looking at her. "Could you point me toward the Segyal Highbloods'—"

"Come with me first."

Before I could protest, she grabbed my arm and pulled me into a nearby room.

The door shut behind us.

I frowned. "What—"

She walked closer.

Then—.

Pressed her body against mine, the swell of her chest pressing ever so slightly against me.

My hands instinctively rested at her waist, feeling the warmth of her body through the sheer fabric of her dress.

"Blood." She whispered, her breath warm against my neck as she fumbled with my buttons. "Give me."

"Not now." I said, trying my best not to get aroused.

One of her legs shifted between mine, pressing just enough to make her aware of my condition.

Fuck.

I raised my hand and grabbed her throat, squeezing it.

"Was I not clear enough?" I asked, looking down at her.

She smiled. A beautiful, intoxicating smile. "You promised me today, remember?"

I did?

Yeah, fuck.

It's the day to feed her.

Even though my blood was an effective way to keep her under control, it still made me uncomfortable.

"Tonight." I released her, pushing her back. "After the ceremony. In my room."

Without another word, I turned and walked out.

*****

The moment Himmel left, the hazy look in Siersha's eyes vanished.

Lust. Addiction. Submission.

All were gone.

She moved gracefully to the bed, crossing her legs.

Her cold, almost void-like eyes stared at the door.

"Care to explain what he's planning?"

Her voice was calm as she stared into empty space.

Then—

A ripple in the air.

A cluster of red shifted into the shape of a small child.

The little girl's long black hair matched Siersha's, crimson eyes staring at her.

"Aren't you enjoying yourself, Mother?"

Olivia asked, looking at her.

Siersha smiled.

A beautiful, almost gentle smile.

She reached out, brushing the girl's cheek.

"I am, my dear daughter."