Reincarnated As The Villainess's Son

[Tamriel Kingdom, Alfheim.]

The World Tree.

The pride of the elves glowed softly over the city as its branches loomed over.

The once enormous tree now looked like the shell of its past self.

Leaves that once shimmered like stars now hung dull, faded, and few.

A huge crack ran through the main branch, that almost split the tree into two.

Its broken and unpaved self remained clear for everyone to see.

The elves were now aware the tree they worship doesn't have long to live.

Below the shade of the tree stood the royal palace of the elves.

And inside the main hall chamber paced the current Queen Pasithea.

Her long blonde hair fell behind her, reaching her knees.

Her meadow-green eyes remained dull and faded.

Being the queen for six months, she had been turned far more mature.

Her way of living changed and so did she, in every way she felt like a new person.

"Can you stop walking around." A voice made her stop in her tracks. "You are making too much noise."

Pasithea looked to her side where on a reclining chair sat another elf.

Her golden blonde hair streaked with subtle olive undertones and eyes like almond.

"How long until she is here?" Pasithea asked, turning fully towards Nerissa. "Have you talked with Diana?"

"Your walking around won't change her time of arrival." Nerissa said, placing her hand under her chin. "Have some rest."

"I can't do that." Pasithea replied immediately. "We don't have time."

Nerissa let out a sigh and leaned further back into the chair.

"You haven't slept in three days, Pasithea." She said, her fingers brushing a loose strand of hair behind her cut pointed ear.

"What good are you to the kingdom if you collapse before the meeting even begins?"

Pasithea didn't say or reply to her words, she just kept her gaze on the door.

There was a quiet knock at the door.

Pasithea moved immediately. "Come in!"

A soldier stepped inside and immediately knelt down. "The Three Great Generals are here."

Pasithea didn't waste a second. "Bring them in."

The soldier stood up and walked out, and a few seconds later three people walked inside the room.

Walking at the forefront was Sir Lorvil and just behind him were Wilhelm and Nymeria.

They bowed slightly in front of Pasithea. "Your Majesty."

Pasithea just gave them a faint nod. "I am glad, you all are safe."

"Where is Lady Mariam?" Wilhelm asked, looking around the place.

"She isn't here." Pasithea replied. "But she should arrive soon."

Nymeria quickly slipped past the queen as she reached towards Nerissa.

The elf looked at her daughter who now stood in front of her.

Nymeria hesitated, her hands rubbing together behind her.

"I... I took care of the army assigned to me." She said, her voice barely audible. "I... made sure we didn't lose to the Demiurge."

Nerissa looked at her daughter without any words.

Time still passed before she finally whispered. "How many soldiers died under your command?"

Nymeria flinched visibly at her words.

She remembered those words, when she last talked about it.

Nerissa asked the same thing before.

"I assume you still lost them." She said without remorse. "Do better next time."

Nymeria lowered her head. "Yes, mother."

The elf noticed the clear sadness in her daughter's face but she still did nothing.

Years of neglect and finding problems in her daughter made her like this.

She cared more about the sadness in the face that resembled 'Ragnar' than happiness on her daughter's face.

"It must be nice, Nerissa." Sir Lorvil spoke, eyeing her. "Sitting here all day."

"I do my work as queen's hand, elder brother." Nerissa said, glancing at him. "I haven't had rest in days."

"Then what about the Gerald family?" He asked, turning fully towards her. "I assume you haven't even bothered checking on them."

Nerissa looked at her brother deeply.

He was old, already in his early fifties though it wasn't much for elves.

Despite this, he had a tall well-maintained body that exuded power though he was weaker than Nerissa.

Vibrant olive hair that cascades down his back, eyes dark emeralds.

Nerissa was aware about his need and greed, he wanted to take over their father's position as head since young.

Though, he doesn't have the power to lead them unlike her.

"I suggest you step back from the head of the family, while you can." Lorvil continued when she refused to reply. "It would be better for all of us."

"I need a better candidate who can take over." Nerissa replied calmly. "The day I find him, I will give him the place."

That triggered Lorvil more than he showed on his face.

Still, he drew in deep breaths and only smiled. "I hope we find him soon."

Pasithea took in a sharp breath as she felt a sudden dizziness, her reaction took everyone's attention.

"Are you alright?" Wilhelm cautiously took a step closer. "Should I—?"

"I am fine." She said, massaging her head. "It's nothing much."

Before Wilhelm could offer any more help, the door snapped open.

Everyone straightened their back as they felt a powerful pressure dawning on them.

It felt like they were in the presence of an ancient beast.

A lady walked inside the room, her golden eyes filled with spirals looked at those present.

Everyone bowed towards her. "Lady Mariam."

Mariam just gave a quick nod to them as her gaze landed on Pasithea.

She took two long strides before she embraced the child.

"I am sorry for what happened." She whispered softly. "I truly am."

Pasithea didn't say anything though she still remembered her parents' death.

It pained her just thinking about it but she didn't show it on her face.

The time she spent as queen had taught: showing vulnerability means death.

Mariam rubbed her back before she took a step back.

She studied Pasithea for a moment longer. Her eyes, old and wise, flickered with concern.

"You've grown," she said quietly. "But don't forget, child… you need rest."

Pasithea gave a small nod, but her eyes remained distant.

Mariam turned towards the door as Diana entered the main hall.

A flicker of confusion passed Pasithea's eyes when she noticed what she was holding.

"A holographic device?" She asked, "Who are we contacting?"

Mariam didn't speak as Diana set the device at the centre of the room.

"Lady Mariam?"

Mariam finally looked at the queen.

"With the Demiurges." She replied, making Pasithea's face harden. "I want to end this war, now."

"W-wait, what are you saying?" Pasithea stammered, unable to process it. "Y-you can't just end a war—."

"I am trying to, child."

"But we... my parents died because of them." She snapped. "Thousands of elves—!"

"That's why I am doing this." Mariam said, looking at her. "Only we will burn by fueling the war."

Pasithea looked like she had been wronged, her deteriorating health didn't help much.

"Didn't I tell you." Nerissa commented, staring at Mariam. "Her blood never boils, no matter what happens."

Mariam ignored her as Diana set the call to the king of Demiurges.

Pasithea stepped back and so did the others.

It took a few moments before the call connected.

A hologram appeared and it made everyone's blood turn cold.

King Kryllios sat on his throne made of black iron.

His blue skin shone under the light while his blue hair fell behind him.

But...

It wasn't the king that stood out but the heads that were used as decoration around him.

…The heads of elven children.

"Lady Mariam, I knew you would contact me." Kryllios said, smiling brightly. "Congratulations on reaching a higher rank."

Mariam didn't speak for a while, her eyes still on those severed heads.

"I would appreciate if you gave me some pointers." He continued, unbothered. "I am still stuck at early demigod level."

Pasithea's hands clenched into fists as she stared at the hologram.

"Kryllios," she said, voice even. "Remove the heads."

The king of the Demiurges tilted his head, amusement in his blue eyes. "Why should I? They're my trophies."

Mariam didn't flinch. "If you want to talk peace—."

"I don't want to." He cut in her words. "We are winning this war, Lady Mariam."

He leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand. "Though I might consider if you beg—."

"I'm not begging," Mariam said coldly. "I'm offering you a way out."

"A way out?" Kryllios laughed, loud and cruel. "My dear elf, I don't need a way out."

He gestured lazily behind him.

"Your tree is dying. Your armies are falling apart. Your people are starving. And your queen," his gaze flicked to Pasithea, "looks ready to collapse."

Pasithea drew in a deep breath as she glared at him.

Mariam took a hold of herself as she stared dead into his eyes.

"Why did you start this war?" She asked, her voice cold. "What do you want?" My Virtual Library Empire (M-VLEMPYR)

Kryllios smiled as he gestured around.

"Alfheim." He said, his voice echoing. "I want the land of elves."

"Alfheim belongs to us," she said through gritted teeth. "It always has."

Kryllios' smile didn't budge even a little.

"Have you heard about the Diyan race and how they were wiped out leaving only a few behind?" He asked, staring like he could see her soul.

"Do you wish to repeat the history by refusing my offer?"

It was a clear threat and everyone in the room could feel it.

Wilhelm stepped forward, fists clenched, but Mariam raised a hand to stop him.

Her golden eyes never left Kryllios.

"I would make things easier for you." He said, eyeing Pasithea. "I send my son and you give us your queen along with your kingdom."

"You will only get a headless son if you ever do so."

"Oh, I wouldn't mind." He said, still smiling. "I got dozens of them."

Mariam's jaw tightened, though her expression remained composed.

"Kryllios," she said slowly, "I'm giving you a choice."

The king's eyes sparkled with amusement. "A choice, is it? What a generous offer… from a dying race."

"You stop the war, immediately." Mariam said, her voice firm. "Or else, I will come there and end your lineage by myself."

Kryllios blinked slowly, then burst into laughter.

It echoed through the hall, clear of his mockery.

"You?" he said, wiping the corner of his eye. "Come here and end my lineage? Oh, Lady Mariam, you never fail to entertain."

His grin faded into something colder. "But I'll play along. Come, then. Cross into my lands and see what's waiting for you."

He looked at Pasithea once again.

"I never got to thank you for humiliating and banishing Heir Himmel." He said, smiling. "You truly did us a favor by taking away our biggest obstacle."

He finally looked at Mariam again. "I will be waiting."

The call ended, leaving a suffocating silence in the place.

Mariam immediately turned around.

"W-wait, my lady." Diana quickly moved to block her path. "Where are you going!?"

"To end this once and for all." Mariam said. "I just need to kill the Demiurge royal family—."

"You can't do that." Diana cut in her words. "It's clearly a trap."

Nerissa chimed in. "Or maybe a bluff."

Diana glared at her for making things worse.

"Move aside, Diana." Mariam said, "We have already lost enough."

The elven girl panicked as Mariam moved past her effortlessly.

"Himmel told me!" She said, making Mariam stop. "He said the other family heads might betray us."

Mariam slowly turned to look at her. "What?"

"He told me not to trust all the Highbloods family heads." Diana took a shaky breath, her voice urgent.

"Some of them have already made deals with the Demiurges behind our backs."

The room tensed.

Even Nerissa, who had been quietly skeptical, narrowed her eyes.

"Who?" Mariam asked, her tone low but heavy.

Diana shook her head. "He didn't name them. Just warned me."

Those words hit Mariam a lot as she had known the other heads of Akasha for a long time.

She drew in a breath as she whispered. "Where is Himmel?"