Reincarnated As The Villainess's Son-Chapter 183 Calmness [1]

[Aljanah Dukedom, Pargoina Empire]

The corridor within the castle echoed with the sound of footsteps.

The tall, ornate columns supported the pathway leading inside.

The passageway was lined with arched windows and doorways, while the ceiling above had lights that allowed dim, filtered light to enter, casting shadows across the stone floor.

"How are things going for you?" A woman with black hair, highlighted red at the ends, asked, glancing beside her.

Adaliah glanced sideways, her obsidian eyes staring. Parting her lips, she whispered, "Shut up, Sypha."

"Tch, always so grumpy." Clicking her tongue in annoyance, she replied, "We've known each other for so long, and you're still like this."

"You shouldn't have come back," Adaliah commented, looking forward, her natural blackish-brown hair tied properly in a low pony tail.

"My lady called me," Sypha replied, shrugging her shoulders. "...I can't say no to her now, can I?"

Adaliah said nothing and just walked forward, clasping her hands behind her back.

A staircase inside the castle came into view.

Placing her hand on the railing, Sypha stepped up, glancing around the place.

A look of nostalgia filled her eyes, but it didn't last long as she glanced back at Adaliah.

"Do you have any idea why she called me back?" Sypha asked, tilting her head.

Most of the work Sypha handled was from outside, infiltrating other kingdoms and empires including the ones that are not within the human domain and overseeing the organization.

She had the authority to control the organization, make them do any work she wanted, ranking just below Adaliah.

"You'll know soon enough," Adaliah replied cryptically, without looking at her. "And before we get in, try to behave yourself."

Sypha glanced at her, ready to rebuke, but stayed quiet as they arrived in front of an office door.

The twin horns on her head slowly retracted... a sign of submission her race displayed to those they think are superior to them.

Knock, knock.

Adaliah knocked twice and waited for a response.

"Come in."

A cold voice echoed from within, prompting her to twist the doorknob and walk in.

"My lady."

They both bowed in unison, showing the utmost respect to her.

The woman with platinum hair gazed up before slowly leaning back in the chair she was sitting in.

A mahogany table lay between them, filled with neatly arranged files and documents along with a map of Akasha.

Esmeray's lifeless grey eyes stared at Sypha, who was still bowing before her.

"Raise your head," she whispered, and they obliged, standing straight with strained looks on their faces.

She looked at Sypha and asked, "How is the condition of the Mizraim Empire now?"

"Like you wanted," Sypha replied, looking at her. "Their economic conditions are declining, and aside from a few cities, most are facing inflation and riots with no helps from nobles."

"Hmm." Esmeray hummed softly, nodding before looking down at the document. "And who are they blaming for all of this?"

"The [Exiled Prince], whom they believe to be Azariah," Sypha replied, "...Just like you wanted."

Esmeray nodded in reply, opening one of the files placed on the side.

Without looking up, she asked, "What about the Ekari Kingdom?"

"Things have calmed down there after the massacre of nobles," Sypha replied, taking out a file from her bracelet and placing it on the table.

"And as you predicted, the royal family has more or less accepted the offer from the church, just like the Mizraim Empire."

"Anything noteworthy?" Esmeray asked, placing the file back and picking up the one Sypha had placed.

"It's about the youngest princess, In?s." Sypha mumbled softly. "...Is it really wise to let her live?"

"And why do you say that?" Esmeray asked calmly, glancing up.

"Her powers." A conflicted look crossed Sypha's face as she replied, "...If she grows strong enough, she can easily manipulate the past. Won't that affect your plans?"

"She isn't much of a threat right now," Esmeray replied dismissively. "Her value will only increase when the [Oracle of the Future] awakens her legacy."

"But, my lady, she is getting stronger quite fast. From what I've gathered, she is already integrating with the previous Oracle's memories."

"I know what threat she poses," Esmeray replied, her gaze on the file, "and I have already placed a counter for her."

Sypha tilted her head. "Who are you talking about, my lady?"

"Azariah," Adaliah chimed in, looking at her. "...He is the one who will take care of her."

Though still confused, Sypha slowly nodded.

She didn't ask further, nor did she think herself worthy enough to question her lady's plans.

Throwing the file back on the table, Esmeray leaned back in her chair, looking out the window.

A thoughtful look crossed her face as she placed her chin on her hand, resting on the armrest.

"...Adaliah," she softly called, still gazing out the window.

"Yes, my lady," Adaliah replied, looking at her.

"How are things going with the Avatar?" Esmeray asked.

"Living his life normally within the academy," Adaliah replied. "After his meeting with Irisveil, he hasn't done anything noteworthy."

"...Is that so?" Esmeray whispered softly. "Did you complete all the tasks I asked of you?"

"Yes, my lady," Adaliah replied, making Esmeray look back at her. "All the arrangements you asked for—the links and the people to inform—have been handled."

"Are the Principalities moving like we wanted?" Esmeray asked.

"Yes," Adaliah replied. "...They want to kill the Avatar and the Maiden."

"And?"

Adaliah glanced at her before whispering, "The Castia Highbloods also made contact with them for something."

"I see," Esmeray whispered softly. "Where is this exam happening?"

"On an abandoned island," Adaliah replied, gazing down.

"Infiltrate and check how strong the Avatar is right now," Esmeray ordered, standing up from her chair, "but do not interfere with the Principalities' work."

"Who should I send, my lady?" Adaliah asked, turning to look at her.

"No, you will be the one to do it," she replied, taking out a bottle of wine. "You and Sypha will be the only ones to infiltrate."

Adaliah kept her gaze on her before bowing slightly. "As you wish, my lady."

"Hmm." Esmeray hummed, pouring wine into a glass. "...How are things going in Alfheim?"

"As of now, the elves are holding back quite well," Adaliah informed her. "...Mostly because Lady Mariam is actively trying to prevent an all-out war."

"Even after all that happened to her family?" Esmeray mumbled, twirling the glass of wine in her hand.

"....She tried to contact you again, my lady," Adaliah informed, making Esmeray glance back at her. "She wants to talk to you about Azariah."

"Ignore her," Esmeray replied firmly without a second thought. "Make her as desperate as you can, and no matter what happens, don't let her meet him."

"About that..." Adaliah mumbled. "There is one more person trying to get in touch with Azariah."

"Who?" Esmeray asked.

"Lady Yennefer," Adaliah replied. "...She wants to see him again."

"Ignore her as well," Esmeray whispered softly. "...If both of them try to contact him, make sure she gets more priority not to meet him."

"As you wish," Adaliah replied, nodding softly.

"How is Azariah right now?" Esmeray asked, taking a sip of her wine.

"He just got discharged from the hospital," Adaliah replied. "His physical condition is worsening."

"He's changed a lot," Esmeray mumbled, looking at the wine glass. "He used to never interfere in anyone's life, and now he's trying to save others....He is getting out of my control."

"Did we find out who is helping him?" Sypha asked, glancing at Adaliah. "Is someone really influencing his decisions?"

"Yes," Adaliah replied, nodding. "...Otherwise, it doesn't make sense for him to change this much... coming out of his isolation."

"But who is that being?" Sypha asked, curiously. "...A god? A goddess? Or some other entity?"

"...How many people is Azariah close to right now?" Esmeray asked, looking at Adaliah.

"Around eight," Adaliah replied. "You already know most of them."

Esmeray nodded softly before glancing at Sypha. "I have a task for you."

"Yes, my lady?" Sypha replied eagerly.

"When you infiltrate," Esmeray whispered, devoid of emotion, "...kill two of them."

Sypha smiled brightly, nodding. "Of course, my lady."

"Are you going to break him again, my lady?" Adaliah asked, staring at her, "If we keep on hurting him—."

"He is my son," Esmeray replied. "No matter how many times he falls, he will always stand back up."

Adaliah slowly nodded, not attempting to argue.

"Is there anything else you want to inform me of?" Esmeray asked, walking back to her chair.

They both shook their heads in response.

Taking her seat, Esmeray ordered, "If not, then you can go."

Bowing their heads, they turned and walked out.

"Sypha."

Just as they reached the door, Esmeray called out.

"Yes, my lady?" Sypha asked, turning back.

"About Azariah," Esmeray whispered, looking at her. "...I've changed my mind."

Adaliah chimed in, looking at her. "We are sparing his close ones?"

"No." Esmeray denied, staring at Sypha, her lips parting as she whispered emotionlessly,

"...Instead of two, kill half of them."