Reincarnate as the Villainess's Husband-Chapter 123: Is it something else?

Zalira pulled a small parchment from her pocket and spread it on the table. "Here," she said, pointing to a spot on the map.

Neonidas examined the area. Surrounded by forests, it had natural defensive advantages, was far from major trade routes, yet had access to necessary resources. "Clever," he murmured approvingly.

Zalira inclined her head slightly in acknowledgment. "If you agree to this, we won't just be advancing our technology—we'll be securing it as well."

After a brief silence, Neonidas made his decision. He tapped his fingers against the table, the sharp sound echoing through the room. "Fine," he said at last. "We'll establish the facility. But I will make sure this doesn't turn into a declaration of independence."

Zalira chuckled softly. "There's no need for that, Neonidas. You're my brother. I would never do anything to trouble you."

As Neonidas listened to her words, he once again felt the heavy silence that hung in the room. This wasn't just an agreement—it was a turning point. He trusted Zalira—not just as an engineer or a strategist. More importantly, he trusted her as a sister.

His gaze drifted back to the marked location on the map. That forested area had the potential to be more than just a research facility—it could become a strategic stronghold in the future. "I'll provide everything you need and have the site prepared for you," he said finally.

A faint glimmer of satisfaction flickered in Zalira's eyes, though her calm expression remained unchanged. She had already known this would happen. Neonidas was smart enough to recognize her value. But this agreement also signaled a shift in their power dynamics.

She traced her finger around the marked location on the map. "Then we should begin preparations immediately," she said. "This facility won't just be a laboratory—it will be a fortress of ideas. Here, we'll create projects that will shape the future of warfare."

Neonidas gave a slight nod. "I'll arrange the necessary resources and workforce. But know this—I won't allow such a strategic facility to grow unchecked. I need to be aware of everything that happens there."

Zalira met his gaze directly, her expression unwavering. "Neonidas," she said, her voice gentle yet firm, "I will never do anything to betray your trust. But if you're giving me this freedom, you must also grant me the space to truly work independently. Don't see this as a betrayal—on the contrary, it's an added layer of security for us. If something happens to us, a centralized system would put our entire future at risk."

Neonidas took a deep breath. He knew Zalira was speaking logically, but allowing a facility like this to operate entirely beyond his control went against his instincts. Vigorous leaders struggled to share control. But this wasn't just about authority—it was a long-term strategic investment.

At last, he let out a small smile. "You'll provide me with monthly reports. No matter how independently you operate, I need to at least know what's going on."

Zalira nodded slightly. "That is an acceptable condition."

Neonidas raised an eyebrow. Zalira usually pushed the limits of negotiation. The fact that she agreed so quickly meant either she had anticipated this condition, or she didn't want Neonidas to see her as a threat.

"Very well," he said, his tone carrying the finality of a decision. "Construction begins immediately."

Zalira nodded and stepped away from the table. Just as she was about to turn, she hesitated, biting her lip before looking back at Neonidas. "By the way, are you planning to take more concubines?"

Neonidas narrowed his eyes slightly at Zalira's sudden shift in topic. He paused for a moment before crossing his arms with a smirk. "Why do you ask? Do you want to be one, sister?"

Zalira lowered her head slightly at his words, but there wasn't the slightest hint of embarrassment on her face. Her sharp mind, always calculating, wasn't easily shaken by such teasing.

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Crossing her arms, Zalira locked eyes with Neonidas. "The reason I'm asking is obvious, Neonidas. In terms of political balance, the women in your harem are not just for personal pleasure—they are also a reflection of your power." Her voice remained soft but firm. "But the more their numbers grow, the higher the chance that one of them will plant the seeds of betrayal."

Neonidas tilted his head slightly, a sharp glint in his eyes. "So you're warning me about the dangers of taking too many women? I'm struggling to see how this concern relates to you, Zalira."

Zalira sighed lightly, though she didn't seem irritated. "Every woman in your harem could be a potential weakness. The people you choose to share your power with should not be measured by their loyalty, but by how well they can be controlled. You must eliminate even the smallest possibility of betrayal."

Neonidas fixed her with a steady gaze. In Zalira's eyes, he could see the sharp calculation of someone assessing just how far he would go. He remained silent for a moment before smirking. "So, you're going to teach me how to manage my harem now?"

Zalira shrugged. "Just a warning. Take it or leave it." She turned slightly as if to leave, but then she paused. "But I must warn you, Neonidas," she added, her voice darkening. "If you get too close to the wrong person, that person could be your downfall. You should only trust your family… And I'm the only family you have left."

Neonidas was keenly aware of the shadow her words cast over the room. His eyes idly followed his sister's back for a moment. He had always admired her sharp intellect, her strategic brilliance, and her relentless ambition, but there was an odd undertone in this conversation that he couldn't ignore.

"The only family I have left?" he muttered to himself. Then, a faint smile tugged at his lips—one that was both amused and cautious.

Zalira's steps faltered, but she didn't turn back. She merely tilted her head slightly and spoke, her voice rising just enough to be heard. "Yes. That's why I can't afford to lose you."

Neonidas remained silent for a moment. Could such a calculating woman truly harbors sentimentality? Of course she could. No matter how logical people seemed, emotions always lurked beneath the surface. But recognizing them wasn't the issue—the real question was understanding what those emotions truly meant.

Taking a deep breath, Neonidas gave a slow nod before stepping away from the table and moving into the dimly lit corners of the room. "You don't want to lose me…" he repeated thoughtfully. "Is that why you see everyone around me as a threat, Zalira?"

Zalira hesitated for a brief second before turning her head slightly. Neonidas's face was veiled in shadows, but she could still feel his sharp gaze piercing through her.

"I'm right," she finally said, without the slightest hint of regret in her voice. "Everyone who takes an interest in you has an agenda. But I don't."

Neonidas chuckled lightly. "Oh? Is that so?"

Zalira narrowed her eyes. "It is."

Neonidas took a step closer. Now, there was almost no distance between them. His gaze studied Zalira's face, searching. There was something hidden beneath her cold, calculating exterior. But what? Was it simply her unwavering love as a sister? Or… was it something else?

If it had been anyone else, Neonidas would have already figured out their intentions. But this was Zalira. Her mind was far deeper than an ordinary person's. She was someone who concealed even her own emotions beneath layers of control—perhaps even repressing things she herself wasn't fully aware of.